Euroports Group is bolstering its operations at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the acquisition of a Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7B Mobile Harbor Crane. The strategic investment, aimed at increasing bulk handling efficiency and accommodating larger vessels, aligns with the recent opening of the “nieuwe sluis” in Terneuzen. The crane was ordered in Q3 2024 and is slated for delivery by the end of Q1 2025.
Operating across several terminals in the 3,500-hectare North Sea Port, Euroports manages diverse cargo, including bulk, breakbulk, and containers. The new crane will be based at Terminal 850 (Sifferdok), a key hub for agribulk and fertilizer markets. With its advanced features and increased handling capacity, the crane will enhance operational speed and reliability while positioning Euroports for future growth.
Karel Leysen, Terminal Manager at Euroports Belgium, highlights the benefits of the investment: “Fast working speeds and high handling rhythms are everyday business at Euroports. Based on our positive experiences with Konecranes Gottwald cranes across our terminals, this addition to Sifferdok was a natural choice. It enables us to handle larger vessels, increase volumes, and optimize operations across our Ghent terminals.”
The Generation 6 crane features a 4-rope grab system, a 52-tonne grab curve, and a 51-meter reach, allowing it to handle bulk carriers up to Panamax class. Its 125-tonne maximum lifting capacity also enables heavy project cargo handling, broadening Euroports’ service offerings. By redistributing existing cranes, Euroports plans to further enhance capacity at Terminal 280 (Grootdok), ensuring seamless operations throughout its Ghent facilities.
Alexandros Stogianidis, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes, expressed pride in the collaboration: “Port operators worldwide rely on Konecranes Gottwald technology for its high handling rates and reliability. The addition of this Generation 6 crane will significantly boost Euroports’ bulk-handling capabilities and operational efficiency, contributing to the continued development of North Sea Port.”
