Europea Servizi Terminalistici Srl (EST), a subsidiary of Italian Shipping & Logistics Agency Srl (ISLA), has placed an order for a state-of-the-art hybrid drive Konecranes Gottwald ESP.8 Mobile Harbor Crane. This investment is set to enhance operations at the rapidly expanding Port of Augusta in Sicily. The order, confirmed in the first quarter of 2025, is scheduled for delivery and commissioning by the end of summer.
With a newly secured 25-year concession to operate Augusta’s container terminal—the largest port in Sicily by cargo volume—EST is prioritizing both productivity and sustainability. The company has chosen the hybrid drive Konecranes Gottwald ESP.8 crane, which boasts a 150-tonne lifting capacity, to support its operational goals.
The crane features a 5.3-meter tower extension and 65-tonne twin-lift spreaders, significantly boosting EST’s capacity to handle containers and specialized heavy cargo, such as wind energy components. Additionally, the crane will benefit from Konecranes’ predictive services, including TRUCONNECT remote monitoring and a condition-based maintenance system for critical components.
Designed for environmental efficiency, the hybrid drive system combines a diesel engine with two ultracapacitors, reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. Furthermore, the crane is equipped for an external power supply, paving the way for full electrification and zero onsite emissions once the necessary infrastructure is in place.
“As we scale up operations in Augusta, we’re focused on immediate efficiency gains while preparing for a fully electric future. This first investment in Konecranes hybrid equipment is perfectly aligned with our journey, enabling us to take on more complex cargo in a sustainable manner and meet the growing demand for our services, especially from the offshore wind industry in the Mediterranean,” said Pietro B. Coniglio, Managing Director of EST and ISLA.
EST already operates a Konecranes Gottwald Generation 5 mobile harbor crane, which has been relocated from Sicily’s Port of Catania to the Augusta terminal. This latest investment in a next-generation Konecranes Gottwald crane reflects EST’s confidence in the manufacturer and their ongoing collaboration.
“Ports are evolving, and with this investment, EST is keeping pace with change. Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes provide a future-proof solution for port operators seeking to balance productivity and sustainability on the path to full electrification,” said Gino Gherri, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes.
The Port of Augusta, strategically located in the Mediterranean, is becoming an essential hub for the growing offshore wind energy sector. EST’s latest investment positions the terminal as a key player in handling complex cargo efficiently while contributing to the broader sustainability goals of the shipping and logistics industry. This marks a significant step in the region’s shift towards greener port operations, reinforcing EST’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
