DCT Gdańsk, the largest container terminal in the Baltic Sea and a member of the PSA Group, has placed an order for 10 new semi-automatic cranes (ARTGs) from Konecranes. The terminal has also committed to upgrading its current fleet of 15 Konecranes RTG cranes. This will help meet the terminal's rapid growth, which will accelerate even more once the new deepwater quay opens in 2024.

The new order is necessary due to the continued growth of the terminal and the expected continuation of demand for new services. Growth will be made possible by the construction of the new deepwater Terminal 3, which is scheduled to open in spring 2024. As a result, the terminal will increase its current handling capacity from 2.9 million TEUs to 4.5 million TEUs (20-foot containers) per year by 2025.

Both the new ARTGs and upgraded cranes will be equipped with the latest ARTG technology from Konecranes. Remote Operating Stations (ROS) will oversee truck handling; Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology will be able to identify individual container numbers; and indoor/outdoor truck recognition will be based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which captures smart tags using radio waves.

ARTG's new and upgraded cranes have many advantages. They will ensure high efficiency and predictability of operations, as well as improve safety, since there will be much less human-machine interaction than with traditional manually operated RTGs. Finally, the investment is in line with DCT's commitment to promoting sustainable operations, as both companies use environmentally friendly solutions.

"This is a very ambitious project, crucial to our growth plans. We needed a supplier with experience in operating both manual and automated cranes, as well as upgrading and integrating them with our internal PSA software. We also wanted the most advanced machines that are equipped with intelligent features. We have confidence in Konecranes' technical proposal in every respect." - said Mustafa Dagan, technical director of DCT Gdansk, said.

"This purchase will definitely contribute to the development and growth of our company's technological sophistication, as well as provide higher productivity and safety for both our employees and customers. I'm sure it will help us move faster and more efficiently on our ambitious new projects in the near future. Our partnership with Konecranes also reflects our shared commitment to sustainable operations and investment, providing services with a low carbon footprint, both during the construction and deployment phases of new equipment." - Charles Baker, CEO of DCT Gdansk, said.

Roman Ivanov, Sales Manager EMEA, Konecranes, Port Solutions, said: "We are very proud that DCT Gdańsk has chosen us for this important modernization. We are confident that we can deliver it because we have a proven track record of delivering ARTG cranes and have references from many customers."