Katoen Natie has commissioned three Mantsinen 300 cranes in the port of Antwerp.
Spread over three quays at the Belgian port, Katoen Natie said the investment in the world’s largest hydraulic cranes will expedite turnaround times while further improving quality and safety.
The order was placed in 2024 with Mantsinen distributor Heavy Handling. One crane could be delivered immediately from stock, while the other two were custom-built and put into operation within a year. The official inauguration took place on September 1 in the presence of Katoen Natie chairman Fernand Huts and Mia Mantsinen, ceo of Mantsinen Group.
The units feature mobile undercarriages on rubber tyres, each equipped with a quick-coupling system and a set of specialised lifting attachments.
The cranes will be used for loading and unloading steel products, wood packages, large bags and other breakbulk, containers and bulk cargoes. The quick-coupling system allows operators to easily switch between a container spreader, coil clamp, bulk grab or other lifting equipment. Two of the three cranes are equipped with a high gantry chassis and a longer boom, which makes it possible to load and unload larger seagoing vessels.
In contrast to traditional harbour cranes with cable systems, the Mantsinen 300 works with a fixed arm and hydraulic cylinders. Katoen Natie said this results in faster work cycles, higher precision and increased safety during operations.
“This is an investment in safety and better service,” said Hendrik Geerts, operations manager at Katoen Natie. In addition, the cranes are equipped with, a hybrid drive that reduces exhaust emissions by up to 50 percent.
