Port Nelson has celebrated the arrival of New Zealand's first electric dual-drive LHM600E mobile harbour crane.
The new crane will significantly contribute to the Port’s sustainability strategy to reduce carbon emissions and improve the resilience of its cargo handling operations.
The NZD 17 million crane received NZD 500,000 in contestable co-funding from the Government’s Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority).
Standing at 52.8 meters and weighing around 640 tons, the crane has an impressive reach of 13 to 61 meters and a lifespan of 15 years. It can seamlessly switch to diesel when necessary, performing comparably to traditional diesel-driven cranes but with substantial efficiency, emissions, and noise reduction benefits.
Alongside this new addition, Port Nelson has retrofitted one of its existing diesel cranes with an electric motor, supported by EECA, which provided additional co-funding of NZD 375K towards the conversion.
EECA Group Manager, Delivery and Partnerships Richard Briggs said the project will demonstrate how critical equipment can be electrified to other New Zealand ports.
“As the country’s first electric dual-drive harbour crane, showing how it can be integrated into daily operations will give confidence to the wider industry to consider adopting similar technology as part of overall goals to improve energy efficiency, increase productivity, and ultimately save on operating costs,” said Briggs.
Cranes account for approximately 22 percent of Port Nelson’s Scope 1 emissions, and their electric capabilities will significantly contribute to the Port’s emissions reduction targets.
Hugh Morrison, Port Nelson’s CEO, said the crane had been expected to operate in electric mode up to 85 percent of the time.
“This will result in significant emissions reductions and a quieter port environment, as electric operations are substantially quieter than diesel,” said Morrison.
“Electric operation supports Port Nelson’s noise management goals and is a cost-effective solution that will lead to lower operational costs over both the short and long term.”
The crane’s diesel engine room has also been equipped with complete acoustic treatment when diesel power is required, further minimising noise impact.
Approximately NZD two million has been invested in the local economy as part of this initiative. Morrison added that while the crane was purchased directly from Liebherr, additional parts, labour, and materials have been sourced locally to upgrade infrastructure.
Port Nelson’s investment was driven by a need to replace an ageing crane while advancing its 2030 strategy for sustainable growth.
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