Port of Saguenay advances decarbonization with hybrid crane and electric conveyor project

The Port of Saguenay has acquired a new Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6B hybrid diesel-electric mobile harbour crane as part of its commitment to increasingly sustainable operations. The approximately $10-million investment makes the port a leader in low-carbon logistics within the Saguenay–St. Lawrence–Great Lakes waterway.

Commissioning and operational testing for the new crane delivered in late October are well underway in collaboration with QSL, the operator (and a Green Marine participant). Designed to run primarily on external electric power, the crane significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fully diesel models and offers high-performance bulk and general cargo handling with a lifting capacity of up to 125 metric tons.​

The arrival of the hybrid crane is also instrumental for the development of a new multi-user, fully electric bulk conveyor system. Spanning nearly two kilometres (1.2 miles) between the marine terminal and the industrial port area’s storage sites, the conveyor project represents more than $110 million in investments, including funding from the governments of Quebec and Canada. When operational, it will sharply decrease reliance on truck transport between these zones, saving tens of thousands of heavy truck trips annually and resulting in substantial reductions in emissions, dust and noise.​

By supporting the deployment of these new technologies, Saguenay Port is driving one of the largest decarbonization initiatives in the regional supply chain. The investments enhance the efficiency and resilience of port operations while demonstrating the port’s leadership and commitment to the energy transition.