Katoen Natie is taking a new step in the modernisation and acceleration of its port operations with the commissioning of three Mantsinen 300 cranes, spread over three quays in the port of Antwerp. With this investment in the largest hydraulic cranes in the world, the company aims to shorten the turnaround time of operations while further improving quality and safety.
Katoen Natie operates port terminals, logistics terminals and on-site terminals worldwide. The group also provides a wide range of semi-industrial services and designs, builds and manages logistics platforms and complete supply chains for various industries.
Festive inauguration
On 1 September, the new cranes were festively inaugurated in the presence of Katoen Natie chairman Fernand Huts and Mia Mantsinen, CEO of Mantsinen Group. During the ceremony, Huts not only symbolically received the key to the machines, but also a work of art by the Belgian artist D.D. Trans. The work – a miniature Mantsinen crane combined with a dinosaur – playfully refers to the T-rex skeleton that Huts purchased for his Boerentoren project.
3 cranes for 3 terminals
In 2024, Katoen Natie ordered three Mantsinen 300 cranes on mobile undercarriages on rubber tyres, each equipped with a quick-coupling system and a set of specialised lifting attachments, through importer 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 cranes are mainly used for loading and unloading steel products, wood packages, big bags and other breakbulk, but also for containers and bulk goods. 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.
Speed, safety and sustainability in one investment
The choice for Mantsinen hydraulic cranes was well-considered. Katoen Natie had already gained experience with this type of crane through an earlier acquisition, and that experience was so positive that the company decided to make the switch to other locations as well.
In contrast to traditional harbour cranes with cable systems, the Mantsinen 300 works with a fixed arm and hydraulic cylinders. This results in faster work cycles, higher precision and increased safety during operations.
"This is an investment in safety and better service," says Hendrik Geerts, Manager Operations. "With the Mantsinen cranes, we can handle ships faster, so that they can leave earlier. This saves our customers on mooring fees, for example. Despite the high speed, we continue to work very precisely. Thanks to the hydraulically controlled attachments, the risk of accidents or damage is also significantly reduced. This benefits both the safety of our people and the quality of the cargo. A real win-win."
In addition, the cranes are equipped with HybriLift® technology, a hybrid drive that reduces exhaust emissions by up to 50%.