DP World has received eight fully electric cranes at its Santos terminal in Brazil, including two ship-to-shore cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The delivery marks a new operational milestone in the terminal’s modernisation, with additional equipment scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
DP World has received eight new fully electric cranes at its container terminal in the Port of Santos, comprising two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
The equipment forms the first phase of a two-stage delivery programme designed to expand vessel-handling capabilities and electrify container movements across the terminal. A further 11 cranes are expected to arrive in early 2027.
New Cranes Extend Vessel-Handling Capabilities
The two new ship-to-shore cranes stand 56 metres high and have a reach of 72 metres, extending seven metres beyond the reach of the models currently operating at the terminal.
According to DP World, the additional reach will enable the facility to serve a wider range of container vessels, including larger ships requiring greater crane outreach. The cranes can also handle two 20-foot containers simultaneously, providing additional flexibility during loading and unloading operations.
The six newly delivered electric RTGs, meanwhile, have a lifting capacity of up to 41 tonnes each. These machines are designed to support container stacking and movements within the terminal yard.
Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World in Brazil, said:
“These new cranes will help us serve larger vessels and move cargo more efficiently”
The equipment’s arrival represents a technical upgrade, although DP World has not yet published productivity measurements resulting from its operation.
Electrification Extends Across Terminal Operations
The latest delivery builds on an electrification programme already underway at Santos.
DP World reports that it has converted its existing fleet of 22 RTG cranes to electric power. Earlier in 2026, the company also introduced 15 electric internal terminal vehicles and three electric reach stackers. These investments aim to reduce the terminal’s dependence on diesel-powered equipment while supporting cargo-handling operations.
According to the operator, diesel consumption at Santos declined by 29.2% between January and April 2026, compared with the 2024 reference average.
The company also estimates that the 15 new electric RTGs included in the expansion programme could avoid approximately 4,250 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once all units become operational, compared with equivalent diesel-powered equipment.
This projected reduction is separate from the savings already recorded through the electrification of existing machinery.
DP World also received the Brazilian GHG Protocol Gold Seal for the third consecutive year in September 2026, recognising the independent verification of its greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
Further Equipment Deliveries Scheduled for 2027
The October shipment is the first of two planned deliveries covering four ship-to-shore cranes and 15 electric RTGs. The remaining two quay cranes and nine RTGs are expected in early 2027, completing the equipment delivery programme.
The acquisitions form part of DP World’s previously announced BRL 1.6 billion investment, equivalent to approximately US$310 million, in the Santos terminal.
Combined with the optimisation of existing licensed infrastructure, the programme is intended to increase annual container-handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by the end of 2026, with further development targeting 2.1 million TEUs.
These figures represent planned handling capacity rather than container volumes already processed.
The expansion takes place within a wider programme of port investment at Santos, where questions of future capacity and terminal competition have also been examined here : Tecon Santos 10: Can Brazil Add Capacity Without Adding Concentration?.
With additional equipment scheduled for 2027, DP World’s latest delivery advances the technical modernisation of its terminal while extending the electrification of container-handling operations.
Sources: DP World
FAQ
How many electric cranes has DP World received at Santos?
DP World received eight fully electric cranes in October 2026: two ship-to-shore cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
What are the capabilities of the new quay cranes?
Each crane stands 56 metres high, has a reach of 72 metres and can handle two 20-foot containers simultaneously.
When will the remaining electric cranes arrive?
Two additional ship-to-shore cranes and nine electric RTGs are scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
