ABB and Kuenz win record-breaking stacking crane order for APMT Maasvlakte II

Swiss technology major ABB and Austria-based crane builder Kuenz have secured the largest single order of automatic stacking cranes (ASC) ever made by a European terminal.

The order was placed as part of the ‘phase 2’ expansion of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) facility in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Under the contract, the companies will deliver 62 automated stacking cranes and one intermodal yard crane equipped with electrical and automation technology enabling the terminal to double container capacity at APMT MVII. The financial details of the order were not disclosed.

“This is an important step in the expansion for APMT MVII. ABB and Kuenz once again proved to be the best solutions for the handling of our containers,” said Hans Jongejan, Project Director MVII-Expansion.

“The combination between the reliable automatic handling provided by ABB and Kuenz’s aerodynamic cranes makes this a sustainable choice. This allows us to not only become the most modern gateway to Europe but also the most efficient and sustainable. We look forward to another successful cooperation.”

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II is one of the world‘s most advanced, fully automated terminals, with fully fenced-off automated areas separating men and machines. Around 80% of crane movements are automated, with the remaining manual operations being performed remotely.

“Working with ABB as our systems partner for the expansion of APMT MVII continues a success story that started more than 10 years ago in the same location,” said David Moosbrugger, Managing Director, Kuenz.

“We are both delighted and proud that APM Terminals has chosen to work with our two companies once more as their partners in the MVII expansion project.”

The scope of delivery from ABB includes control and information systems, automation sensors and software, and remote control capability to optimize the crane efficiency for remote crane management.

“We are proud of the trust APMT MVII has, once again, placed in our crane automation and control systems, and we are excited to contribute to shaping the future of one of the leading container terminal operators in the world,” said Clara Holmgren, Business Line Manager Ports, ABB Marine & Ports.

“The precision, reliability and 24/7 availability continue to make a compelling case for our automation solutions, especially where high productivity and performance are essential.”

Ranged along 1,000 meters of new quay, the APMT MVII expansion is poised to increase the capacity of APMT MVII during 2027, strengthening APMT MVII’s position among Europe’s leading container terminals.