process automation solutions that enable them to handle more with their current resources.” The second is a focus on sustainability and emissions. “Customers are actively seeking equipment that helps them achieve their decarbonisation targets,” Murnane adds. “This trend is a notable market driver, evidenced by the fact that our eco-efficient portfolio now constitutes a significant and growing portion of our mobile equipment orders. The demand is for proven electric and hybrid solutions that reduce emissions while maintaining performance.” The third thread is building resilient and adaptable operations. “Recent volatility in global supply chains has highlighted the need for flexibility,” says Thompson. “Customers require versatile machines that can adapt to evolving terminal layouts and diverse cargo types. They also seek reliable, future-ready solutions and a service partner who can help ensure high uptime and mitigate the risk of operational disruptions.” Similarly, Liebherr sees intermodal container handling undergoing rapid transformation, driven by global trade dynamics, sustainability mandates and digitalisation. “One of the most prominent trends is the shift towards electrification and hybridisation of port equipment,” it says. “Customers are increasingly requesting cranes with alternative drive systems to reduce emissions and comply with stricter environmental regulations. This is especially relevant in regions with green port initiatives or where shore power infrastructure is expanding.” Another key driver is automation and data
integration. “Terminals are seeking cranes that can interface with terminal operating systems (TOS), support semi-automated or fully automated spreader operations and provide real-time performance data.” Liebherr is responding to this demand with a full range of automation options along with smart technologies like LiDAT, which enables remote monitoring, and Vertical Line Finder, which improves container placement precision. “Customers also value operator training and simulation, recognising that human performance remains critical even in highly automated environments. Liebherr’s investment in LiSIM simulators and tailored training programmes reflects this need.” Challenges identified by Liebherr in the sector include space constraints, especially in urban or inland terminals, and the need for equipment versatility to handle fluctuating cargo types and volumes. “Additionally, customers are asking for longer life cycle support, including flexible service contracts, to maximise uptime and reduce total cost of ownership.
Konecranes identifies key trends to include rapid automation, digitalisation and sustainability initiatives.
“Overall, the market is moving towards
smarter, cleaner, and more adaptable solutions. Liebherr’s integrated approach – combining in-house engineering, global service and customer-specific innovation – positions it as a forward-looking partner in this evolving landscape.”
Recent investments In Europe and North America, the transition from road to rail and river is leading to investment – either in expanding existing terminals or creating new ones. Union Pacific recently unveiled its Kansas
City Intermodal Terminal. The KC terminal will serve both domestic and international containerised shipments of grains, consumer goods, refrigerated products and auto parts in the Midwest region, and will help to convert more truck traffic to rail. The company has invested $1.4bn in its intermodal products, opening four new terminals and modernising 12 others since 2021.
Union Pacific also announced a partnership with Norfolk Southern Corporation, creating a new domestic intermodal service to deliver greater market reach and more efficient freight transportation options. The bi-directional service will originate and terminate in the Louisville market, interchanging between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in Kansas City. It connects important freight destinations
including Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City and Houston. Meanwhile in Europe, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has announced a €37m expansion of its Vienna South intermodal terminal. The project will increase capacity by 44% from 380,000 to 547,000 TEU. This investment includes a new automated gantry crane. In nearby Poland, Container Terminal Mala, a company within the CLIP Group, has signed an agreement with infrastructure specialists TorKol, based in Tychy, for the development of an €80m intermodal terminal in Małaszewicze. It says this will be one of the most significant logistics investments in recent years in Central and Eastern Europe. The terminal is located at a critical point in Europe’s logistics infrastructure – the intersection of the EU customs union and the Eurasian transport corridors. It is designed to handle freight from China to Europe and vice versa.
Sales strategies While demand is growing for intermodal container handling, it is also important to stand out from the crowd. For Kalmar, this starts with digitalisation, along with life cycle solutions. “In an industry where equipment uptime is a priority, our value proposition extends beyond the
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