REGIONAL REPORT | LATIN AMERICA


APM Terminals Pecém has had its operating license renewed until 2049. Companies like ZPMC are driving


automation in the region with solutions such as automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (ARMGs), remote control STS, ZPMC integrated maintenance platform (ZIMP) and yard digitalisation. ZPMC has current automation projects across Mexico, Peru and Brazil. However, ZPMC is seeing a different


approach to automation in Latin America. “Unlike Asia and Europe, which has heavier focus on full automation and ultra large crane fleets, Latin America is moving gradually towards automation, favouring semi-automated yards and remote operation technologies. Latin America’s port equipment strategy prioritises larger cranes, electrification and selective automation, focusing on gradual modernisation, sustainability and reliability.”


Key trends


Cranes with higher capacities to handle bigger vessels remains the dominant trend. However, sustainability is also close to the top of ports’ priorities. “Environmental regulations and sustainability goals are pushing operators to invest in electrified RTGs, hybrid systems and shore power ready equipment,” says ZPMC’s Newton. “A significant push towards reducing emissions is driving investments in hybrid and electric equipment, such as electric RTGs, electric trucks and supporting charging infrastructure.” The company sees Latin American ports at a developing stage on the adoption curve for both electrification and digitalisation: “Progress varies due to infrastructure and investment challenges.” For electrification, ports are advancing beyond pilots, adopting electric and hybrid


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equipment such as e-RTGs and ERS/ECHs. But when it comes to digitalisation, adoption is less uniform. “While digital platforms for gate automation, cargo tracking and terminal operations are expanding, Latin America still lags behind North America, Europe and Asia in large-scale integration. Progress is concentrated in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Panama, where private operators are adopting global best practices.” Liebherr agrees that adoption levels vary significantly from port to port. “But the overall trajectory is clear: sustainability and digitalisation are moving rapidly up the agenda in Latin America,” it says. “Many of our customers already have electric and hybrid machines on order, which demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.” Liebherr’s view on digitalisation is that demand is growing quickly. “Ports are increasingly looking to integrate smart systems, remote monitoring and data- driven maintenance to enhance equipment performance and reduce unplanned downtime,” it says. “While some terminals are still in the early stages, others are adopting advanced solutions such as fleet management platforms and condition-based monitoring, aligning with global best practices.” Liebherr is responding to these market needs by offering a range of automation and digital service tools, along with electrified crane solutions and hybrid drive systems, helping ports in the region to achieve both operational efficiency and environmental compliance. Broadly speaking, it feels that customer


requirements in Latin America mirror those seen globally. “When a port invests in new


material handling equipment, the priorities are consistent: efficiency, productivity, sustainability and lifecycle value. For Liebherr customers, choosing one of our machines means investing in a high-quality solution designed to deliver reliable performance over the entire lifetime of the crane.” Alongside sustainability and increased capacity, customers are buying based on quality and productivity, as well as total ownership costs. “Equipment must handle higher throughput and larger vessels while maintaining operational resilience in demanding environments. Beyond the purchase price, customers evaluate maintenance, energy consumption and long-term service support to ensure predictable operating costs.” Liebherr’s sales in Latin America remain


strong, reflecting sustained demand for modern, durable equipment that supports both operational efficiency and long-term value. Recent orders and deliveries include two STS cranes for CICE, Veracruz, Mexico, along with three STS cranes for Guadeloupe Port Caraïbes, Port de Jarry, enhancing container handling capabilities in the Caribbean. In Brazil, Porto Chibatão has two ERTG-CRD units on order. This will bring the terminal’s Liebherr fleet to 22 RTGs, where they work alongside Liebherr FCC and LBS cranes. “These projects illustrate the confidence


customers place in Liebherr’s engineering quality and service support. As ports across Latin America continue to modernise and expand, Liebherr remains committed to delivering solutions that align with their operational and sustainability objectives.” Furthermore, Konecranes reminds us that there is more to decarbonisation than just


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