REGIONAL REPORT | LATIN AMERICA


electrification. “What we need to have in mind when we talk about sustainability, [is that] there are several options available for the market,” says Pruden. “They will drive different levels of reduced emissions, from low-cost solutions like power drive or flow drive, to fully electric units. “When it comes to digitalisation, it has been across the region, but I would say on a basic level so far. When we speak about digitalisation we just think on telematics, but opportunities are much further, with fully real- time integration.”


Latin lift trucks Konecranes is also experiencing growth in its lift trucks business unit. “We had a very good year so far in Latin America, showing growth compared to the previous year,” says Pruden. It recently supplied two customised


reach stackers to Eudmarco S/A Serviços e Comércio Internacional for its operations at the Port of Santos terminal in Brazil. The Konecranes SMV 4638 TC6H and Konecranes Liftace 4532 TC5 are both fitted with the latest driveline and transmission technology, enabling up to 10% fuel savings compared to older models.


Load-sensing pumps and an automatic acceleration feature for hydraulic movements reduce the need for engine revving – helping to cut carbon emissions. Eco mode further enhances fuel efficiency and extends the lifespan of the equipment. They also come with telematics via Konecranes’ TRUCONNECT platform.


Built on the same chassis as the Konecranes SMV 4632 TC6 model, the two new reach stackers come with the addition of power- damping capability. This enables operators to lock the tilt of the spreader, which is useful when the ground is not flat or when loading containers onto a train. With the new Konecranes SMV 4638 TC6H,


Eudmarco’s operators can stack up to six 9’6” containers in the first row and up to five containers in the second row – significantly increasing capacity and operational efficiency at the terminal. To increase stability and safety, the machine comes with larger 18.33 tyres. In addition, two Konecranes reach stackers


recently started handling containers at the Ultraport terminal in Puerto Angamos, a major port for Chile’s copper exports. Ultraport is ramping up its efforts to reduce emissions and chose lift trucks featuring Flow Drive, Konecranes’ technology that uses a special transmission to cut fuel consumption without impacting performance. Ultraport has been a Konecranes customer for over a decade, with an extensive fleet that includes over 30 reach stackers and several


xviii | October 2025 | www.hoistmagazine.com


mobile harbour cranes throughout Chile. They are part of Ultramar, which has installed the first Konecranes RMG cranes on the continent at their Terminal Graneles del Norte (TGN). Ultraport has now continued to lead the way in material handling by introducing the first Flow Drive lift trucks to the region. “As one of the leading port operators in Chile, we have a responsibility to maintain sustainable business in the region,” says Nelson Ojeda, manager of Ultraport Angamos. “Because Puerto Angamos plays such a key role in the Chilean economy, we believe it is the ideal location to start our emissions reduction programme.”


Future outlook With major investments in response to economic and trade drivers, along with improvements in sustainability, the future looks bright for Latin America. However, US tariffs will have an impact. For this reason, Portonave expects cargo volumes to be similar to 2024, at around one million TEUs. “Regarding US tariffs, we are monitoring the international scenario for further developments,” says De Castilho Ribas. In the national rankings in 2024, Portonave was among the top three ports in Brazil for handling full long-haul containers, and ranked first in Santa Catarina, according to Datamar, a consultancy specialising in maritime transport. “Looking ahead, with the completion of the quay infrastructure works expected to next year, the terminal plans to improve operations with excellence, efficiency and safety in every handling.”


Meanwhile, ZPMC is embracing its role in supporting the region’s development. “The market for terminal equipment in Latin America is not only strong but represents a significant opportunity for regional transformation,”


Newton says. “Ports are prioritising electrification, automation and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and improve global competitiveness.” From ZPMC’s perspective, the outlook is highly positive. It operates three core business: as a full-range supplier of port equipment; an integrated supplier and manufacturer of special, heavy-duty and large-scale steel structures; and a provider of offshore engineering equipment. “The new Offshore Engineering Institute


strengthens ZPMC’s capability to support Latin America’s port expansion and maritime infrastructure projects,” she says. “Our approach is strengthened through collaboration. ZPMC brings engineering expertise and global experience, while our local presence – such as our regional hub in Panama and Brazil – ensures close cooperation with Latin American partners. Together, we deliver innovative, sustainable and future-ready solutions tailored to the region’s needs.” Liebherr is equally confident. “The outlook for port material handling equipment in Latin America remains robust,” it says. “We continue to experience strong demand across the region, underpinned by ongoing investment in smart and sustainable port operations. Drivers – such as increasing trade volumes, the need to modernise ageing fleets and growing sustainability requirements – ensure that ports are prioritising high-quality, efficient equipment.” Like Portonave, Konecranes has a positive outlook, but also a note of caution. “As forecast for container throughput for Latin America remains with a positive trend for 2026, we expect the region to remain strong,” Pruden says. “Unfortunately, there are some geopolitical issues that might be pausing customers decisions, producing a slowdown in the near future.”


Konecranes recently supplied two customised reach stackers to Eudmarco S/A Serviços e Comércio Internacional for its operations at the Port of Santos terminal in Brazil.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79