SC Ports receive six hybrid RTG cranes for Leatherman Terminal

Six new hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes were delivered earlier this month to the South Carolina Ports' Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal.

The new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes are the final pieces of cargo-handling equipment for the container terminal, which will open in North Charleston at the end of March, South Carolina Ports Authority officials said in a news release.

The six new RTG cranes will join the 19 RTG cranes already on the site for Phase 1 of the Leatherman Terminal. 

The new RTGs run 100% on electric battery power, meaning diesel only runs when the batteries need to be recharged, which effectively reduces idling time. The batteries are expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 70% when compared to conventional diesel port cranes.