Konecranes Oyj introduces the Gottwald ESP.4 Mobile Harbor Crane
Konecranes Oyj, the Finnish engineering group renowned for its high‑performance lifting solutions, announced on 20 February 2026 the launch of a new vessel‑handling asset: the Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane ESP.4. The ESP.4 joins the Generation 6 family of harbor cranes, positioned as the smallest model within the series and specifically engineered for operations in modest ports and coastal terminals.
Why a smaller crane matters
Port authorities worldwide are increasingly looking to diversify their fleets. Jörg Müller, head of Konecranes’ Mobile Harbor Cranes unit, emphasized that “many smaller sea and river ports are ready to expand their operations. The volumes of containers, bulk cargo, and both conventional and project cargo are growing, and ports need equipment that can help them succeed by bringing controllability and flexibility to the operation.” The ESP.4 is intended to meet this demand, offering the same robust performance as its larger Generation 6 counterparts but in a footprint that is more suitable for tighter quay spaces and lighter traffic.
Key characteristics of the ESP.4 include:
- Compact size and reduced weight – enabling deployment in ports that cannot accommodate the larger Generation 6 cranes.
- High lifting capacity – maintaining Konecranes’ reputation for safety and reliability while providing the agility required for smaller terminals.
- Modular design – allowing for rapid adaptation to the specific layout and operational needs of individual ports.
Complementary developments
The announcement of the ESP.4 was accompanied by news of Konecranes’ delivery of six console cranes and twelve KBK workstation lifting systems to INASUS, a Finnish workshop company based in Spain. Installed at the Lalín plant in August 2025, the new systems are expected to streamline the handling of glass panels and reduce manual handling risks. While no financial details were disclosed, the project underscores Konecranes’ ongoing commitment to delivering tailored lifting solutions across a variety of industrial contexts.
Market context
Konecranes’ share price hovered at 98.95 EUR on 18 February 2026, well below its 52‑week high of 103.7 EUR but comfortably above the low of 47.78 EUR recorded in April 2025. The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately 7.84 billion EUR, and its price‑to‑earnings ratio of 19.59 reflects investor expectations of sustained growth in the machinery and port equipment sectors.
The introduction of the ESP.4 signals Konecranes’ strategic focus on expanding its product range to meet evolving port requirements, while its ongoing deployments in Spain demonstrate the versatility of its lifting solutions beyond traditional harbor applications. As global shipping continues to shift towards more flexible and efficient port operations, Konecranes’ portfolio expansion positions the company to capture new market segments and reinforce its leadership in the industrial machinery arena.
