ThPA S.A. has taken delivery of and is commissioning eight new hybrid diesel-electric Straddle Carriers at the Port of Thessaloniki's Container Terminal. As Greece's second-largest container port after Piraeus, Thessaloniki serves as a key gateway for trade flows into Southeastern Europe and the Balkans, making terminal throughput capacity directly relevant to regional supply chains. The addition renews the terminal's mechanical equipment fleet alongside the ongoing Pier 6 expansion project and reinforces the port's operational capacity.

The procurement forms part of ThPA S.A.'s wider investment programme to continuously upgrade and modernise the Port of Thessaloniki, with the goals of increasing efficiency, improving cargo-handling service quality, and strengthening competitiveness. Since 2018, the company has already modernised its equipment by acquiring twelve Straddle Carriers, one new Mobile Harbour Crane, and two specially designed New Panamax STS cranes capable of serving mainline vessels with a capacity exceeding 10,000 TEU.

The new Straddle Carriers are manufactured in Europe and incorporate hybrid technology, delivering higher energy efficiency, an 18% reduction in fuel consumption, and lower pollutant emissions. Ports across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe have been progressively adopting hybrid and electric yard equipment to align with tightening EU emissions standards and broader decarbonisation targets for the maritime sector. According to ThPA S.A., these attributes support the port's gradual transition toward a more environmentally responsible operating model while bolstering the operational capabilities and autonomy needed for seamless Container Terminal operations.

The operational impact of the investment is significant. Integrating the new machinery into the port's existing Straddle Carrier fleet will modernise container transport and stacking equipment and substantially expand the storage capacity of the Container Terminal yard. The new carriers enable more efficient use of available space through their ability to stack containers at greater heights. They are also expected to expedite service for both trucks and container vessels, increasing overall terminal productivity and reducing waiting and service times. ThPA S.A. notes that this upgrade directly affects cargo flows, gate decongestion, and the overall experience of the port's users and partners.

Dr. Ioannis Tsaras, Chief Executive Officer of ThPA S.A., stated: "The procurement of the eight new Straddle Carriers constitutes an additional decisive step towards preparing the Port of Thessaloniki for its next growth phase and yet another investment with the strategic objective of continuously modernizing its infrastructure and operations. We are rendering our mechanical equipment more modern, more efficient, and more sustainable to improve the productivity of the Container Terminal in an environment of increasing demand for faster, reliable, and environmentally more responsible port services. Through the consistent implementation of investments in infrastructure, equipment and technology, ThPA S.A. strengthens Thessaloniki's position as a modern trade and logistics hub for Southeastern Europe."

Source: ThPA S.A.