On Sunday 14 December 2025 six new fully electric E-RTG yard cranes arrived at the PSA Genoa Pra’ terminal, becoming part of the multi-year technological renewal programme launched by PSA Italy in 2018. The initiative covers the PSA Genoa Pra’, PSA Venice-Vecon and PSA Sech terminals and is designed to strengthen environmental sustainability, operational efficiency and the industrial competitiveness of container handling activities.
With this latest delivery, the Pra’ terminal continues its programme to replace the diesel-powered yard cranes still in operation. The Ligurian facility currently operates 21 electric E-RTG cranes and 10 diesel RTGs. The introduction of the six new units further reduces reliance on traditional traction, bringing the terminal closer to the goal of an almost fully electric yard fleet, in line with PSA Italy’s investment plans.
The renewal programme will continue in 2026 with the arrival of a second batch of six cranes, scheduled for April and including two hybrid RTGs. This further technological upgrade will increase the overall fleet from 31 to 33 units, boosting the terminal’s operational capacity and ensuring greater service continuity. According to PSA Italy, the new equipment will deliver higher performance, zero local emissions for the electric units and a significant reduction in energy consumption compared with diesel versions.
The new cranes were built during 2025 by ZPMC, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of port equipment, with shipyards in Shanghai and Nantong. The company is part of the CCCC group and has been active in the sector since 1885. The six units destined for Genoa Pra’ were transported on board the vessel Zhen Hua 35, which departed from the port of Shanghai on 10 October 2025 for a voyage of more than two months, including an intermediate stop in Morocco. Discharge operations at the Pra’ terminal are due to be completed on 17 December.
After completing operations in Genoa, the Zhen Hua 35 will continue its voyage to Venice to deliver a further three cranes for the PSA Venice-Vecon terminal, with arrival scheduled for 25 December. These units are also part of the same infrastructure and technology investment plan promoted by PSA Italy across its Italian terminal network.
The E-RTG cranes destined for the Genoa and Venice terminals were designed with the direct involvement of PSA Italy’s engineering department and manufactured by ZPMC in accordance with PSA group technical standards. The configuration was customised to meet the specific operational requirements of each terminal, with particular focus on yard efficiency and the reduction of environmental impact.
According to Roberto Ferrari, chief executive officer of PSA Italy, the arrival of the new cranes represents a tangible step towards a more modern terminal model with a stronger focus on environmental issues. The completion of the equipment renewal programme, scheduled for April 2026, will make it possible to increase yard capacity, improve day-to-day operations and make a significant contribution to reducing the environmental footprint of port activities.
