Mobile Harbour Cranes: Flexible Port Equipment for Today’s Terminals

Mobile harbour cranes are among the most versatile pieces of port equipment available today. Designed for mobility, speed, and performance, these cranes help container terminals and multipurpose ports handle a wide range of cargo — from containers to bulk and heavy loads — without the need for fixed infrastructure.

What is a mobile harbour crane?

A mobile harbour crane (MHC) is a high-capacity port crane that can operate at various quay locations. Unlike fixed cranes, MHCs are mounted on rubber tyres, making it easy to move them between berths or storage zones depending on operational demand. They are used for loading and unloading containers, dry bulk, and project cargo.

Whether at small ports or large international terminals, mobile harbour cranes help reduce vessel turnaround time and increase operational flexibility.

What are typical applications?

Mobile harbour cranes are used across the port industry to support various activities, including:

• Container handling at terminal quays
• Unloading dry bulk like coal, grain, scrap, or fertilizer
• Lifting oversized and heavy project cargo
• Serving as a backup crane during peak operations or maintenance

Their ability to adapt to different vessel types and berth configurations makes them especially attractive for ports with changing demand profiles.

Which brands offer mobile harbour cranes?

Several manufacturers produce mobile harbour cranes suitable for container handling and bulk cargo operations. Well-known brands include:

• Konecranes Gottwald (e.g. G HMK 6407)
• Liebherr (e.g. LHM 400, LHM 600)
• Terex
• Fantuzzi Reggiane
• Italgru

These cranes vary in capacity, outreach, power source, and level of automation. On Portneeds, you’ll find both used and idle mobile harbour cranes from these leading brands.

Are electric mobile harbour cranes available?

Yes. With rising demand for cleaner port operations, manufacturers now offer hybrid and fully electric mobile harbour cranes. These models deliver the same lifting performance while lowering emissions and fuel costs. Many ports across Europe and Asia are already transitioning to electric MHCs to meet sustainability targets.

Where can I find used mobile harbour cranes for sale?

You can explore current listings on the Mobile Harbour Crane page on Portneeds. All listings are reviewed to ensure they are relevant, clearly structured, and visible to container terminals, traders, and technical buyers in the global port market.

Why use Portneeds to list or find mobile harbour cranes?

Unlike generic equipment platforms, Portneeds is built specifically for port equipment and container handling equipment. Whether you’re looking to sell a second-hand Gottwald crane or find a modern electric MHC, Portneeds helps bring your listing in front of the right audience — quickly and efficiently.

Related content

• FAQ: Mobile Harbour Cranes
• Visit the Mobile Harbour Cranes info page