Kalmar Revamps STS Cranes at Abidjan’s AGL Terminal

Post by : Amit

Photo: Reuters

A major transformation is underway at West Africa’s busiest port, as Kalmar, the cargo-handling giant under Cargotec, has successfully refurbished two key ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at the AGL Terminal in the Port of Abidjan. The project signals a broader shift in terminal modernization across emerging markets, where ports are investing in smarter ways to boost performance without replacing entire fleets.

Located in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic heart, the AGL Terminal (formerly operated by Bolloré) is a vital transshipment and import-export hub for West and Central Africa. As trade volumes through Abidjan continue to surge, improving port productivity has become more urgent than ever. Rather than procuring new cranes at high cost and long lead times, terminal operator Africa Global Logistics (AGL) opted for deep refurbishment—and turned to Kalmar to deliver it.

Kalmar’s scope of work included a full electrical systems upgrade and the integration of modern control technology for the two STS cranes. The result: significantly improved reliability, faster cycle times, and extended crane lifespan—all without interrupting port operations. For a port where uptime is critical, the refurbishment allows AGL to scale up cargo throughput efficiently and sustainably.

The revamped cranes are now equipped with Kalmar’s latest automation-ready systems, making future upgrades easier and aligning with global trends toward digital port operations. By upgrading rather than replacing, the terminal gains modern capability at a fraction of the capital cost—reducing both financial and environmental impact.

According to Kalmar, the project highlights a growing demand for equipment life extension programs, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where aging terminal fleets need to keep pace with global standards but often lack access to brand-new hardware.

“This project demonstrates how refurbishment can be a smart, fast, and flexible alternative to buying new equipment,” said a Kalmar spokesperson. “It’s not just about repairs—it’s about transforming the performance potential of existing assets.”

The Abidjan port upgrade also reinforces the region’s importance in international logistics. With China, Europe, and intra-African trade volumes steadily increasing, West African ports like Abidjan are becoming critical gateways. Enhancing cargo flow capacity without waiting years for new crane deliveries gives operators a strategic edge.

For Kalmar, the project further cements its role as a global leader in equipment services—not just in manufacturing, but in extending the life and intelligence of port machinery already in the field.

As terminals face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, cut costs, and keep up with demand, refurbishment projects like Abidjan’s may soon become the new normal—a smarter path to modernization, without starting from scratch.

Kalmar, Africa