Bromma’s STS45E G2 is the second generation of the company’s fully electric ship-to-shore spreader. Suitable for modern cranes, significantly reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, it eliminates hydraulic oil from the spreader entirely and replaces it with electric actuation throughout. HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg has selected the STS45E G2 to equip its new generation of highly automated STS cranes from Liebherr. This is the first installation of the second-generation electric STS spreader in Europe.
Why the STS45E G2 was selected
- No hydraulic oil, which eliminates the risk of oil spills on vessels and quayside
- Lower maintenance costs related to no oil changes, filter replacements or periodic hydraulic hose exchanges required
- Reduced dependency on hydraulic maintenance skills, which are increasingly scarce in the market
- Automation-ready control interfaces compatible with high-level STS crane automation
- Lower carbon emissions in operation
Integration into automated operations
The STS45E G2 is designed to integrate into fully automated crane systems. The spreader’s electric drives provide precise, repeatable motion control, and the system’s interfaces are built to communicate directly with crane automation platforms.
The absence of hydraulic oil significantly reduces maintenance requirements. Hydraulic systems require regular scheduled maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements and, typically every six years, a full replacement of all hydraulic hoses. Each of these interventions requires skilled hydraulic technicians — a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce as port equipment becomes more automated and electrified.
The shift from hydraulic to fully electric spreaders has a clear operational logic. Hydraulic maintenance is becoming more demanding — not just in terms of cost, but in finding the right skills. Electric spreaders remove that challenge. Combined with the compatibility with our high-automation crane systems, the STS45E G2 was the right choice for CTA.
This is a milestone for us in Europe. We believe all-electric spreaders, with their environmental and operational benefits, will become the preferred standard also for STS operations in the future.
Tommi Tähtinen, Vice President, Bromma