Posted on September 29, 2025
The Alabama Port Authority has placed an order with Konecranes for two Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes to equip its new Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF), a project scheduled to begin operations in early 2027.
Container throughput at Alabama’s Port of Mobile has been on a steady rise, climbing from about 502,000 TEUs in 2021 to more than 563,000 TEUs in 2023. With additional growth projected, the authority is investing in inland intermodal infrastructure to handle the increasing cargo flows. The Montgomery ICTF, supported by direct rail and road connectivity, is designed to relieve pressure on port operations and extend cargo reach inland.
The two RTGs will play a central role in the facility’s day-to-day operations, enabling efficient container transfers between rail and truck services. Delivery of the cranes is set for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Advanced RTG Technology
The new RTGs will be equipped with Konecranes’ Active Load Control system, designed to prevent container sway during lifting and stacking. A suite of smart features will further optimize handling, including Auto-Steering, Auto-Positioning, and Auto-TOS Reporting, which allow precise container placement and seamless integration with the terminal operating system.
Additional safety and efficiency enhancements include Stack Collision Prevention and Auto Path Optimizing, while Auto-Truck Guiding will support accurate positioning for road vehicles during container pick-up and drop-off. These technologies not only reduce the margin of error in operations but also streamline workflows for faster turnaround.
Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership
This marks the first time the Alabama Port Authority has invested in Konecranes RTGs. However, the partnership between the two organizations stretches back more than two decades. In 2001, the authority took delivery of a Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane, which remains in service today, handling both containers and breakbulk cargo.
“We’ve seen how durable and dependable Konecranes technology is in our daily operations. This track record gave us the confidence to expand the relationship with these RTGs,” said Doug Otto, Interim Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority. “The new cranes will set the standard for efficiency and handling capacity as we launch the intermodal terminal and scale up operations.”
Alan Garcia, Director Regional Sales Americas at Konecranes, Port Solutions, noted the importance of the new order for the company’s regional presence. “The agreement shows that when performance and reliability are critical – customers turn to Konecranes. We’re proud to support the Alabama Port Authority in this ambitious greenfield project.”
On the Path to Port Automation
Konecranes positions the RTGs as part of a broader “path to port automation,” where terminals can gradually integrate automation features in a controlled, step-by-step manner. The company highlights that automation does not necessarily need to reach a fully unmanned stage; instead, terminals can select features suited to their operational needs.
This modular approach allows ports like Montgomery’s ICTF to adopt new technologies without overhauling existing systems, combining safety improvements with productivity gains. Options include supervised or remote operations that can be introduced progressively as terminal operators adapt to changing requirements.
Strategic Role in Regional Cargo Growth
The Montgomery ICTF represents a major inland logistics development for Alabama, linking the Port of Mobile with inland markets and strengthening intermodal capacity. By integrating rail and road distribution more effectively, the facility aims to support long-term cargo growth while maintaining efficiency at the state’s primary seaport.
With container volumes at Mobile showing consistent upward movement, the investment in advanced container-handling equipment reflects both immediate operational requirements and future capacity planning. The RTGs are set to become a cornerstone of the facility’s operations, underlining the Alabama Port Authority’s strategy to expand inland reach while maintaining reliability at the waterfront.
