Flexibility as Fuel for Ports – The Future of Maritime Handling Equipment

Throughout 2026, members of PEMA’s Board of Directors will offer their perspectives on the ports industry, covering a variety of topics aligned with their professional specialities.

 

 

PEMA’s Vice President & Treasurer, Jens Koerting is the first to share his perspective, focusing on the future of maritime handling equipment.

Jens is currently the Sales Director for Terex Deutschland GmbH. Prior to this, Jens worked for 16 years in the container handling equipment industry and 10 years in the construction equipment industry.

 

 

 

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Flexibility as Fuel for Ports – The Future of Maritime Handling Equipment

As Vice President & Treasurer of an international industry association for manufacturers and technology providers of port handling equipment, I have observed developments in maritime logistics up close for many years. One question that repeatedly arises in discussions with port and terminal operators, as well as equipment manufacturers, is: “Do traditional handling machines still play a central role in an increasingly container-focused industry?” My answer is unequivocal: yes – and for very good reasons.

 

Containerisation is transforming ports – but it doesn’t replace everything

There is no doubt that containerization has revolutionized global trade. Standardized container flows enable efficiency, predictability, and massive scalability. Large container terminals rely on highly specialised systems such as gantry cranes and automated storage solutions to handle ever-increasing throughput.

 

Yet the reality in ports is far more diverse. Many cargo flows, especially breakbulk loads such as steel, timber, scrap, project cargo, or bulk materials, still move outside containers. Even mid-sized ports, serving as regional logistics hubs, must handle these varied cargo types efficiently. Handling machines remain indispensable in this context. They act as the link between different cargo streams and transportation modes. While specialised systems like container cranes perform a single task optimally, modern handling machines offer the flexibility to move a wide range of cargo efficiently.

 

Versatility as a competitive advantage

Recent years have demonstrated how volatile global trade markets can be. Geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and economic fluctuations force port operators to design resilient infrastructure.

In such volatile markets, versatility in handling equipment becomes extremely valuable. Machines that can be quickly reconfigured for different tasks enable terminals to adapt to changing cargo types and avoid bottlenecks. For example, a handling excavator might move scrap in the morning, load timber at midday, and handle bulk material in the afternoon – provided it is equipped with modular attachments.

This flexibility reduces downtime, increases machine utilisation, and allows terminals to seize opportunities in volatile markets rather than relying solely on specialised solutions that remain idle under changing conditions. In this context, versatility is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity.

 

Specialisation has its place – but not alone

Of course, specialised systems have their merits. Container cranes and automated solutions are efficient and essential in high-volume terminals. Yet exclusive reliance on specialisation carries risks: if container throughput declines, large portions of the infrastructure remain underutilised.

A successful equipment strategy for modern ports therefore combines specialisation where it offers maximum efficiency with versatile handling machines that can perform multiple tasks. This hybrid approach enhances operational resilience and enables faster responses to market fluctuations.

 

Modernising mid-sized ports without full automation

Another question frequently raised by our members is whether mid-sized ports can modernise without fully committing to automation. The answer is a resounding yes. Mid-sized ports do not need to automate every process to remain competitive. Flexible handling machines provide a cost-effective way to integrate advanced technologies – such as telemetric machine monitoring, operator assistance systems, or modular attachments – without converting the entire infrastructure into a fully automated container terminal.

 

This stepwise modernisation allows ports to remain flexible, utilise capacity efficiently, and adapt to volatile market conditions. Versatile handling machines become the centerpiece of this strategy, bridging the gap between efficiency, flexibility, and investment protection.

 

Reliability remains critical

Alongside versatility, reliability is a key success factor. Port logistics only work if machines are available around the clock. Downtime leads to delays, added costs, and in the worst case, lost contracts. State-of-the-art handling machines combine performance with robust design, easy maintenance, and long service life. Especially in demanding port environments, where machines face heavy cycles, salty air, and continuous operation, this reliability pays off.

 

Heart of maritime logistics: Versatile handling machines

Even as containerisation continues to grow, handling machines remain indispensable. They are the flexible all-rounders capable of managing diverse cargo types, making ports resilient, and enabling modernisation in mid-sized terminals. Versatility and reliability are not optional features; they are strategic success factors for ports in volatile, globalised markets.

In a world where trade flows fluctuate and demand for flexible solutions rises, success does not go to the most specialised system, but to the smartest combination o

f efficiency, adaptability, and durability. Handling machines therefore remain a central pillar of maritime logistics, even in the container era.

 

We thank PEMA Vice President & Treasurer, Jens Koerting for taking the time to compose this insightful piece on the future of maritime handling equipment.

 

Connecting Minds. Leading the Industry.

Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA)