It is hard to disagree with crane rail provider Gantrex, which dubbed TOC Europe as the unofficial annual general meeting for port and cargo supply chain professionals. The event undoubtedly remains one of the most influential gatherings in the global port industry.
This year, TOC Europe 2025 runs from Tuesday to Thursday, 17–19 June at the Rotterdam Ahoy Centre. Organisers say the event offers the opportunity to connect and network with more than 4,500 port industry professionals.
Talking shop
Along with the exhibition, there are three seminar strands: TECH TOC, focused on making the most of the latest technology; the self-explanatory Safety Village; and the CSC Live! conference. All of which offer packed schedules covering the full three days.
“Every year, I come to TOC Europe and hear keynote speeches about the latest technology and sustainability initiatives, as well as the challenges around a lack of skilled labour,” says Devon Van de Kletersteeg, product growth manager at CM Labs. “For sustainability, beyond the environmental context, there is also business sustainability – that ability of the business to continue to operate in the future.”
The TECH TOC event includes a panel discussion on harnessing the power of AI on Tuesday at 12pm. That same day at 4pm is a talk on optimising port equipment, including speakers from Kalmar and Kaleris. Also look out for a talk on Wednesday at 11:30am on next-generation asset management and smart equipment maintenance. Two of the speakers are Mohamed Dowidar, director of global projects for World Crane Services, and Paolo Dazi, senior vice-president and head of BU port services for Konecranes.
In addition, the CSC Live! conference promises to tackle the big issues facing the industry. Entitled ‘Trade, Tariffs & Tensions…how do we move forward?’, it will take a deep dive into priorities for ports as well as the big technology trends.
Day one includes a panel discussion on market outlook, kicking off at 11am. Speakers who will be crunching the numbers include John Manners-Bell of Transport Intelligence and Nigel Pusey of Container Trade Statistics.
Meanwhile, based on stand B60, the Safety Village is a partnership between TOC Worldwide, TT Club, and ICHCA International. Aiming to champion safety in cargo handling, it includes the TT Club Safety Award. The Safety Village schedule will feature a seminar on benchmarking safety performance by Neil Griffiths, director of service agreements for the port services business unit at Konecranes. Be in your seats by 4pm on Tuesday for that one.
However, the main event for many is the exhibition itself. There are dozens of companies worth visiting and we’ve rounded up some of the best for you:
Vectrix launch
ELME Spreaders will unveil its new Vectrix range at TOC Europe.
Vectrix is a new series of crane spreaders, featuring an innovative modular design. This allows the Swedish company to make more cost-effective customisation to meet each customer’s specific operational needs. Other enhancements include increased operational reliability and improved energy efficiency.
“Our new crane spreader range is a testament to ELME Spreader’s dedication to continuous innovation,” says Gösta Karlsson, President and founder of ELME Spreader AB. “We have listened to our customers and developed a product that we hope will not only meet but exceed their expectations in terms of reliability, safety, and efficiency.”
Developed and manufactured entirely in Sweden, ELME says the new crane spreader series incorporates state-of-the-art technology and innovative design improvements to meet the evolving demands of port operators and logistics companies worldwide.
Clean power
Hyster will highlight its scalable power solutions for high-capacity handling and lifting equipment on stand D20.
Front and centre will be the newly launched Hyster J10-18XD series of integrated lithium-ion high-capacity forklifts. These electric lift trucks offer performance comparable to the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) machine. They also offer advantages such as scalable battery options to match duty cycle and charging requirements. This gives customers the flexibility to tailor the power, and the truck, to meet the requirements of a broad range of operating requirements. A combined charging system (CCS) is incorporated on all models as standard.
The Hyster J10-18XD series is designed to deliver high performance with zero emissions, reduced maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership. “We are committed to providing our customers with clean power solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable future,” says Junior van Remortele, director, big trucks EMEA at Hyster.
“Our new series of high-capacity electric forklifts represents a step forward for ports looking to go green, but battery-electric forklifts are just one of the many ways that Hyster is helping operations to optimise their efficiency and power.”
At TOC Europe, visitors to the Hyster stand can also learn how to identify the right power source for their specific application. For lift trucks and port equipment, Hyster’s offer includes lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, diesel, and alternative solutions like HVO100 fuel. The aim is to help ports and terminals to meet sustainability goals without sacrificing efficiency, productivity, or the operator’s needs.
Visitors will also have the chance to try the Hyster emissions reduction calculator tool to estimate the potential CO2 savings available from switching a current LPG or diesel lift truck to battery electric power.
European debut
TOC Europe will be the official regional launch for two new all-electric machines from Chinese manufacturer XCMG.
The XPT75E is a 7.5t GCW port tractor, featuring an offset panoramic cab that can tilt up to 50°. It also has four-point suspension, which the manufacturer says improves driver comfort by 30% compared to a two-point suspension cab.
The 289-kWh lithium battery pack provides a range of up to 150km on a full charge. Other features include a 10in touchscreen display offering data on operating status, parameter input, fault alerts, and logs. It is also equipped with reversing radar and a 360° camera system.
It will be joined on booth L34 by the XCS4531E container reach stacker. It is powered by a high-capacity battery of up to 600kWh, which XCMG says provides a long cycle life and extended range, and features an intelligent cooling system. The batteries can be recharged at 500A, up to 15% faster than a standard 400A system.
Built for efficiency, it can lift and shift up to 25 containers per hour. The batteries drive a high torque permanent magnet synchronous motor, which the manufacturer says ensures smooth operation under heavy loads.
These two new products join a growing range of electric port equipment from SANY. This includes reach stackers, empty container handlers, electric forklifts from 1.8t to 46t, and terminal trucks.
In addition, XCMG is also preparing to share its latest intelligent technology with Europe. XCMG already has abundant experience in the automation of RTG, RMG, and STS cranes in major ports outside of Europe.
Smart safety
Mi-Jack Europe will present its latest innovations in safety and operational performance for container terminals. Visitors to booth J32 can explore a range of modular solutions designed for safe, simultaneous operation of personnel and machinery in challenging environments.
From collision avoidance and digital twins to real-time inventory management and fleet monitoring, Mi-Jack Europe offers technologies that aim to enhance transparency, manage risk, and improve decision-making in terminal operations. The systems are designed to integrate easily with existing equipment and infrastructure, whether terminals are manually operated or partially automated.
The company will showcase products including AccuTrack for personnel and asset tracking, AccuFleet for predictive fleet maintenance, AccuStack for container inventory accuracy, and AccuView’s digital twin platform.
Mi-Jack Europe says that TOC Europe represents not only a strategic platform to showcase innovation, but also an opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, partners, and customers in a focused and collaborative setting.
“TOC Europe has always been our key industry event – a place where we meet new contacts but also reconnect with long-standing partners and customers. It’s like a yearly family gathering. Without it, something would be missing,” said Stephan Trauth, general manager of Mi-Jack Europe.
Mi-Jack’s interactive Grab & Win game will see booth visitors try their luck at a claw machine – a playful homage to crane joystick controls. In addition to prizes available from this game, participants will also be entered into a raffle to win a high-specification drone.
Lighting up
Musco Lighting will be showcasing its TLC for LED system. The company says that this port lighting system is more energy-efficient than high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting.
Its Light-Structure System uses five modular pieces from foundation to pole top and has a small structural footprint. It features a unique reflector system and optic design to provide optimal energy efficiency and light control. This includes patented glare control to minimise light spill impact on neighbouring facilities while still providing the light levels needed for worker safety.
Musco offers TCL for LED as a stand-alone solution or retrofit. Antwerp Euroterminal (AET) recently opted for this product to light an extension to its facilities. LED was critical to ensuring minimal light spill onto the neighbouring nature reserve. Furthermore, because the LED system reduced cable and transformer dimensions by 50%, overall investment cost was lower than it would have been for HPS.
Musco has since retrofitted its LED lighting throughout the terminal, reducing energy consumption by 69%.
Visitors can see a demo unit of TLC for LED on booth C60, where Musco will also be showcasing projects where customers have upgraded to its lighting solutions.
Next generation
CM Labs Simulations will showcase its next-generation simulation training, which it says is redefining how ports train operators. At booth F26, attendees can experience the future of remote operations training first hand.
It will feature a leading edge remote operating station designed by control equipment manufacturer Spohn + Burkhardt, running CM Labs’ new remotely operated rubber-tired gantry (RTG) training pack. Visitors will also be able to try out the updated ship-to-shore (STS) crane training pack, as well as other solutions engineered to accelerate operator readiness and operational efficiency.
The new remote operating station and RTG training pack reflect the growing industry shift towards remote operations.
“We know the transition towards remotely operated equipment is a difficult one,” explained Devon Van de Kletersteeg, ports product growth manager at CM Labs. “With this new training solution, we’re helping ports complete this transition smoothly, in a way that minimises the impact on productivity.
“TOC will be the first opportunity for people to see the new remote operator station for RTGs,” adds Van de Kletersteeg.
Typically, a multiscreen simulator replicates what an operator would usually see and feel when they are sat in a crane cabin, including motion cues. You have all those motion cues. The challenge with remote operation, however, is that you have no motion platform.
“You can’t feel what’s going on in the equipment and oftentimes you can’t even really hear what’s going on,” says Van de Kletersteeg. “Your perspective is entirely shifted. You’re now looking through a bunch of cameras, and you’re checking sensors to try and not impact anything. We saw that as a training challenge for a lot of organisations. And so, we developed a training solution for that.”
CM Labs realised that remote operation can be challenging for both experienced and inexperienced operators. While an experienced operator will be more familiar with the systems telling them where to go and what to do, they are also now removed from the sensations of the machine. For a new or inexperienced operator, they have a very steep learning curve.
“You have to understand, first of all, how the machine is reacting in the real world based on your inputs,” he says. “You have to understand where you are physically located in the environment relative to other objects to avoid hazards, to make sure you’re not bumping into things. And on top of that, you now have to understand how to use the automation systems and all of the task information. So, we definitely saw an opportunity for a training solution there.”
Additionally, CM Labs will showcase the updated Intellia STS crane training pack, which aims to make high-stakes port environments safer and more productive. New features include instant record and replay, and enhanced lane configurations for straddle carriers and ITVs.
Ultra Smart
Along with its remote-control desk (RCD) on the CM Labs booth, Spohn + Burkhardt will have its own presence at the show.
On booth G50 at TOC Europe, it will present its FS Ultra Smart control station with App Control. The company says that this is an innovative solution, offering ergonomics and comfort to the operator, while also being more efficient and reliable.
Spohn + Burkhardt is the world’s only supplier of a complete system solution consisting of cabins, control stations and joysticks. This means it can offer complete solutions from a single source, reducing supplier interfaces for the customer.
Specialising in ports, the company recently expanded from control stations and joysticks into cabins. In 2023 it acquired KML, which is now rebranded as Spohn + Burkhardt Cabins. The company can produce standard or customised cabins that are fully integrated with its control stations and joysticks, providing a complete solution.
Visitors to TOC Europe will be among the first to see its new brochure for the ports industry, featuring complete systems for ship and harbour cranes.
Complete line
SANY Europe will put the spotlight on its e-line range of electric handling equipment. The portfolio includes reach stackers, empty container handlers, heavy-duty forklifts, material handlers, and terminal tractors.
They also include a lithium battery-powered material handler, compact reach stacker, and a 9t empty container handler. According to SANY, these machines provide maximum efficiency combined with low consumption, as well as significant cost savings in continuous operation.
Recent product launches include the IC-powered forklift portfolio for various industrial applications. In addition, the SMHW40G5, a powerful 40t material handler that debuted at the recent bauma show in Munich will soon be followed by the SMHW40E5, the fully electric version.
In addition, the new STH625e spearheads SANY’s telehandler revolution. Designed for maximum efficiency, this all-electric machine provides a lifting capacity of 2.5t from compact dimensions. Thanks to the large battery, the STH625e can easily operate throughout a typical working day of eight hours – matching the parameters of the traditional combustion engine, while offering the benefits of electrification – no local emissions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced operators comfort.
The company is also further developing its dealer network throughout Europe. You can find SANY Europe at booth B40.
Gathering feedback
The Port Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, PEMA, is aiming to attract and grow its membership at TOC Europe by engaging with new and emerging industry experts, colleagues and players in the field of the port and terminal equipment industry. On its stand at E70 it will also gather members’ feedback on to better guide its technical papers, market surveys, technical committee workshops and meetings.
The association’s key areas of focus are the environment, safety, security and performance within the port and terminal industry. Its latest information paper on diesel and alternative power is intended to provide a high-level overview of current and potential alternative fuels used in mobile cargo handling equipment in the port and terminal industry. Specific emphasis is on emissions reduction as the driver for investigating and selecting alternative fuels.
In addition, PEMA members are invited to an exclusive members-only arrival drinks reception to reconnect with industry colleagues and friends. Furthermore, PEMA President Achim Dries is part of the speaker line-up on Wednesday. ‘A Conversation with PEMA’ takes place from 10:30am in the TECH TOC Theatre.
Advanced optimisation
At TOC Europe 2025, Kaleris will announce the latest addition to its portfolio of advanced optimisation solutions. Terminal Truck Optimization (TT-O) empowers operators to take a smarter approach to scheduling and dispatching moves to terminal tractors.
An early adopter of the technology was Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia’s largest transshipment hub. PTP worked with Kaleris to help it develop and refine the product.
Using the solution to strategically plan truck movements across multiple zones, drivers received their job assignments 44% faster, leading to a 13% reduction in truck cycle time. PTP’s workforce leveraged this step change to set a new record for the terminal of 14,914 quayside moves in a single 12-hour shift, peaking at 1,420 moves in one hour.
Kaleris, the world’s largest provider of terminal operating systems, developed TT-O to integrate with the latest version of the company’s N4 terminal operating system (TOS). The solution uses enhanced logic to assign truck moves, with automated strategy adaptation to dynamically respond to changing yard conditions. It supports integration with electric and automated equipment, enabling customers to transition smoothly to greener operations and ensure compliance as regulations evolve. N4 modules can also offer more detailed insight into energy usage and emissions, supporting environmental reporting requirements.
In addition, Kaleris recently introduced Rubber Tyred Gantry Optimization (RTG-O), to manage RTGs across the terminal yard. It optimises side-loading yard crane operations by improving crane decision-making, simplifying RTG fleet usage, and reducing cost per TEU. Unlike standalone solutions, the system offers a real-time view within the TOS, enabling operators and dispatchers to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
One of the early adopter customers of RTG-O, based in Malta, will speak about the benefits they experienced during TOC Europe in June 2025.
Along with visiting the booth, look out for a couple of presentations. One of the early adopters of RTG-O, based in Malta, will speak about the benefits it has brought to their operations. Meanwhile, Carlos Lopez Barbera, vice president of product management, is giving a talk on optimising port equipment to enhance efficiency, sustainability and performance – catch that one in the TECH TOC Theatre on Tuesday at 4pm.
Fleet management tool
Along with showcasing its heavy-duty forklifts, expect Kalmar to highlight its newly launched automation system on booth F40.
Kalmar One is designed to work as a flexible, scalable, standalone fleet management solution. It is an OEM and equipment type-agnostic solution for automated operations. This enables terminal operators to integrate and optimise their operations holistically through one system, and standardise automation solutions and operational models across multiple terminals. With Kalmar One the whole terminal is accessed through one user interface instead of requiring equipment vendor-specific subsystems.
Kalmar cites the three key benefits as the ability to manage equipment from multiple brands in one place; optimised end-to-end logistics flow from stack to quay; and its scalable modularity. Kalmar One provides the flexibility to support different levels of automation, from remote controlled equipment to fully automated container movements.
Juuso Kanner, vice-president, automation business line, Kalmar, said, “By introducing Kalmar One as a standalone solution we are truly enabling automation for all. Kalmar One enables terminal operators to integrate, manage and optimise their entire fleet and operations through a single solution – without the restrictions of vendor lock-in. With a seamless interface between the terminal operating system and automated equipment, terminals can unlock the full potential of their automated assets, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.”
As a leader in its field, Kalmar has also contributed speakers to some of the seminars. Peter Olsson, vice-president of global sales for counterbalance trucks, while Alina Reinhold, director of digital services, is speaking on optimising port equipment in the TECH TOC Theatre on Tuesday at 4pm.
One-stop shop
Leading crane rail manufacturer Gantrex will showcase its capabilities as a one-stop partner for port crane solutions. These include crane diagnostics and parts supply, as well as crane installation and servicing. On booth G42, the company will also showcase patented products such as the HingeGuard Short Rail, engineered to improve driver comfort and minimise crane stress; and the RailLok range of clips and pads, designed for fast, safe, and long-lasting rail fastening solutions.
Gantrex is expecting visitors from around the world, so its booth will feature local experts from Asia-Pacifica as well as Europe.
Fifteenth anniversary
Tideworks Technology will be showcasing its terminal operating system, including its new Tideworks Data Platform solution.
Launched in September at the Tideworks 2024 Customers Conference, this comprehensive data platform that gives stakeholders access and streamlined use of their near real-time and historical data.
Data Platform securely collects, cleanses, normalises and standardises data securely near real time. It integrates with Tideworks’ core TOS solutions to help ensure quality, accuracy, timeliness and reliability of data, which the company says boosts productivity and business value. It enables customers to build on their core TOS systems and integrate with other data sources, serving as the digital backbone of their terminal management to drive operational improvement.
The user-configurable dashboard provides streamlined management of enterprise and operational metrics in one place. Other key features include a combination of open-source tools and industry-standard architecture for high availability of trustworthy data; easy third-party integration; and a 360° view of operations. The system also provides security by isolating each customer’s data, ensuring data and intellectual property protection.
Tideworks is currently deploying Data Platform to marine and rail operators across the United States, Mexico and Latin America.
This year, the company is also celebrating 15 years of Intermodal PRO, its platform for intermodal rail terminals.
More than 85 terminals use the system, which was developed in collaboration with rail operators. Deployed by major railroads in the USA and leading rail facilities in the UK, it supports all types and sizes of intermodal rail terminals, from large to small, and manually operated to highly automated facilities. It is designed to handle the most complex automation solutions, including operations with automated wide-span gantry cranes.
Visit Tideworks on booth J50.
Atlantic on track
Atlantic Track’s Crane Runway International division will be showcasing its capabilities to provide complete runway system solutions. This includes surveys, inspections, installations, repairs, maintenance and project management.
In-house local teams of technical experts can resolve rail system issues such as rail realignment, grout replacement and damage repair – and all of its welders are SGS-certified.
The company also offers a range of components including crane rail profiles, clips and pads, plus buffers, surge connectors and support plates. Find them on booth G10.
Full suite
Marking 60 years in business, Gantrail will be showcasing its full range of crane rail solutions for container terminals, ports, and harbours. Along with rails it offers pads, fixing clips, soleplates and anchor bolts as well as buffers and surge connectors. You can find Gantrail on booth F54.
Mobile harbour cranes
ITALGRU will be showcasing its ranges of hydraulic and electric port cranes in the A3 to A8 classifications. The Italian company’s diesel and electric mobile harbour cranes run from 20t to 200t capacities and feature ITALGRU’s proprietary crane management system.
The company’s modular lifting attachments system ensures that attachments can be quickly swapped over – and are ready for use immediately after the operator has selected the correct software package.
ITALGRU also offers gantry cranes on tyres or rails, with the same load lifting capabilities as its harbour cranes. Find the company on booth I30.
In transmission
Conductix-Wampfler will showcase its unique capabilities as a provider of mobile energy supply and data transmission systems.
The company’s core competency is the development, production, and installation of custom-made solutions. Its portfolio includes festoon systems, conductor rails, energy guiding chains, spring cable reels, motorized cable reels, slip ring assemblies and contactless power transmission systems.
A recent example of its capabilities was a major retrofit project for two STS cranes. This included replacing a motorised and non-motorised festoon system, extending the crane beam to accommodate the new system installation, and laying 35 power and control cables per festoon system, each weighing 50kg per metre.
A critical element of the contract was to keep down time to no more than four days per unit, minimising operational disruption.
Find Conductix-Wampfler on booth C22.
Spread the load
RAM Spreaders will be showcasing its marine range including spreaders for STS and mobile harbour cranes, as well as its tandem headblock system and spreaders for containerised bulk handling.
The RAM ‘SingFlex’ Tandem Headblock enables the use of two spreaders under one single hoist crane. This means the crane can handle four 20ft or two 40/45ft containers in one cycle. Designed for single-hoist cranes, all functions of the headblock are electrohydraulically operated and controlled from the crane operator’s cabin.
For automated handling, RAM’s PinSmart offers ports a fully automated twistlock handling machines. Combining robotic technology and intelligent systems, PinSmart can handle all types of twistlocks due to its intelligent end-effector system.
Featuring industry-leading hi-torque flippers and robust construction, its STS range covers single lift and separating twinlift, as well as hydraulic and all-electric.
Find RAM Spreaders on booth I40.
Automated cranes
Huisman will be highlighting its automated stacking cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes at TOC Europe.
The Dutch company says it is setting a new standard in automated container handling. Its products combine a robust rope reeving system and crane portal with advanced control system and sensors. Offering high stacking accuracy, its cranes are built from European components and designed for easy maintenance.
After-sales service from Huisman includes condition monitoring, product support and wire rope services.
Find Huisman on booth F20.
