Cavotec is a technology leader in designing and manufacturing automated connection and electrification systems, having pioneered several ground-breaking innovations that are now widely applied in ports and industrial applications around the world. The company boasts over five decades of expertise in the sector and is set to grow within the current megatrend of mitigating climate change.
“Over the years, we have built a strong position as a leading technology provider with a global presence, focusing heavily on sustainability,” says the Group’s CEO David Pagels. “Our solutions have been developed to electrify ports and industrial applications such as heavy-duty vehicles and underground drilling rigs in the mining sector.”
He explains that the company provides solutions as well as service. “A significant asset for us is our large installed base in over 80 countries around the world, allowing us to establish solid relationships with our customers. We don’t walk away from our customers once we ship a product; we stand by our products during their lifetime. Our local field service technicians provide support to our customers as and whenever needed.”
This support over the product lifecycle is a clear advantage and so are Cavotec’s environmental credentials. “Supplying products that save the environment has been our core business from the very beginning,” affirms Pagels.
Ground-breaking innovations
The company offers a range of solutions with shore power systems accounting for the largest product group, a technology that Cavotec pioneered in the 1980s. Shore power systems are the only solutions that cut emissions totally at berth. They enable the connection of ships in ports to onshore power supplies that provide electricity for onshore services, thus allowing diesel generators to be switched off.
Cavotec has remained at the forefront of delivering highly innovative shore power solutions and services with more systems installed around the world than any other provider. For example, its PowerFit units represent a breakthrough in shore power technology, offering complete containerised solutions for high-voltage vessel connections, contributing to the decarbonisation of ports worldwide.
Cavotec also developed an automated mooring system – the MoorMaster – that reduces vessel mooring and release times, shortening idle time. Additionally, the active hydraulics stabilize moored ships in harsh weather conditions. The system also cuts the need for tugs, reducing direct emissions during ship mooring by over 90%. MoorMaster is in use at a wide variety of applications all over the world including container handling, ferry applications, and bulk terminals.
Pagels highlights the most recent installation in Tangier, Morocco, where the MoorMaster system was initially deployed on 400 meters of new quay wall during the terminal’s phase two expansion in 2023. In August 2024, the system was extended to cover an additional 400 metres of quay, bringing the total to 45 MoorMaster units, as part of a phase three expansion.
On the other side of the globe, the MoorMaster System was inaugurated in June at the port of San Antonio – the largest multipurpose port in Chile. This significant milestone marks the first implementation of an automated mooring system in South America, setting a new standard for port technology in the region.
David Pagels says: “The inauguration of the MoorMaster system at DP World San Antonio is a landmark achievement for both Cavotec and the entire maritime industry in South America. This project demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance.”
Ultra-fast charging
Cavotec’s innovations are not limited to the marine sector. In 2022 the company introduced a major breakthrough in industrial e-vehicle and e-vessel charging. Its launched/operational ultra-fast Megawatt Charging System (MCS) provides up to 3MW of power from a single connector, and is a turnkey DC charging solution with grid-to-inlet functionality.
The MCS has been designed for use with all kinds of heavy-duty vehicles used across multiple sectors, including agriculture, construction, mining; and with e-vessels such as ferries. With charging power of up to 4.5MW per connector, the system significantly reduces charging time and maximises uptime when compared to existing Combined Charging Systems (CCS).
Pagels acknowledges that Cavotec’s charging technology has proved a significant success in Australian mining sector. “We have developed and installed our first ultra-fast 3MW charging station that can charge a 240 tonnes battery-run mining truck in 30 minutes. This is a significant step towards sector decarbonisation, demonstrating that eventually all heavy-duty mining equipment could be run on electricity.”
He further points out that no achievement can be made in isolation. “Innovative technologies are not a one-man show. We are putting a lot of efforts in R&D but a successful product is always the result of cooperation with customers. Of course, our suppliers play a similar part in this. We work very closely with our suppliers, strongly believing that one plus one becomes three. That’s just the way it is.”
Riding the wave
Pagels acknowledges that following the recent implementation of several change programmes to increase profitability and customer perception, Cavotec stands stronger than before, with order intake having increased by 11% in the second quarter of 2024. “This is a reflection of a strong interest in our climate-friendly solutions, driven by customers’ need to decarbonise, as well as by new environmental regulations.”
Given recent market developments, the company is expanding its global operations. In July this year, Cavotec inaugurated a new production facility in Chennai, India. “This new production facility marks an important milestone for Cavotec as we strengthen our presence in the region,” says Pagels. “The facility will enable us to serve the large and growing market in India and will also function as a supply chain hub supporting our operations across the globe.”
In concluding, he affirms that Cavotec’s prospects for the future are promising. “We have strong position, based on our efficient, leading solutions and a large installed base. This, together with clear strategic priorities, makes me confident in Cavotec’s continued ability to grow and create value.”
