Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is an optional high-power plug-in charging solution designed specifically for heavy-duty electric terminal equipment. It enables significantly faster charging compared to traditional CCS interfaces, reducing the operational downtime of electric straddle carrier operations.
Developed in partnership with Kempower, the system represents a major step forward in electrification for container terminals, enabling rapid energy transfer that supports continuous, high-intensity operations.
Fast charging changing operations
The Megawatt Charging System dramatically reduces charging times for electric straddle carriers compared to conventional CCS charging. Depending on terminal configuration and operational profile, it enables approximately one to two hours of operation from as little as five minutes of charging.
This shift changes how electric fleets can be scheduled and utilised. Instead of long stationary charging periods, energy can be replenished rapidly during operational breaks, allowing more vehicles to be charged within the same time window and significantly improving fleet availability.
By reducing charging duration, terminals can increase machine uptime and operational flexibility while also lowering total cost of ownership through improved asset utilisation.
Enabling continuous terminal operations
Megawatt charging makes it possible to support continuous, high-intensity terminal workflows where electric straddle carriers remain in near-constant operation. Faster charging cycles reduce dependency on large numbers of physical charging points, allowing terminals to manage larger fleets with fewer chargers.
Developed for real terminal environments
Kalmar Megawatt Charging System has been developed in close collaboration with Kempower, a leading Finnish EV charging technology company. Following extensive testing in Kalmar's Innovation Centre in Tampere, the first customer deployment early 2026 at DP World London Gateway marks a significant milestone in bringing megawatt-level charging into active port operations.
Driving sustainable Port Operations: Unleashing the power of Electric Straddle Carriers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kalmar Megawatt Charging System?
Kalmar Megawatt Charging System is a high-power charging solution designed for heavy-duty electric terminal equipment. It enables significantly faster charging compared to traditional CCS systems, allowing machines to recharge in just a few minutes and continue operating.
How fast is megawatt charging in practice?
Charging speed depends on the terminal setup and operating conditions, but in typical use a short charging session of around five minutes can provide roughly one to two hours of operating time.
Is the system already in use?
Yes. The first Kalmar Megawatt Charging System is being deployed at DP World’s London Gateway terminal on 12 electric straddle carriers.
Can it be used in automated terminals?
Kalmar is currently developing Automated Megawatt Charging System, which will further extend the charging options available for automated straddle carriers.
