“Vietnam Makes a Historic Leap Forward: First-Ever Production of a $2 Million Device”

On May 11, Tan Cang Land Transport Joint Stock Company took delivery of four RTG Hybrid cranes, valued at nearly US$2 million each. The cranes were designed and manufactured by Huynh Thy Trading Service Company Limited in collaboration with Japan’s Mitsui E&S Group.

Each crane is valued at US$1.8 million and is the first modern specialized crane system made in Vietnam for container handling operations at ports. With its tall steel structure and flexible rubber-tire mobility, this type of crane is especially suitable for ports with limited space but high performance requirements. Notably, by combining renewable energy storage batteries with small-capacity diesel engines, the crane can save up to 60-64% of fuel and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

It is worth noting that the four RTG Hybrid crane systems were manufactured in Vietnam under the quality supervision of Mitsui E&S Group, a leading Japanese manufacturer of container handling equipment. In addition, several domestic enterprises, including Lilama 18, Vinalift, and Tan Cang Technical Services Joint Stock Company, participated in the manufacturing process.

Each crane took about seven months to complete, with a localization rate of over 50%. This rate is expected to increase to 70% as the manufacturer plans to increase production to 20-40 units in the coming time. This marks an important step in mastering the technology and reducing dependence on imports.

An Important Milestone in the Supply of Specialized Port Equipment

Mr. Atsufumi Takahashi, Sales Director of Mitsui E&S, shared that Vietnam is the first country outside of Japan selected to manufacture the RTG Hybrid cranes. However, the initial production cost of these cranes in Vietnam is high because this is a pilot project, and design adjustments are needed to meet market demands. Mitsui E&S is currently seeking local materials to replace imported ones to reduce product costs.

According to Mr. Huynh Minh Tai, Chairman of Huynh Thy Company, the local production and delivery of the RTG Hybrid crane system to Tan Cang Land Transport JSC, a leading Vietnamese port company, marks an important milestone in supplying specialized port equipment, reducing equipment costs, and promoting access to green technology for domestic ports and international markets.

Moreover, the development of green equipment like the RTG Hybrid crane aligns with the National Logistics Development Strategy towards 2030, which aims to reduce emissions in transportation by at least 10%. This is significant as most ports in Vietnam still rely on old-generation diesel equipment. The introduction of new-generation cranes will accelerate the modernization and sustainable development of the entire logistics sector.

In reality, Vietnam has over 30 major seaports, most of which use old-generation diesel equipment for cargo handling. As the cargo volume through these ports increases annually, the deployment of new-generation cranes will help modernize cargo handling operations and accelerate the green transition.

At the handover ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Hung, Director of Tan Cang Technical Services JSC, who operated the RTG Hybrid crane system at Tan Cang – Cat Lai Port, shared that the acquisition of the four RTG Hybrid crane systems enhances container handling capacity at the ports, warehouses, and yards of Tan Cang Saigon Port Company. It also concretizes the goal of developing green port services, reducing pollution emissions, and improving customer service. Furthermore, the cooperation agreement with the manufacturer underscores the strong partnership in developing modern and environmentally friendly crane systems for ports in the future.