New customer orders UK’s first Konecranes barge handler to support London’s waste-to-energy ecosystem

• Konecranes has received its first UK order for a barge handler reach stacker to support continuous waste-to-energy operations in London.

• The SMV 4646 TCX4 model offers deep reach below quay level and high lifting capacities up to 45 tonnes, suitable for complex port logistics.

• TRUCONNECT digital functionality enables proactive maintenance and minimizes downtime, ensuring reliable 24/7 operation.

• The machine will be delivered through Aprolis UK, emphasizing tailored solutions and strong local service support for demanding applications.

A new UK customer has ordered a Konecranes reach stacker configured for barge handling to support 24/7 waste-to-energy operations in London, the first such order for this Konecranes model in the country. The order was booked in Q4 2025, with delivery scheduled for Q2 2026.

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This exceptionally large and versatile machine – capable of reaching four meters below quay level with a barge lifting capacity of 37 tonnes – will handle waste containers moved by barge along the Thames River to a London recycling and waste-management facility. With a tidal range of more than 7 meters on spring tides, the River Thames presents rapidly changing water levels that make deep‑reach barge handling essential. Delivery of the SMV 4646 TCX4 reach stacker will be handled through long-standing distributor Aprolis UK.

The machine has multi-role capabilities. In addition to barge operations, in terminal work the handler offers up to 45 tonnes capacity in the first and second rows, and impressive reach with four-high stacking capability, including 41 tonnes in the third row and 32 tonnes in the fourth row. This combination of scale, power and adaptability makes it one of the most capable machines of its kind, ready to meet the complex demands of modern port logistics.

TRUCONNECT premium functionality provides condition monitoring data to support the customer’s 24/7 waste-to-energy operation, minimizing downtime by enabling proactive maintenance planning. Konecranes assures uptime and machine availability through remotely connected machines, parts availability and skilled local service provided by our distributor Aprolis UK.

“Applications like waste-to-energy handling place very specific demands on equipment. This is why we’ve engineered the Konecranes barge handler to match the customer’s exact operating requirements. Our long-standing cooperation with Konecranes allows us to deliver these kinds of highly tailored solutions for challenging use cases,” says Andy Armitage, Sales Manager at Aprolis UK.

“This order reflects growing customer demand for application-specific reach stacker solutions that combine robust engineering with digital support. In waste-to-energy operations, reliability and safety go hand in hand. Customers are looking for equipment that can be configured precisely for their process and that delivers predictable performance around the clock,” says Anton Nilsson, Sales Area Manager, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.