Container Handling Equipment Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Equipment Type, Propulsion Type, Lifting Capacity, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Container Handling Equipment Market is accounted for $9.0 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $13.7 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Container handling equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes for loading/unloading ships, rail-mounted gantry cranes for yard operations, straddle carriers, and reach stackers for container stacking and transportation. Forklifts, top loaders, and automated guided vehicles assist in efficient container movement within terminals. Container trailers, chassis, and terminal tractors handle overland transport. These machines play a vital role in optimizing port operations, reducing ship turnaround times, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.

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Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing global trade volume

As international trade expands, ports and logistics hubs experience heightened activity, necessitating advanced equipment for efficient container handling. Rising trade volumes amplify the demand for cranes, straddle carriers, forklifts, and automated solutions to manage and transport containers swiftly. This surge in demand prompts investments in modernization and expansion projects, fostering the growth of the container handling equipment sector.

Restraint:

High capital cost

The substantial initial investment required for purchasing and maintaining container handling machinery can deter potential buyers, particularly smaller ports or terminals. This financial barrier may hinder the adoption of modern and efficient equipment, leading to outdated infrastructure and reduced competitiveness. The reluctance to invest in expensive machinery could impede technological advancements and hinder the industry's ability to meet evolving demands for faster and more automated container handling solutions.

Opportunity:

Growing port automation

Increasing adoption of automated systems, such as robotic cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), enhances operational efficiency, reduces labour costs, and minimizes human error. This trend drives the demand for advanced, technology-driven container handling equipment. Ports and terminals worldwide are investing in smart technologies to optimize cargo handling, improve safety, and ensure faster turnaround times. The push towards automation reflects the industry's commitment to innovation, providing opportunities for manufacturers to develop and supply cutting-edge container handling solutions

Threat:

Skilled labour shortage

With a scarcity of trained personnel, the operation, maintenance, and repair of sophisticated equipment become challenging. This leads to increased downtime, higher maintenance costs, and potential safety concerns. The shortage may hinder the adoption of advanced technologies, such as automation, as skilled workers are crucial for their effective implementation. Ultimately, the lack of skilled labour can impede the industry's ability to keep up with growing demands, hampering the overall performance and growth of the container handling equipment market

Covid-19 Impact

Supply chain disruptions, reduced trade volumes, and operational challenges in ports and terminals have slowed demand for new equipment. Lockdowns and restrictions led to delays in infrastructure projects, affecting the purchase and deployment of container handling machinery. However, increased e-commerce activities and the subsequent surge in containerized shipments have prompted a gradual recovery. The industry is adapting to the new normal by focusing on automation and digitalization to enhance operational resilience. The pandemic underscored the importance of agile and technologically advanced container handling solutions in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

The forklift truck segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The forklift truck segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to fostering efficiency in container movement within ports and terminals. Forklifts play a crucial role in loading and unloading containers from ships, stacking them in yards, and facilitating seamless transportation. Their versatility and adaptability contribute to streamlined operations, reducing turnaround times and enhancing overall productivity. As the demand for rapid and efficient cargo handling grows, forklift trucks continue to be indispensable in the region's container handling ecosystem.

The hybrid segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The hybrid segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, because this transition enhances operational efficiency, reduces emissions, and lowers operational costs. Hybrid solutions, integrating diesel engines with electric systems or advanced energy storage, offer versatility and sustainability. They contribute to environmental goals, comply with stringent regulations, and provide cost-effective long-term solutions. As the market embraces hybrid technologies, it not only addresses ecological concerns but also aligns with the growing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions in the container handling sector, fostering a more sustainable and resilient logistics ecosystem.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the rapid industrialization and expanding logistics industry are driving rising demand for container handling equipment. Ports such as port of Shanghai in China, which has experienced exponential growth in container handling has implemented automated cranes, robotic systems, and advanced tracking technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times. These advancements have helped Shanghai maintain its position as a key gateway for international trade.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to key players offering a diverse range of container handling solutions, including cranes, straddle carriers, and forklifts, the market experiences sustained growth. Innovations, such as automated systems and electrification, enhance operational efficiency. Major ports and terminals in the United States and Canada heavily invest in modernizing their container handling infrastructure, reflecting the industry's commitment to meeting increasing demands and optimizing supply chain logistics.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in the Container Handling Equipment Market include Ambergate Invest Sverige AB, Anhui Heli, Cargotec Corporation, China Communications Construction Company, Ltd., CVS Ferrari, Hoist Liftruck, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Kalmar, Konecranes, Liebherr, Linde Material Handling GmbH, PALFINGER AG, Sany, Tadano Ltd., Taylor Machine Works, Inc, Terex Corporation , Toyota Industries Corporation and ZPMC

Key Developments:

In January 2024, Sony Corporation announced development of an immersive spatial content creation system, which includes an XR head-mounted display equipped with high-quality 4K OLED Microdisplays*2.

In December 2024, CVS FERRARI signs a new distribution agreement with CLS for products and services in Italy. According to the agreement CLS will be distributing the CVS products and associated services in the territory of Italy.

In November 2023, Taylor Group of Louisville, Mississippi, announces the acquisition of eighty-five percent of the shares of CVS Ferrari (CVS) from NEIP III and BP. The mission of the Taylor Group (Taylor) has been to provide customers with the highest quality products worldwide and back them up with the most responsive after-market service organization available.

Equipment Types Covered:

• Forklift Truck
• Mobile Harbor Crane
• Stacking Crane
• Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane
• Straddle Carriers
• Terminal Tractors
• Automated Guided Vehicles
• Conveyor System
• Other Equipment Types

Propulsion Types Covered:

• Diesel
• Electric
• Hybrid
• LNG-Powered
• Other Propulsion Types

Lifting Capacities Covered:

• Less than 50 ton
• 50-100 ton
• More than 100 ton

Applications Covered:

• Rail Cargo
• Air Load
• Marine Cargo
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Ports & Terminals
• Shipping Industry
• Logistics
• Airports
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances