Konecranes has secured two crane modernisation contracts from Brazilian renewable energy and electricity transmission company AXIA Energia to upgrade lifting equipment at the Manso and Mascarenhas de Moraes hydroelectric power plants.

Signed in May 2026, the projects are scheduled for completion during 2027 and form part of AXIA Energia's broader programme to modernise its hydroelectric generation assets.

The scope includes the electrical and mechanical modernisation of five cranes, two overhead cranes and three gantry cranes, used for turbine maintenance and plant upgrades.

Planned improvements include new drives and motors, braking systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), upgraded control and automation systems, radio remote controls and refurbished operator cabins.

At the Mascarenhas de Moraes plant in Minas Gerais, Konecranes will modernise a 200-ton gantry crane, while four cranes at the Manso plant in Mato Grosso will also be upgraded by the end of 2027, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting long-term hydropower reliability.

"Hydropower plant modernisations place high demands on lifting equipment and its reliability. By upgrading the cranes' mechanical and control systems, we are preparing the equipment for intensive use during the turbine modernisation projects and improving its safety, reliability and availability to support the plant upgrades," said Fellipi Pereira, Senior Account Executive, Konecranes. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service