Ship to shore container gantry crane

Types of ship to shore container gantry cranes

Ship to shore container gantry cranes are maritime infrastructure used primarily for loading and unloading containers. Normally, they are fixed to the quays or "shores," and their design enables them to reach out over the water, as far as the ships' berthing lines, to pick up containers from within the belly of the ship or place containers onto the ship. They are huge structures and are a vital part of modern ports' operational efficiency.

Based on their structural components, functions, and control mechanisms, ship to shore gantry cranes can be classified into several types.

• Fixed Slewing Cranes

  These cranes have a fixed horizontal boom that can be slewed (rotated) around a vertical axis. The fixed height makes it easier to stow containers in the right place on the vessel. The crane operator can then rotate the load.

• Mobile Gantry Cranes

  These are massive mobile cranes that can be moved along the quay to reposition them as required. This provides the port facility with great flexibility, so containers can be stowed or retrieved from vessels easily. These types of cranes are further classified into either rail or rubber tired vehicles.

• Double Girders

  Here, two main girders (the horizontal beams that form the top part of the crane's structure) support the crane. It makes the crane more stable, and the load-carrying capacity increases because of the extra support provided by the double girder design.

• Straddle Cranes

  These sit on two parallel rails and are designed to move over the containers and stack them as required. They are typically used in ports with a high volume of container traffic. This design facilitates the efficient movement of containers from the vessel to the hinterland.

The control mechanism of the crane determines how it is operated. Cranes can be operated either manually or in an automated fashion.

• Operator Controlled Cranes:

  These are gantry cranes that the operator controls either via cables, ropes, and buttons or through a cabin or platform situated at the top of the crane.

• Automated Controlled Cranes:

  On these types of cranes, the operator manually controls the movement of the crane, which is aided by pre-programmed software that ensures the safety and smooth operation of the crane.

Specification and Maintenance of Ship to Shore Container Gantry Cranes

The following are some specifications and the maintenance requirements of a ship to shore container gantry crane.

• Structural Components

  These components have to be inspected on all sides for cracks, deformities, or any other signs of damage or wear that could undermine structural integrity. They should also ensure that the welds used to join them are intact and fully effective.

• Operational Mechanisms

  The crane's moving parts should have enough lubrication to prevent strange noises or wearing due to friction. Regular lubrication and oil changes are crucial to maintaining the mechanisms' efficiency. The gantry crane's wheels and rails should also be cleaned regularly in order to keep debris and dirt away to prevent jamming, stuttering, or friction between the two parts.

• Electrical Systems

  The electrical parts of the crane have to be checked for signs of water damage or corrosion. Doing this helps to identify any potential issues before they can develop further. The cables connecting the crane to the power supply or control system have to be inspected regularly to prevent electrical shock.

• Identifiable Signs for Operational Quality

  Gantry crane operators should always look out for identifiable signs that indicate potential issues with the structure or mechanisms. Some of these signs include any unusual vibrations, noises, or feelings. Other signs indicative of potential issues include uneven movements and delays when changing directions or speeds.

• Hydraulic Systems

  These systems are usually prone to leakages, so operators must check them regularly for signs of any leakages. The hydraulic oil also has to be changed regularly to maintain system efficiency and longevity.

Industry Applications of Ship to Shore Container Gantry Cranes

STS cranes are essential pieces of equipment used at ports and harbors to handle containers from ships to the shore and vice versa. They serve as a bridge between the ship, the container on the dock, and the land-based transportation network. The crane is designed to load and unload containers from seagoing vessels that are typically moored alongside a quay. Artemis explains seven major uses of gantry cranes.

• Container Management: STS cranes can be used to efficiently load and unload containers from vessel hold areas to designated positions on the terminal and vice versa. The cranes ensure that containers are positioned quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the vessel is not delayed at the terminal.
• Stacking and Storage: The STS crane is designed to stack containers high and with precision on the terminal side. Containers can then be stored in an optimal way on the terminal side for further dispatch.
• Intermodal Connectivity: The STS crane can be used to connect different modes of transport (trains and trucks) at the terminal to ensure seamless transit for cargo. The containers can be transferred to/from trucks and trains with high efficiency.
• Vessel Types: The STS crane can be used to manage different types of vessels, from Panamax to Super Post-Panamax, depending on the size of the ship and the width of the harbor.
• Automation and Safety: Automation and safety are paramount when it comes to STS cranes. Most modern cranes are equipped with various sensors that can be used to monitor load weight, crane positioning, and container identification. These features help to prevent accidents and ensure the safe handling of containers.
• Health Monitoring: Crane health monitoring systems can also be used to ensure that the payload monitoring system and the crane itself are available and ready for use. These monitoring systems can schedule preventive maintenance and help diagnose any issues with the crane before they become serious.
• Energy Efficiency: The STS crane is an energy-efficient crane that is typically used in ports located near the open sea. The crane's energy consumption is usually lower than when it is used in an inland port, and energy recovery systems may be present in the crane to recover braking energy during operation.

How to choose ship to shore container gantry cranes

When investing in STS cranes, several factors are crucial. The type of ship-to-shore crane may depend on the nature of the cargo, docking facilities, and the need for efficiency. In this case, balancing capacity and efficiency is important. Selecting a crane with the right capacity and design can minimize operational costs. A stationary crane would normally be connected to the port infrastructure. This is ideal for areas with a stable power supply, while mobile cranes are more flexible and can operate in different locations.

Maintenance requirements are crucial for ensuring long-term reliability and safety. Regular inspections and repairs allow for small issues to be fixed beforehand, reducing material costs, downtime, and accidents. It's best to choose a crane that is easy to maintain. As with any heavy-duty crane, operator safety is paramount, thus, seller due diligence is necessary. This involves checking the crane's design and safety features. A fully enclosed cabin with climate control is ideal for protecting the operator from harsh weather. They should also have emergency stop buttons and anti-collision systems, among others. The operator's comfort and control are important, thus, the crane should have user-friendly control interfaces and good visibility.

Port operations require the smooth coordination of several teams to ensure vessels are unloaded and loaded quickly. Consequently, the gantry crane must be able to communicate and work well with other port equipment and systems. Consider the supplier's reputation and history. Products with advanced technological features tend to be more expensive, thus, financial capacity will play an important role in determining the type of crane that can be sourced. Consider getting a container gantry crane that has advanced features but remains within a port's budget capacity.

Whether its vessel’s height, weight, or other factors, technical specifications are important for determining the crane's capacity to handle different types of ships. It is, therefore, important to identify the critical factors that must be accommodated as this will inform the final choice of the crane. In addition, the capacity of the port and projected growth should inform the decision as well.

Ship to shore container gantry crane Q & A

Q: What are the trends in gantry cranes?

A: The trends of the gantry crane market show great performance and the future growth of the gantry crane are lifting.

Q: What is the STS crane’s height?

A: The size of the ship-to-shore crane height is usually 50m-80m.

Q: How many types of gantry cranes are there?

A: The most common kinds of gantry cranes used in various industries are generally divided into two types, including the full gantry crane and the half gantry crane.

A: Additionally, the full gantry crane and the half gantry crane have their own variations, such as the speed regulated gantry crane, the outdoor gantry crane, and more.