• Feb 19, 2025
• News

Ship to Shore Crane Selection Considerations

The main considerations when choosing a ship to shore crane include: lifting capacity, reach, speed, efficiency, automation level and many other factors.

Think about a port. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Probably those giant, towering cranes looming over the ships, right? Those are Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, and they're absolutely vital to keeping global trade moving. If you're running a port or planning to upgrade one, picking the right STS cranes is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Choosing an STS crane is a significant investment, with several factors to consider. You need to think about what kind of ships you'll be handling, how quickly you need to move cargo, how long you want the crane to last, and a whole bunch of technical stuff too. Get it properly, and your port will prosper. Get it wrong, and you could face delays, extra costs, and a whole lot of headaches.

Capacity and Reach: Matching the Crane to the Ships

First and foremost, you must determine the kind of ships that will pass through your port. Are you anticipating big mega-ships, or do you handle smaller, regional vessels? The crane capacity and lifting height are the most important factors in determining what kind of ships your STS crane can handle. It's like making sure you have a vehicle large enough to handle the weight; if your crane isn't up to the task, you're trapped.

Load Capacity: Handling the Heaviest Boxes

When we talk about capacity, we're talking about how much weight the crane can lift safely. For STS cranes, this is usually measured as the combined weight of the container and the spreader (that's the special bit that grabs onto the container). Think about those standard 40-foot containers – they can be loaded up pretty heavy. Industry standard often uses around 30.5 tons as a benchmark for a 40-foot container's maximum gross weight.

But here's the thing: you don't just want a crane that barely handles the weight. You want some wiggle room. Most STS cranes you see in ports today are built to lift around 40.5 tons or even 37.5 tons as a standard, just to be safe and handle a variety of loads. And with newer crane designs and twin-lift spreaders becoming more common, some can even handle two 20-foot containers at once! That really boosts efficiency.

So, when you're looking at crane capacity, consider:

• Maximum expected container weight: What's the heaviest cargo you anticipate handling? Don't just think about today, but also about potential future cargo types.

• Spreader weight: Remember to factor in the weight of the spreader itself when considering the crane's total lifting capacity.

• Future demand: Think a bit bigger than your immediate needs. Ports evolve, and ship sizes tend to increase. A crane with a bit of extra capacity can save you from needing to upgrade again sooner than you'd like.

Lifting Height

It's not just about weight; it's about reach, too. Modern container ships stack containers pretty high, both above and below deck. Your STS crane needs to be tall enough to reach the very top containers stacked on deck, even when the ship is sitting high in the water (lightly loaded). Conversely, it also needs to be able to reach deep down into the ship's hold to grab those bottom containers, especially when the ship is fully loaded and sitting lower in the water. And remember, tide levels change, so you need to account for that vertical movement as well.

Historically, STS cranes have evolved to handle taller and taller ships. First generation cranes could lift around 18-20 meters high, but fast forward to today's fourth generation cranes and you're looking at lift heights pushing 42 meters and beyond! That vertical reach is crucial for servicing those massive modern vessels.

When considering lifting height, ask yourself:

• Maximum ship size: What's the tallest ship you expect to handle? Think about the number of container tiers both on deck and in the hold.

• Tidal range: What's the variation in water level at your port due to tides? Your crane needs to cope with the lowest and highest water levels.

• Future vessel trends: Ship designs are always evolving. Will ships calling at your port get even taller in the future? Plan ahead for potential increases in vessel height.

Speed and Efficiency

Time is money in the port business. The faster you can load and unload ships, the quicker they can get back out to sea, and the more ships you can process overall. Operational speed and efficiency are absolutely key to a port's success. STS cranes are built for speed, but there are different aspects of speed to consider.

Hoisting Speed

The hoisting speed is how quickly the crane can lift and lower the containers. Faster hoisting speeds directly translate to quicker loading and unloading cycles. Think about it: every container has to go up and down. Shaving seconds off each lift adds up to significant time savings over hundreds or thousands of container moves.

You'll often see STS cranes advertised with both a "laden" (loaded container) hoisting speed and an "unladen" (empty spreader) hoisting speed. Naturally, the unladen speed will be much faster because the crane isn't lifting a heavy load. For example, a standard crane might hoist a loaded container at 35-40 meters per minute, but zip the empty spreader up at 70-90 meters per minute! High-speed cranes can push those numbers even higher – 50 meters per minute loaded and a whopping 120 meters per minute unladen! Those high speeds really ramp up productivity, allowing ports to handle 30-35 containers per hour or even more per crane.

When looking at hoisting speed, consider:

• Cycle time targets: How many container moves per hour are you aiming for?

• Load types: If you're handling mostly lighter cargo, faster unladen hoisting speeds become even more important.

• Energy consumption: Higher speeds can sometimes mean higher energy use.

Trolley Speed

The trolley is the part of the crane that runs horizontally along the boom, carrying the container in and out over the ship. A faster trolley speed means less time spent moving the container horizontally, which also cuts down on the overall cycle time. The trolley travel distance on an STS crane can be around 40 meters or so, and the time it takes to move across that distance adds up. Improving trolley speed is a direct way to shorten the whole container handling process.

Just like with hoisting speed, trolley speeds have increased over time. Standard STS cranes might have trolley speeds of 120-125 meters per minute, while high-speed models can reach 150 meters per minute. And if you really want to push the limits, some cranes are designed for trolley speeds even faster than that! However, faster trolley speeds can introduce more sway in the load, so you often need advanced sway control systems to make those speeds practical and safe, especially above around 140 meters per minute.

When evaluating trolley speed, think about:

• Desired cycle time: Also important are your container loading and unloading volume goals. Faster speeds will usually make your loading and unloading more efficient.

• Sway control: If you opt for very high trolley speeds, ensure the crane has effective sway control technology to maintain safety and precision.

Automation

With the development of technology, automation is no longer a plot in science fiction, and automated ports have been the direction of development for many ports in recent years. Automated and semi-automated STS cranes are becoming more and more common. Automation can boost efficiency by:

• Consistent speeds: Automated systems can maintain optimal speeds consistently, without the slight variations you might see with manual operation.

• Reduced human error: Automation minimizes the chance of mistakes, leading to smoother, faster cycles.

• Extended operating hours: Automated cranes can potentially operate for longer hours, even around the clock in some cases, further increasing port throughput.

• Remote operation: Remote operation, a form of semi-automation, allows operators to control cranes from comfortable control centers, potentially improving ergonomics and allowing for more efficient operator allocation.

Considering automation involves thinking about:

• Level of automation: Do you want semi-automation to assist operators, remote operation, or full automation? Each level has different investment and operational implications.

• Initial investment vs. long-term gains: Automation usually means a higher upfront cost, but the long-term gains in efficiency and reduced labor costs can be substantial.

Durability and Maintenance: Investing for the Long Haul

STS cranes are massive, complex pieces of machinery, and they represent a significant investment. You're not just buying a crane for today; you're buying it for decades of service. Durability and maintenance requirements are therefore critical considerations. You want cranes that are built to last and easy to keep running smoothly.

Build Quality: Built to Endure

Port environments are tough. Cranes are exposed to salt air, harsh weather, constant heavy lifting, and continuous operation. The build quality of an STS crane is paramount for its longevity. You need to look for cranes made with high-quality materials and robust construction.

You should consider the following factors:

• Steel quality: Are the structural components made from high-grade steel that can withstand constant stress and fatigue?

• Welding quality: Are the welds strong and durable, able to hold up under heavy loads and vibrations?

• Corrosion protection: What kind of coatings and treatments are used to protect against rust and corrosion in the marine environment? This is crucial for a long lifespan.

• Component quality: Are critical components like motors, gearboxes, and control systems sourced from reputable manufacturers known for reliability?

Maintenance Accessibility

Even the best-built cranes need maintenance. Routine checks, lubrication, inspections, and occasional repairs are all part of keeping an STS crane operational. Cranes should be designed with ease of maintenance so that components can be inspected more easily and crane downtime minimized.

Consider:

• Access platforms and walkways: Are there well-designed platforms and walkways that allow maintenance crews to safely and easily reach key areas of the crane?

• Component layout: Is the layout of components logical and accessible, or are things crammed together making maintenance difficult? Yuantai's cranes are modular in design, so if a part is damaged it can be quickly replaced, saving costs and making it simple and convenient.

• Lubrication points: Are lubrication points easily accessible and clearly marked?

• Diagnostic systems: Does the crane have onboard diagnostic systems that can help maintenance crews quickly identify and troubleshoot issues?

Supplier Support

Choosing a crane supplier isn't just a one-time transaction; it's building a long-term partnership. You'll rely on the supplier for spare parts, technical support, maintenance assistance, and potentially upgrades over the crane's lifespan. Supplier support is a critical factor. Yuantai has been in the crane industry for decades, we are a subsidiary of Dongqi Group, which has decades of experience in crane production and has strong production strength.

Conclusion

Buying a lighter crane is not a simple decision, due to the high cost, you usually need to consider many factors. This article briefly describes some of the considerations, involving specific needs and related details need to be followed up to determine the communication. If you want to know more information, you can always contact us to tell us your needs and contact information, our professionals can solve any problem you have.