This dock crane is a type of material handling equipment specifically designed for port terminals. Dock cranes are typically installed on the port terminals' quay and are capable of quickly loading, unloading, and stacking containers. They are indispensable equipment for the dock. Next, this article will introduce you to the definition and types of dock cranes, helping you to better understand them.
What is Quay Crane?
Typically, in port and dock areas, we can see the small dock crane. The main function of this dock crane is to lift and transfer various types of cargo, such as containers, bulk goods, large mechanical components, and heavy equipment. They improve the efficiency of cargo handling, reduce operating time, and increase the throughput of ports or docks. In addition, the quay crane design varies depending on the working conditions, some are suitable for heavy cargo, while others are used for lifting standardized containers. Users can choose flexibly based on their specific needs.
Dock Crane Types
Below, I will introduce you to different types of dock cranes so that you can choose the most suitable lifting equipment.
STS Ship to Shore Container Crane
A ship-to-shore (STS) crane is a type of container handling crane equipment. The entire machine features a very long boom that can span the whole width of a ship. This STS crane is characterized by large span, high lifting height, and high working efficiency.
Specification
| Type | STS Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (Under Spreader) ton | 35 ~ 65 |
| Lifting Capacity (Under Hook) ton | 45 ~ 75 |
| Lifting Height (Above Rail) m | 25 ~ 42 |
| Lifting Height (Below Rail) m | 12 ~ 20 |
| Front Outreach (m) | 30 ~ 65 |
| Rear Outreach (m) | 10 ~ 25 |
| Work Duty |
A6 ~ A8 |
RTG Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane
RTG cranes use rubber tires for their running mechanism, allowing them to move freely within the yard without fixed tracks, thus providing high flexibility. This enables rapid transfer and storage of goods within the container yard.
Specification
| Type | RTG Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (ton) | 35 ~ 75 |
| Base Distance(m) | 7.5 |
| Span(m) | 23.47/26 |
| Lifting Height(m) | 15.5/18.5 |
| Turning Degree(°) | 0-90 |
| Crane Travelling Speed (Full Load/Empty Load)(m/min) | 30/130 |
| Hoisting Speed (full load/empty load)(m/min) | 20/40 |
| Trolley Travelling Speed(m/min) | 70 |
Dock Portal Slewing Crane
A Dock Portal Slewing Crane is used for loading and unloading operations with a grab or hook at the front of port terminals and open-air stockpiles. It has a strong lifting capacity of tens to thousands of tons and can easily lift various
Specification
| Model | Dock Portal Slewing Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (Hook) ton | 10 ~ 80 |
| Lifting Capacity (Grab) ton | 10 ~ 40 |
| Working Range (Above the Rail Surface) m | 20 ~ 35 |
| Working Range (Below the Rail Surface) m | 10 ~ 20 |
| Lifting Speed (m/min) | 40 ~ 30 |
| Crane Travelling Speed (m/min) | 25/30 |
| Power Suppl | 3 Phase AC 380V 50HZ |
Dock Gantry Crane
This dock gantry crane is used for lifting heavy-duty equipment and precast panels. Installed on fixed rails, they perform lifting operations using a hoisting system and hooks, and are commonly found in docks and ports.
Specification
| Type | Dock Gantry Crane |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity (Main and Aux Hook) | 50/10 ton |
| Span | 18~35 m |
| Lifting Height | 10~12 m |
| Lifting Speed | 1~8 m/min |
| Trolley Travelling Speed | 5~31 m/min |
| Crane Travelling Speed | 4~42 m/min |
| Work Duty | A5 |
RMG Rail Mounted Gantry Crane
The rail mounted gantry crane is applicable to remove, load, and unload international standard containers. RMG cranes can be integrated with automated systems, allowing for fully automated operation of the entire workflow. This equipment offers higher positioning accuracy, effectively increasing terminal stacking density and operational efficiency.
Specification
| Type | RMG Rail Mounted Gantry Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (ton) | 35 (under spreader) |
| Span (m) | 30 |
| Lifting Height | 16 |
| Lifting Speed (m/min) | 0~10 |
| Trolley Travelling Speed (m/min) | 3.4~34 |
| Crane Travelling Speed (m/min) | 2.9~29 |
| Working Duty | A6 |
| Load and Unload of Goods | 20, 40, Container |
| Spreader | Special Container Spreader |
What is a Floating Crane?
Floating cranes are installed on pontoons or floating platforms. Users primarily utilize them for lifting and transporting cargo in deep water areas or locations inaccessible from the shore. Floating cranes are buoyant, capable of moving on the water's surface, and can perform lifting operations over ships, platforms, and other marine structures.
Specification
| Type | Floating Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity (ton) | 100 ~ 200 |
| Cantilever Length (m) | 25 ~ 45 |
| Lifting Height (m) | 40 ~ 70 |
| Rotation Range (°) | 360 |
| Marine Depth (m) | 10 ~ 35 |
| Power Source | Diesel engine or electric drive |
Dock Crane Advantages
Due to their efficiency, powerful lifting capacity, flexibility, and adaptability, dock cranes have become the preferred solution for port operations. The following are some of the main advantages of dock container cranes:
High Efficiency: Users operating the dock cranes have increased port throughput by 40%.
High Lifting Capacity: The equipment is capable of lifting overweight cargo and large containers.
High Lifting Height and Large Span Design: The equipment can cover large vessels or large container yards.
Flexibility and Adaptability: RTG cranes can adapt to different operating environments.
Automation: The combination of equipment and automation systems improves positioning accuracy and safety.
Reduced Operating Costs: Automated operations reduce the need for manual labor.
Versatility: The equipment is suitable for handling containers, bulk cargo, and heavy goods.
Sustainability and Environmental Protection: The dock container crane utilizes environmentally friendly technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
Conclusion
This article is designed to help you better understand a dock crane. Whether you are looking for a custom solution to your needs or want to learn more about dock cranes, we hope to provide you with valuable reference.













