STS Crane (Ship-to-Shore Crane) is a core cargo-handling equipment in ports, specifically for container transfer between vessels and quays. Dafang Crane is a professional STS yard crane manufacturer and supplier in China. Dafang Crane provides not only high-quality cranes but also competitive quotations.
Here, this is an explanatory text about STS crane, and the content mainly includes: the definition, structure and parts, working principle, features, application, specs, price etc.
What Is STS Crane?
STS Crane achieves both vertical lifting and horizontal movement of containers, through the coordinated operation of its three major mechanisms—hoist, trolley, and gantry. Equipped with intelligent anti-sway and automatic positioning systems, precisely controlled by PLC, it combines high load capacity with operational safety.
The STS container crane is a key piece of equipment for enhancing port throughput and supporting the efficient operation of the global supply chain.
Ship-to-Shore Container Crane
STS Crane is a core loading-unloading device at container terminals. It transfers containers between large cargo ships and shore, adapting to vessels from small-size to large container ships, and serves as the critical link in seaport logistics.
Its work depends on three coordinated mechanisms:
- 1. The hoisting mechanism lifts containers vertically via wire ropes;
- 2. The trolley moves horizontally along the crane beam
- 3. The gantry travels longitudinally on dock rails.
And the telescopic spreader with twist locks fits 20ft/40ft containers for secure handling.
Yard Gantry Crane Structure and Parts
STS quayside container cranes mainly include steel, lifting structure, lifting mechanism, crane traveling mechanism, trolley traveling mechanism, machine room, lift container, spreader, electrical equipment and other necessary safety and auxiliary equipment.
The structural drawings and main components as follows:
- Main Structure: Q235/Q345 carbon structural steel, Large span and high lifting capacity.
- Traveling Machine: High load capacity, precise synchronization, adaptability to complex conditions.
- STS Crane Trolley: Efficient drive and stability design.
- Electric Room: High reliable power supply system.
- Container Spreader: Convenient operation, high efficiency.
Main Structure
Traveling Machine
Trolley
Electrical Room
Container Spreader
STS Crane Working Principle
- Power Supply: Primarily sources from the terminal grid, with standby diesel generators providing power during power outages;
- Lifting Operations: The container spreader rises or descends vertically for vertical transfer;
- Horizontal adjustment (trolley): The trolley moves horizontally along main girder, aligning the lifting gear with the container;
- Overall movement (gantry): The entire unit traverses the quay rails longitudinally via the gantry walking mechanism;
- Lifting device adaptation: It secures container corner fittings via twist locks to accommodate 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers;
- Coordinated control: PLC or variable frequency systems synchronize all mechanisms, ensuring precise, synchronized operation;
- Safety protection: Overload protection and limit switches prevent overloading or exceeding travel limits.
Differences Between STS Crane and Other Cranes
| Comparison Dimensions | Ship-to-Shore Yard Gantry Crane | Other Typical Cranes (e.g. RTG, RMG, Portal Crane) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Scenarios | Vertical container transfer between vessels and terminals | Container storage/transfer within terminal yards; Bulk cargo handling at ports; |
| Operating Position | Fixed to quay-side rails, moving only longitudinally along the track | Terminal yard; Quayside/Yard; No fixed position |
| Key Structure | Gantry main beam + trolley + hoisting mechanism, no rotating arm | Rotating boom; Telescopic boom; |
| Suitable Cargo Standard | containers (20/40 feet, etc.) | Same as containers; Coal, ore, large equipment; Various heavy loads (no fixed type) |
| Power and Efficiency | Relying on port grid power, high operational efficiency (60-100 containers/hour) | Gantry frame+Tyre-mounted travel mechanism; Diesel/Mains power (relatively low efficiency) |
What Is STS Yard Crane Used For？
STS yard gantry crane' application spreads to diverse port environments worldwide, below:
- Standard container terminal handling
Vertical lifting of containers directly from vessel hatches onto terminal trailers or to storage yards, facilitating bidirectional cargo flow for imports and exports. - Automated Terminal Intelligent Operations
Seamless integration with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) achieved through laser positioning, anti-sway systems, and PLC control. - Vessel Repair or Port Construction
Capable of handling other heavy equipment such as gantry cranes and ship sections. - Inland Waterways and Estuary Terminals
For inland ports with significant water level fluctuations, STS cranes ensure stable operation through adjustable outriggers or floating platform designs.
STS Container Crane For Sale Specification
| Main Mode | Ship-to-Shore Container Yard Crane |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 35-75 ton |
| Span | 10.5-30.48 m |
| Lifting Height | 37-62 m |
| Hook Speed | 50-180 m/min |
| Crane Operating Speed | 15 m/min |
| lifting Device | Electric Trolley |
| Lifting Speed | 15-180 m/min |
| Product Features | High degree of automation; CMS intelligent service management system; real-time monitoring of each operating status of the equipment |
| Power Supply | 380V,50HZ,3 Phase AC |
| Control mode | Manual; Semi-automatic; Automation; Remote operation |
| Safety Systems | High wind alarm; Safety dynamic scanning; Anti-sway technology |
| Inspection Standard | FEM, DIN, IEC, AWS GB |
| Work Duty | A7-A8 |
Notice: The items listed only for reference. Customizable solutions are available.
China STS Yard Cranes Quotes
| Types | Lifting Capacity | Price(USD) |
| STS Container Yard Crane | 35-75 Ton | $250000 ~ $400000, depending on specifications |
| RTG Container Yard Crane | 35-70 Ton | $230000 ~ $350000, depending on specifications |
| RMG Container Yard Crane | 10-100 Ton | $150000 ~ $500000, depending on specifications |
Conclusion
You have got a comprehensive understanding of STS cranes. And you must know how they can improve the project efficiency. You can fill out the form below to get a better quotation price.
Meanwhile, if you want to know more details about other products, like gantry cranes, overhead cranes, jib cranes or crane parts, just feel free to contact our technician and business team. They will try the best to offer you the most professional guidance and support.
