STS Container Crane

What Is A STS Container Crane?

The STS container crane (also namely Ship-to-Shore Container Crane) is a key quayside equipment used in port operations for loading and unloading container ships. It has the lifting speed of 50-90m/min and the crane traveling speed of 45m/min. It mainly performs vertical lift and lowering as well as horizontal handling between ships and docks.

Operation Process

The STS container crane is suitable for loading and unloading container ships. Their massive boom structure spans the ship's deck. Then the STS crane precisely lifts containers to the dock or onto a container truck. The whole operation process includes:

1. Ship docking: The crane moves along rails to the designated berth. And the boom extended to cover the ship's deck at the same time.
2. Container handling: The crane's lifting device locks the container's corners with twist locks. Thus it ensures stable lifting using hydraulic or electric systems.
3. Horizontal handling: The crane's trolley moves along the main beam rails and transport containers from the ship's side to the dock's edge.
4. Precision placement: Laser positioning or visual recognition systems accurately place containers on the truck or in the yard.

Structures of STS Container Crane

STS container crane consists of main girder, lifting mechanism and trolley system. The main girder includes a front luffing jib and a backstay. The front luffing boom can be pitched or extended for various ship operations. The backstay balances counterweights, and its length can be tailored according to dock design to cover the berth. At the ends of the main girder, crane legs support the structure for stability. The lifting mechanism uses wire ropes and pulleys to hoist containers. An electric trolley moves horizontally along rails on the main girder to position the spreader.

The central structure is supported by sea-side and land-side columns and it forms a frame above trucks and ships. The portal beam links the main girder and enables the pitching of the luffing boom through an articulation system. The cabin control room, typically beneath the gantry, provides a good view; in automated cranes, it can be substituted by sensors and cameras.

The lower structure contains a walking mechanism and foundation support. The crane moves on ground-level tracks, powered by a motor, and windproof devices guarantee stability in strong winds. The power supply system adopts cable reels or sliding contact wires for uninterrupted operation.

The design takes efficiency and safety into account. The STS container crane can satisfy the requirements of super-large container ships and is crucial for modern ports.

Advantages of STS Container Crane

1. Efficient loading and unloading capability

• High-speed operation: lifting speed (50-90m/min) and crane walking speed (45m/min) ensure fast turnover.
• Large span coverage: The STS crane's span covers more than 70m to cover large container ships.
• Double box spreader: Advanced container crane supports simultaneous lifting of double 40-foot containers, increasing efficiency by more than 50%.

2. Structural adaptability and stability

• Pitchable/retractable front beam: folded when not working (reduce wind resistance and dock space occupation) and extend to the side of the ship during operation.
• Wind resistance design: equipped with rail clamping device, anchoring device and real-time wind speed monitoring to resist typhoons above level 12 (such as 55m/s wind speed).
• Lightweight high-strength material: The main beam adopts Q690 high-strength steel or truss structure, balancing strength and self-weight.

3. Intelligence and automation

• AI-powered TOS integration System: Laser-guided positioning (±5mm accuracy) and anti-sway technology can accurately identify container position for safe cargo handling.
• Remote control/unmanned operation: Automated terminals (such as Qingdao Port) can realize remote monitoring and unmanned operation.

4. Safety compliance & Sustainability

• Corrosion-resistant steel with ISO coatings and saltwater-proof electrical systems (IP68).
• Storm-proof design withstands winds up to Beaufort Scale 12.
• Regenerative power recovery reduces energy consumption by 25–30%.
• Redundant braking systems, overload protection, and collision avoidance sensors.
• Compliant with CE and ISO standards.

Main Application

• Large container terminal
  In the busy international container terminals, the Ship-To-Shore container crane can efficiently load and unload large containers. It significantly improves port throughput and operational efficiency.
• Multipurpose port
  Multipurpose ports need to handle a variety of cargo types, and shore bridges can flexibly respond to containers of different sizes and weights to meet diverse operating needs.
• Automated dock
  In highly automated docks, STS container crane integrates advanced control systems to achieve unmanned operation or remote monitoring. Thus the container crane improves operational accuracy and safety.
• Regional small and medium-sized marinas
  Terminals use the STS container crane to achieve efficient container loading and unloading. This can optimize resource allocation and improve the quality and efficiency of local logistics services.

Technical Parameters

Customization Options

• Spreader types: Twin-lift, telescopic or reefer-container compatible.
• Automation levels: Semi-automatic, remote-controlled or fully autonomous (AGV integration).
• Safety systems: 3D obstacle detection, automatic twistlock verification or emergency storm anchoring.

Professional Manufacturer-Dafang Crane

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