Ship-to-shore gantry crane is called STS or QC Crane, which is constituted by steel structure, lifting mechanism, pitching mechanism, tilting mechanism, crane traveling mechanism, trolley traveling mechanism, machine room, spreader, electrical equipment, necessary safety devices and other accessories. It is used to unload the container directly from the ship to the dock or the truck, or load it from the dock or the truck to the ship.

Ship-to-Shore (STS) Container Crane – Product Overview & Applications

Product Introduction

The Ship-to-Shore (STS) Container Crane, also known as a Port Gantry Crane or STS Gantry Crane, is a heavy-duty lifting machine designed for efficient loading and unloading of shipping containers between vessels and docks. These cranes are a critical component of modern port infrastructure, enabling fast, high-capacity cargo handling for global trade.

Key Features:

• High Lifting Capacity (typically 50–100+ tons)

• Long Boom Reach (up to 70m to service mega-ships)

• Automated & Remote-Controlled Options (improving efficiency and safety)

• Rail-Mounted Movement (for smooth operation along the quay)

• Dual-Container Handling (some advanced models can lift two 20ft containers simultaneously)

Ship-to-shore gantry crane is used to unload the container directly from the ship to the dock or the truck, or load it from the dock or the truck to the ship.

Primary Applications – Where STS Cranes Are Used

STS cranes are specialized for maritime logistics and are most commonly found in:

A. Container Terminals (Ports & Harbors)

• Loading/Unloading Mega Container Ships (e.g., Maersk Triple-E class)

• Transferring Containers to Yard Cranes or Trucks

• Supporting Intermodal Transport (ship-to-rail/truck logistics)

B. Logistics & Freight Hubs

• Major Trade Gateways (e.g., Singapore, Rotterdam, Los Angeles ports)

• Free Trade Zones & Transshipment Hubs

C. Marine & Offshore Support

• Handling Heavy Project Cargo (e.g., wind turbine parts, oil rig modules)

• Military & Naval Logistics (supply base operations)

  
  

  
  

Secondary & Niche Applications

While STS cranes are not typically used in industries like mining or manufacturing, they may support:

• Bulk Material Ports (if handling containerized bulk goods)

• Energy Sector Ports (e.g., LNG terminals with containerized shipments)

• Heavy Industry Export Zones (e.g., steel coils in containers)