Types of Cranes Used in Container Shipping and Logistics

Cranes play a key role across many industries, but perhaps one of the sectors that most heavily relies on these machines is the container shipping sector. Cranes are of utmost importance in the container shipping and logistics industry, where they are used for loading and unloading containers from ships, lorries and railcars. Container lifting cranes make the handling of containers faster and more efficient, and reduce the time taken for cargo to reach its destination. With the growth of global trade, the demand for shipping container cranes has increased, leading to the development of various types of cranes designed for specific tasks within the container shipping and logistics sector.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of cranes used in container shipping and logistics and how they can be used to effectively move containers.

Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are a common type of shipping container crane, although they are perhaps seen more frequently in industrial manufacturing settings. The crane consists of an overhead trolley, which is connected to a hoist. The trolley moves along the bridge. Overhead cranes are typically used for loading and unloading containers from trucks and railcars, as well as for stacking containers.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are frequently used in container yards, where containers are stored before being shipped to their final destinations. Container gantry cranes run on tracks that are mounted on the ground and use an overhead bridge to move containers from one location to another. They are best suited to large yards and can handle containers of various sizes, including 20-foot and 40-foot containers.

Gantry cranes come in two types: rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) and rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). RMGs run on rails that are fixed to the ground, whilst RTGs run on rubber wheels and can move on concrete surfaces. RMGs are more stable and can handle heavy loads, whilst RTGs are more flexible and can move in different directions, making them ideal for stacking containers in tight spaces. They use hydraulic and electrical systems to lift and move containers and can be operated by one operator.

Ship-to-Shore Cranes

Ship-to-shore cranes (STS) are used to load and unload containers from ships. These container lifting cranes are located at terminals and are designed to handle containers of various sizes and weights. They use a combination of hydraulic and electrical systems to move containers from ships to the terminal and vice versa.

STS cranes come in two types: mobile harbour cranes and fixed cranes. Mobile harbour cranes are mounted on rubber tyres and can move from one ship to another, whilst fixed cranes are permanently installed at the terminal and cannot move from their location. Fixed cranes are larger and can handle heavy loads, whilst mobile harbour cranes are more flexible and can be used in different locations around a site.

Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are used for various tasks within the container shipping and logistics sector, including loading and unloading containers from ships, lorries and railcars. These vehicle-mounted cranes consist of a telescopic boom and a cabin, mounted on rubber tyres. This provides them with the versatility of being driven from one location to another. Mobile cranes are best suited to small yards and can handle containers of various sizes. They are flexible and can move in different directions, making them ideal for stacking containers in tight spaces. Because mobile cranes are versatile and can be repositioned, these cranes are also ideal for carrying out structural repairs, for construction and infrastructure tasks and for jobs that require flexibility.

Floating Cranes

Floating cranes are often used in ports and terminals to load and unload containers from ships. These cranes are mounted on a floating platform, which can be moved into position directly next to the ship. Floating cranes are typically used for loading and unloading containers from ships that are too big to be moved using traditional cranes. They are also used in ship building and to assemble structures at sea, such as oil platforms and wind farms.

Rail-Mounted Cranes

Rail-mounted cranes are specialised cranes that are mounted on a track and used for loading and unloading containers from railcars. These shipping container cranes are typically used in rail yards and ports.

Mobile crane hire for the logistics sector

Cranes play a critical role in the container shipping and logistics sector, and the use of different types of cranes has made the handling of containers faster and more efficient. Even though there are a great number of highly specialised options, mobile cranes can often provide a highly versatile lifting solution as an additional resource, fulfilling a number of different functions around a site.

If you would like to learn more about mobile crane hire for your site or project, speak to Emerson Cranes today. As one of the country’s most trusted crane hire companies, Emerson Cranes are highly experienced in the complexities of lifting operations in a diverse number of industries. Call us on 020 8548 3900 to discuss your mobile crane hire needs in more detail, or visit our Contact Us Page here.