Container gantry cranes are specialized lifting machines designed to handle and move shipping containers in ports, intermodal terminals, and container yards. Here are some of the main applications of container gantry cranes:
Loading and unloading cargo ships: Container gantry cranes are used to load and unload shipping containers from cargo ships. They can reach high above the ship’s deck and stack containers several rows high.
Transferring containers between different modes of transportation: Container gantry cranes are used to transfer shipping containers between cargo ships, trucks, and trains in intermodal terminals.
Stacking and retrieving containers: Container gantry cranes can stack containers in container yards and retrieve specific containers for loading onto trucks or trains.
Moving oversized or irregularly shaped cargo: Container gantry cranes can also be used to lift and move oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot be easily handled by other types of equipment.
Maintenance and repair: Container gantry cranes are also used for maintenance and repair tasks such as replacing light bulbs, repairing equipment, and cleaning.
Overall, gantry cranes play a critical role in the movement of shipping containers and other cargo in intermodal facilities, ports, and container yards. They enable efficient and safe handling of cargo, helping to keep global trade flowing smoothly.
Different Types of Container Gantry Cranes
There are different types of container gantry cranes designed for different applications, configurations, and operational requirements. Here are some of the most common types of container gantry cranes:
Ship-to-shore (STS) container gantry cranes: These are the largest and most powerful container gantry cranes designed to handle containers on and off large cargo ships. They are typically installed on a quay and can reach over the ship’s deck to lift containers from the hold and place them on the dock or vice versa. STS cranes can handle multiple containers at once, and they come in different sizes and lifting capacities to accommodate different ship sizes and volumes.
Rubber-tired gantry (RTG) container gantry cranes: These are mobile container gantry cranes with rubber tires that can move around container yards and intermodal terminals. Rubber tyred gantry cranes typically have a smaller lifting capacity compared to STS cranes but are more flexible and can handle containers in smaller spaces.
Rail-mounted gantry (RMG) container gantry cranes: These are container gantry cranes that run on tracks and are designed to handle containers in rail yards and intermodal terminals. RMG rail mounted gantry cranes are typically larger than RTG cranes but smaller than STS cranes and can lift containers from rail cars and stack them in storage yards.
Straddle carrier gantry cranes: These are specialized container gantry cranes that are used to transport containers horizontally on the ground. Straddle carriers can move containers between different modes of transportation, such as from the port to the rail yard or trucking depot.
Overall, container gantry cranes come in different configurations and types, each designed to handle different applications and operational requirements. The selection of the right type of container gantry crane depends on factors such as the size of the cargo, the volume of containers, and the layout of the terminal or yard.