Container Handling Gantry Crane Solutions for Ports and Terminals

Container handling gantry cranes (commonly known as container yard cranes) are heavy-duty lifting equipment specifically designed for efficient loading, unloading, stacking, and horizontal transfer of standard containers in container yards, inland terminals, and similar facilities. With a rated lifting capacity typically ranging from 30.5 to 50 tons, it can stack containers up to five layers high and span six rows. Customized designs are available to meet specific site conditions and operational requirements.
Important Parameters
  • Lifting Capacity: 5–80 tons
  • Working Radius: 15–45 meters
  • Lifting Height: 10–45 meters
  • Working Class: A5–A7

Product Introduction

Weihua provides comprehensive solutions for container handling gantry cranes, meeting diverse operational requirements at ports, terminals, and container yards. We offer standard models tailored to varying operational intensities, site conditions, automation levels, and investment budgets, while also delivering scalable, integrated custom solutions to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable cargo handling for port projects.

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Types
Parts
Working Principle

Types of Container Handling Gantry Cranes

Weihua supplies a full range of container handling gantry cranes, supporting multiple spans, lifting capacities, stacking heights, and power configurations to meet the diverse demands of modern ports and logistics centers. Whether manual operation, semi-automated, or fully automated systems, we provide customized designs based on your throughput, yard layout, and operational strategy. Contact us today for a tailored container gantry crane solution to enhance port and yard operational efficiency.

Hybrid Power RTG Crane

RTG Crane for Container Handling

RTG crane features multiple sets of rubber tires for mobility without requiring track installation, enabling flexible cross-yard operations. Ideal for transshipment terminals and multipurpose port areas with variable yard layouts, frequent operational scheduling, or seeking to reduce initial civil engineering investment.

Lifting Capacity: 40–50 tons
Span: 6+1 to 8+1 container rows
Stacking Height: 1-over-5 to 1-over-6 containers
Power Supply: Diesel generator set or hybrid / electric (E-RTG)

Container Handling Gantry Crane

RMG Crane for Container Terminal

RMG crane operates along fixed rails, delivering high positioning accuracy and low energy consumption. Easily integrates with automation and remote control systems, offering superior long-term operational cost advantages. The ideal choice for high-throughput, specialized container terminals seeking stable, high-efficiency yard operations.

Lifting Capacity: 40–65 tons
Span: 20–40 meters
Stacking Height: 1-over-6 to 1-over-8 containers
Power Supply: Grid power with cable reel or conductor rail system

Straddle Carrier Crane

Straddle Carrier Crane

A Straddle Carrier Crane is a highly flexible container handling solution designed for fast horizontal transport and stacking of containers within ports and container terminals. It can independently pick up, carry, and stack containers without additional lifting equipment, making it ideal for terminals that require high operational flexibility, rapid container turnover, and direct container transfer between quay cranes, yards, and trucks. Straddle carriers are widely used in medium- to high-throughput terminals and can be configured for diesel, hybrid, or fully electric operation to meet efficiency and emission requirements.

Lifting Capacity: 40–50 tons
Stacking Height: 1-over-2 to 1-over-3 containers
Traveling Speed: up to 25–30 km/h (unladen)
Power Supply: Diesel, hybrid, or fully electric drive system

Components of a Container Handling Gantry Crane

double-girder gantry crane parts

Main Beam Structure: High-strength box-type main frame providing span support and overall load-bearing capacity.

Lifting Mechanism: Core hoisting device responsible for vertical container handling and precise positioning.

Trolley System: Moves laterally along the main beam, driving the lifting device for accurate lateral travel.

Gantry Travel Mechanism: Drives the entire unit along ground tracks for longitudinal movement, enabling relocation within the yard.

Power Supply System: Provides continuous electricity to the entire machine via conductor rails or cable reels.

Control System: Intelligent operational hub enabling automated operation and coordinated control.

Safety System: Integrates multiple protective devices to ensure equipment and operational safety.

How a Container Handling Gantry Crane Works

First, the crane is precisely positioned above the target container through gantry traverse and trolley movement. Subsequently, the lifting device locks onto the container and vertically lifts it to a safe height. The crane then traverses horizontally along the gantry or trolley rails, relocating the container to the designated storage or transfer position. Upon reaching the target location, the container is lowered gently and set down onto the ground, a truck, or a rail car. Finally, the crane returns to its starting position or the next work point, completing the cycle and preparing for the next task.

 

 

RTG vs RMG, Which Container Gantry Crane Do You Need?

Selecting the appropriate Container Gantry Crane requires comprehensive consideration of yard layout, throughput requirements, automation objectives, and long-term operational strategies. For specific details, please refer to the table below:

Comparison ItemRTG Crane (Rubber Tyred Gantry)RMG Crane (Rail Mounted Gantry)
StructureGantry crane on rubber tires; no fixed rails required; flexible traveling across yard blocksGantry crane running on fixed rails; rigid structure with high positional accuracy
ApplicationMulti-purpose terminals, feeder ports, and yards with flexible layouts or limited civil worksHigh-throughput container terminals with fixed yard layouts and long-term operation plans
MobilityHigh mobility; can move between different container blocksLimited mobility; operates within dedicated rail-mounted blocks
Automation LevelManual, remote, or semi-automated operationIdeal for semi-automated and fully automated terminals
Energy EfficiencyDiesel, hybrid, or electric RTG; higher energy use during frequent travelFully electric drive; lower energy consumption and emissions
Operational StabilityGood stability; performance affected by tire condition and ground qualityExcellent stability due to rail guidance
Typical Lifting Capacity40–50 tons (under spreader)40–65 tons (under spreader)
Span / Container Rows6+1 to 8+1 rows6+1 to 10+1 rows (customized)
Stacking Height1-over-5 to 1-over-6 containers1-over-6 to 1-over-8 containers
Initial InvestmentLower initial infrastructure costHigher initial civil and rail investment
Long-Term OPEXHigher fuel and maintenance cost over timeLower operating and maintenance cost in long-term use
Best Fit ForTerminals prioritizing flexibility and fast deploymentTerminals prioritizing efficiency, automation, and long-term ROI

How to choose the right container handling solution?

If your terminal requires flexible operations, minimal infrastructure, and rapid commissioning, RTG cranes are typically the preferred choice. If your project prioritizes high throughput, automation, energy efficiency, and long-term operational stability, RMG cranes are the optimal solution.

Our engineering team can assess your container flow, yard layout, and future expansion plans to recommend the most cost-effective and scalable solution. Contact us today for a customized solution and quote!

Application

Container handling cranes serve as core equipment in modern ports, rail hubs, and logistics centers, primarily responsible for efficiently and safely transferring and stacking containers between ships, trains, trucks, and storage yards. Below are common application scenarios:

Port Gantry Crane Operations: Deployed at the front of container terminals, these cranes unload containers from ocean-going vessels onto the dock or load containers from the dock onto ships, serving as the critical interface between maritime and land transportation.

Railway Container Yard Operations: At freight stations or container centers, they facilitate container transfers between rail flatcars and trucks or yards, enabling sea-rail and road-rail intermodal transport.

Container Yard Handling and Stacking: At port hinterlands or inland yards, these operations involve container sorting, storage, retrieval, and transfer to optimize yard space utilization and access efficiency.

Automated Container Terminal Operations: At fully or semi-automated terminals, remote-controlled or fully automated crane systems (such as double-girder gantry cranes and automated rail-mounted gantry cranes) perform high-efficiency, continuous operations with minimal or no human intervention.

Projects Show

Custom Container Gantry Cranes

Please provide the following information to help us quickly plan a solution for you:

  • Lifting Capacity: Maximum weight to be lifted (e.g., 40 tons) and container sizes handled (e.g., 20-foot/40-foot).
  • Span: Distance between two tracks, determining coverage range.
  • Lifting Height: Height from ground to highest point of lifting device, determining stackable container layers.
  • Power Requirements: Available voltage and frequency at the site (e.g., 380V/50Hz).
  • Operating Environment: Indoor/outdoor location, temperature, wind speed, and other basic conditions.
  • Special Requirements: Need for automation, remote control, or other specific functions.
  • Container handling gantry crane prices start from USD 45,000 and can reach USD 50,000 depending on configuration and operating conditions

For detailed discussions or inquiries, feel free to contact us anytime. We will immediately connect you with a professional engineer!

Get Custom Quotation Now
RTG Crane Diagram

Container Gantry Crane Manufacturer and Supplier

As a globally leading manufacturer of container handling gantry crane equipment and full-process service provider, Weihua Group has dedicated 37 years to the industry, specializing in delivering one-stop container handling crane solutions encompassing design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. We are not merely equipment manufacturers but your reliable partner in enhancing logistics efficiency.

Weihua offers customized production of container gantry cranes in various track gauges, tonnages, and automation levels. We provide the most valuable personalized solutions tailored to your specific site conditions, operational workflows, and future development needs.

If you are planning a new container handling project or upgrading existing equipment, please contact our professional sales and engineering team immediately. Let us understand your requirements in detail and tailor the optimal solution for you.

Weihua Crane Factory

FAQS

What is a Container Handling Gantry Crane?

A Container Handling Gantry Crane is a specialized crane designed for loading, unloading, and stacking shipping containers at ports, terminals, and logistics centers. Ideal for handling 20ft, 40ft, and oversized containers.

What industries use container handling gantry cranes?

These cranes are widely used in shipping ports, freight terminals, intermodal yards, and large warehouses for efficient container transport.

What lifting capacity do container gantry cranes have?

Standard lifting capacities range from 20 to 100 tons, with higher-capacity cranes available for heavy-duty container operations. Custom lifting solutions can be provided based on your project requirements.

What factors should I consider when choosing a container gantry crane?

Consider lifting capacity, span width, rail gauge, working environment (indoor/outdoor), and safety features. For coastal ports, corrosion-resistant materials are recommended.

Are your industrial container gantry cranes suitable for coastal or tropical regions?

Yes, we provide corrosion-resistant coatings and weatherproof designs suitable for humid, salty, or tropical environments. Ideal for ports and terminals worldwide.

Do you offer installation and after-sales support?

Yes, we provide turnkey solutions, including installation, commissioning, operator training, and worldwide maintenance support.

Can container gantry cranes be customized?

Absolutely. We offer custom span widths, lifting heights, automation options, and material choices to match specific container handling needs.

After-Sales Service

Weihua, founded in 1988, has evolved into a global leader in China's intelligent manufacturing field. We specialize in smart crane R&D and production while offering AGV solutions. Our professional engineering, delivery, and after-sales teams provide one-stop technical support, customized solutions, on-site installation guidance, and rapid-response global services to ensure every project operates safely and efficiently.

Global Technical Support Team
Delivering remote guidance, on-site commissioning, and operator training to ensure rapid equipment deployment.
Comprehensive Spare Parts & Supply Chain System
Maintaining long-term inventory of critical components to guarantee swift delivery and sustained maintenance.
One-Stop After-Sales Service
Providing end-to-end professional support from installation and commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance Programs
Equipping clients with maintenance manuals to extend crane lifespan and reduce failure rates.
Looking for a reliable crane manufacturer? Weihua will be your trusted partner! Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your project requirements, receive technical advice from our professional engineering team, and obtain a customized quote. Let Weihua leverage its proven manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive service system to deliver efficient, safe crane solutions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure your project's success!

Customize Your Lifting Solutions

Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.

Please specify your requirement by referring to the following aspects:
  • Which crane product do you need?
  • What is the maximum lifting capacity (in tons) required for your project?
  • Could you specify the lifting height (in meters) needed?
  • Can you provide details on the working environment, such as ground conditions, space limitations, and any obstacles?
  • What is the expected frequency of use and the duration of the project?
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related products

Boat Lifting Crane for Ports and Harbors
  • Lifting Capacity: 10–1200+ tons
  • Span/Inner Width: 6–20 m
  • Lifting Height: Customizable 5–40 m
  • Travel Speed: 0.1–0.5 m/s
Portal Slewing Crane for Port Cargo Handling
  • Lifting Capacity: 5–80 tons
  • Working Radius: 15–45 meters
  • Lifting Height: 10–45 meters
  • Working Class: A5–A7
Rail Mounted Container Gantry Crane
  • Lifting Capacity: 20–65t
  • Span: 18–40m
  • Stacking Height: 3–6 layers
  • Lifting Height: 8–20m

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