Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes are specialized cranes designed for handling container ships at the front end of container terminals. Using dedicated container spreaders, they seamlessly switch between handling bulk cargo and containers. Typically equipped with heavy-duty hooks, meet the requirements for loading and unloading heavy cargo from container ships. It can also be customized to feature dual functionality for both container handling and grab handling operations.
Important Parameters
  • Rated Lifting Capacity: 40–80 t
  • Outreach: 45–70 m
  • Backreach: 15–25 m
  • Crane Traveling Speed: 30–45 m/min

Product Introduction

Ship-to-Shore Crane (STS), also known as a quay crane or container handling crane, is a large port lifting equipment used in container terminals for loading and unloading operations. It is used to efficiently and safely load and unload containers between container ships and the dock. STS cranes typically operate along dockside tracks and feature large lifting capacities, long outreach, and high operating efficiency, making them suitable for large container ship types such as Post-Panamax and Super Post-Panamax vessels.

Types
Parts
Working Principle

Types of Ship-to-Shore Cranes

Ship to shore container cranes are typically classified based on structural design, operational capacity, and technical configuration. Common types include the following:

Rail-mounted ship-to-shore container crane

Rail-mounted ship-to-shore container crane

Rail-mounted ship-to-shore container cranes operate along dock rails, with their booms spanning berths to enable efficient container handling between ships and terminals. Featuring stable structures and extended reach, they are suitable for large container vessels and widely deployed at dedicated container terminals and medium-to-large high-throughput seaports.

  • Rated lifting capacity: 40–80 tons (under spreader)
  • Outreach distance: 45–75 meters
    Backreach distance: 15–25 meters
  • Lifting height: 40–55 meters above rail
  • Track gauge: 30–35 meters
  • Container size: 20 ft/40 ft/twin-lift
  • Operating mode: Manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic
  • Power supply: Cable reel or busbar system

 

STS Crane

Truck-mounted Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

Rubber-tyred ship-to-shore container cranes are mounted on rubber tires, eliminating the need for fixed rail infrastructure. Compared to rail-mounted cranes, they offer greater flexibility and faster deployment, suitable for small or temporary container handling operations. Widely used in: temporary docks, small ports, multi-purpose terminals, emergency or auxiliary container handling.

  • Rated lifting capacity: 20–40 tons
  • Outreach: 25–40 meters
  • Lifting height: 25–35 meters
  • Movement: Rubber tires, self-propelled
  • Container size: 20 ft/40 ft
  • Operating mode: Manual or semi-automatic
  • Power supply: Diesel generator or hybrid system

Parts of Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS) primarily consist of the following key components:

Parts of Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

Steel Structure (Gantry and Boom): Comprising the gantry, front boom, and rear boom, it bears the core structural load of the entire machine, determining the crane’s strength and stability.
Hoisting System: Consisting of the hoisting mechanism, wire ropes, drums, and lifting gear, it performs vertical lifting operations for containers.
Trolley System: Supports the lifting device and travels along the boom direction, enabling horizontal movement of containers between vessels and the terminal.
Traveling System: Wheels and rails allow the entire machine to move along the terminal quay.
Container Spreader: Used for grabbing and releasing standard containers, supporting single- or double-container operations.
Electrical & Control System: Includes drive systems, PLC control, anti-sway systems, and safety protection devices, ensuring efficient and safe equipment operation.

Working Principle

Ship to shore container crane enable efficient container handling between vessels and terminals through three fundamental movements: lifting, horizontal traversing, and overall crane travel.

During operations, the crane positions itself along the quay rail. The main gantry travel system moves the entire crane to the designated berth, while the trolley travel system moves back and forth along the boom direction, precisely positioning the lifting gear above the vessel or within the terminal work area. The hoisting system uses wire ropes and drums to drive the lifting gear, performing vertical lifting of containers to complete loading and unloading tasks. The electrical and control system coordinates all mechanisms while integrating anti-sway, positioning, and safety protection functions.

 

Specifications

Weihua offers customized designs tailored to the scale of container vessels and terminal operational requirements. Below are the primary technical specifications for common STS cranes.

Specifications of Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

ItemTypical Specifications
Rated Lifting Capacity65 t (single lift), up to 80 t (twin lift)
Outreach65–70 m
Container Rows Covered22–24 rows or more
Backreach20–25 m
Hoisting Height50–55 m above rail / 18–20 m below rail
Trolley Traveling Speed200–240 m/min (no-load)
Hoisting Speed80–90 m/min (no-load)
Crane Traveling Speed30–45 m/min
Power Supply6 kV / 10 kV high-voltage system
Automation LevelCabin operation / Remote control / Semi-automatic / Automatic
Applicable VesselsUltra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)

Features

Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS) are the core equipment of container terminals, and their technical characteristics directly impact port throughput capacity, operational safety, and long-term operating costs. To meet the demands of port expansion, specialization, and intelligent development, STS cranes must possess the following key features:

High lifting capacity and long outreach
Meets the loading and unloading demands of large container ships
Heavy-duty high-strength structure
Withstands high-frequency operations, heavy loads, and demanding port environments
High-efficiency operation
Enables rapid and stable container handling
Intelligent and customizable
Supports automated configurations to meet diverse port requirements

Application

Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS) are used for loading and unloading operations at various container terminals and port frontlines, enabling efficient container transfer between ships and shore. Typical applications include:

  • Large and Ultra-Large Container Terminals: Handling Post-Panamax, Super Post-Panamax, and ultra-large container vessels.
  • Deepwater and hub ports: Capable of continuous operation with long outreach, high lifting height, and high throughput.
  • High-efficiency container handling: Designed for high-frequency, 24/7 continuous port operations.
  • Automated and intelligent ports: Compatible with automated terminal systems to enable remote control or unmanned loading/unloading operations.

Projects Show

Custom Options For Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS)

Different container terminals have varying requirements in terms of vessel size, shoreline conditions, and operational intensity. We offer customized solutions where STS cranes can be optimized from structural design to key performance parameter configuration based on actual project conditions, achieving an optimal balance between safety, operational efficiency, and total lifecycle cost.
Key parameters you need to provide include:

  • Lifting Capacity:Specify single-container or double-container handling requirements, along with maximum rated lifting capacity.
  • Outreach & Backreach:Provide vessel width compatibility, required coverage of container rows, and operational range behind the terminal.
  • Hoisting Height:Specify lifting height above and below rail level to match vessel deck height and hold depth.
  • Trolley Speed:Define operating speed requirements under no-load and full-load conditions based on target handling efficiency.
  • Power Supply:Provide available port voltage levels, power supply configuration, and whether energy feedback or energy-saving features are required.
Get Custom Quotation Now
Key parameters

Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS) Manufacturer and Supplier

Weihua is China’s professional manufacturer of Ship-to-Shore Cranes (STS), boasting 37 years of experience in design, production, and project delivery. With extensive domestic and international port project expertise, Weihua provides CE and ISO certified cranes meeting the highest quality and safety standards. We offer global after-sales service support and a one-year warranty, ensuring reliable equipment operation for your peace of mind.

For customized solutions and expert advice to help you select the most suitable STS crane for your port, contact our engineering team today.

Weihua Crane Factory

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!

FAQ

What is the lifting capacity of a Ship-to-Shore crane?

STS cranes typically offer a single-lift capacity of 40-65 tons, with a dual-lift capacity reaching 80 tons, suitable for post-Panamax and ultra-post-Panamax container ships.

What is the maximum operational reach of a ship-to-shore crane across a container ship?

The lateral reach of an STS crane typically ranges from 45 to 70 meters, covering 18 to 24 rows of containers depending on vessel dimensions and terminal operational requirements.

What is the maximum lifting height of a ship-to-shore crane?

STS cranes are designed with a lifting height of 40-55 meters above the rail and 15-20 meters below the rail, enabling efficient handling of high-deck vessels and deep-stowage containers.

How does trolley speed impact STS crane efficiency?

The trolley achieves an unloaded travel speed of 180-240 meters per minute, enabling rapid lateral movement of the STS crane and enhancing container handling efficiency.

What power supply does the STS crane require?

The STS crane utilizes 6kV or 10kV high-voltage power supply delivered via cable reels or busbar systems. It can be equipped with an energy recovery system to reduce operational costs.

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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