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

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.
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.
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.
| Item | Typical Specifications |
|---|---|
| Rated Lifting Capacity | 65 t (single lift), up to 80 t (twin lift) |
| Outreach | 65–70 m |
| Container Rows Covered | 22–24 rows or more |
| Backreach | 20–25 m |
| Hoisting Height | 50–55 m above rail / 18–20 m below rail |
| Trolley Traveling Speed | 200–240 m/min (no-load) |
| Hoisting Speed | 80–90 m/min (no-load) |
| Crane Traveling Speed | 30–45 m/min |
| Power Supply | 6 kV / 10 kV high-voltage system |
| Automation Level | Cabin operation / Remote control / Semi-automatic / Automatic |
| Applicable Vessels | Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) |
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:
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:






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:

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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.
The gantry crane is a lifting equipment widely used across various industries, construction sites, ports, warehouses, and other fields. Its unique structure and powerful load-bearing capacity make it ideal for modern heavy-duty material handling. The “gantry” structure design allows the crane to move freely within a space, covering a large working area. So, what makes gantry cranes special? What are their types, parameters, control methods, applications, and working principles? How do they differ from bridge cranes? Let’s explore together. Types of Gantry Cranes Based on design, application, and operating environment, gantry cranes are typically categorized into the following types: Single-Girder Gantry Crane Single-girder gantry cranes are widely used across industrial sectors, warehouses, ports, and workshops. Featuring a single-girder support lifting mechanism, they traverse via side columns and bottom rails. With their simple structure, user-friendly operation, and moderate lifting capacity, they are ideal for handling light to medium loads. Capable of spanning large distances freely, single-girder gantry cranes are suitable for heavy material handling and lifting operations. Double Girder Gantry Crane Compared to single-girder gantry cranes, double-girder gantry cranes offer greater…
In ports, logistics parks, and industrial material handling, Portal Cranes and Gantry Cranes are two common and core loading/unloading equipment types. They differ in structural design, performance characteristics, operating methods, application scenarios, and investment costs. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Portal Crane vs Gantry Crane and guides you in making the right selection. Structural Design Comparison The structural differences between Portal Cranes and Gantry Cranes primarily manifest in load-bearing methods, movement trajectories, and coverage ranges. The former centers on a fixed tower and rotating boom, emphasizing “point coverage” and flexible horizontal rotation. The latter features a portal frame structure and longitudinal rail travel, prioritizing “extensive horizontal movement” and efficient on-site logistics handling. Consequently, their distinct structural designs directly dictate their differing application scenarios. Portal Crane Structural Characteristics Portal slewing cranes employ single/double cantilever boom structures with the tower fixed to foundations or rails, enabling 360° or partial rotation. This configuration enables flexible operation in narrow, elongated spaces such as shorelines, dock fronts, and ship berths, making it particularly suitable for ship-to-shore material handling. Its core functionality combines vertical…
In modern industrial operations, efficient material handling is crucial for maximizing productivity and optimizing workflow. Bridge cranes, also known as overhead cranes or EOT cranes, are fixed material handling systems widely used in manufacturing, metal processing, warehousing, and loading/unloading operations. In this article, we will explore the working principle, main components, applications, and operational benefits of bridge cranes, providing a comprehensive guide for industrial planners and logistics professionals. Bridge Crane Working Principle A bridge crane operates on a bridge-like structure spanning the workspace, with a trolley and hoist system that moves horizontally along the bridge and vertically lifts or lowers loads. The crane’s movement across the runway, combined with precise hoist control, enables efficient and safe handling of heavy materials in factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities. For information on how overhead cranes work, please see this article: Overhead Crane Working Principle: Components, Motion & Operating Process Bridge Crane Terminology The following is an introduction to terminology related to bridge crane parts. Crane Capacity: Crane capacity refers to the maximum weight a bridge crane can safely lift. Typically measured in tons…
An EOT Crane (Electric Overhead Traveling Crane) is an efficient and reliable overhead lifting system used to handle heavy materials in factories, warehouses, workshops, and industrial plants. Running on overhead rails, EOT cranes enable safe and precise three-dimensional movement of loads through coordinated lifting, cross travel, and long travel motions. This article will guide you through EOT crane definitions, types, structure, working principles, applications, and cost factors to help you select the most suitable solution for your lifting needs. How EOT Crane Works? The working principle of an EOT crane involves a combination of vertical lifting, horizontal trolley movement, and longitudinal bridge travel, enabling efficient handling of heavy loads across industrial facilities. The crane operates on elevated runway rails installed along the building structure, with the bridge girder spanning the workspace. The hoist mechanism raises or lowers the load using steel wire ropes or chains, while the trolley moves the load horizontally along the bridge. The entire crane travels longitudinally along the runway rails, enabling three-dimensional positioning of materials. Modern EOT cranes are powered by electric motors with precise speed…
Gantry cranes are widely used in open-air stockyards, shipyards, factories, and construction sites, making them one of the most versatile and extensively applied material handling solutions. Gantry cranes come in various types, each customizable to suit different load capacities, site conditions, and operational requirements. However, selecting the wrong configuration can lead to unnecessary expenses, limited lifting capacity, or future expansion constraints. So, what are the main types of gantry cranes? How do you choose the right type for your application? In this guide, we will provide a detailed overview of different types of gantry cranes based on structure, mobility, and application scenarios, helping you make the right decision before investing in a lifting solution. The article is quite lengthy. Below is our table of contents. Please jump to the corresponding section as needed: What Is a Gantry Crane? Gantry cranes are lifting equipment designed for efficient handling of heavy cargo in large open-air sites. Their signature structure features one or more main beams supported by rigid (or flexible) legs on either side, forming a monumental “gate”-shaped frame. These cranes traverse…