Types of Container Cranes: STS, RTG, RMG & Gantry Cranes Explained

Introduction

Container cranes are specialized lifting equipment used for container loading, unloading, stacking, and transfer operations in ports, terminals, and logistics yards. Different types of container cranes are designed for specific working conditions, including Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes for vessel handling, RTG cranes and RMG cranes for yard operations, and gantry cranes for customized container movement.

In this article, I will introduce the main types of container cranes, their working areas, key specifications, and application differences. I will also compare STS, RTG, RMG, and gantry cranes to explain how each crane type works and how to choose the right container handling equipment for different terminal requirements.

Types of Container Cranes

Different types of container cranes are designed for various container handling operations in ports, terminals, and logistics yards. The main types include STS cranes, RTG cranes, RMG cranes, and container gantry cranes, each with different structures, movement methods, lifting capacities, and application areas.

STS, RTG, RMG, and Container Gantry Cranes are designed for different container handling operations. STS cranes focus on ship-to-shore transfer, RTG and RMG cranes handle yard operations, while Container Gantry Cranes provide flexible solutions for various container handling sites.

Learn more about container crane types, applications, and working principles in our guide: What Is a Container Crane? Types, Uses & How It Works.

Container crane operations require coordination across multiple stages. To learn how they work and their operating principles, see: How Do Container Cranes Work? Container Handling Process Explained

STS vs RTG vs RMG Crane: Key Differences

Different types of container cranes, including STS, RTG, and RMG cranes, are widely used in ports and terminals for different handling operations. STS cranes handle ship-to-shore container transfer, while RTG and RMG cranes are mainly used for container stacking and yard transportation. The main differences between these crane types include application area, movement method, lifting capacity, and automation level.

Comparison	STS Crane	RTG Crane	RMG Crane
Application Area	Quayside ship loading and unloading	Container yard stacking	Container yard and railway terminal handling
Travel Method	Rail movement along quay	Rubber tire movement	Fixed rail movement
Lifting Capacity	50–65 tons, 100+ tons available	40–50 tons	30–80 tons
Outreach / Span	48–71 m outreach	About 23.47 m span	30–50 m span
Stacking Height	Not used for stacking	4–6 containers	5–10 containers
Positioning Accuracy	Depends on operator control	Medium accuracy	Up to ±10 mm
Automation Level	Remote and semi-automatic options	Manual or semi-automatic	Suitable for fully automatic operation
Power Supply	Shore power	Diesel generator or battery	Full electric drive
Main Advantage	High-speed ship loading and unloading	Flexible movement and lower infrastructure cost	High accuracy and automation capability
Main Limitation	Fixed at quay, cannot handle yard stacking	Lower positioning accuracy and tire maintenance	Requires rail installation and a fixed operating area

Key Differences

• Working Function: STS cranes are used for ship-to-shore container transfer and directly affect vessel loading efficiency. RTG and RMG cranes handle container stacking and transfer inside yards.
• Movement Method: RTG cranes use rubber tires and can move between storage blocks without rails. RMG cranes run on fixed rails with higher positioning accuracy but limited working areas.
• Automation Capability: RMG cranes are widely used in automated terminals due to their rail guidance and electric drive systems. RTG cranes are commonly operated manually or remotely, while STS cranes support semi-automatic and remote operation.
• Cost and Operation: RTG cranes require less infrastructure investment but involve tire and fuel maintenance. RMG cranes need rail construction but offer lower energy consumption and stable long-term operation.

Different types of container cranes, including STS, RTG, and RMG cranes, serve different parts of the container handling process. STS cranes are mainly used for vessel loading and unloading, while RTG and RMG cranes are used for container yard stacking and transfer. The selection depends on terminal capacity, yard layout, automation requirements, and operating costs.

For a more detailed comparison of STS cranes and RTG cranes, see the article: STS Crane vs. RTG Crane: What Is the Difference?

Applications of Different Container Cranes

Different types of container cranes are used for specific handling tasks based on terminal layout, container flow, and operational requirements. STS cranes are mainly used for ship loading and unloading, while RTG and RMG cranes are commonly applied in container yards for stacking and transfer operations.

Ship-to-Shore (STS) Container Crane

STS cranes are used for ship-side container handling, transferring containers between vessels and shore transport equipment at port berths.

Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Crane

RTG cranes are used for flexible container stacking and transfer operations in storage yards with frequent block changes.

Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) Crane

RMG cranes are used for fixed-area container handling where high positioning accuracy and automated operation are required.

Container Gantry Crane

Container gantry cranes are used for customized container lifting and transfer operations with different span, height, and travel configurations.

Why Are Different Types of Container Cranes Needed?

Different types of container cranes are designed for different handling stages, including ship loading and unloading, yard stacking, and container transfer. Each crane type has its own working area, operating requirements, and application scenarios.

• 1. Different Handling Functions: STS cranes handle ship-to-shore container transfer with long outreach and high lifting height. RTG and RMG cranes are used for container stacking and transfer in yards.
• 2. Mobility and Accuracy Requirements: RTG cranes use rubber tires for flexible movement between storage areas. RMG cranes run on fixed rails and provide positioning accuracy up to ±10 mm for automated operations.
• 3. Automation Requirements: RMG cranes are widely used in automated terminals, while RTG cranes are suitable for flexible yard operations. STS cranes support remote control and automation systems.
• 4. Vessel Size and Throughput: Large vessels over 24,000 TEU require STS cranes with more than 70 m outreach. Yard crane selection depends on storage capacity and container handling volume.
• 5. Investment and Operating Cost: RTG cranes have lower infrastructure costs but require tire and energy maintenance. RMG cranes require rail construction but provide stable operation and lower long-term energy consumption.

STS, RTG, and RMG cranes serve different roles in container terminals. The selection depends on handling process, automation level, site conditions, and operating costs.

How to Choose the Right Container Crane?

Different types of container cranes are selected based on terminal layout, container volume, vessel size, and operating requirements. The right crane type should match the handling process, including ship loading and unloading, yard stacking, and long-term operation needs.

1. Determine the Working Area

Choose the crane type according to the operation location.

• STS Crane: Used for ship-to-shore container loading and unloading.
• RTG Crane: Used for flexible container stacking in yards.
• RMG Crane: Used for fixed rail yards and automated terminals.

2. Check Lifting Capacity

Select lifting capacity based on container weight and handling method.

• Standard container cranes: 30–50 tons 
• Heavy-duty STS cranes: 60–100+ tons 
• Twin-lift operation requires higher capacity.

3. Match Vessel Size and Crane Dimensions

STS cranes require suitable outreach and lifting height for vessel size.

• Outreach: 40–70+ m 
• Lifting Height: 30–50 m 
• Suitable for large container vessels up to 24,000+ TEU 

4. Consider Yard Layout

RTG and RMG selection depends on storage area design.

• RTG: Suitable for yards requiring flexible movement.
• RMG: Suitable for fixed layouts with higher stacking density.

5. Evaluate Automation Requirements

Choose the control system based on operational needs.

• Manual operation
• Remote control
• Fully automated operation

RMG cranes are commonly used in automated container terminals due to their rail-based positioning.

6. Consider Operating Environment

Check factors such as wind, corrosion, temperature, and working hours. Coastal terminals usually require corrosion-resistant structures and reliable protection systems.

7. Compare Long-Term Operating Costs

Consider energy consumption, maintenance requirements, spare parts, and service support during the equipment life cycle.

Choosing the right container crane type requires matching the crane type, lifting capacity, operating area, and automation level to actual terminal requirements. The suitable crane configuration should fit the handling process, vessel size, yard layout, and long-term operation needs.

The specifications of container cranes—such as lifting capacity, span, and lifting height—directly affect the pace of operations. For detailed data, see: Container Crane Specifications: Capacity, Span, Lifting Height & Working Class

Different types of container cranes are used for different operational scenarios. To learn how to select the right crane for container operations, see the article: “How to Choose a Container Handling Gantry Crane?”

Conclusion

Different types of container cranes are designed for specific handling tasks in ports, terminals, and logistics yards. STS cranes focus on ship-to-shore container transfer, while RTG and RMG cranes handle yard stacking and transfer operations. The right crane selection depends on container volume, vessel size, site layout, automation requirements, and operating costs.

WEIHUA provides container handling crane solutions, including STS cranes, RTG cranes, RMG cranes, and customized gantry cranes for different terminal applications. With experience in crane design, manufacturing, installation, and project support, WEIHUA develops container handling equipment based on terminal layout, operating conditions, and customer requirements. Contact us to discuss your container crane project and find a suitable lifting solution for your operation.

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