Remote-Control Automated STS Cranes for Zhejiang Petrochemical Smart Terminal

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Contexte client

Zhejiang Petrochemical (ZPC) is a large-scale integrated petrochemical enterprise with a strong focus on building intelligent and efficient port operations. To support its smart terminal strategy, the company places high demands on container handling efficiency, automation level, equipment reliability, and system integration. Therefore, ZPC required a customized solution featuring remote-control automated STS cranes capable of delivering high-performance operation, stable performance, and seamless integration with terminal management systems.

Project Challenges

This project involved several technical and engineering challenges:

• High automation requirements with remote-control capability
• Large lifting capacity combined with compact rail gauge
• Long outreach design for extended vessel coverage
• High-speed operation with strict safety standards
• Integration with terminal management systems

Solution Weihua

To address the complex operational requirements of the ZPC smart terminal, a fully customized solution of 6 remote-control automated STS cranes was engineered and manufactured, with the first 3 units delivered and commissioned in the initial phase.

The solution was not only focused on equipment supply, but also on integrating automation, intelligent control, and terminal system compatibility, ensuring the cranes could operate efficiently within a high-throughput petrochemical port environment. The design specifically optimized lifting performance, structural stability, and automation accuracy under demanding working conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Total Length: 85 m
• Lifting Capacity: 41 tons (under spreader)
• Lifting Height: 46 m
• Working Height: 58 m (79 m after boom raising)
• Outreach: 38 m
• Rail Gauge: 12 m

Technologies & Features

• Fiber Optic Communication System: Offers high-speed, stable, and real-time data transmission between equipment and control systems.
• Laser Scanning & Container Profiling: Enables accurate container contour detection for precise positioning and safe handling.
• CNC Control System: Provides high-precision, automated crane operation with improved stability and repeatability.
• Anti-Sway Control Technology:Minimizes load swing during lifting to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
• Automatic Container Alignment: Ensures fast and accurate container positioning, reducing handling time and human intervention.
• OCR Container Recognition: Automatically identifies container numbers to support digitalized terminal operations.
• Truck Positioning & Anti-Lifting Protection: Improves coordination with terminal trucks while preventing unsafe lifting actions.
• Intelligent Remote Management System: Integrates data collection, real-time monitoring, fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance into a unified platform.
• Centralized Remote Operation: Allows a single operator to monitor and control multiple cranes simultaneously, significantly improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Commentaires des clients

The customer spoke highly of the overall project execution and equipment quality, especially the engineering capability and customization delivered throughout the process. The cranes have performed reliably in operation, with stable automation performance meeting the expectations of a smart terminal. This project also helped build stronger trust between both sides and laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Conclusion

The application of these remote-control automated STS cranes has effectively improved container handling efficiency while reducing reliance on manual operation. At the same time, overall safety, operational stability, and system coordination have been noticeably enhanced, with smooth integration into the terminal’s intelligent management system.

From project delivery to actual operation, this case reflects Weihua’s practical experience in automated port equipment. It also shows how automation and system integration can support more efficient, stable, and intelligent port operations.

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