A double boom STS crane is a ship-to-shore container crane used to load and unload containers between container vessels and the quay. It is also known as a container quay crane or port container crane. The crane runs on rails along the wharf edge, with its portal frame spanning the ship-to-shore working area. Its boom extends over the vessel hatch while the quay-side structure covers the apron, allowing containers to be transferred between the ship and terminal.
The crane uses a hoist mechanism, trolley, spreader, and boom as an integrated lifting system. The trolley travels along the boom and main girders, the hoist raises and lowers the spreader, and the spreader locks onto the container during lifting. A double boom design uses two parallel box girders with a boom hoist mechanism, providing higher structural rigidity and load capacity than a single-girder arrangement. At automated terminals, STS crane automation can support remote operation of the trolley, hoist, and spreader.


A double boom STS crane handles containers through coordinated hoisting, trolley travel, boom operation, and crane travel. The spreader locks onto the container’s corner castings for lifting, transfer, and placement between the vessel and the quay.
For detailed information on the operation of container ship-to-shore cranes, see: STS Crane Loading Containers: Ship Loading Process at a Container Terminal
These movements control the crane’s position, lifting height, and container transfer. Their operating sequence and speed settings determine the handling cycle for each container.
For more information on operating costs, see the article: STS Crane Operating Cost: Hourly, Per-Minute, and Per-Container Costs
| Specification | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Crane Type | Double Boom Ship-to-Shore (STS) Container Crane |
| Rated Capacity | 40–65 t single container; 2 × 20 t or 2 × 40 t twin-lift |
| Container Size | 20 ft / 40 ft / 45 ft |
| Outreach | 40–70 m |
| Backreach | Approx. 20 m |
| Rail Gauge | Project-specific |
| Lifting Height Above Rail | Approx. 45 m |
| Lifting Height Below Rail | Approx. 20 m |
| Hoisting Speed | 90 m/min loaded; 180 m/min empty |
| Hoisting Acceleration | ≤0.2 m/s² |
| Trolley Speed | 180–240 m/min |
| Gantry Travel Speed | Approx. 45 m/min |
| Hoisting System | Double-drum, multi-rope reeving |
| Trolley Type | Rope-towed or machinery-driven, according to design |
| Gantry Drive | Multi-wheel drive, typically 8 driven wheels |
| Maximum Wheel Load | ≤25 t, subject to crane configuration |
| Spreader Type | 20 ft / 40 ft / 45 ft telescopic spreader; single-lift or twin-lift options |
| Anti-Sway System | Electronic anti-sway system, optional |
| Control System | PLC-based digital control with AC variable-frequency drives |
| Working Class | A8 according to ISO 4301 |
| Design Standards | FEM, DIN, IEC, AWS, GB, as specified for the project |
| Annual Handling Capacity | ≥500,000 TEU, subject to terminal conditions |
| Power Supply | Shore power, voltage and frequency according to project requirements |
| Operating Environment | Coastal, marine and port terminal conditions |
| Automation | Manual, remote-controlled or automated operation, according to terminal requirements |
Note: The specifications can be customized according to vessel dimensions, container throughput, berth layout, outreach and backreach requirements, lifting height, working cycle, spreader type, wind conditions, rail gauge, power supply, and terminal automation requirements. Final dimensions, capacities, and operating speeds are confirmed by the engineering design and project quotation.
A double boom STS crane consists of a gantry structure, double box-girder boom, hoisting system, trolley, container spreader, and electrical control system. Crane dimensions and equipment are specified for the vessel size, rated capacity, outreach, lifting height, and terminal layout.

The complete crane can be configured around vessel dimensions, berth conditions, container handling requirements, and terminal operating mode.
For more detailed information on equipment components and their functions, see: STS Crane Parts: Main Components and Their Functions
Double boom STS cranes serve container terminals with different vessel sizes, berth layouts, handling volumes, and operating modes.

Automation functions such as automatic positioning, anti-sway control, OCR integration, or terminal operating system interfaces can be specified as part of the terminal automation system.

Designed for large vessels with wide beams, multiple container rows, and deep hatch areas. Outreach and lifting height are selected for the vessel profile.

Used in terminals with high container throughput and frequent ship-to-shore handling cycles. Hoisting speed, trolley speed, and crane duty class are matched to the operating schedule.

For loading containers onto vessels and unloading containers from vessel holds or decks to the quay.

Used for frequent container transfers between vessels and quay-side transport equipment in transshipment operations.

Remote operation can be specified for cranes equipped with the required control and monitoring systems.
Selecting a double boom STS crane starts with the vessel profile, berth layout, lifting requirements, and terminal operating conditions.
The final crane configuration should be confirmed from the vessel dimensions, terminal layout, lifting requirements, and operating conditions.
WEIHUA configures double boom STS cranes around vessel dimensions, berth conditions, container handling requirements, and terminal operating conditions.

WEIHUA provides project-specific STS crane configurations covering structural dimensions, lifting capacity, drive systems, spreaders, electrical controls, and automation functions.
WEIHUA provides double boom STS cranes with project-based engineering, customized crane configurations, installation support, commissioning, training, and after-sales service. Its crane products have been exported to 170+ countries and regions.
WEIHUA provides double boom STS crane solutions from engineering design and manufacturing to installation, commissioning, training, and after-sales service. Contact WEIHUA with your vessel dimensions, required outreach, lifting capacity, span, rail gauge, and terminal conditions for a project-specific STS crane proposal.

A double boom STS crane is a ship-to-shore container crane with two parallel box-girder booms. It runs on quay rails to transfer containers between vessels and the terminal. The double-girder structure provides the structural capacity required for large outreach and heavy container handling.
A double boom STS crane uses coordinated hoisting, trolley travel, boom operation, and gantry travel. The spreader locks onto the container corner castings, the hoist lifts the load, the trolley moves it between ship and quay, and the gantry positions the crane along the berth.
A double boom STS crane uses two parallel main box girders in its boom structure. The term “standard STS crane” covers different structural arrangements and does not define a single design. The required structure depends on crane capacity, outreach, vessel size, and terminal operating conditions.
Double boom STS cranes are designed for 40–65 t single-container lifting. Twin-lift configurations can handle 2 × 20 t or 2 × 40 t, depending on the crane and spreader configuration. The rated capacity is specified based on the container handling requirements.
Dutreach is around 40–70 m. The required outreach depends on vessel beam, container rows, hatch arrangement, and berth clearance. WEIHUA can specify the boom dimensions for the target vessel and terminal layout.
A double boom STS crane can be configured for 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft containers. Spreader options include single-lift and twin-lift configurations. The applicable container sizes depend on the selected spreader and crane handling system.
Yes. WEIHUA can customize the crane around vessel size, outreach, backreach, lifting height, span, rail gauge, rated load, spreader type, working cycle, wind conditions, power supply, and automation requirements.
There is no fixed price for a double boom STS crane. Cost varies with rated capacity, outreach, lifting height, span, rail gauge, spreader, automation level, power system, vessel requirements, and site conditions. A project quotation requires the main crane specifications and terminal data.
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.
Yes. Our equipment can be equipped with an intelligent monitoring system, achieving real-time status monitoring and fault warning through remote data transmission, ensuring the safety and continuity of shipyard operations while shortening maintenance downtime.
Yes, it is designed for heavy-duty lifting in both automotive manufacturing and shipyard environments.
They refer to the same machine type. “Ship-to-Shore crane” (STS crane) is the international industry term used in port planning and procurement. “Quayside container crane” is the common Chinese technical designation. Both describe the portal crane installed at the apron edge of a container terminal to transfer containers between vessels and the dock. Weihua uses both terms interchangeably in its product documentation.
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.
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.
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