A Port Gantry Crane is a heavy-duty lifting machine used in ports, container terminals, and cargo yards for container loading, unloading, stacking, and material handling. It is also known as a gantry crane or container gantry crane. It consists of a gantry frame, trolley, hoisting system, travel mechanism, and electrical control system. The crane moves through trolley travel and crane travel systems to complete cargo lifting and transfer operations in large working areas.
Port Gantry Cranes are mainly divided into Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG) and Rail Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMG). RTG cranes use rubber tires for flexible movement and are widely used in container yards, with typical lifting capacities of 40–50 tons and stacking heights of 5–6 container layers. RMG cranes run on fixed rails and are suitable for high-efficiency container handling, with large models reaching a span of 30–40 meters and covering more than 10 container rows. The crane can be customized according to lifting capacity, span, working height, and site conditions.


Port Gantry Cranes are designed for different port handling requirements. According to the traveling method, working area, and lifting tasks, they are mainly divided into RTG, RMG, Quayside Crane, and Hydraulic Gantry Crane.
Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane (RTG) uses rubber tires for movement without fixed rails. It can move freely within the container yard and is suitable for operations requiring frequent position changes. RTG cranes are commonly powered by diesel generator sets or hybrid systems and are mainly used for container stacking and transfer.
Lifting capacity: 30–70t
Span: 10–35m
Lifting height: 15–30m
Working class: A6–A8
Rail Mounted Gantry Crane (RMG) runs on fixed rails and is driven by an electric system. It provides stable travel, accurate positioning, and is widely used in large container yards, railway terminals, and automated storage areas.
Lifting Capacity: 20–65t
Span: 18–40m
Stacking Height: 3–6 layers
Lifting Height: 8–20m
Quayside Container Crane is installed at the front of container terminals for loading and unloading containers between ships and shore yards. The crane runs along quay rails and uses a container spreader and anti-sway system for ship handling operations.
Lifting Capacity: 5–80 tons
Working Radius: 15–45 meters
Lifting Height: 10–45 meters
Working Class: A5–A7
Hydraulic Gantry Crane uses hydraulic systems to adjust the main beam height or leg position. It is suitable for sites with limited space or applications requiring frequent adjustment of lifting height and working dimensions. It is mainly used for heavy equipment handling in factories, warehouses, and special lifting projects.
Rated lifting capacity: 10t-1000t
Maximum lifting height: 4.5-12m
Weight: 5000kg
Span: 8-35m
A Port Gantry Crane consists of several key systems, including the gantry structure, hoisting system, trolley system, travel mechanism, spreader, and electrical control system. Each component works together to support container handling and heavy cargo lifting operations.
The combination of these components determines the crane’s lifting capacity, operating stability, and working efficiency. WEIHUA can customize component configurations according to lifting requirements and site conditions.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | 5–200 tons |
| Max. Lifting Capacity | 200+ tons (Heavy Duty Type) |
| Lifting Height | 3–40 m |
| Lifting Speed | 3–8 m/min (Standard) / 35–50 m/min (Heavy Load) |
| Span | 3–50 m |
| Working Class | A3–A8 |
| Travel Type | Rubber Tire / Rail Mounted |
| Travel Speed | 0–20 m/min |
| Trolley Speed | 120–150 m/min (Quayside Crane) |
| Spreader Type | Single Container / Twin Container Spreader |
| Container Size | 20 ft / 40 ft / 45 ft |
| Power Supply | Diesel Generator / Cable Reel / Electric Power / Hybrid System |
| Control System | Cabin Control / Remote Control / PLC + Frequency Control |
| Positioning Accuracy | Up to ±5 mm (RMG Type) |
| Working Temperature | -40°C to +50°C |
| Safety Devices | Overload Protection, Limit Switch, Anti-Collision Device, Wind Protection System |
Specifications can be customized according to lifting capacity, working area, and application requirements.
A Port Gantry Crane completes lifting and transfer operations through the coordinated movement of the hoisting system, trolley, and travel mechanism. Different crane types use tire or rail travel systems to meet specific port handling requirements.
Diesel generators, hybrid systems, or external power supply power RTG cranes. The hoisting motor drives the drum to lift or lower the spreader. The trolley moves along the main beam to transfer containers to the required position, while the tire-driven travel system allows movement between different container blocks with straight travel, 90° turning, or diagonal movement. Modern RTG cranes can be equipped with remote control and automatic operating systems.
RMG cranes use electric power to drive the hoisting, trolley, and travel systems. The spreader lifts and lowers containers through the wire rope mechanism, while the trolley moves along the main beam and the crane travels on fixed rails. With rail guidance, RMG cranes provide accurate positioning, with positioning accuracy up to ±5 mm, making them suitable for automated container yards. Modern RMG systems can support remote operation and fully automated yard handling.
The quayside crane receives power through a high-voltage cable reel. The hoisting system controls the spreader movement, while the trolley transfers containers between the vessel and the terminal. The crane travels along quay rails to match different container positions on the ship. The front boom can be raised by the luffing system to avoid contact with the ship superstructure. A single crane can handle around 25–35 TEU per hour, while automated models can reach 40 TEU per hour.

Hydraulic gantry cranes use a hydraulic pump station to drive lifting cylinders. The cylinders move upward to lift heavy loads through multiple lifting points. The spacing between lifting points can be adjusted to fit different workpiece sizes. The travel system uses motor-driven wheels with hydraulic steering, allowing flexible movement in limited spaces. Compared with traditional wire rope cranes, hydraulic gantry cranes have a compact structure and are commonly used for wind power equipment, heavy machinery, and large component installation.
During operation, the crane lifts, moves, and positions cargo through coordinated control of each mechanism. The travel mode, control system, and automation level can be configured based on the working environment and operation needs.
Port Gantry Cranes are widely used in ports, terminals, shipyards, and cargo yards for container handling and heavy material lifting. Different crane configurations are selected according to the cargo type, working area, and operation requirements.

Used for container loading, unloading, stacking, and yard transportation.

Suitable for lifting bulk cargo, steel products, machinery, and heavy materials.

Applied for ship component lifting, assembly, and maintenance work.

Used for container transfer between ports, railway terminals, and storage yards.

Suitable for handling coal, minerals, and other bulk materials.

Used for outdoor storage, loading, and heavy cargo movement.

Applied in industries requiring large-scale lifting and material transfer.

Used for offshore equipment, steel structures, and large component handling.
To learn more about the applications of gantry cranes, read the article: What Is a Gantry Crane Used For? Applications and Industries
Choosing the right Port Gantry Crane depends on the cargo type, yard layout, lifting requirements, and operating environment. The crane capacity, structure, travel system, and control method should match the actual port operation conditions.
Different types of Port Gantry Crane have different structures and applications. For more details about the differences and selection of RTG, RMG, and other port cranes, please read the article: STS Crane vs RTG Crane vs RMG Crane: Key Differences Explained
Gantry cranes must be inspected regularly during operation to ensure safe use. For a detailed inspection checklist, see the article: “Gantry Crane Inspection Checklist: Daily, Monthly, and Annual Inspection Guide.”








To learn about the factors that affect pricing and how to choose the right model, see the article: Gantry Crane for Sale: Types, Prices & Buying Guide (2026)
WEIHUA provides customized Port Gantry Crane solutions based on different lifting requirements, working environments, and port layouts.

WEIHUA is a Port Gantry Crane manufacturer and supplier providing RTG cranes, RMG cranes, quayside cranes, and heavy-duty gantry crane systems for ports, container terminals, shipyards, and industrial applications. With experience in crane design, steel structure fabrication, mechanical assembly, and electrical integration, WEIHUA delivers lifting equipment for different cargo handling requirements.
WEIHUA can customize Port Gantry Crane specifications according to project conditions, including lifting capacity, span, lifting height, travel system, power supply, and control method. The company provides complete crane solutions, technical support, and after-sales service for customers worldwide. Contact us for a customized solution.

A Port Gantry Crane is a heavy-duty crane used in ports, container terminals, and cargo yards for container handling, loading, unloading, and heavy material lifting.
The lifting capacity of a Port Gantry Crane can range from 5 tons to over 200 tons depending on the crane type and application.
RTG cranes use rubber tires for flexible movement in container yards, while RMG cranes run on fixed rails and provide higher positioning accuracy for large container terminals.
Port Gantry Cranes are used in container terminals, shipyards, railway yards, bulk cargo terminals, industrial harbors, and marine engineering projects.
Yes. WEIHUA can customize lifting capacity, span, lifting height, travel system, power supply, spreader type, and control system according to project requirements.
Power options include diesel generator systems, cable reel power supply, electric power supply, hybrid systems, and customized solutions.
The working class is usually A3–A8. Heavy-duty port cranes and high-frequency operation cranes generally require higher working classes.
The service life depends on operating conditions, workload, maintenance, and component quality. Regular inspection and maintenance help keep the crane operating reliably for long-term use.
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. We offer custom fabrication from a minimum order of 1 unit. Customizable parameters include lifting capacity, height and span dimensions, leg configuration, caster type, hoist integration, surface treatment, and certification requirements. Submit your specifications and our engineering team will respond within 24 hours.
Yes. Gantry crane trolleys are crane trolleys adapted for outdoor use and for the beam profiles used in gantry crane construction. They carry the same hoist types as overhead crane trolleys but are specified with higher IP-rated motors, reinforced wheel flanges for outdoor rail running, and anti-wind safety devices where required. Both single girder and double girder gantry crane trolley configurations are available.
Yes. All models are rated for outdoor use on firm, level surfaces. Outdoor operation requires regular inspection of fasteners and casters for corrosion. Hot-dip galvanized surface treatment is recommended for permanent or frequent outdoor use.
Most models assemble in 20 to 35 minutes with one person using a standard wrench. All components are numbered and correspond to an illustrated assembly guide included with every crane.
Yes, it is designed for heavy-duty lifting in both automotive manufacturing and shipyard environments.
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