Port Cranes Explained: How They Operate and Drive Global Shipping Efficiency

Did you know that the Port of Los Angeles handles around 9 million TEUs of freight every year? If it weren’t for their use of port cranes, the organization and eventual shipping of the various containers coming into the port would be chaotic at best. 

Port cranes are one of the most important aspects of shipping. Without crane services, the massive amounts of trade the world experiences every day may not exist. 

Types of Port Cranes

There are two types of port cranes, and they function in the same way, moving cargo from one spot to another, but they differ in location when found in a shipping yard.

1. Yard Cranes

Yard cranes come in several varieties. Most common are RMG cranes and RTG cranes.

You’ll find these cranes moving shipping containers from a yard onto trailers.

2. Quay Cranes

Generally called ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, these cranes move cargo from a ship to the shore.

There are two types of STS cranes: high and low profile.

How Much Weight Can a Port Crane Handle?

On average, port cranes can lift about 80 tons, with some models handling 100 tons or more. While weight certainly contributes to a crane’s productivity, a different system determines productivity when it comes to cranes.

This system uses “moves” as its measurement unit. Moves are determined by how many containers are moved from a ship to the quay or from a quay to a ship. For example, seven containers transferred from a ship to the quay is seven moves. 

Powering a Port Crane

You will find two motors used for most cranes: AC motors and DC motors. Each has its own crane controls that assist with multiple functions that include:

• Moving the boom
• Moving the gantry
• Moving the trolley
• Performing a hoisting maneuver

Generally, AC motors tend to handle more force than DC motors, so they are often found in port cranes. 

Other Parts of a Port Crane

Generally, you’ll find these other parts of a port crane in operation when moving cargo:

• Cab (where the port crane operator sits)
• Support legs (receive the load transmitted by beam)
• Main hook (double peak)
• Auxiliary hook (single peak)
• Girder

With all of these different parts, cranes can assist in the logistics, organization, and eventually transportation of freight worldwide. 

Crane Repair and Parts

Be proactive in your port crane’s repair to keep ports moving efficiently. Kor-Pak has all the repair parts needed if you run into any type of problem with your heavy industrial machinery.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can repair your port crane and help it work even more efficiently.