Containerkrane

Containerkrane are large gantry cranes specialized for handling intermodal containers at ports and inland terminals. They are designed to lift, move, and place containers between ships, trucks, trains, and storage yards, using standardized container sizes (ISO 668). The two main classes are ship-to-shore cranes that operate along the quay to transfer containers between vessels and the shore, and gantry cranes used in container yards to move containers between stacks and handling equipment.

Ship-to-shore cranes are typically mounted on rails at the water edge and feature a trolley and a spreader that can adjust to 20- and 40-foot containers. Lifting capacities commonly range from about 40 to more than 100 tons, with an outreach that enables access to various vessel widths. Yard cranes include rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG) and rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMG), both configured to maximize yard throughput and container stacking height.

Modern container cranes are operated by trained personnel or through automation. Developments include semi- and fully automated quay cranes, remote operation, and integrated terminal software for scheduling and yard management. Energy efficiency is pursued through regenerative braking, hybrid drives, and other technologies.

Major manufacturers include ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Port Machinery), Liebherr, and Konecranes, among others. Containerkrane are essential infrastructure for intermodal logistics, enabling efficient transfer of containers between ships, trucks, and trains while meeting safety and performance standards in contemporary ports.