What Is a Container Crane?
A container crane, also known as a gantry crane, is a crane used for loading and unloading containerized cargo. It is predominantly employed in ports for handling the loading and unloading of containers onto container ships.
Container cranes typically consist of vertical legs, beams, girders, and an operator’s cabin. During container handling, the operator’s cabin moves horizontally along the gantry, facilitating the insertion of the container-dedicated lifting device into the container. Spaces for freight cars to stop are provided between the vertical legs to facilitate the swift loading of containers onto freight cars after transport.
Operating container cranes requires a national qualification known as the crane derrick operator license, which comes in three types: crane derrick operator (unrestricted), crane derrick operator (crane restricted), and crane derrick operator (floor-controlled crane restricted). The crane derrick operator (unrestricted) license authorizes the operation of all types of container cranes.
Uses of Container Cranes
Container cranes are primarily installed in ports where container ships dock. They are used for loading and unloading containers onto both container ships and freight cars. This operation involves a container-dedicated lifting device called a spreader, which is inserted into the corner gaps of the container.
While container cranes typically transport one container per operation, recent advancements have led to the introduction of cranes capable of transporting two containers simultaneously, enhancing transport efficiency.
Containers handled by container cranes adhere to standardized dimensions set by ISO, with standard sizes being 20 feet and 40 feet. Container cranes are designed to handle both sizes. Additionally, by altering the shape of the spreader, container cranes can transport bulk items or other heavy cargo, enabling them to move non-containerized heavy items between container ships and freight cars.