Quayside container crane (referred to as STS bridges) is one key equipment used by port terminals to load and unload containers. Its superstructure mainly includes main girder, lifting mechanism and trolley system. The main girder consists of a front luffing boom and a backstay. Front luffing boom can be pitched or extended to meet different ship operation needs, while backstay is to balance counterweights. The length of main beam is customized according to the design requirements of the dock to ensure coverage of the entire berth. STS crane legs are at both ends of main girder, supporting the entire structure and ensuring its stability during operation. The lifting mechanism realizes the lifting of the container through a wire rope and pulley set. While electric trolley moves horizontally along main girder track, driving the precise positioning of the spreader.
Central structure of sts crane is supported by sea and land-side columns, forming a frame spanning container trucks and ships. The portal beam connects main girder and realizes the pitching action of luffing boom through the articulation system. Cabin control room is usually under the gantry, providing the operator with a good field of view, but it could also be replaced by sensors and cameras in fully automated quayside sts crane.
The lower structure includes a walking mechanism and foundation support. The crane moves along the ground track, drives the wheel set by a motor. And there are windproof devices to ensure stability under strong winds. Power supply system provides power through cable reels or sliding contact wires to ensure the continuous operation of the equipment.
The whole design takes into account both efficiency and safety. STS crane can adapt to the operating needs of super-large container ships, and is an indispensable key equipment for modern ports.
In the busy international container terminals, the shore bridge is used to efficiently load and unload large container ships, significantly improving port throughput and operational efficiency.
Multipurpose ports need to handle a variety of cargo types, and shore bridges can flexibly respond to containers of different sizes and weights to meet diverse operating needs.
In highly automated docks, quayside crane integrates advanced control systems to achieve unmanned operation or remote monitoring, improving operational accuracy and safety.
Regional small and medium-sized terminals use sts crane to carry out efficient container loading and unloading, optimize resource allocation, and improve the quality and efficiency of local logistics services.
1. Efficient loading and unloading capability
High-speed operation: lifting speed (50-90m/min) and crane walking speed (150-240m/min) ensure fast turnover.
Large span coverage: The extension distance is more than 70m, and it can cover super-large container ships (such as 24,000TEU ships).
Double box spreader: Advanced shore bridge supports simultaneous lifting of double 40-foot containers, increasing efficiency by more than 50%.
2. Structural adaptability and stability
Pitchable/retractable front beam: folded when not working (reduce wind resistance and dock space occupation), and extend to the side of the ship during operation.
Wind resistance design: equipped with rail clamping device, anchoring device and real-time wind speed monitoring to resist typhoons above level 12 (such as 55m/s wind speed).
Lightweight high-strength material: The main beam adopts Q690 high-strength steel or truss structure, balancing strength and self-weight.
3. Intelligence and automation
Automatic alignment system: visually identify container position through laser scanning + AI, with an error of ≤±5cm.
Remote control/unmanned operation: Automated terminals (such as Qingdao Port and Rotterdam Port) realize remote monitoring and unmanned operations.
| Main Technical Parameters | |||||||||||
| Basic Parameters | Rated Lifting Capacity | Under Spreader | 35 | 41 | 51 | 65 | t | ||||
| Under Hook | 45 | 50 | 61 | 75 | t | ||||||
| Lifting Height | Above Rail | 37 | 25 | 50 | 35 | 58 | 40 | 62 | 42 | m | |
| Below Rail | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | m | ||||||
| Front Boom Outreach | 30 | 45 | 51 | 65 | m | ||||||
| Rear Outreach | 10 | 15 | 15 | 25 | m | ||||||
| Rail Gauge | 16 | 16/22 | 30.48 | 30.48 | m | ||||||
| Total Trolley Travel Distance | 56 | 76/82 | 96.48 | 120.48 | m | ||||||
| Inside Clearance Between Legs | ≥17.5 | ≥17.5 | ≥18.5 | ≥18.5 | m | ||||||
| Clear Height of Middle Cross Beam | ≥13 | ≥13 | ≥13 | ≥13 | m | ||||||
| Distance Between Gantry Bumpers | ≤27 | ≤27 | ≤27 | ≤27 | m | ||||||
Speed Parameters | Lifting Speed | Full Load | 50 | 60 | 75 | 90 | m/min | ||||
| No Load | 120 | 120 | 150 | 180 | m/min | ||||||
| Trolley Traveling Speed | 180 | 210 | 240 | 240 | m/min | ||||||
| Gantry Traveling Speed | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | m/min | ||||||
| Boom Hoisting Time (One Way) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | min | ||||||
1. Industry Position
Founded in 2006, Dafang Heavy Machinery covers an area of 1,580 acres and employs over 2,600 people. With an annual sales revenue of 3.566 billion RMB, the company focuses on two main business sectors: lifting machinery and steel structures. Major products include single and double girder bridge and gantry cranes, electric hoists, steel structure bridges, prefabricated buildings, and industrial plants. Dafang serves critical sectors such as military industry, aerospace, nuclear power, offshore engineering, metallurgy, and mining. Its products are exported to over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Russia, and Southeast Asia.
Annually, Dafang manufactures 30,000 single-girder cranes, more than 12,000 double-girder and gantry cranes, and 30,000 electric hoists. Based on production scale, sales volume, and brand recognition, the company ranks among the top three in China’s crane industry.
2. Core Technologies
Dafang’s R&D team consists of over 260 members, including 104 with senior or intermediate engineering qualifications. The company invests 3.8% of its annual sales into technology development. It has obtained 12 international invention patents, 50 national invention patents, 415 utility model patents, and achieved 43 scientific and technological milestones. Dafang was the first in the industry to adopt anti-sway and automatic positioning technologies.
In 2016, Dafang became the first enterprise in Henan Province to implement smart crane applications and to introduce remote monitoring technology. The company also developed the multifunctional brewing crane, filling a domestic market gap. In 2021, Dafang was the first in the industry to be certified for unmanned intelligent cranes. In 2022, it undertook a project for a tower crane at a commercial satellite launch site.
3. Manufacturing Capability
Dafang Heavy Machinery is equipped with advanced in-house designed manufacturing equipment, including 1,500-ton press grooving machines, extrusion machines, and roller machines. The company has established leading domestic workshops, including an electrical assembly line, steel pre-processing line, paint finishing line, and China’s first practical single-girder lean production line. Precision machinery includes imported German NILES CNC gear grinding machines and Japanese MAZAK machining centers.
Dafang strictly follows refined manufacturing processes, adhering to the principle of “doing it right the first time, zero defects.” This commitment to quality is deeply ingrained in every employee, ensuring that every product delivered meets the highest standards.
4. Service Assurance
Dafang upholds a “comprehensive, high-quality” service standard, providing users with fast, attentive, and thorough one-stop services. With 24/7 online support, choosing Dafang means complete peace of mind. Just tell us what you need—we’ll take care of the rest.
STS cranes are primarily used at container terminals and are essential for loading and unloading large container ships. Depending on the vessel size (e.g., Panamax, New Panamax, or Ultra Large Container Ships), we offer customized solutions with different lifting heights, outreach, back reach, and lifting capacities to meet the operational needs of different terminals.
Typical STS cranes offer lifting capacities of 40 tons, 50 tons, or more, with options for single lift, twin lift, and rotating spreaders. Key specifications include maximum outreach, hoisting speed, trolley travel speed, and spreader type. Clients can choose configurations based on port size and vessel handling requirements.
Modern STS cranes can be equipped with advanced automation systems such as auto-positioning, anti-sway control, and collision detection to enhance operation accuracy and safety. Additionally, remote monitoring and maintenance systems can be integrated to enable fault alerts and operation data tracking, improving intelligent equipment management.
We use high-strength steel and precision manufacturing processes to ensure long-term structural stability and wind resistance. Key components such as the control system, reducers, and motors are sourced from globally renowned brands and undergo rigorous testing. The overall design meets standards for seismic resistance, wind protection, and corrosion prevention, ensuring reliability and durability.
Our STS cranes feature modular designs, making maintenance and part replacement convenient. We provide comprehensive operation manuals and technical training. With a professional after-sales service team and spare parts inventory, we ensure prompt response to client needs, guaranteeing high equipment availability and minimal downtime.
