The STS crane, which stands for Ship-to-Shore Crane, is a large-scale port lifting equipment. Users primarily use it for loading and unloading containers between container ships and terminals. STS cranes are typically located at container terminals and, compared to other port lifting equipment, they offer higher container handling speeds, playing a crucial role in increasing port throughput. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to STS cranes, including their parts, prices, and specifications, to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of STS cranes.

what is a STS Crane (1)
what is a STS Crane (2)

STS Crane Parts

The STS container crane mainly consists of the main beam, front boom, rear boom, trolley running mechanism, crane travelling mechanism, lifting system, cab, and electrical and control systems. Below, I will introduce the functions of each component.

  • Main Beam: Located at the top of the machine, it bears the entire load and provides a track for the trolley running mechanism.
  • Front Cantilever: Extends forward, covering the container ships. When the user is not using the STS crane, their forearm can be raised upwards.
  • Rear Cantilever: Located at the rear, used for counterweight balance of the entire machine and for housing the electrical and maintenance systems.
  • Trolley: Moves laterally along the main beam together with the lifting mechanism.
  • Lifting Mechanism: Mounted on the trolley, driving the spreader to perform lifting and lowering operations.
  • Container Spreader: Suspended below the lifting mechanism, directly gripping and locking the container.
  • Gantry Frame: Located at the lower sides of the crane, supporting the upper structure and forming a frame structure.
  • Travelling Mechanism: Installed at the bottom of the gantry frame, allowing the crane to move along the tracks.
  • Cab: Operators monitor and control the equipment.
  • Electrical System: Responsible for power distribution, motion control, automation, and safety protection functions of the entire machine.
STS Crane Parts

How do STS Cranes Work?

The STS crane is fixed on the dock rails, and the operator controls the trolley to move it above the container ship. Then, the lifting mechanism lowers, the container spreader grasps and locks onto the container, and then lifts it. The operator controls the trolley’s lateral movement to transfer goods between the ship and the dock. The entire process is highly automated and runs smoothly. Users can control the front cantilever to raise or lower it to accommodate different sizes of vessels.

STS Crane Specification

STS Crane Specification
ModelSTS Crane
Lifting Capacity (Under spreader) ton35 ~ 65 ton
Lifting Capacity (Under hook) ton45 ~ 75 ton
Lifting Height (Above Rail) m25 ~ 42 m
Lifting Height (Below Rail) m12 ~ 20 m
Front Outreach (m)30 ~ 65 m
Rear Outreach (m)10 ~ 25 m
Lifting Speed (m/min) Full Load50 ~ 90 m/min
Lifting Speed (m/min) No Load120 ~ 180 m/min
Trolley  Traveling Speed (m/min)180 ~ 240 m/min
Gantry  Traveling Speed (m/min)45 m/min
Work DutyA6 ~ A8

STS Crane Price

The STS crane price varies depending on specific configurations such as lifting height, front outreach, material type, control method, and additional safety features. Below, we have listed some STS container crane sample prices for reference only — the final quotation will be tailored to your exact requirements.

Load CapacityLifting HeightPrice
41 ton22 m$1,184,000, depending on specifications
40 m$4,170,850, depending on specifications

Summarize

Overall, the STS crane has become an indispensable piece of equipment in modern ports. For operators looking to increase port container throughput, STS cranes are the preferred solution. With its advanced design, customizable features, and stable structure, the STS container crane is gradually becoming the future trend for container port development. For a full overview of how STS cranes compare to RTG, RMG, mobile harbor cranes, and other port equipment types — including price ranges and selection criteria — see our complete guide to cranes for ports.

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STS Crane Manufacturers

VOITTO Cranes is a professional STS crane manufacturer. We specialise in providing reliable and highly efficient shore-to-ship handling solutions for container ports worldwide. We can provide customised solutions based on your port layout to help you maximise port throughput and support your port development.

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If you have any specific requirements or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.