A container gantry crane is a large and powerful piece of equipment used in ports and container terminals to efficiently handle containers. It is designed to lift, move, and stack containers, enabling the loading and unloading of container ships and organizing containers in storage yards. These cranes play a crucial role in facilitating global trade and logistics by ensuring the smooth and rapid transfer of goods between ships, trucks, and trains.
Types of container gantry crane
Container gantry cranes come in various types, such as rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes, rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, and automated stacking cranes (ASCs). Each type serves specific needs and operational requirements based on factors like container volume, vessel size, terminal layout, and automation level.There are several types of container gantry cranes, each designed to meet specific operational requirements and suit different port and container yard configurations. Here are the main types of container gantry cranes:
RMG Rail-Mounted Gantry Crane
RMG gantry crane, short for Rail-Mounted Gantry Crane, is a cutting-edge material handling solution widely used in modern ports and container terminals. This robust and efficient crane plays a pivotal role in streamlining container handling operations, ensuring seamless loading and unloading processes for large cargo ships and optimizing storage in container yards.RMG cranes are fixed on rails, running along the length of the container yard or dock.
They are ideal for large container yards and ports with high container throughput. RMG container cranes are known for their high lifting capacity and stability, making them suitable for handling heavy containers. The rail-mounted mobile gantry crane is similar to RMG.This type of crane combines the characteristics of both RMG and RTG cranes. It operates on rails but has a mobile gantry structure, providing higher flexibility than traditional RMG container cranes.Here are some key features and advantages of RMG rail mounted container gantry crane:
- Precision and Efficiency: RMG gantry cranes are equipped with advanced automation and control systems, ensuring precise and efficient gantry container positioning and stacking. Their ability to handle multiple containers simultaneously greatly enhances operational efficiency.
- Rail-Mounted Design: Operating on fixed rails along the length of the container yard, RMG cranes offer exceptional stability and travel along well-defined paths, minimizing operational risks and improving safety.
- High Lifting Capacity: RMG gantry cranes are designed to handle heavy gantry containers, making them ideal for ports and terminals dealing with large vessels and high container volumes.
- Adaptability: These cranes can be customized to handle various container sizes, accommodating the diverse needs of different ports and cargo types.
- Reduced Labor Costs: The automation and precision of RMG gantry cranes contribute to reduced labor requirements, optimizing operational costs for terminal operators.


RTG Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane
RTG gantry crane, short for Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane, is a state-of-the-art material handling solution commonly used in modern port terminals. This versatile and powerful crane is designed to efficiently handle containers, offering significant advantages in terms of flexibility, mobility, and productivity.
Here are some key features and advantages of container RTG rubber tired gantry crane:
- Rubber-Tired Mobility: RTG gantry cranes are equipped with rubber tires, providing them with exceptional mobility. This unique feature allows them to move easily within the terminal, enabling quick and precise container positioning.
- High Lifting Capacity: Container RTG gantry cranes boast impressive lifting capacities, capable of handling multiple containers at once, making them well-suited for high container throughput operations.
- Customizable Spans and Lift Heights: The adjustable span and lift heights of container RTG gantry cranes cater to the varying needs of different terminals, accommodating containers of different sizes and stack configurations.
- Eco-Friendly Electric Drives: Many RTG container cranes are equipped with eco-friendly electric drives, reducing emissions and energy consumption, making them a sustainable choice for container handling.
- Automated and Remote-Control Options: RTG container cranes can be equipped with advanced automation and remote-control capabilities, optimizing productivity and enhancing safety during operations.
Each type of container gantry crane has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific needs of the port or container terminal. Factors such as container volume, yard layout, ship sizes, and automation levels influence the decision on which type of gantry crane to use. The right choice can significantly impact the efficiency and productivity of container handling operations.


Spreader
Container gantry cranes typically consist of a large steel structure known as a gantry, which runs on rails along the length of the container yard or dock. The gantry supports a horizontal boom with a spreader at its end. The spreader, which can be adjusted to fit different gantry crane container sizes, securely grips the containers during lifting and stacking operations. The choice of spreader depends on the type of container being handled and specific operational requirements. Here are the main types of spreaders used in container gantry cranes:
Simple Container Spreader
The Simple Container Spreader, also known as Basic Container Spreader, is a fundamental tool on gantry crane for container handling. It typically consists of durable webbing or metal chains configured to form a secure structure that can be safely attached to the container’s lifting lugs. This type of sling is suitable for light-duty containers and general loading requirements, making it a common choice for loading, unloading, and transportation tasks.


Electric Container Spreader
Electric Container Spreader is an advanced and efficient tool designed for lifting containers using electric power. Unlike manual or basic slings, electric container lifting gear is equipped with electric motors and controls, enabling smooth and precise lifting operations. The gear usually includes electric hoists, trolleys, and other automated components that facilitate the handling of heavy containers with ease. The electric motors provide consistent and controlled lifting, ensuring gentle acceleration and deceleration to prevent container swinging or damage.

Telescopic Container Spreader
Telescopic Container Spreader is equipped with electric or hydraulic motors and telescopic arms that allow for smooth and adjustable extension and retraction. The telescopic feature enables the lifting gear to adapt to various container sizes, making it suitable for handling both standard and non-standard containers. Its adjustable arms provide flexibility in reaching containers positioned at different distances, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of container handling operations.
Rotating Container Spreader
Rotating Container Spreader is an innovative and versatile tool designed for efficiently lifting and positioning containers with the ability to rotate. This type of lifting gear is equipped with a rotating mechanism that allows the spreader to rotate the container while it is suspended in the air. This category includes hydraulic rotating telescopic contain lifting gear and electric rotating telescopic contain lifting gear.


Cases of Container Gantry Crane
As a reliable gantry crane manufacturer, Aicrane has many lifting solution cases for our customers all over the world. Here are some container gantry crane solutions for the customers in Kazahkstan and Chile.
45 Ton RMG container gantry crane for Kazakhstan
A 45-ton rail-mounted gantry crane equipped with a tailor-made container spreader was successfully delivered to Kazakhstan by Aicrane. This RMG crane for Kazakhstan is specifically designed for container handling in the Alma-Ata container yards. With a generous span of 32 meters, this crane boasts exceptional performance and work duty, making it the ideal choice for the customer’s specified container handling requirements.Given the customer’s container yard, Aicrane’s technical experts recommended the rail-mounted container gantry crane as the most suitable solution. The customer expressed satisfaction with the proposed solution, and now they are equipped with a high-performance crane that perfectly meets their container handling needs in the container yards of Alma-Ata.




32 Ton gantry crane to Kazakhstan
Aicrane has successfully supplied a specialized 32-ton gantry crane to Kazakhstan, designed specifically for container handling in the yard. This tailor-made crane is used by the customer to efficiently transfer containers within the yard. The production cycle for this 32-ton gantry crane for container handling was completed in 75 working days.
To ensure the equipment’s protection during transportation, the main beam and end beam were securely packed in color band cloth to shield against rain. Additionally, standard export fumigation-free wooden boxes were utilized to pack the European hoist, electrical components, and other smaller parts.
Our gantry cranes are renowned for providing reliable and efficient lifting solutions across various industries and construction projects. With this customized gantry crane, our client can now carry out container handling operations seamlessly within their yard, enhancing productivity and streamlining their operations.

Rail Mounted Gantry Crane to Chile
Aicrane achieved a successful export of a top-notch and secure rail mounted container gantry crane to Chile. The customers had the opportunity to visit our headquarters and factories, where they witnessed our impressive capabilities, unwavering commitment to superior quality, and competitive pricing. The decision to collaborate with us was driven by these remarkable attributes.
Throughout the production process, we ensured seamless communication with our clients by providing regular updates in the form of images and videos of their crane’s progress. This attentive approach kept the clients satisfied and reassured of the quality and progress of their customized crane.


Upon installation in Chile, the gantry crane for container handling proved to be a resounding success, meeting all performance expectations and safety standards. The collaborative efforts between Aicrane and our esteemed clients resulted in a seamless transaction and a successful outcome for their lifting needs in Chile.

