22-May-2025

Port Crane Types Comparison

1. Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving global trade landscape, selecting the right port crane is crucial for maximizing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring long-term competitiveness. With various crane types available—each designed for specific port operations—making an informed decision requires a deep understanding of their capabilities, costs, and best-use scenarios.

Dongqi Crane, a leading manufacturer of high-performance port equipment, specializes in Ship-to-Shore (STS), Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG), and Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes. This guide provides a detailed comparison of these crane types, helping port operators, terminal managers, and logistics planners choose the optimal solution for their needs in 2025 and beyond.

(Note: Dongqi Crane does not manufacture Mobile Harbor Cranes—this guide focuses on STS, RTG, and RMG models.)

2. Ship-to-Shore (STS) Cranes: The Giants of Container Handling

2.1 Key Features & Specifications

STS cranes are rail-mounted gantry cranes designed for direct container transfer between ships and shore. They dominate large-scale container terminals due to their high lifting capacity (50–120+ tons) and long outreach (20–30+ container rows).

Dongqi STS Crane Models (2025):

  • DQ-STS60: 60T capacity, 22-row outreach, semi-automated
  • DQ-STS100: 100T capacity, 26-row outreach, fully automated
  • DQ-ULCV120: 120T capacity, 30-row outreach, AI-powered

2.2 Advantages

✔ Unmatched Productivity – Capable of 30–40 moves/hour (dual-trolley models).
✔ Optimized for Mega-Ships – Handles Post-Panamax and ULCVs (20,000+ TEU).
✔ Automation-Ready – AI-assisted positioning, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

2.3 Limitations

✖ High Initial Cost – $6M–$20M, depending on capacity and automation.
✖ Infrastructure Demands – Requires deep-water berths (14m+ draft) and reinforced rail tracks.

2.4 Best For

  • Large hub ports (e.g., Shanghai, Rotterdam, Los Angeles).
  • Terminals with high annual throughput (800,000+ TEU).
  • Automation-focused operations.
STS (Ship-to-shore) Crane

3. Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) Cranes: Flexible Yard Solutions

3.1 Key Features & Specifications

RTG cranes are mobile, rubber-tired gantry cranes used for container stacking and truck loading in storage yards. They offer greater flexibility than fixed cranes and are ideal for medium-sized ports and multi-purpose terminals.

Dongqi RTG Crane Models (2025):

  • DQ-RTG40: 40T capacity, 6+1 rows, diesel-electric
  • DQ-eRTG45: 45T capacity, 7+1 rows, full-electric
  • DQ-SmartRTG50: 50T capacity, AI-assisted steering

3.2 Advantages

✔ Mobility & Adaptability – Can be repositioned as needed.
✔ Lower Cost – $1.5M–$4M, significantly cheaper than STS cranes.
✔ Hybrid/Electric Options – Reduces fuel costs by 30–50%.

3.3 Limitations

✖ Lower Efficiency – 15–22 moves/hour (vs. 30+ for STS).
✖ Higher Maintenance – Tires, engines, and steering systems require frequent servicing.

3.4 Best For

  • Regional ports with space constraints.
  • Terminals needing flexible yard operations.
  • Budget-conscious operators.
RTG crane

4. Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) Cranes: High-Density Stacking Solutions

4.1 Key Features & Specifications

RMG cranes operate on fixed rail tracks within container yards, offering higher stacking density than RTGs. They are commonly used in automated terminals.

Dongqi RMG Crane Models (2025):

  • DQ-RMG50: 50T capacity, 5-high stacking
  • DQ-AutoRMG60: 60T capacity, automated positioning
  • DQ-HybridRMG55: 55T capacity, energy-recovery system

4.2 Advantages

✔ Higher Stability – No tire wear, smoother operation.
✔ Better for Automation – Ideal for automated container yards (ACYs).
✔ Greater Stacking Height – Up to 8 containers high (vs. 5–6 for RTGs).

4.3 Limitations

✖ Less Flexibility – Cannot be easily relocated.
✖ Higher Infrastructure Cost – Requires rail installation ($1M+ per km).

4.4 Best For

  • High-volume automated terminals.
  • Ports with limited yard space needing dense stacking.
  • Greenfield projects with long-term expansion plans.
Rail Mounted Gantry Crane in Singapore

5. Comparison Table: STS vs. RTG vs. RMG Cranes

FeatureSTS CranesRTG CranesRMG Cranes
MobilityFixed (rail-mounted)Mobile (rubber-tired)Fixed (rail-mounted)
Capacity50–120+ tons30–50 tons40–60 tons
Productivity30–40 moves/hour15–22 moves/hour20–28 moves/hour
AutomationHigh (L3 possible)Medium (L2 possible)High (L3 possible)
Cost (2025)$6M–$20M$1.5M–$4M$2M–$6M
Best ForMega ports, ULCVsMedium ports, yardsAutomated terminals

6. How to Choose the Right Crane?

6.1 Decision Factors

  1. Vessel Size
  • ULCVs (20,000+ TEU) → STS Cranes mandatory
  • Feeder ships (<5,000 TEU) → RTG/RMG possible
  1. Terminal Throughput
  • <500,000 TEU/year → RTG preferred
  • >800,000 TEU/year → STS + RMG combo
  1. Automation Needs
  • Full automation? → RMG or automated STS
  • Semi-automation? → RTG with GPS guidance
  1. Budget Constraints
  • Limited capital? → RTG (lowest upfront cost)
  • Long-term investment? → STS (highest ROI over 10+ years)

7. Future Trends (2025–2030)

7.1 Automation & AI

  • STS Cranes: AI-driven collision avoidance, remote-controlled operations.
  • RTG/RMG Cranes: Autonomous navigation, battery-swapping systems.

7.2 Green Energy Shift

  • Electric & Hybrid RTGs gaining market share.
  • Hydrogen-powered STS cranes in development.

7.3 Dongqi’s Innovations

  • SmartRMG™: Automated stacking with LiDAR precision.
  • AI-Powered STS: 30% faster cycle times with machine learning.

8. Conclusion: Partner with Dongqi Crane for Your Port Needs

Choosing between STS, RTG, and RMG cranes depends on:
✔ Vessel size & terminal capacity
✔ Automation goals
✔ Budget & infrastructure constraints

Dongqi Crane provides:
✅ High-performance STS, RTG, and RMG cranes
✅ Competitive pricing (20–30% below European brands)
✅ Custom automation & energy-efficient solutions

📞 Contact Dongqi Crane Today for a Consultation!
🌐 Website: https://sg.craneyt.com/
📧 Email: sales010@cranesdq.com

Upgrade your port operations with the right crane in 2025! 🚢⚡