A container Gantry Crane is the biggest crane which is used in the operation sector of the shipping industry. It is designed for loading and unloading the container cargo from a container vessel.
The crane is operated by a specially trained crane operator from within the cabin located on the top end of the crane and suspended from the trolley. It is the operator who lifts the container from the ship or dock for unloading or loading of cargo. It is very important for both the ship and the shore staff (gantry operator, stevedores and foremen) to be alert and to maintain proper communication between them to avoid any accidents.
Cranes normally transport a single container at once, but some newer cranes have the capability to pick up two to four 20-foot containers at once.
Container cranes consist of a supporting framework that can traverse the length of a quay or yard on a rail track. Instead of a hook, they are equipped with a specialized handling tool called a spreader. The spreader can be lowered on top of a container and locks onto the container's four locking points ("corner castings") using a twistlockmechanism.
Advantages
1)Higher hook lift, since the hook can be pulled up between the main girders.
2)Extremely rigid box girder construction and durable trolley design are well suited for heavy service applications.
3)Economical material handling in those area where Overhead Crane system is not easily available
4)Safe and efficient
5)Easy installation and maintenance