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Marine Cranes: Ultimate Guide (2026)

January 6, 2026

Marine cranes are one of those topics where the labels sound simple, but the buying decision is anything but. “Deck crane” can mean a light utility unit for stores, or a serious cargo-handling capability that reshapes how a vessel earns money. Offshore, the words “motion compensated” or “AHC” can hide big differences in what a crane can actually do in real sea states. And in ports and shipyards, the crane choice is often the difference between smooth throughput and chronic bottlenecks. This guide breaks down the crane types you’ll hear most in maritime conversations, what they’re best for, where they tend to disappoint, and what drives cost, lead time, and install scope so you can get to a shortlist faster and ask sharper questions when it’s time to spec and buy.

🏗️ View our new Marine Crane Selector Tool

1️⃣ Shipboard / vessel-mounted (deck cranes)

Port cranes get the attention, but shipboard deck cranes are where a lot of day-to-day lifting reality lives: provisions, hoses, spares, project cargo, and sometimes serious heavy-lift work. The table below is set up so readers can compare crane types fast, including fit, typical capability, cost band, and the stuff that tends to bite during install and operation. (Capability bands reflect published OEM ranges; cost bands are indicative and vary heavily by class approval, duty cycle, controls, and steel work.)

Deck crane decision table (shipboard / vessel-mounted)
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Deck crane
(general term)
baseline
 General cargo, stores, light project work, occasional lifts on multi-purpose vessels “One-size” spec often misses your real radius loads and duty cycle Commonly 1–50t class, outreach often 6–30m (varies widely by design) $50k–$1.5M Foundation + crane set + power/hydraulics + commissioning/load test Class/flag package, corrosion protection spec, controls, electrical scope Medium Overturning moment into deck structure, tail swing envelope, hose routing, access for service
Pedestal crane
common on ships
 Frequent lifts with 360° slewing, good all-around shipboard workhorse Foundation loads and underdeck reinforcement can snowball Often 1–60t class; outreach commonly 6–35m $150k–$2.5M Pedestal/foundation engineering is usually the critical path Structural drawings approvals, pedestal fabrication, vendor commissioning slots Medium Blind zones, deck penetration conflicts, stability impacts on smaller vessels
Knuckle boom crane
(folding boom)
compact stow
 Tight decks, near-superstructure stowage, supply handling, hose/provisions, ship-to-ship tasks More joints = more pins/bushings and hydraulics to keep healthy Wide spread: small service up to larger offshore-grade; long outreach options exist $150k–$3.0M Similar to pedestal cranes, plus stowage rests and hose management details Options (remote control, AOPS, cameras), hazardous-area build, duty class Medium to High Pin wear, hose abrasion, slew bearing care, “compact” can still block walkways if stow is wrong
Stiff boom crane
(straight boom)
simple geometry
 Predictable lifts, simpler control feel, robust shipboard cargo/service work Stowage envelope is larger; can be awkward in tight spaces Broad offshore/shipboard range (often defined by lifting moment + radius) $150k–$3.5M Foundation + boom rest + clear swing/stow zones are key Moment rating, boom length, power pack choice, certification package Medium Windage, clearance over hatches/railings, off-lead limits at larger radii
Telescopic boom crane
reach flexibility
 Variable outreach without huge stow length; good for multi-role service lifts Telescoping sections and seals add wear points in salt exposure Common catalog ranges include 1–30t and ~4–30m outreach (many variations) $120k–$2.5M Foundation + hydraulic/electrical integration + commissioning/load test Boom length, cylinder sizing, corrosion protection, controls, vendor lead time Medium Side loading sensitivity, section corrosion, lubrication discipline, stow/boom rest alignment
Lattice boom crane
heavy duty
 Higher lifts and longer radii with weight efficiency; project cargo style work More exposure to corrosion and inspection burden across lattice members Often used when you need bigger moment at radius; configuration-driven $500k–$8M+ More complex assembly, rigging clearances, and testing planning Engineering approvals, fabrication complexity, transport/assembly constraints High Wind limits, inspection access, fatigue hotspots, deck footprint and tie-downs
Wire-luffing lattice boom crane
precision luff
 Where fine control at radius matters and you’re living in heavy-lift territory Rope/sheave maintenance and brake integrity become mission-critical Typically positioned for heavy duty cycles; often specified by moment + rigging plan $1.5M–$15M+ Major install with extensive commissioning and load test logistics Long-lead machinery (winches, slew bearings), class package, project scheduling High Rope management, brake testing, dynamic effects, deck reinforcement scope
Jib crane
utility
 Local lifts: spares, workshops, engine-room access points, small deck tasks Limited radius and capacity, easy to outgrow Often sub-1t to a few tonnes; short radius by design $10k–$150k Mounting + local reinforcement + certification/load test Fabrication + class sign-off timing Low Placement mistakes (can’t reach the thing you bought it for), obstruction conflicts
Travelling jib crane
moves on track
 Shipyard/terminal work areas where you need coverage along a rail/track Rail alignment and power feed reliability can create downtime Project-specific; coverage length is often the real value driver $250k–$5M Track/rail install + electrical + controls + commissioning/testing Civil/steel works, rail procurement, controls integration, permitting Medium to High Alignment tolerance, end stops, collision risk, access control and operating rules
Heavy-lift ship crane
specialized
 Project cargo, heavy modules, offshore construction support, high-value lifts Complexity and downtime risk increase fast if maintenance or crew competency slips Heavy-lift portfolios can reach very high SWL in specialized designs $5M–$60M+ Major yard integration, extensive testing, stability and operating envelope studies Long-lead machinery, class approvals, project engineering, yard slot availability High Stability limits, lift planning culture, redundancy expectations, insurance scrutiny after incidents

2️⃣ Offshore / offshore wind / subsea

Offshore cranes look similar in photos, but the differences that matter are usually under the hood: compensation capability, duty class, corrosion protection, controls, and how much structure and power you really need to support the crane safely. The ranges below reflect common OEM specs and real market listings for offshore-class cranes, but final numbers move a lot with class/flag, hazardous-area build, wire length, winch package, and foundation steel.

Offshore crane decision table (offshore wind / subsea / offshore support)
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Offshore crane
(general term)
category label
 General offshore lifting on PSVs/CSVs/OSVs and fixed installations, where corrosion and duty class exceed “shipboard cargo” specs “Offshore” can mean anything from light service to subsea-class; specs get misunderstood Commonly 5–100t class on many vessels; larger units exist by project and installation type $250k–$8M+ Foundation engineering + integration (HPU/power, controls, safety) + commissioning/load test Duty class, hazardous-area requirements, class package, winch package, vendor slots Medium to High Off-lead loading limits, wind limits, operator competency, documentation and load testing logistics
Offshore pedestal crane
workhorse
 Frequent deck and supply lifts, platform support, hose/pipe handling, offshore wind CTV/SOV utility work (spec-dependent) Foundation loads and overturning moment drive steel scope Commonly ~10–200t range depending on build; outreach commonly ~10–40m on many designs $400k–$6M Pedestal/foundation steel + crane set + power/HPU + controls + functional + load test Pedestal fabrication, slew bearing/winch procurement, integration and FAT scheduling Medium Underdeck clashes, stability/trim implications, access to slew bearing and winches for service
AHC crane
(Active Heave Compensated)
subsea-ready
 Subsea lifting and splash-zone work, offshore construction, turbine components (when motion control is required) Complexity: sensors, control tuning, winch performance and redundancy expectations Common offshore AHC examples include ~5–250t SWL; outreach often ~15–25m on many AHC packages (design-dependent) $1.5M–$12M+ Major integration (power/HPU, controls, data, safety), commissioning, heave tests, load test Winch package, wire length/capacity, control system, class approvals, factory acceptance test slots High Actual compensation performance vs sea state, wire management, fatigue cycles, spare parts strategy
Motion-compensated crane
active or passive
 Operations where relative motion must be managed but full subsea AHC may not be needed (varies by system) “Motion-compensated” is a label; the compensation method and performance spec are what matter Ranges overlap AHC: small service cranes up to large offshore units; outreach and capacity are application-driven $800k–$12M+ Integration-heavy (controls, sensors, winch), plus verification testing aligned to the compensation method Comp system supplier, tuning/commissioning time, sensors, acceptance testing requirements High Performance claims, alarm nuisance, operator training, what happens in “degraded mode”
Subsea crane
deep lift
 Deepwater subsea lifts, installation work, tools and modules where long wire and motion control matter Winch/wire capacity, rope fleet angle control, and fatigue management become the limiting factors Often specified by capacity + wire length; examples include up to ~250t (single line) / ~400t (double fall) in some product ranges $2M–$20M+ Significant structural + power + controls integration, plus sea trials/verification and load testing Main winch lead time, wire length/capacity, heave system, class package, vessel integration schedule High Wire management, DAF/dynamics assumptions, sea-state operating envelope, maintenance access offshore
Offshore knuckle boom crane
compact + flexible
 Supply handling, service lifts, wind farm support work, tight deck footprints with flexible reach geometry More joints and hydraulics to maintain; pin wear and hose routing issues show up fast offshore Common product ranges reach up to ~100t and up to ~50m jib radius (model-dependent) $300k–$7M+ Foundation + integration + stowage/rest design + commissioning/load test Options (remote control, AOPS, cameras), corrosion protection, hazardous-area build, class approvals Medium to High Pin/bushing wear, hose abrasion, stow envelope conflicts, unexpected side loading cases
Offshore lattice boom crane
moment at radius
 Higher moment lifts at longer radii where weight efficiency matters (project-driven offshore lifts) Inspection burden and corrosion exposure across lattice; wind limits can be restrictive Can scale very large; some offshore crane ranges list pedestal lattice units up to very high SWL (project/class dependent) $2M–$40M+ Major install: assembly/rigging considerations, large foundation scope, extensive commissioning and load test planning Engineering approvals, fabrication complexity, logistics for assembly, yard schedule availability High Windage, fatigue hotspots, access for inspection, deck footprint, lift planning discipline
Offshore heavy-lift crane
specialized
 Large modules, jackets, turbines foundations, salvage and construction lifts (often on crane vessels or fixed installs) Project risk: high consequence failures, long downtime, and strict procedure culture requirements Very wide: hundreds of tonnes to multi-thousand-tonne class in specialized cases $10M–$200M+ Vessel/platform-level integration, extensive engineering, trials, redundancy and safety case work Long-lead machinery, design verification, project engineering, yard slot, acceptance test program Very High Stability limits, dynamic amplification assumptions, insurance scrutiny, crew competency and procedure compliance

3️⃣ Ports, terminals, shipyards

Ports and shipyards run on a handful of crane “families,” and each one comes with its own tradeoffs: fixed rail + maximum throughput, rubber-tired flexibility, or mobile lifting that can chase the work. The table below compares the most common terminal and shipyard crane types in the same decision format so readers can quickly match the equipment to the cargo mix, yard layout, and uptime expectations.

Ports / terminals / shipyards — crane decision table
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
STS crane
(ship-to-shore / quay crane)
container quay
 High-throughput container terminals where berth productivity drives everything Quay rail/civil and power reality can lag the crane spec (then you “own” the constraint) Typical SWL: 40–50t single, ~65t twin (some designs include ~100t tandem). Outreach commonly ~38–65m+ depending on vessel size class $6M–$15M+ per crane Quay rails/civil + electrical supply + crane erection/assembly + commissioning + load tests + operator/maintenance training Steel fabrication, drives/controls, spreaders, grid upgrades, transport/assembly planning, terminal commissioning window High Wind and storm securing, anti-collision and AOPS tuning, rail settlement/alignment, spare spreader strategy, downtime consequences
MHC
(mobile harbor crane)
flexible berth
 Multipurpose terminals (breakbulk, bulk grabs, occasional containers) where flexibility beats fixed infrastructure Tires/undercarriage and ground bearing pressure realities, plus operator variability Typical max lift often ~60–150t (higher exists by model); outreach commonly ~35–55m (model-dependent) $2.5M–$8M+ per unit Minimal civil versus STS, but requires pad strength checks, delivery, commissioning, and site integration (power/fuel, traffic plans) OEM build slots, attachment package (spreader/grabs), electrification options, delivery logistics Medium to High Ground conditions, tyre wear, wind limits, productivity variability vs STS, spare parts and service support in-region
RTG
(rubber-tired gantry)
yard stacking
 Container yard stacking with high layout flexibility (no rails), common in many terminals Diesel/hybrid complexity and tyre/wheel-end wear; drift in alignment affects productivity Common under-spreader capacity around ~40–50t class; stacking typically 1-over-5 to 1-over-6; spans often 6+1 or 7+1 rows (configurable) $1M–$3M+ per crane Delivery + yard commissioning; power choice (diesel, hybrid, electrified) drives infrastructure scope; training and yard rules matter Power system choice, automation options, availability of commissioning crews, terminal operating constraints during rollout Medium Tyre and wheel loads, storm anchoring practices, anti-collision discipline, lane control and GPS/position system reliability
RMG
(rail-mounted gantry)
rail yard
 Dense yards, rail intermodal, high repeatability where rails enable precision and energy efficiency Rail/civil settlement and alignment issues become operational issues Typical SWL around ~40–50t single and ~50–65t twin; stacking can reach up to 1-over-8 (design-dependent); spans and cantilevers vary by layout $2M–$8M+ per crane Rails/civil + power feed (busbar/cable reel) + commissioning; bigger upfront infra than RTG Civil works schedule, rail procurement, power upgrades, controls integration and acceptance testing Medium to High Rail settlement, end-stops and collision protection, interface with TOS, downtime impacts when a rail crane is out of service
ASC
(automated stacking crane)
automation
 Highly automated container yards aiming for 24/7 consistent performance and dense stacking Integration risk: controls + safety envelope + TOS/TLS interfaces (it’s a system, not a “crane purchase”) Typical SWL: ~41t single; twin-lift options (often ~50/60/65t depending on supplier). Hoisting height commonly up to 1-over-6; yard width varies by design $3M–$12M+ per crane (system-dependent) Major program: rails/civil + power + automation stack + remote ops/controls + commissioning in phases + operational change management Software/controls acceptance testing, safety validation, vendor integration bandwidth, terminal cutover plan High Degraded-mode operations, sensor cleanliness, cybersecurity/patching governance, false stops vs safety margin tuning
Portal crane
(harbor / port portal crane)
rail + slewing
 General cargo, bulk grabs, and some container work where a rail-mounted, slewing crane fits the berth better than STS Rail and storm anchoring discipline (portal travel + wind exposure) Common max lift roughly ~40–125t; outreach commonly ~30–48m (model-dependent) $2M–$10M+ Rails/civil + portal travel system + power + commissioning/testing; often less complex than STS but still rail-dependent Portal/rail design, power supply, attachments (grab/spreader), permitting and erection window Medium to High Storm anchors/rail clamps, rail wear, collision protection, lift chart misunderstandings at large radius with grabs
Shipyard gantry crane
(Goliath gantry crane)
block lifts
 Shipyard block handling and mega-assembly where lift capacity + span defines build strategy Big civil/erection risk and wind exposure; schedule slips get expensive fast Wide: hundreds of tonnes to 1,000t+ (and beyond in headline projects); spans and hook travel are shipyard-layout driven $20M–$200M+ Major civil foundations + long rail runs + erection/assembly (often using heavy lifting contractors) + full acceptance testing Steel fabrication scale, transport logistics, erection methodology, site wind/weather windows, shipyard production interruptions High Wind operating limits, rail settlement, redundant hoist/reeving strategy, lift planning culture, lifecycle structural inspection program

4️⃣ Floating / special purpose (common maritime terms)

Floating / special-purpose crane assets are usually brought in when the lift is too heavy, too awkward, or too risky for standard shipboard gear: salvage, shipyard blocks, bridge modules, offshore jackets, heavy subsea pieces, and “one-shot” critical lifts where downtime is expensive. The biggest operational difference vs most other crane types is that you’re managing marine stability + mooring + weather windows as much as the crane itself.

Floating / special-purpose crane decision table
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Floating crane
crane vessel / crane ship
 Heavy marine construction, salvage, offshore component lifts, shipyard block moves, bridge work Weather window + stability/mooring planning can dominate the schedule Wide spread: hundreds to thousands of tons are common in heavy-lift fleets; specialized units can be far higher ~$1M to $115M+ (depends heavily on size/class; major heavy-lift newbuilds can exceed $100M) Mobilization + mooring spread + lift engineering + approvals + load test/verification for the project Vessel availability in-region, project engineering, permits, and class/flag requirements High Draft/air draft limits, sea state limits, port restrictions, complex lift plans, insurance scrutiny on critical lifts
Crane barge
derrick / spud barge
 Coastal construction, piling, dredging support, lighter offshore work, localized heavy lifts near sheltered waters Lower sea-keeping; positioning and mooring setup can slow operations in open water Common marine bands ~50–400t; offshore derrick barges often ~500–1,500t (exceptions exist) Used units can be sub-$1M; purpose-built/newer offshore-capable spreads can run into multi-millions Barge prep + spuds/anchors + crane setup + deck strengthening + commissioning/load test Crane availability/spec, barge strengthening scope, spud/mooring gear, regulatory sign-offs Medium to High Wind limits, deck load concentration, mooring failure risk, downtime from mechanical issues without spares support
Sheerleg crane
A-frame heavy lift
 Very heavy lifts where rotation isn’t required, shipbuilding/shipyard lifts, salvage, set-down work No (or limited) slewing: the platform often must be repositioned to “aim” the lift Commonly cited from ~50t up to ~4,000t; heavy-lift fleets include ~400–5,000t classes Multi-million to $100M+ for the largest classes; smaller sheerlegs are materially less Mobilization + mooring + lift engineering; on-site setup can be fast, but the planning is not Engineering package, heavy winches/rigging, barge/vessel availability, weather window planning High Repositioning time, tight tolerances on set-down, mooring management, rope/brake integrity, wind exposure

Marine Crane Selector Tool (Ships, Offshore, Ports, Floating)

⚓ Marine-first 📐 Fit score + short list 🧾 Copy-ready spec sheet

Pick your operating context, enter the lift you actually need (load at radius + outreach), then layer in real-world constraints (deck space, civil/rail, automation, motion control). The tool ranks crane types and explains the tradeoffs.

1) Your job and constraints

Keep it simple: start with load at radius and outreach. Add the checkboxes only if they matter for your project.

This controls which crane families are ranked.
If you’re unsure, keep General.
Enter the load you want at radius, not “max at minimum radius”.
This is often what breaks “one-size” specs.
If blank, cost is used only as a reference, not a filter.
This nudges the ranking, it does not hard-exclude.
Useful when your yard window is tight.
Compact stow / walkway clearance matters Prioritizes folding geometry and stowage-friendly choices.
360° slewing needed Most shipboard/offshore cranes assume this, but the tool will favor it explicitly.
Motion compensation required Pushes AHC / motion-compensated / subsea-class solutions to the top.
Hazardous-area build likely (zone requirements) Increases the importance of documentation + options that drive lead time and cost.
Rails / fixed travel path available (ports/yard) Biases toward rail-based solutions (RMG/portal/STS/ASC) where relevant.
Automation is a program goal (not “nice to have”) Biases toward ASC and automation-centric architectures.
Tip: change one input at a time to see how rankings shift.

Practical note: the tool ranks crane types, not OEM models. Final selection still requires structural checks (overturning moment, deck/foundation, rail/civil), class/flag documentation, and an operating envelope review (wind, off-lead, stability, traffic/separation rules).

2) Ranked short list + “why”

You’ll get a top pick, a shortlist table, and a copy-ready spec sheet starter based on your inputs.

Fit confidence

Not run yet

Run the selector to generate a ranked list.

Spec Sheet Builder (copy/paste starter) ▾

This is a starting spec outline you can hand to a vendor or your naval architect. Edit the blanks and add class/flag requirements.

What the tool is optimizing for ▾
  • Core lift reality: your load at radius + outreach (when the dataset provides a band).
  • Context fit: shipboard vs offshore vs ports/yard vs floating crane work.
  • Operational priorities: compact stow, precision luffing, motion compensation, container throughput.
  • Practical friction: maintenance intensity, lead-time drivers, install scope, and “watch-outs”.
  • Budget (optional): used only when a numeric band is provided in the dataset.
Reference decision tables (your data) ▾

These tables are kept as a “ground truth” reference. The selector above uses the same information, but translates it into a ranked shortlist.

Shipboard, Offshore, Ports/Yards, Floating — tables
Deck crane decision table (shipboard / vessel-mounted)
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Deck crane
(general term)
baseline
 General cargo, stores, light project work, occasional lifts on multi-purpose vessels “One-size” spec often misses your real radius loads and duty cycle Commonly 1–50t class, outreach often 6–30m (varies widely by design) $50k–$1.5M Foundation + crane set + power/hydraulics + commissioning/load test Class/flag package, corrosion protection spec, controls, electrical scope Medium Overturning moment into deck structure, tail swing envelope, hose routing, access for service
Pedestal crane
common on ships
 Frequent lifts with 360° slewing, good all-around shipboard workhorse Foundation loads and underdeck reinforcement can snowball Often 1–60t class; outreach commonly 6–35m $150k–$2.5M Pedestal/foundation engineering is usually the critical path Structural drawings approvals, pedestal fabrication, vendor commissioning slots Medium Blind zones, deck penetration conflicts, stability impacts on smaller vessels
Knuckle boom crane
(folding boom)
compact stow
 Tight decks, near-superstructure stowage, supply handling, hose/provisions, ship-to-ship tasks More joints = more pins/bushings and hydraulics to keep healthy Wide spread: small service up to larger offshore-grade; long outreach options exist $150k–$3.0M Similar to pedestal cranes, plus stowage rests and hose management details Options (remote control, AOPS, cameras), hazardous-area build, duty class Medium to High Pin wear, hose abrasion, slew bearing care, “compact” can still block walkways if stow is wrong
Stiff boom crane
(straight boom)
simple geometry
 Predictable lifts, simpler control feel, robust shipboard cargo/service work Stowage envelope is larger; can be awkward in tight spaces Broad offshore/shipboard range (often defined by lifting moment + radius) $150k–$3.5M Foundation + boom rest + clear swing/stow zones are key Moment rating, boom length, power pack choice, certification package Medium Windage, clearance over hatches/railings, off-lead limits at larger radii
Telescopic boom crane
reach flexibility
 Variable outreach without huge stow length; good for multi-role service lifts Telescoping sections and seals add wear points in salt exposure Common catalog ranges include 1–30t and ~4–30m outreach (many variations) $120k–$2.5M Foundation + hydraulic/electrical integration + commissioning/load test Boom length, cylinder sizing, corrosion protection, controls, vendor lead time Medium Side loading sensitivity, section corrosion, lubrication discipline, stow/boom rest alignment
Lattice boom crane
heavy duty
 Higher lifts and longer radii with weight efficiency; project cargo style work More exposure to corrosion and inspection burden across lattice members Often used when you need bigger moment at radius; configuration-driven $500k–$8M+ More complex assembly, rigging clearances, and testing planning Engineering approvals, fabrication complexity, transport/assembly constraints High Wind limits, inspection access, fatigue hotspots, deck footprint and tie-downs
Wire-luffing lattice boom crane
precision luff
 Where fine control at radius matters and you’re living in heavy-lift territory Rope/sheave maintenance and brake integrity become mission-critical Typically positioned for heavy duty cycles; often specified by moment + rigging plan $1.5M–$15M+ Major install with extensive commissioning and load test logistics Long-lead machinery (winches, slew bearings), class package, project scheduling High Rope management, brake testing, dynamic effects, deck reinforcement scope
Jib crane
utility
 Local lifts: spares, workshops, engine-room access points, small deck tasks Limited radius and capacity, easy to outgrow Often sub-1t to a few tonnes; short radius by design $10k–$150k Mounting + local reinforcement + certification/load test Fabrication + class sign-off timing Low Placement mistakes (can’t reach the thing you bought it for), obstruction conflicts
Travelling jib crane
moves on track
 Shipyard/terminal work areas where you need coverage along a rail/track Rail alignment and power feed reliability can create downtime Project-specific; coverage length is often the real value driver $250k–$5M Track/rail install + electrical + controls + commissioning/testing Civil/steel works, rail procurement, controls integration, permitting Medium to High Alignment tolerance, end stops, collision risk, access control and operating rules
Heavy-lift ship crane
specialized
 Project cargo, heavy modules, offshore construction support, high-value lifts Complexity and downtime risk increase fast if maintenance or crew competency slips Heavy-lift portfolios can reach very high SWL in specialized designs $5M–$60M+ Major yard integration, extensive testing, stability and operating envelope studies Long-lead machinery, class approvals, project engineering, yard slot availability High Stability limits, lift planning culture, redundancy expectations, insurance scrutiny after incidents
Offshore crane decision table (offshore wind / subsea / offshore support)
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Offshore crane
(general term)
category label
 General offshore lifting on PSVs/CSVs/OSVs and fixed installations, where corrosion and duty class exceed “shipboard cargo” specs “Offshore” can mean anything from light service to subsea-class; specs get misunderstood Commonly 5–100t class on many vessels; larger units exist by project and installation type $250k–$8M+ Foundation engineering + integration (HPU/power, controls, safety) + commissioning/load test Duty class, hazardous-area requirements, class package, winch package, vendor slots Medium to High Off-lead loading limits, wind limits, operator competency, documentation and load testing logistics
Offshore pedestal crane
workhorse
 Frequent deck and supply lifts, platform support, hose/pipe handling, offshore wind CTV/SOV utility work (spec-dependent) Foundation loads and overturning moment drive steel scope Commonly ~10–200t range depending on build; outreach commonly ~10–40m on many designs $400k–$6M Pedestal/foundation steel + crane set + power/HPU + controls + functional + load test Pedestal fabrication, slew bearing/winch procurement, integration and FAT scheduling Medium Underdeck clashes, stability/trim implications, access to slew bearing and winches for service
AHC crane
(Active Heave Compensated)
subsea-ready
 Subsea lifting and splash-zone work, offshore construction, turbine components (when motion control is required) Complexity: sensors, control tuning, winch performance and redundancy expectations Common offshore AHC examples include ~5–250t SWL; outreach often ~15–25m on many AHC packages (design-dependent) $1.5M–$12M+ Major integration (power/HPU, controls, data, safety), commissioning, heave tests, load test Winch package, wire length/capacity, control system, class approvals, factory acceptance test slots High Actual compensation performance vs sea state, wire management, fatigue cycles, spare parts strategy
Motion-compensated crane
active or passive
 Operations where relative motion must be managed but full subsea AHC may not be needed (varies by system) “Motion-compensated” is a label; the compensation method and performance spec are what matter Ranges overlap AHC: small service cranes up to large offshore units; outreach and capacity are application-driven $800k–$12M+ Integration-heavy (controls, sensors, winch), plus verification testing aligned to the compensation method Comp system supplier, tuning/commissioning time, sensors, acceptance testing requirements High Performance claims, alarm nuisance, operator training, what happens in “degraded mode”
Subsea crane
deep lift
 Deepwater subsea lifts, installation work, tools and modules where long wire and motion control matter Winch/wire capacity, rope fleet angle control, and fatigue management become the limiting factors Often specified by capacity + wire length; examples include up to ~250t (single line) / ~400t (double fall) in some product ranges $2M–$20M+ Significant structural + power + controls integration, plus sea trials/verification and load testing Main winch lead time, wire length/capacity, heave system, class package, vessel integration schedule High Wire management, DAF/dynamics assumptions, sea-state operating envelope, maintenance access offshore
Offshore knuckle boom crane
compact + flexible
 Supply handling, service lifts, wind farm support work, tight deck footprints with flexible reach geometry More joints and hydraulics to maintain; pin wear and hose routing issues show up fast offshore Common product ranges reach up to ~100t and up to ~50m jib radius (model-dependent) $300k–$7M+ Foundation + integration + stowage/rest design + commissioning/load test Options (remote control, AOPS, cameras), corrosion protection, hazardous-area build, class approvals Medium to High Pin/bushing wear, hose abrasion, stow envelope conflicts, unexpected side loading cases
Offshore lattice boom crane
moment at radius
 Higher moment lifts at longer radii where weight efficiency matters (project-driven offshore lifts) Inspection burden and corrosion exposure across lattice; wind limits can be restrictive Can scale very large; some offshore crane ranges list pedestal lattice units up to very high SWL (project/class dependent) $2M–$40M+ Major install: assembly/rigging considerations, large foundation scope, extensive commissioning and load test planning Engineering approvals, fabrication complexity, logistics for assembly, yard schedule availability High Windage, fatigue hotspots, access for inspection, deck footprint, lift planning discipline
Offshore heavy-lift crane
specialized
 Large modules, jackets, turbines foundations, salvage and construction lifts (often on crane vessels or fixed installs) Project risk: high consequence failures, long downtime, and strict procedure culture requirements Very wide: hundreds of tonnes to multi-thousand-tonne class in specialized cases $10M–$200M+ Vessel/platform-level integration, extensive engineering, trials, redundancy and safety case work Long-lead machinery, design verification, project engineering, yard slot, acceptance test program Very High Stability limits, dynamic amplification assumptions, insurance scrutiny, crew competency and procedure compliance
Ports / terminals / shipyards — crane decision table
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
STS crane
(ship-to-shore / quay crane)
container quay
 High-throughput container terminals where berth productivity drives everything Quay rail/civil and power reality can lag the crane spec (then you “own” the constraint) Typical SWL: 40–50t single, ~65t twin (some designs include ~100t tandem). Outreach commonly ~38–65m+ depending on vessel size class $6M–$15M+ per crane Quay rails/civil + electrical supply + crane erection/assembly + commissioning + load tests + operator/maintenance training Steel fabrication, drives/controls, spreaders, grid upgrades, transport/assembly planning, terminal commissioning window High Wind and storm securing, anti-collision and AOPS tuning, rail settlement/alignment, spare spreader strategy, downtime consequences
MHC
(mobile harbor crane)
flexible berth
 Multipurpose terminals (breakbulk, bulk grabs, occasional containers) where flexibility beats fixed infrastructure Tires/undercarriage and ground bearing pressure realities, plus operator variability Typical max lift often ~60–150t (higher exists by model); outreach commonly ~35–55m (model-dependent) $2.5M–$8M+ per unit Minimal civil versus STS, but requires pad strength checks, delivery, commissioning, and site integration (power/fuel, traffic plans) OEM build slots, attachment package (spreader/grabs), electrification options, delivery logistics Medium to High Ground conditions, tyre wear, wind limits, productivity variability vs STS, spare parts and service support in-region
RTG
(rubber-tired gantry)
yard stacking
 Container yard stacking with high layout flexibility (no rails), common in many terminals Diesel/hybrid complexity and tyre/wheel-end wear; drift in alignment affects productivity Common under-spreader capacity around ~40–50t class; stacking typically 1-over-5 to 1-over-6; spans often 6+1 or 7+1 rows (configurable) $1M–$3M+ per crane Delivery + yard commissioning; power choice (diesel, hybrid, electrified) drives infrastructure scope; training and yard rules matter Power system choice, automation options, availability of commissioning crews, terminal operating constraints during rollout Medium Tyre and wheel loads, storm anchoring practices, anti-collision discipline, lane control and GPS/position system reliability
RMG
(rail-mounted gantry)
rail yard
 Dense yards, rail intermodal, high repeatability where rails enable precision and energy efficiency Rail/civil settlement and alignment issues become operational issues Typical SWL around ~40–50t single and ~50–65t twin; stacking can reach up to 1-over-8 (design-dependent); spans and cantilevers vary by layout $2M–$8M+ per crane Rails/civil + power feed (busbar/cable reel) + commissioning; bigger upfront infra than RTG Civil works schedule, rail procurement, power upgrades, controls integration and acceptance testing Medium to High Rail settlement, end-stops and collision protection, interface with TOS, downtime impacts when a rail crane is out of service
ASC
(automated stacking crane)
automation
 Highly automated container yards aiming for 24/7 consistent performance and dense stacking Integration risk: controls + safety envelope + TOS/TLS interfaces (it’s a system, not a “crane purchase”) Typical SWL: ~41t single; twin-lift options (often ~50/60/65t depending on supplier). Hoisting height commonly up to 1-over-6; yard width varies by design $3M–$12M+ per crane (system-dependent) Major program: rails/civil + power + automation stack + remote ops/controls + commissioning in phases + operational change management Software/controls acceptance testing, safety validation, vendor integration bandwidth, terminal cutover plan High Degraded-mode operations, sensor cleanliness, cybersecurity/patching governance, false stops vs safety margin tuning
Portal crane
(harbor / port portal crane)
rail + slewing
 General cargo, bulk grabs, and some container work where a rail-mounted, slewing crane fits the berth better than STS Rail and storm anchoring discipline (portal travel + wind exposure) Common max lift roughly ~40–125t; outreach commonly ~30–48m (model-dependent) $2M–$10M+ Rails/civil + portal travel system + power + commissioning/testing; often less complex than STS but still rail-dependent Portal/rail design, power supply, attachments (grab/spreader), permitting and erection window Medium to High Storm anchors/rail clamps, rail wear, collision protection, lift chart misunderstandings at large radius with grabs
Shipyard gantry crane
(Goliath gantry crane)
block lifts
 Shipyard block handling and mega-assembly where lift capacity + span defines build strategy Big civil/erection risk and wind exposure; schedule slips get expensive fast Wide: hundreds of tonnes to 1,000t+ (and beyond in headline projects); spans and hook travel are shipyard-layout driven $20M–$200M+ Major civil foundations + long rail runs + erection/assembly (often using heavy lifting contractors) + full acceptance testing Steel fabrication scale, transport logistics, erection methodology, site wind/weather windows, shipyard production interruptions High Wind operating limits, rail settlement, redundant hoist/reeving strategy, lift planning culture, lifecycle structural inspection program
Floating / special-purpose crane decision table
Crane type Best fit Common weak spot Typical capacity / outreach band Cost range (USD) Install scope Lead time drivers Maintenance intensity Watch-outs
Floating crane
crane vessel / crane ship
 Heavy marine construction, salvage, offshore component lifts, shipyard block moves, bridge work Weather window + stability/mooring planning can dominate the schedule Wide spread: hundreds to thousands of tons are common in heavy-lift fleets; specialized units can be far higher ~$1M to $115M+ (depends heavily on size/class; major heavy-lift newbuilds can exceed $100M) Mobilization + mooring spread + lift engineering + approvals + load test/verification for the project Vessel availability in-region, project engineering, permits, and class/flag requirements High Draft/air draft limits, sea state limits, port restrictions, complex lift plans, insurance scrutiny on critical lifts
Crane barge
derrick / spud barge
 Coastal construction, piling, dredging support, lighter offshore work, localized heavy lifts near sheltered waters Lower sea-keeping; positioning and mooring setup can slow operations in open water Common marine bands ~50–400t; offshore derrick barges often ~500–1,500t (exceptions exist) Used units can be sub-$1M; purpose-built/newer offshore-capable spreads can run into multi-millions Barge prep + spuds/anchors + crane setup + deck strengthening + commissioning/load test Crane availability/spec, barge strengthening scope, spud/mooring gear, regulatory sign-offs Medium to High Wind limits, deck load concentration, mooring failure risk, downtime from mechanical issues without spares support
Sheerleg crane
A-frame heavy lift
 Very heavy lifts where rotation isn’t required, shipbuilding/shipyard lifts, salvage, set-down work No (or limited) slewing: the platform often must be repositioned to “aim” the lift Commonly cited from ~50t up to ~4,000t; heavy-lift fleets include ~400–5,000t classes Multi-million to $100M+ for the largest classes; smaller sheerlegs are materially less Mobilization + mooring + lift engineering; on-site setup can be fast, but the planning is not Engineering package, heavy winches/rigging, barge/vessel availability, weather window planning High Repositioning time, tight tolerances on set-down, mooring management, rope/brake integrity, wind exposure
By the ShipUniverse Editorial Team — About Us | Contact


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