GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 12, 2026

Ship crane

When a vessel operates in ports lacking adequate shore infrastructure or needs flexible handling capacity, ship cranes provide autonomy.

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Last updated: 12 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane

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When a vessel operates in ports lacking adequate shore infrastructure or needs flexible handling capacity, ship cranes provide autonomy. A ship crane is a lifting device permanently installed or temporarily mounted on a vessel (typically 5–60 tonnes capacity) enabling self-sustained cargo operations. Multipurpose vessels, general cargo ships, and feeder services particularly rely on ship cranes to eliminate dependence on port infrastructure. This reduces idle time and cuts handling costs in underdeveloped ports, though it requires dedicated crew training and ongoing maintenance.

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Ship crane

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