STS Transfer Line, a new patented crane system, promises to significantly enhance safety and efficiency in port operations by enabling the scanning of 100 per cent of containers.
This innovative technology is projected to improve productivity by an impressive 160 per cent, marking a substantial advancement in the maritime industry.
The STS Transfer Line stands out due to its exceptional energy efficiency, offering an average savings of €15 ($16.74) per container. For major ports handling approximately 6.3 million containers annually, this translates to an estimated total savings of €94.5 million ($105.46 million) each year.
Additionally, the crane’s counterweight system is designed to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 51 per cent, contributing to significant environmental improvements.
READ: JAXPORT obtains $23 million for container crane upgrades
Currently, only about 3.4 per cent of containers transferred from ship to dock are inspected, highlighting a considerable safety concern. The STS Transfer Line addresses this issue by automatically scanning every container without incurring additional logistic costs.
As Juan Carlos Barberá, industrial designer and inventor of this system, emphasised: “Talking about safety means talking about factors that cannot be priced. The value of being able to prevent an attack or detect a shipment of narcotics goes far beyond the figures.”
The crane’s design enables ship-to-shore cranes to achieve energy efficiency levels exceeding 70 per cent, allowing them to unload 2.6 containers simultaneously, compared to just one with traditional models.
Its design employs an automated transfer system that minimises load swinging, enhancing safety and simplifying operations. The operator is required only to ensure a clear area beneath the crane.
This design improvement enables more cranes to operate simultaneously on a single vessel, while also allowing auxiliary vehicles to navigate independent pathways.
The significant savings in energy costs and the resultant reduction in emissions make the STS Transfer Line an attractive option for ports and crane manufacturers alike.
READ: Maritime Safety Series: Ports Edition
The innovative counterweight system, which operates similarly to an elevator, plays a crucial role in achieving these efficiencies. As one container descends, it acts as a counterweight to another ascending container, resulting in energy savings that exceed 70 per cent.
Furthermore, emissions reductions surpass 1.55 kg CO2 per TEU, contributing to the overall sustainability of port operations.
Beyond its technical merits, the STS Transfer Line is positioned as a catalyst for structural change in the maritime sector. The ongoing commitment to safety, performance, energy savings, and sustainability has been central to the project’s development over the past four years.
Victor Barberá, CEO of STS Transfer Line, stated: “We are witnessing the only crane on the market that has managed to combine safety, performance, energy savings, sustainability, and operability.”
This multi-faceted approach aligns with the strategic goals of both manufacturers and ports, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility within the industry.
READ: MSC joins call for net zero regulatory framework
Ricardo Moncho, Director of Marketing and Sales for STS Transfer Line, further noted: “We are at a point where the environmental aspect has become a key strategic axis for ports and politicians, and this is also part of our raison d’être.
“We are proud to be a regenerative company and to contribute to society by structurally working for a better environment.”
The STS Transfer Line is poised to represent a significant step forward in port technology, with implications that extend beyond the industry to public safety and environmental sustainability.
