Summary
The performance of STS cranes is a limiting factor in the achievement of maximum throughput in container terminals. The need for high performance has driven the recent rapid development of these cranes. Having the crane operator on board has become a critical factor; maintaining essential lines of sight and operating controls puts limitations on the location and position of the operator which can result in severe strain and fatigue. Also, since the operator’s cabin moves with the load. there are restrictions on the rates of acceleration and deceleration, thus increasing cycle times. ABB Crane Systems has considerable experience from having supplied more than 300 remotely controlled ASCs. Working in collaboration with Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) in Panama, ABB Crane Systems has successfully applied this experience to an existing STS crane. This is the world’s first remotely controlled STS crane.
Requirement
Despite many significant improvements to the design of operators’ cabins there remain significant problems. In order to see the load at all times the operator has to lean forward and look down between his feet. This causes some discomfort and possibly strain. The operator is subject to constant movements, accelerations and decelerations of the cabin….
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