The project at a glance
The customer is a regional container and bulk terminal handling box containers on the apron and some bulk cargo. The port tightened local emissions rules on the apron, so the diesel crane fleet had to be replaced with electric units that kept the apron productivity up. The tender asked for electric port tire cranes that handled container and bulk lifts at target productivity on shore power. We supplied the YTQL40E and YTQL70E from the electric port tire crane range.
The challenge: apron emissions, productivity and mobility
Apron emissions. A diesel crane exhausts on the apron where workers and truck drivers stand. The port's local emission rule pushed the fleet to electric. An electric port tire crane runs exhaust-free on shore power, fitting the enclosed apron.
Productivity. Apron productivity is containers moved per hour, including truck and vessel turns. The crane's hoist speed and mobility across the apron set that rate; an electric crane has to match the diesel rate, not lower it.
Lift classes. Regional terminals handle standard containers plus some bulk. The crane class has to cover the heaviest routine lift without over-sizing for the lightest box.
The solution: 40 t and 70 t electric port tire cranes
We spec'd the YTQL40E for standard container lifts and the YTQL70E for heavier bulk, both running on shore power on the apron. The hoist speed matches the diesel productivity, so the container rate does not drop when the fleet goes electric. The full range is on the pure electric port tire crane page, with the hoisting category overview on the hoisting equipment page.
Because the apron is a fixed operating area, shore power is available at the operating positions, so the crane does not carry a heavy battery pack between lifts. The electric drive also runs quieter than a diesel crane, which suits a terminal near urban areas.
The results: apron rate held, emissions met
On the apron, the electric port cranes handled container and bulk lifts at the target containers-per-hour rate, matching the diesel fleet's productivity. Because they run on shore power, the apron stayed exhaust-free, and the terminal met its local emission rule on the operating area. The quieter electric drive meant less noise exposure for apron workers and less disturbance for nearby urban areas.
The terminal operations manager noted that the electric cranes "held the container rate and cleaned the apron air at the same time." On a regional port, that is the result: the productivity the terminal needs, the emissions rule it has to meet, and a quieter operating area for the workers.
Why the terminal chose Yutong
The tender came down to productivity, emissions compliance and lift class. First, the electric cranes matched the diesel container rate on the apron. Second, shore-power operation met the local emission rule. Third, the 40 t and 70 t classes covered the routine container and bulk lifts without over-sizing. The terminal now has a repeatable spec: electric port tire crane for apron duty, class matched to the heaviest routine lift, shore power at operating positions.
For terminal operators tightening apron emissions, start from the heaviest routine lift, the target containers-per-hour, and the shore-power positions on the apron, then size the crane. The port crane range is on the pure electric port tire crane page, and special-vehicle buyers will also want the Southeast Asia special vehicle page.
Frequently asked questions
Why go electric on a port crane?
Ports are enclosed areas with emission rules. A diesel crane exhausts on the apron; an electric port tire crane runs exhaust-free on shore power, fitting the rule.
How is apron productivity measured?
It is containers moved per hour across the working radius, including truck and vessel turns. The hoist speed and apron mobility set that rate.
What lift classes suit a regional terminal?
The 40 t and 70 t electric port tire crane classes cover standard containers and some bulk, with the class matched to the heaviest routine lift.
What were the apron results?
The electric cranes handled container and bulk lifts at the target rate, ran exhaust-free on shore power, and the terminal met its local apron emission rule.
Spec an electric port crane fleet
Send us the heaviest routine lift, the target containers-per-hour and the shore-power positions on your apron, and our hoisting engineering team will match electric port cranes across the Yutong range. We export to over 60 countries on FOB or CIF terms with the full customs document set.