Crane Design Review
Independent crane design review and peer engineering support for STS, RTG, RMG, and other container and bulk material handling cranes. We support terminal owners, port authorities, and project teams by independently evaluating crane designs submitted by manufacturers to review performance, code compliance, and alignment with project requirements.
We assign U.S. Professional Engineers to act as the owner’s independent technical representative when reviewing crane designs, helping ensure procurement and fabrication decisions are based on sound engineering, realistic load assumptions, and operational requirements.
Why independent design review matters
Crane designs directly affect terminal performance, infrastructure demands, safety, and lifecycle costs. Independent design review provides:
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Review of compliance with procurement specifications
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Independent review of structural, mechanical, and electrical/controls design assumptions
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Review of design risks before fabrication or delivery
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Review against infrastructure overload or operational limitations
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Assistance for disputes or performance concerns
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A basis for modernization, retrofit, or life-extension programs
Independent Peer Review and Project Outcomes
Our peer review approach extends beyond checking calculations. We perform independent engineering evaluations where required to review design assumptions, review compliance with procurement specifications, and assess structural, mechanical, and electrical performance. This process helps identify design risks early, review infrastructure interfaces and load impacts, and support informed project decisions. By providing objective technical insight during procurement, design development, and manufacturer engagement, we help owners make defensible decisions and reduce risk throughout fabrication and operation. Contact us to discuss upcoming crane procurements, design reviews, or independent technical support for container handling equipment.
Structural Review
CP&A performs independent structural design reviews by creating our own finite element model (FEA). We independently evaluate structural systems, load paths, and governing load cases to review compliance and performance expectations.
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Review of design loads and load combinations for stress and thin-panel buckling
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Independent assessment of stability, wheel loads, tie-down loads, and structural interfaces
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Structural modeling and analysis as required
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Code review and project-specific criteria review
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Fatigue, serviceability, and long-term performance considerations
Mechanical Review
Mechanical design review typically evaluates the power transmission systems and components for conformance with contract specifications. Mechanical systems are reviewed for performance, reliability, maintainability, and operational requirements.
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Hoist, trolley, and gantry system review
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Machinery sizing and duty-cycle review
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Component performance and maintainability considerations
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Operational limitations
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General arrangement drawing review
Electrical/Controls Review
Electrical and controls design review typically investigates the electrical component selections (Transformer, cable reel, VFD, etc.) for conformance with contract specifications. Electrical/Controls design reviews typically include a review of the one line diagrams, plant circuit diagrams, PLC and control system architecture.
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Power distribution and electrical system architecture
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Control system functionality and redundancy
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Safety systems and operational integration
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Performance and operational interface considerations
Project Examples
CP&A offer a wide variety of services relating to the design review of ship to shore container cranes including procurement, specification, design, design review, manufacturing review, voyage bracing, modifications and rehabilitation, accident investigation and repair and condition surveys. With material handling equipment and crane engineering experience dating back to the 1960's, we can provide you with fast, efficient and dependable service.
We bring our long history of crane design experience and automated computer analysis to quickly and efficiently review the proposed designs of equipment suppliers and show you definitively where, how and why a submitted design does or does not meet your requirements. If asked, we can also suggest cost effective modifications to help the supplier comply.
Not all peer reviews are created equal. Some peer reviews consist of the reviewer checking the contractor’s calculations but not performing any of their own. An independent third-party design review consists of the peer reviewer creating their own finite element model and strength calculations. This way the reviewer’s comments are backed up by calculations which discourages the expression of subjective opinions that can lead to time-consuming and unproductive arguments.
