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Crane Procurement

Independent engineering for STS, RTG, and RMG crane procurement—from early planning through specification development and manufacturer evaluation. We support terminal operators, port authorities, and developers during the procurement of container handling cranes for new terminals, expansions, and replacement programs.

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We act as the owner's independent representative during crane procurement and manufacturer selection, helping ensure procurement decisions reflect operational needs, infrastructure constraints, and long-term performance objectives.

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Supported Equipment

We support procurement planning and technical specification development for:

  • Ship-to-Shore (STS) Cranes

  • Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) Cranes

  • Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) Cranes

  • Straddle Carriers

  • Grab Bucket Unloaders and bulk material handling cranes​

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Why Procurement Engineering Matters

Crane procurement decisions determine operational capability and available infrastructure for decades. Independent procurement engineering helps to:

  • Avoid over-design that increases cost without adding operational value

  • Avoid under-design that limits throughput, reliability, or future operating profiles

  • Confirm equipment is suitable considering operation and wharf constraints

  • Reduces maintenance costs

Procurement Phases

Phase 1 - Planning

We help align crane selection with terminal goals, constraints, and expansion plans before specifications are finalized.

  • Crane size and geometry (reach, lift height, gauge, backreach)

  • Crane size and geometry studies to minimize wheel or tie-down loads

  • Capacity and performance targets (speeds, productivity assumptions)

  • Berth and site constraints (clearances, rail alignment, interfaces)

Terminal operations constraints (vessel mix, yard strategy, backland operations)

Phase 3 - Specification

We translate operational needs into clear, enforceable procurement requirements that manufacturers can price and deliver.

  • Performance specifications vs. technical specifications (and where each is appropriate)

  • Duty cycles and operational parameters

  • Structural / mechanical / electrical design requirements

  • Component selection and performance requirements

  • QA/QC expectations and documentation requirements

  • Testing requirements (FAT) and commissioning / acceptance support

Training and handover requirements

Phase 2 - Engineering

We identify the key loads, constraints, and design parameters early so procurement decisions are based on real operating and infrastructure conditions—not assumptions.

  • Wheel load estimates and governing load cases

  • Stow pin and tie-down load estimates (when applicable)

  • Seismic / wind considerations and governing environmental criteria

  • Applicable codes and project-specific design requirements

Maintenance and access considerations that affect long-term reliability​​​

Phase 4 - Bid Evaluation

We support owners during procurement decisions by comparing bids on a technical basis.

  • Proposal review for completeness and compliance

  • Technical comparisons across manufacturers

  • Deviation / exception review and clarification support

Risk identification (scope gaps, load assumptions, performance claims, interfaces)

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