Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented, By Product Type (High-Profile Cranes and Low-Profile Cranes), By Power Supply (Diesel, Electric, and Hybrid), By Outreach (Up-to 40m, 40m to 49m, 50m to 60m, and Greater than 60m), By Lifting Capacity (Panamax STS Cranes, Post Panamax STS Cranes, and Super-Post Panamax STS Cranes), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 9.68 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.29%
Fastest Growing Segment	Hybrid
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 13.19 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market will grow from USD 9.68 Billion in 2025 to USD 13.19 Billion by 2031 at a 5.29% CAGR. Ship-to-shore cranes are specialized gantry structures anchored at port terminals to transfer intermodal containers between docked vessels and the quay. The primary catalyst for growth is the deployment of ultra-large container vessels which necessitates equipment with extended outreach and superior lifting height. Additionally, the fundamental drive for port efficiency compels operators to invest in faster handling capabilities to minimize vessel turnaround times. These drivers represent structural requirements of modern maritime trade rather than transient industry preferences.

High capital expenditure requirements remain a significant barrier that can impede rapid market expansion particularly in developing regions. Terminal operators must navigate complex financing landscapes and fluctuating global trade volumes which often dictate procurement timelines. This cautious approach to infrastructure investment is reflected in recent industry figures. According to the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association, in 2024, the global market recorded the delivery of 208 ship-to-shore cranes. This statistic underscores a measured pace of deployment as stakeholders balance capacity enhancements with economic prudence.

Key Market Drivers

The escalating global seaborne trade and container traffic serve as the primary structural catalyst for the Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, necessitating higher throughput capacities at major terminals. As container traffic intensifies, port operators are compelled to scale their infrastructure to accommodate increased cargo density and larger vessel sizes. This demand is quantified by recent industry projections; according to BIMCO, July 2024, in the 'Container Shipping Market Overview', global container volumes were forecast to grow by between 5.0% and 6.0% in 2024. This surge forces terminals to move beyond legacy equipment, driving procurement of cranes capable of faster cycle times and extended outreach. To capitalize on this demand, leading manufacturers like Liebherr have maintained robust sales performance. According to Liebherr, April 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023', the Maritime Cranes product segment achieved a turnover of €977 million, reflecting sustained investment in handling hardware.

Simultaneously, the expansion and modernization of global port infrastructure are accelerating market activity as operators prioritize operational efficiency and turnaround optimization. Terminals are aggressively retrofitting existing fleets or commissioning advanced units to mitigate congestion and maintain competitiveness. This trend toward high-performance solutions is evident in recent financial disclosures from major equipment providers. According to Konecranes, October 2024, in the 'Interim Report January-September 2024', the Port Solutions segment recorded an order intake of €334 million in the third quarter alone, representing a 43.2% increase year-on-year. This sharp rise in orders highlights the critical focus on upgrading port capabilities to handle complex logistical requirements, ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with the trajectory of maritime trade.

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Key Market Challenges

The high capital expenditure required to acquire ship-to-shore cranes constitutes a formidable barrier that directly restricts market growth. These massive units demand significant upfront financial commitment, forcing terminal operators to rely on complex credit structures that are highly sensitive to global economic shifts. When trade forecasts become uncertain or interest rates increase, the financial risk associated with such large-scale infrastructure investments becomes prohibitive for many ports. Consequently, decision-makers often postpone necessary equipment upgrades or expansion projects to preserve liquidity, leading to a tangible slowdown in procurement activity.

This pattern of investment reticence is evident in specific regional market contractions where economic caution has delayed infrastructure modernization. According to the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association, in 2024, the volume of ship-to-shore cranes delivered to North American terminals declined to 28 units, representing a significant drop from the 47 units recorded in the previous year. This decrease demonstrates how financial constraints and fiscal prudence effectively throttle equipment uptake in key regions, thereby limiting the broader expansion potential of the global industry.

Key Market Trends

The Transition to Remote Operation Stations (ROS) and Control Rooms is fundamentally altering the operational paradigm of the Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, driven by the need to decouple human operators from the physical hazards of the cabin. This trend is characterized by the migration of control functions to centralized, ergonomic office environments, which significantly enhances safety and allows for the implementation of advanced assist systems. Terminal operators are increasingly retrofitting legacy infrastructure with these technologies to extend asset lifecycles and improve precision. A notable instance of this modernization was highlighted when, according to DatamarNews, October 2025, in the article 'Log-In completes remote crane operation rollout at Vila Velha Terminal', the operator finalized an investment of R$42 million to upgrade three existing ship-to-shore cranes with Remote Crane Operation Systems (RCOS) and 3D vision technology, establishing a precedent for remote capabilities in the region.

Concurrently, the Adoption of Electrified and Hybrid Low-Emission Powertrains has emerged as a critical trend, compelled by stringent environmental regulations and corporate decarbonization goals. Ports are shifting away from diesel-hydraulic systems in favor of fully electric units that utilize grid power or battery technologies to achieve zero-emission operations at the quay. This shift is particularly evident in the design of greenfield terminals where sustainability is a core procurement criterion. This trajectory is exemplified by recent infrastructure projects; according to WorldCargo News, February 2025, in the article 'Final STS cranes arrive as Rijeka Gateway readies for launch', the new terminal completed the integration of four ZPMC ship-to-shore cranes as part of a fleet where 95% of the equipment is electric and powered exclusively by renewable energy sources.

Segmental Insights

The Hybrid segment currently stands as the fastest-growing category within the Global Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, driven by the maritime industry's urgent shift toward decarbonization. Port operators are increasingly adopting hybrid technology to comply with stringent emission mandates established by entities such as the International Maritime Organization. These cranes utilize a combination of diesel engines and battery storage systems, significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel units. Consequently, hybrid models offer a strategic balance between operational performance and environmental compliance, making them a preferred choice for modernizing port infrastructure globally.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a dominant position in the global Ship-to-Shore Cranes market, primarily driven by the high concentration of major maritime trade hubs in China, Singapore, and South Korea. The region benefits significantly from extensive government funding directed toward port infrastructure expansion and terminal modernization projects. Furthermore, the local presence of primary equipment manufacturers streamlines the supply chain, resulting in reduced procurement lead times for terminal operators. This market leadership is reinforced by continuous investments from regional port authorities aiming to increase container throughput capacity and accommodate larger vessel specifications.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, the U.S. subsidiary of Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd. secured a contract to supply two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to Total Terminals International (TTI) at the Port of Long Beach. This agreement, marking a significant step in the terminal's modernization, involves the delivery of cranes capable of servicing ultra-large container vessels with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU. The new units are scheduled to commence operations in 2027 and will feature advanced American-made components, aligning with ongoing efforts to enhance supply chain resilience and support domestic manufacturing within the U.S. maritime infrastructure sector.
• In August 2025, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. dispatched three ship-to-shore cranes to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Malaysia to support the terminal's capacity expansion for handling ultra-large container vessels. These cranes were shipped fully erected and are designed with a safe working load of 65 tonnes, a lifting height of 55.5 meters, and an outreach of 72 meters. The equipment incorporates energy-saving technologies such as power factor correction and energy recovery systems, alongside AI-driven precision handling features. This delivery follows an earlier order placed by the port operator in October 2024 for additional units to modernize its fleet.
• In November 2024, Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. successfully delivered two ship-to-shore cranes to Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) in the United States. These new units, which were assembled on-site at the terminal, are part of a larger infrastructure investment aimed at increasing the port's handling capacity for larger vessels. The cranes feature an outreach of 69 meters and a lift height over the rail of 53 meters, significantly surpassing the specifications of previous equipment at the facility. This delivery reinforces the manufacturer's presence in the North American market and supports the terminal's strategy to improve operational efficiency and service levels for its customers.
• In October 2024, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) delivered four ship-to-shore cranes to the Baltic Hub container terminal in Gdańsk, Poland. These cranes are the first batch of a larger order intended to equip the new T3 quay, which is being developed to increase the terminal's handling capacity by 1.5 million TEUs. The arrival of this equipment marks a key milestone in the expansion of the deep-water facility, enabling it to service some of the world's largest container ships. The remaining cranes from this contract are expected to be delivered in early 2025, further solidifying the terminal's position as a major logistics hub in the Baltic region.

Key Market Players

• Liebherr Group
• Wison Group
• SANY Group
• Anupam Industries Limited
• Kalmar Corporation
• MacGregor Industrial Supplies Limited
• Terex Corporation
• NCCCO Services, LLC

By Product Type	By Power Supply	By Outreach	By Lifting Capacity	By Region
High-Profile Cranes and Low-Profile Cranes	Diesel Electric Hybrid	Up-to 40m 40m to 49m 50m to 60m Greater than 60m	Panamax STS Cranes Post Panamax STS Cranes Super-Post Panamax STS Cranes	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, By Product Type:

• High-Profile Cranes and Low-Profile Cranes

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, By Power Supply:

• Diesel
• Electric
• Hybrid

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, By Outreach:

• Up-to 40m
• 40m to 49m
• 50m to 60m
• Greater than 60m

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, By Lifting Capacity:

• Panamax STS Cranes
• Post Panamax STS Cranes
• Super-Post Panamax STS Cranes

• Ship-to-Shore Cranes Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE