Industrial Equipment
What is the Difference Between RTG and STS Cranes? Trusted Crane Supplier in Vietnam
At seaports and container yard, RTG cranes and STS cranes play an important role in container handling operations. Although both types of cranes serve the same basic purpose of lifting and moving shipping containers, they still have differences. To learn more about RTG cranes and STS cranes and reputable crane suppliers in Vietnam, please refer to the detailed article below with THACO INDUSTRIES.
General introduction of RTG crane and STS crane
RTG and STS cranes are advanced crane systems, commonly used in large seaports, achieving up to twice the productivity compared to some conventional cranes (e.g., certain Liebherr models), helping to optimize the time of lifting containers and releasing goods. However, with a separate design, each product will have characteristics and functions suitable for the purpose of use.
RTG Crane (Rubber Tired Gantry Crane) is a large crane, moving on rubber wheels. The crane has the ability to move flexibly in the container loading and unloading area. RTG cranes are often used in warehouses, container yards, or areas with limited space.
In contrast, the STS crane (Ship-to-Shore Crane) is a fixed shore crane installed at ports and moves on rails. This type of crane is specialized in seaports to load and unload containers from ships to shore and vice versa. The STS crane has a very large frame structure, the ability to lift and lower containers with large loads and a wide reach. Therefore, they are suitable for handling goods and large container ships, with higher speed and productivity than the RTG crane.
Structure and technical parameters of RTG crane and STS crane
Structure of RTG crane and STS crane
RTG Crane
- Main frame: Consists of a column and a container lift shaft, responsible for lifting and moving the container.
- Lifting system: Includes winches, steel cables, crane hooks, and other parts to help lift and lower containers.
- Movement system: Equipped with rubber wheels for moving on the ground in the container yard. Including electric motor and gearbox to increase lifting force and moving speed.
- Control system: Integrating advanced features such as auto-positioning, height and speed adjustment, helps optimize performance and save time. The system can be controlled manually or automatically.
STS Crane

- Crane tower: The main boom and container lifting system are mounted on a high tower.
- Lifting system: Includes main boom and auxiliary boom for lifting and moving containers.
- Movement system: Moving on rails, helping the crane move along the dock.
- Control system: Including electrical and automation systems, the STS shore crane can operate efficiently with only one operator. Equipped with flexible load control technology, the operator can easily control and position the canopy and container on the truck frame, cab, or floor.
RTG and STS crane specifications
RTG and STS cranes have specifications to meet the operational needs of seaports and warehouses. Here are some basic specifications:
Technical specifications of RTG crane and STS crane[/caption]
Characteristic | RTG Crane | STS Crane |
Lifting capacity | 16 – 65 tons | 30 – 120 tons |
Lifting height | 6 – 16 meters | 16 – 50 meters |
Reach | 16 – 40 meters | 30 – 70 meters |
Lifting speed | 10 – 30 meters/minute | 10 – 30 meters/minute |
Movement speed | 10 – 30 meters/minute | 10 – 30 meters/minute |
Container type | 20ft, 40ft | 20ft, 40ft, 45ft |
Advantages and disadvantages of RTG crane and STS crane
RTG and STS cranes both have features that suit different needs. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of these two types of cranes:

Crane type | RTG Crane | STS Crane |
Advantage | – Flexible, easy to move in the loading and unloading area.
– High productivity in loading and unloading containers at warehouses and container yards. – Lower investment cost compared to the STS crane. |
– High load capacity.
– High lifting height. – Suitable for loading and unloading containers for large container ships. |
Disadvantages | – Low lifting capacity.
– Low lifting height. – Not suitable for loading and unloading containers for large container ships. |
– Fixed on the wharf, cannot be moved.
– Lower productivity than RTG cranes in loading and unloading containers at warehouses and container yards. – High investment and maintenance costs. |
RTG cranes are typically used for container handling in container yards within ports and for horizontal container transfers on the ground. STS cranes are suitable for loading and unloading containers on large container vessels. Therefore, the choice between RTG and STS cranes depends on the specific needs of the port and factors such as the size of the container ship and the organization of the port.
Reputable crane supplier in Vietnam

Grasping the increasing demand for freight transport, THACO INDUSTRIES is proud to be one of the prestigious units manufacturers of electric RTG (e-RTG) and STS cranes in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience in the mechanical engineering industry, the corporation has provided many businesses with high-quality crane products, meeting all customer requirements. With advantages such as:
- THACO INDUSTRIES owns a team of 1,000 experienced engineers in the field of crane design and manufacturing, developing products suitable to the needs of each market.
- Modern machinery system imported from Australia, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea; ensuring crane processing with high precision.
- THACO INDUSTRIES applies strict production processes, ensuring product quality according to international standards (EN 1090-1 | CE Marking, QCVN 22:2018/BGTVT; TCVN 4244:2005).
- Providing full package services from consulting, design, processing, installation, operation transfer and maintenance.
- Providing cranes at competitive prices, suitable for all customer needs.
With a focus on product quality, THACO INDUSTRIES is committed to being a reputable partner and bringing long-term benefits to customers.
Conclusion

Both types of cranes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the specific needs of the port and factors such as the size of the container ship, customers can choose the appropriate RTG crane and STS crane. For advice on ordering and installing e-RTG gantry cranes and STS cranes at THACO INDUSTRIES, please contact the hotline: 0348620063.