Transferring Container Cranes around Corners Using Curved Rails—Design Considerations

Many wharves have nonlinear berths that meet at a corner. It is often economical to share cranes between these berths. To share, cranes must transfer between them. This is no simple task. Transfer methods range from shuttle systems that move the cranes between the berths to curved rails that the cranes gantry on. Recently, the most popular method has been the curved rail. This seemingly simple method is actually quite complicated to design and has many options for the owner. Larger curve radii use up valuable yard space. Smaller radii may require a side shift mechanism in the gantry system to accommodate gage change. Working to the corner requires switches and a power transfer method.