STS Crane Stowage Design: Key Considerations and Case Study

There has been devastating ship-to-shore crane damage, including collapse, due to failure of the stowage systems during hurricanes. The design of these systems is complex, requiring an understanding of how the wharf stowage hardware interfaces with the crane hardware, both to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the hardware, and to account for subtle but significant loading conditions that occur. This paper aims to provide a broad knowledge base for designers of such systems, as well as present a recent project case study to illustrate some design and construction challenges. Topics covered include an overview of the stowage pin and tie-down hardware components on the wharf and crane, the technical and operational design considerations, recent innovations to solve design problems, and creative solutions for the substantial effects of offsets due to construction, of operational gaps, and of crane deformations during the design hurricane. The paper also includes a case study of a recent project at Port Everglades, Florida.