MAXTECH, a manufacturer of marine and port lifting equipment, has expanded its range of electric marine deck cranes designed for bulk carriers, multipurpose cargo ships and heavy-lift vessels. The new line is aimed at shipowners and operators who need reliable onboard lifting capacity on trade routes where port-side cranes are limited or unavailable.

Why onboard cranes matter

A vessel fitted with its own deck cranes can load and discharge cargo independently of the terminal. This self-sustaining capability is decisive on routes calling at emerging ports, remote berths and island terminals, where shore equipment may be absent, outdated or already fully booked. For heavy-lift and project-cargo ships, two deck cranes working in tandem extend the safe working load and allow the handling of oversized units that a single crane could not lift.

Electric and frequency-controlled drive

The cranes use frequency-controlled electric drives rather than conventional open hydraulic systems. Electric drive reduces energy consumption, limits oil leakage risk and lowers routine maintenance, which is especially valuable during long voyages far from service ports. Stepless speed control gives smooth hoisting and slewing, while soft start and stop functions reduce mechanical shock on the crane structure and the cargo.

Control, safety and monitoring

Each crane can be equipped with anti-sway control, real-time load monitoring, overload protection and limit switches for hoist, slew and luffing motions. Optional condition-monitoring and remote-diagnostic functions let the crew and the shore-based service team track operating hours, motor temperature and fault codes, helping to plan maintenance before a breakdown occurs and to keep the vessel on schedule.

Lifting attachments for different cargoes

The same deck crane can serve several cargo types by changing the lifting attachment. Clamshell and orange-peel grabs turn the crane into a bulk handler for grain, coal, minerals or scrap, while hooks, spreader beams and lifting frames handle general cargo, steel, bags and project loads. Quick-change connections shorten the time needed to switch between attachments during a port call.

Built for the marine environment

Structures and components are designed for continuous exposure to salt spray, humidity and vessel motion. Protective coating systems and stainless or hot-dip galvanized fittings are used on exposed parts to slow corrosion. Crane capacity, outreach and structural design are customized to each vessel, and the design is prepared in accordance with the rules of major classification societies such as CCS, DNV, ABS, BV and LR, subject to the owner's selected class.

Service, retrofit and spare parts

Beyond new installations, MAXTECH supports the upgrade and retrofit of existing hydraulic deck cranes to electric drive, as well as the supply of spare parts, technical training and on-site commissioning guidance. The goal is to extend crane service life, improve reliability and reduce total operating cost over the lifetime of the vessel.

About MAXTECH

MAXTECH designs and supplies marine deck cranes, portal cranes, gantry cranes, grabs and lifting accessories for ports, shipyards and shipping companies worldwide. For product details and technical enquiries, visit www.maxtechcorp.com or email [email protected].