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Port Technology

Energy chains, cables and heavy-duty bearings for port and intermodal cranes

Durable and networked products for long travels and high loads

With high cable loads, extended duty cycles, and exposure to demanding outdoor conditions, cable management in crane operations must deliver consistent, high-level performance. Energy chains used on port and intermodal cranes meet these demands through corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free materials designed for long service life.

This makes energy chains a dependable solution in environments where uptime is critical and operational safety cannot be compromised. Their low-maintenance, low-noise design offers clear advantages over busbar systems, festoon setups, and motorized cable drums—one reason why more than 10,000 ports worldwide have adopted this approach.

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Shore Power SolutionsRTG/RMG Crane SolutionsIntermodal Crane Solutions

Products for Harbor and Intermodal Cranes

Energy chains for cranes

Energy chain on crane

Safe energy supply systems especially for cranes: from medium travels on RTG or RMG cranes to high loads and travel lengths of up to 1,000m.

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Cables for cranes

Cables for cranes

Tested, UL-certified and UV-resistant cables with service life guarantee for very long travels and tight bend radii on cranes.

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Heavy-duty bearings

Heavy-duty bearings for cranes

Lubrication-free and maintenance-free heavy-duty composite plain bearings for highly stressed bearing points on cranes.

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Sensor technology

Sensors for cranes

Prevent costly crane breakdowns by using networked products with sensors for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

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White paper Triple-E container ships

The future of STS cranes and the energy chains

STS cranes are changing. This is because ever larger container ships (Triple-E) will require even larger cranes in the future. You can find out exactly how this will affect STS cranes and the energy chain here.

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System comparison: e-chain vs. festooning, motorized cable reel and busbar system

Energy chains systems instead of festooning

Energy chain system vs. festooning
In wind and fluctuating temperatures, cables are protected and safely guided by energy chains. Downtimes are minimized as a result.

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Energy chain systems instead of motorised cable reels

energy chain system vs. motorized cable reel
Without slip ring on long travel distances. Guide all media safely in one system. Travel distances up to 1,000 meters.

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Energy chain systems instead of busbar systems

energy chain system vs. busbar system
Fail-safe routing of data, energy, liquids and air in an energy chain system. For tight, compact spaces and fast aisle travel.

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Further applications of the shore power supply

offshore

3,000 shore power connections per year
The Mongstad offshore base is one of the most frequently used bases in Norway. The shore power e-spool makes sure that the vessels that change twice a day are reliably supplied with shore power. Integrated in a 10-foot container, it can be positioned as required.

LNG

Shore power cable management system for FSU in Bahrain
For the new offshore LNG terminal in Bahrain, Schneider Electric and igus® have developed the world's first shore-side power supply system for a floating storage unit (FSU). The core component of the system is a flexible cable feed system between the landing stage and the FSU.

Shore power gangway

Shore power gangway for Becker Marine Systems
"Hummel", the floating liquefied gas power plant from Becker Marine Systems, supplies cruise ships in the port with energy. The igus® shore power gangway, which serves both as a cable feed system and as a passenger gangway, connects the barge with the quay and guides cables with connectors.

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Contact Us

Questions or product information? Please contact:

Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones

Ports and Cranes Industry Manager

+1 401 438-2200Contact an Expert

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