What is the crucial difference between quay cranes and mobile harbor cranes regarding port infrastructure requirements?
The crucial difference between quay cranes and mobile harbor cranes regarding port infrastructure requirements is that quay cranes require fixed, purpose-built quays designed to support their heavy loads and operational demands, while mobile harbor cranes operate on existing, reinforced pavement, offering greater flexibility in deployment. Quay cranes, also known as ship-to-shore cranes, are permanently installed along the quayside and are specifically designed to handle containers efficiently from large vessels. Their fixed location requires the quay to have a high load-bearing capacity to withstand the static and dynamic forces generated during lifting operations. Mobile harbor cranes, conversely, are mounted on wheeled or tracked chassis, allowing them to be moved around the port to different locations as needed. This mobility eliminates the need for specialized quay construction; however, the existing pavement must still be sufficiently reinforced to support the crane's weight and movements. Additionally, quay cranes typically have higher lifting capacities and outreach than mobile harbor cranes, making them better suited for handling larger vessels and higher container volumes at dedicated container terminals. Mobile harbor cranes are more suitable for smaller ports, multi-purpose terminals, or locations where fixed quay infrastructure is not feasible or available.