grab ship loader crane

What is this?

The grab ship loader crane is a large lifting device specifically designed for bulk material ship loading operations at ports. It uses a grab bucket to pick up bulk materials from stockyards or hoppers, and through traveling along the dock rail and boom luffing/slewing, precisely discharges materials into ship holds, achieving efficient loading of coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain, and other bulk cargoes. If you are managing a port terminal, bulk logistics park, or power plant coal terminal, and need a ship loader with high efficiency, wide vessel adaptability, and large working range, this product is designed for you.

Why choose a grab ship loader over a continuous ship loader?

Compared to continuous ship loaders, the grab ship loader offers four core advantages:

First, wider vessel adaptability – the grab bucket can flexibly cover different hatch positions, adapting to ship loading operations for vessel types ranging from thousand-ton to hundred-thousand-ton classes.

Second, stronger material adaptability – capable of handling various bulk materials such as coal, ore, sand, gravel, grain, fertilizer, and more, one machine for multiple uses.

Third, lower investment cost – the grab type solution has a relatively simpler structure, with equipment cost and maintenance cost both lower than continuous ship loaders.

Fourth, higher operational flexibility – the grab point and discharge point can be adjusted at any time according to hold conditions, addressing issues of residual material accumulation and uneven loading.

Meet diverse bulk cargo loading needs with a more flexible approach.

What can we do for you?

We understand that every port has different vessel types, different materials, and different efficiency requirements. Therefore, we offer flexible customization options: lifting capacity from 5 tons to 40 tons; grab bucket capacity from 1m³ to 12m³; boom length and outreach customized according to dock berth dimensions; VVVF speed control optional for crane traveling; control options of cabin or remote radio combined with cabin. Whether your port is a small inland river terminal or a large seaport, we can match the most suitable loading capacity and boom reach configuration.

Unsure? Don't know?

Not sure what grab bucket capacity can achieve your required loading efficiency? Don't know how long the boom outreach needs to be to cover your largest vessel? No problem. Just tell us: your dock berth dimensions, the hatch width of your largest vessel type, your target loading efficiency (tons per hour), and your main material type. Our engineers will provide you with an accurate quote and CAD drawings within 24 hours. Click the button below or contact us via WhatsApp/email to get your customized solution.

💡 Tip: We offer free selection consulting. Even if you are unsure about specific parameters, feel free to describe your dock conditions and loading needs, and we will calculate for you.

[1] Bulk Cargo Ports – Loading coal, iron ore, and bauxite onto coastal or ocean vessels.

[2] River Terminals – Transferring sand, gravel, and aggregates onto barges for inland transport.

[3] Grain Export Terminals – Loading soybeans, corn, and wheat into bulk carriers with low breakage.

[4] Cement Plants with Jetty – Dispatching cement clinker or finished cement onto ships.

[5] Fertilizer and Chemical Terminals – Loading granular urea, DAP, or potash into specialized vessels.

[1] Flexible Operation – Mobile or rail‑mounted design allows repositioning along the quay.

[2] High Loading Rate – Grabbing cycle times of 60‑90 seconds achieve steady throughput.

[3] Low Dust Emission – Can be equipped with dust suppression sprays or enclosed chutes.

[4] Handles Diverse Materials – Clamshell grab works for most free‑flowing bulk solids.

[5] Lower Investment – More economical than fixed belt‑conveyor ship loaders for medium throughput.