The Cost and Installation of the Most Common Marine Cranes

Marine cranes are vital for the smooth operation of shipping and marine industries. From loading hefty containers to precise handling in turbulent seas, cranes streamline operations on vessels and ports alike. However, their costs, applications, and installation times can vary significantly depending on the type of crane and its intended use.

This article provides an in-depth look at the 12 most common marine cranes, their costs, installation timelines, and uses. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your fleet or better understand these engineering marvels, we’ve got all the details you need.

Why Marine Cranes Matter

Marine cranes play key roles in global trade, shipboard efficiency, and offshore industries. They enhance productivity, ensure safe cargo handling, and adapt to specific industrial requirements, from bulk material handling to delicate offshore construction. Selecting the right crane is critical for efficient operations and long-term cost effectiveness.

Most Common Marine Cranes

Here’s everything you need to know about these essential machines:

1. Telescopic Crane

  • About: Known as the “Swiss Army knife” of marine cranes, telescopic cranes are extremely versatile. They feature an extendable boom, allowing them to reach varying heights and lengths.
  • Cost: From $100,000 for smaller models to over $1 million for advanced versions.
  • Installation Time: Typically two weeks to a month for medium-sized models, including setup, testing, and safety checks.

2. Knuckle Boom Crane

  • About: Designed with a jointed arm resembling an elbow, knuckle boom cranes excel in tight spaces. They are popular on cargo and supply vessels.
  • Cost: Starting at $50,000 for small models, larger and more complex versions can cost hundreds of thousands.
  • Installation Time: Installation takes a couple of weeks, depending on custom ship modifications.

3. Lattice Boom Crane

  • About: These heavy-duty cranes, with their lattice-like framework, are built for tough lifting jobs like construction or moving massive loads.
  • Cost: Ranges from several hundred thousand to over $1 million, depending on size and capacity.
  • Installation Time: One to two months due to their complex structure and customization needs.

4. Deck Crane

  • About: Known as the workhorse of cargo ships, these cranes can be telescopic or knuckle style. They handle containers and general cargo effectively.
  • Cost: Starting around $50,000, larger models can exceed $300,000.
  • Installation Time: A few weeks to a month, depending on complexity.

5. Active Heave Compensation (AHC) Crane

  • About: Designed for precision in rough seas, these high-tech cranes adapt to match the ship’s movement. They are ideal for offshore installations and deep-sea projects.
  • Cost: Starting at $1 million, these are among the most expensive marine cranes.
  • Installation Time: Two months or more due to intensive calibration and testing.

6. Jib Crane

  • About: Similar to a swivel chair, these cranes rotate around a fixed base. They’re practical for maintenance, cargo loading, and even fishing tasks.
  • Cost: Starting at $30,000, larger models go up to a few hundred thousand.
  • Installation Time: A few weeks for simpler setups.

7. Gantry Crane

  • About: A scaled-down version of port gantry cranes, these shipboard versions handle containers and other cargo. They feature a giant, movable doorframe-like structure.
  • Cost: From hundreds of thousands to over $1 million, depending on size and features.
  • Installation Time: Several months due to their complexity and ship integration requirements.

8. Traveling Jib Crane

  • About: Mounted on tracks, these cranes can move across the ship to optimize reach. They are highly useful for accessing multiple cargo points efficiently.
  • Cost: Starting from mid-hundreds of thousands, depending on size and functionality.
  • Installation Time: Generally two months or more because of the added complexity of the track system.

9. Provision Crane

  • About: These compact cranes handle lighter loads like food, equipment, and routine supplies on ships.
  • Cost: Relatively affordable, ranging between $20,000 and $50,000.
  • Installation Time: Typically a few weeks due to their straightforward setup.

10. Bulk Handling Crane

  • About: Specifically designed for bulk materials like grain, coal, or ore, these cranes have large grab buckets to scoop and transfer items efficiently.
  • Cost: Prices range from several hundred thousand dollars to well over $1 million.
  • Installation Time: Two months or longer, considering the intricacy of the grab system.

11. Barge Crane

  • About: Installed on barges, these multipurpose cranes handle tasks like dredging, bridge-building, or marine salvage. They come in various sizes.
  • Cost: Smaller cranes start in the low hundreds of thousands, while larger, specialized ones cost millions.
  • Installation Time: Several months, especially with barge-specific customizations.

12. Marine Pedestal Crane

  • About: These heavy-duty giants are mounted on tall pedestals, making them ideal for oil and gas offshore operations. They are designed for durability in extreme conditions.
  • Cost: Starting in the hundreds of thousands, advanced models may exceed $1 million.
  • Installation Time: Two months or more because of their heavy-duty design.

Choosing the Right Crane

Selecting the best crane depends on your operational requirements, vessel type, and budget. Key considerations include:

  • Load Capacity: Ensure the crane can handle typical workload requirements.
  • Space Constraints: Consider the available deck or structural space on your vessel.
  • Operational Environment: Offshore or turbulent environments may require specialized features like active heave compensation.
  • Long-Term Maintenance: Durable and well-maintained cranes offer better ROI over time.

Leading Brands for Marine Cranes

  • Liebherr

Known for high-quality and customizable marine crane solutions.

  • MacGregor

Offers advanced engineering and solutions for diverse maritime needs.

  • Konecranes

Renowned for innovative equipment for cargo handling and shipyards.

  • PALFINGER Marine

Known for durable designs suited to harsh sea conditions.

  • TTS Group

Provides versatile cranes for various vessel types and specific tasks.

  • Huisman Equipment

Focuses on heavy lifting and custom-built designs for unique use cases.

The Top Marine Crane Companies

1. Palfinger Marine

Established: 1932

Headquarters: Salzburg, Austria

Palfinger Marine is renowned for versatility and innovation. With a network spanning 33 countries and more than 12,000 employees, they deliver quality solutions across sectors like offshore oil and gas, aquaculture, and wind energy.

Featured Product: Rescue boats and advanced davit systems.

2. Heila Cranes S.p.A.

Established: 1972

Headquarters: Poviglio, Italy

Specializing in custom-made cranes for the offshore industry, Heila Cranes is a leader in safety and durability. Over 5,250 cranes have been delivered globally, proving their dependability.

Featured Product: Heilatronic Safety & Control Systems for precise functionality.

3. Liebherr Group

Established: 1949

Headquarters: Bulle, Switzerland

Liebherr is a trusted name with advanced technologies like electronic control systems and hydraulic solutions. With revenues surpassing €14 billion, their footprint in ports, shipyards, and offshore projects is unmatched.

Featured Product: Specialized cranes for offshore wind farm installation.

4. DMW Marine Group

Established: 1995

Headquarters: Pennsylvania, USA

DMW offers tailored lifting solutions for navy, aquaculture, and research applications. Their track record of customized projects makes them stand out.

Featured Product: Knuckle boom marine cranes.

5. MacGregor

Established: 1937

Headquarters: Oostrum, Netherlands

MacGregor is synonymous with innovation and quality. Their cranes play a vital role in oil and gas, shipbuilding, and renewable energy sectors.

Featured Product: Heave compensation technology for offshore lifting.

6. Allied Systems

Established: 1976

Headquarters: Oregon, USA

Durability is the hallmark of Allied’s marine equipment, including explosion-proof and cold-resistant cranes perfect for extreme environments.

Featured Product: SOLAS-approved davit systems.

7. HS.MARINE

Established: 1999

Headquarters: Sabbioneta, Italy

Offering a wide range of cranes from 5 to 1000 tons, HS.MARINE specializes in manufacturing with unparalleled craftsmanship.

Featured Product: Foldable and telescopic jib cranes.

8. EK Marine Ltd

Established: 1999

Headquarters: Donegal, Ireland

From design to installation, EK Marine focuses on deck equipment and customer support, making them a reliable partner.

Featured Product: Custom rebuild and maintenance solutions.

9. Appleton Marine

Established: 1971

Headquarters: Wisconsin, USA

Appleton’s “turnkey” manufacturing ensures rapid delivery of bespoke marine cranes, particularly for mining and government projects.

Featured Product: Custom-made offshore cranes.

10. North Pacific Crane Company

Established: 2004

Headquarters: Seattle, USA

Well-known for the “Alaska Marine Crane” series, North Pacific Crane provides durable, high-quality equipment for tugboats, navy vessels, and barges.

Featured Product: Fixed boom and telescopic cranes.

11. Konecranes

Established: 1994

Headquarters: Finland

Konecranes provides full-service lifting solutions that include manufacturing, maintenance, and training.

Featured Product: Container cranes for ports and terminals.

12. National Oilwell Varco (NOV Inc.)

Established: 1841

Headquarters: Texas, USA

With nearly 150 years of experience, NOV specializes in rugged cranes for challenging offshore oil and gas environments.

Featured Product: Active Heave Compensation Cranes.

13. Huisman Equipment

Established: 1988

Headquarters: Netherlands

Huisman excels in delivering turnkey solutions, including cranes for renewable energy and large-scale offshore constructions.

Featured Product: Wind turbine installation cranes.

14. Seatrax

Established: 1975

Headquarters: Texas, USA

Seatrax focuses on reliability, designing pedestal cranes with lifespans of over 30 years.

Featured Product: Operator-friendly offshore pedestal cranes.

15. Thistle Marine

Established: 1978

Headquarters: Scotland

Thistle provides compact and cost-effective solutions, catering largely to fishing and oil industries.

Featured Product: Guerra articulated marine cranes.

16. Dongnam Marine Crane

Established: 2018

Headquarters: South Korea

Dongnam specializes in hose-handling and provision cranes, supported by patents and quality manufacturing.

Featured Product: Hose handler with patented performance.

17. Melcal

Established: 1984

Headquarters: Italy

Melcal’s global markets include ships, dredging projects, and renewable energy.

Featured Product: Subsea telescopic cranes.

18. OUCO Industry

Established: 1984

Headquarters: China

OUCO combines precision manufacturing with a global network, supplying marine cranes and equipment for platforms and vessels worldwide.

Featured Product: Offshore cranes meeting API 2C and SOLAS standards.

19. Cormach

Established: 1960

Headquarters: Italy

Cormach offers innovative engineering with kinematic stability, making their cranes compact yet powerful.

Featured Product: Telescopic stationary marine cranes.

20. SKK Corporation

Established: 1956

Headquarters: Japan

With a focus on heavy-duty dredging and disaster prevention cranes, SKK delivers robust solutions for demanding applications.

Maximizing Your Investment

Each crane has unique features and costs, but they all serve critical functions onboard marine vessels. Balancing short-term budget constraints with long-term operational needs ensures a smart investment.

Whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or outfitting a new vessel, understanding the cost and installation details of marine cranes will set your maritime operations up for success.