Motion plastics specialist equips 2000th STS crane with e-chains

Seaports around the world are under growing pressure to handle larger ships in shorter cycle times. To achieve this, more port operators are relying on "smart" components such as robust and Industry 4.0 compatible energy chains that hold power and data cables from motion plastics specialist igus. Now igus has equipped the 2,000th STS crane with e-chains and is making more and more cargo terminals fit for the future.

A recent report by the United Nations for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) found that more than 80% of cross-border trade in goods is now transported by sea, and sea freight is expected to grow by an average of 2.4% per year until 2029. This growth is putting pressure on many ports to modernise their infrastructure to handle more and larger ships quickly. Not only are large port features, such as harbour basins, reaching their technical limits, but also thousands of mechanical and electrical components that are often overlooked: for example, traditional festoons - looped cables that supply the trolley with energy and data.

"To keep up with the increasing speeds and longer travel distances of STS cranes, manufacturers would have to switch to motorising the festoons, but this is complicated and error prone as there is a constant risk that the trolley and festoons will not run synchronously, and that excessive tensile loads will damage the cables, leading to failures - especially with long travel distances," says Justin Leonard, director of e-chains and cables at igus UK. "That's why we are seeing more and more port operators switching from festoons to energy chain systems."

To prove this, igus has recently equipped the 2000th STS crane with e-chains. This marks a decisive step in the modernisation of seaports worldwide, because igus e-chains offer many advantages over traditional festoons. The igus roller e-chains, which have been specially developed and used for port operations, are made of a high-performance plastic that is resistant to weather and radiation, ensuring a long service life and reliable operation in all weather conditions. The systems can operate at speeds up to 10 metres per second without the need for complicated motorisation.

Due to the integrated rollers and the associated low friction coefficient, it is possible to increase the payload and acceleration while maintaining the same pull force. The drive energy required compared to sliding applications is reduced by around 57%, a huge help when energy prices are so high. In addition, the internal layout of the energy chains can be easily changed, so that new cables can be fitted easily, especially when technological changes can affect how cables are specified.

All roller e-chains can also be equipped with sensors from the i.Sense series, which enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. The sensors reduce maintenance intervals, increasing the cranes' service life and ensures more economical operation. Customers receive additional peace of mind with a unique four-year warranty.

Market penetration continues to rise

Since the development of the very first roller energy chain more than 25 years ago and the installation of the 2,000th e-chain at Shenghai Zhenua Industries (ZPMC), igus has achieved a market share of around 60% in the new crane business. Port terminals globally, including APMT, DP World and AGL, are following suit. igus is setting another milestone with this 2000th installation, showing how important these solutions and others, like the award-winning igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO), are for the future of port logistics.