BNSF News

Wide-Span Cranes the Future of Intermodal Operations

2007-06-28

Crane technology, a vital aspect of railroad intermodal operations, is currently undergoing a massive overhaul that translates into broad (literally) benefits for BNSF.

BNSF is in the process of installing four wide-span cranes at the North Seattle International Gateway (North SIG) Intermodal facility (see photos below). This cutting-edge technology allows more flexibility, increases capacity for container stacking and introduces a complete “green machine.”

Wide-span cranes are significantly wider than the current stabilizer-beam cranes, have the capability to load containers onto chassis or railcars, and can be used to stack containers all under one crane span. It uses cable-suspended lift spreaders with overhead cabs, which have sophisticated anti-sway systems.

Each wide-span crane is 152 feet, with a 26-foot cantilever. There are a total of four cranes working over two “crane modules” with each crane able to access four rows of four-high stacked containers, three truck lanes and three ramp tracks. Compare this with the stabilizer beam crane BNSF currently uses at its Intermodal facilities: one track, one space, one crane and no stacking capabilities.

“All aspects of intermodal operations are performed under the span of the new crane, and the additional ramp track capacity should decrease switching, reduce off-spot cars and increase productivity time for lift operations,” says Tom Kelly, director, System Intermodal Hub Operations and Technology.

The wide-span cranes operate solely from electric power, which is more dependable and environmentally friendly as diesel emissions and hydraulic oil leaks are eliminated. With current crane technology, there may be as many as six diesel trucks moving containers to “feed” the crane for loading or moving unloaded containers. The wide-span crane can reduce the need for these hostling yard vehicles.

Allowing more loading-track space is another benefit of the new technology. “This unique design provides the flexibility to put our inventory in very condensed spaces,” says Kelly.

Enhanced space utilization is imperative as land becomes a rare and increasingly expensive commodity. Densification of container storage increases available space on valuable land. The crane also allows for container selectivity as all stacking is under the span of the crane. The new machine has only vertical restrictions versus other cranes (sideloaders, reachstackers) that have both vertical and horizontal restrictions.

The wide-span cranes are expected to be fully implemented at North SIG by the end of the year. The cranes will need to undergo extensive testing and certification after assembly before fully functioning as part of BNSF’s Intermodal operations.

Plans are under way to expand this technology across the BNSF system in Los Angeles Memphis, Tenn. and Kansas City, Kan., yards. The master plan for the wide-span cranes goes even bigger: a four high and unit over doublestack, eight track lanes and three truck lanes all under a 270-foot to 285-foot crane span. The gargantuan, industry-leading machines will be tested in Memphis.

The cranes are manufactured by Konecranes of Hyvinkaa, Finland, the industry leader in the production of large stacking cranes for U.S. port facilities and throughout the world.

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