RTG (Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane) is the abbreviation for a rubber tyred container gantry crane. Using rubber tyres as its traveling mechanism, it does not require fixed rails and offers excellent mobility and flexibility.

With its large span and strong stacking capability (typically stacking containers 5–7 layers high), RTG cranes are widely used in ports, railway freight yards, and logistics terminals for container loading, unloading, stacking, and transfer operations. They are essential equipment for improving logistics efficiency.

The power source of an RTG crane is no longer limited to a single type. With technological development, multiple power systems have emerged to meet different operational requirements, environmental standards, and energy-efficiency goals.

1. Traditional Power Source: Diesel Engine

(1) Core Principle

A diesel internal combustion engine drives a hydraulic pump or generator, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic or electrical energy to power the traveling, hoisting, and trolley mechanisms.

(2) Advantages

• Does not rely on external power supply, providing excellent mobility.
• Can operate freely in container yards without grid coverage.
• Stable power output suitable for heavy-duty and high-intensity operations, such as frequent container handling in ports.

(3) Disadvantages

• High fuel consumption and operating costs.
• Produces exhaust emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, resulting in poor environmental performance.
• Generates relatively high noise levels.

Suitable Applications

Traditional diesel-powered RTG cranes are commonly used in early-stage ports and large outdoor container yards where environmental requirements are relatively low and fixed power infrastructure is difficult to install.

2. Electrified Power Source: Battery Power Supply

(1) Core Principle

Large-capacity rechargeable batteries provide energy, and electric motors directly drive all operating mechanisms to achieve zero-emission operation.

(2) Advantages

• Excellent environmental performance with zero exhaust emissions and low noise.
• Suitable for environmentally sensitive areas such as urban container yards and eco-friendly ports.
• Lower operating costs since electricity is generally cheaper than diesel fuel.
• Maintenance is simpler because engine servicing is minimized.

(3) Disadvantages

• Operating time depends on battery capacity.
• High-intensity operations may require frequent charging or battery replacement, affecting efficiency.
• High initial battery investment and charging infrastructure requirements.

Suitable Applications

Battery-powered RTG cranes are ideal for medium-sized container yards, environmentally regulated ports, and locations with convenient charging conditions and moderate operational intensity.

3. Hybrid Power: Diesel + Battery / Supercapacitor

(1) Core Principle

Hybrid RTG cranes combine diesel engines with energy storage systems such as batteries or supercapacitors. Intelligent control systems optimize energy distribution:

• Batteries supply power during low-load operations.
• Diesel engines assist during heavy-load operations.
• Excess energy can be recovered and stored during braking.

(2) Advantages

• Fuel consumption can be reduced by 30%–50% compared with traditional diesel systems.
• Lower emissions while maintaining strong mobility and operational flexibility.
• Regenerative braking improves energy efficiency, especially in frequent start-stop operations.

(3) Disadvantages

• More complex system structure.
• Higher maintenance costs than pure electric or diesel systems.
• Higher initial investment costs.

Suitable Applications

Hybrid RTG cranes are suitable for large ports and high-intensity container yards where environmental standards are important but full electrification is not yet practical.

4. Other Auxiliary Power Modes

(1) Cable Reel Power Supply

Some RTG cranes operating within fixed areas can connect to the electrical grid through retractable cable reels. This reduces diesel or battery consumption but limits operational movement range.

(2) Hydrogen Fuel Cells

A small number of pilot projects use hydrogen fuel cell technology. Electricity is generated through chemical reactions, and water is the only emission. Although highly environmentally friendly, large-scale adoption is currently limited by hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure.

Conclusion

The power source of rubber tyred gantry cranes is gradually transitioning from traditional diesel engines to electrified and low-carbon solutions. Pure electric battery-powered systems and hybrid power systems have become the main development directions in the industry.

The choice of power mode depends on several factors, including operational intensity, environmental requirements, site conditions, and budget considerations.

For example:

• Automated and eco-friendly ports tend to adopt fully electric RTG cranes to achieve zero-emission operations.
• Remote container yards may still rely on diesel or hybrid-powered systems due to infrastructure limitations.