Haitai Crane delivered a 45 ton RMG crane to an intermodal port in Kazakhstan for rail-to-truck container transfer operations. The crane features a 40-meter span, semi-automatic spreader control, and cold-climate engineering rated to -40°C. The project included a single-source electrical system with integrated VFD drives, PLC controls, and remote monitoring capability. The crane handles up to 25 containers per hour across two rail tracks and three truck lanes. We completed equipment delivery and commissioning in March 2026.
Project Background
Kazakhstan’s position as a central corridor in China-Europe rail freight has driven rapid expansion at its intermodal terminals. Container volumes passing through Kazakh ports have increased steadily as shippers shift from sea to rail for time-sensitive cargo between Asia and Europe. The intermodal port operator needed to upgrade its handling capacity to match growing train frequencies and reduce truck turnaround times at the terminal.
- Customer: Intermodal Port Operator
- Location: Kazakhstan
- Equipment: Haitai 45 Ton RMG Crane (Rail-Mounted Gantry Crane)
- Delivery Date: March 2026
- Industry: Intermodal Container Transport
The operator required a rail-mounted gantry crane capable of handling 40-foot and 20-foot ISO containers across two rail tracks and three truck lanes. The local climate imposed additional requirements — ambient temperatures ranging from -40°C in winter to +45°C in summer, with frequent dust and wind. The specification required for a 45-ton rated capacity, 40-meter span, semi-automatic spreader operation, and integration with the terminal’s container management system.
After evaluating suppliers from China, Europe, and Turkey, the operator selected Haitai Crane based on cold-climate engineering capability and single-supplier electrical system delivery.
Key Design Features of Haitai Crane’s 45 Ton RMG Crane
Cold-Climate Engineering
The 45 ton RMG crane is designed for continuous operation at -40°C. All structural steel is rated for low-temperature impact per EN 10025-3. Hydraulic systems use low-temperature fluid rated to -50°C. Electrical enclosures include thermostatically controlled heaters to prevent condensation and ensure PLC startup at extreme low temperatures. Rail clamps and wheel flange lubricators are specified for ice and snow conditions. The operator cabin is insulated and heated with dual-pane thermal windows and heated floor panels.
Semi-Automatic Spreader Control
The telescopic spreader handles 20-foot and 40-foot containers with automatic twistlock engagement. The operator selects container size from the cabin console, and the spreader adjusts length and positions twistlocks automatically. Twin-flange guide rollers align the spreader with container corner castings during landing. The system includes container skew detection and automatic correction. Cycle time from landing to twistlock engagement is under 12 seconds in semi-automatic mode.
Single-Supplier Electrical System
Haitai supplied the complete electrical system as a unified package — main VFD drives, PLC control cabinet, auxiliary contactor panel, and cabin console. All components carry CE certification and share common grounding and shielding. The single-supplier approach eliminated interface coordination between multiple vendors and reduced on-site commissioning from 21 days to 11 days. Remote diagnostics are available via a VPN-connected HMI, allowing Haitai engineers to support commissioning and troubleshooting from the factory.
Terminal Management System Integration
The 45 ton RMG crane communicates with the terminal operating system via a fiber-optic network using the OPC UA protocol. Real-time data transmission covers 35 tags including container ID scans, load weight, crane position along the runway, spreader status, fault codes, and maintenance intervals. The system supports automated job assignment from the terminal’s container management software. Data is logged and stored for 12 months.
Haitai’s 45 Ton RMG Crane Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Haitai RMG Crane |
| Rated Capacity | 45 tons under spreader |
| Span (Rail Gauge) | 40 m |
| Lifting Height | 15 m (under spreader) |
| Hoisting Speed (Laden) | 0 – 12 m/min |
| Hoisting Speed (Unladen) | 0 – 24 m/min |
| Trolley Travel Speed | 0 – 60 m/min |
| Gantry Travel Speed | 0 – 40 m/min |
| Spreader Type | Telescopic, 20 ft / 40 ft, semi – automatic |
| Rail Tracks Served | 2 |
| Truck Lanes Served | 3 |
| Power Supply | 3 – phase AC, 6600V / 50 Hz via cable reel |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +45°C |
| Control System | PLC + VFD, semi – automatic spreader control |
| Communication Protocol | OPC UA over fiber – optic network |
| Safety Systems | Laser anti – collision, rail clamps, wind speed anemometer |
| Certifications | CE, EN 15011, ISO 9001 |
Operational Performance of Haitai 45 Ton RMG Crane Since Delivery
The 45 ton RMG crane was commissioned in March 2026 and has operated for over 800 hours per day. The operator reported zero electrical system failures during the first three months of operation. The cold-climate package has performed without issues through the initial winter period with ambient temperatures dropping to -35°C. Container handling throughput averages 22 containers per hour, meeting the operator’s design target of 20 containers per hour.
The semi-automatic spreader system reduced container handling cycle time by approximately 30% compared to the their previous manual spreader equipment. Truck turnaround time at the terminal decreased from 45 minutes to under 25 minutes. The terminal operator confirmed that the single-supplier electrical system simplified maintenance training and spare parts management.
Why This Project Matters for Intermodal Terminal Buyers?
This case demonstrates that a rail-mounted gantry crane can deliver reliable performance in extreme continental climates when the design accounts for cold-weather operation from the structural, mechanical, and electrical perspectives. The single-supplier electrical system was the deciding factor for this operator — one VFD and PLC supplier means one maintenance manual, one spare parts list, and one technical support contact.
For intermodal terminal operators in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, or similar cold-climate regions, the specifications and operating data from this project are directly applicable to terminal expansion or capacity upgrade projects.
In addition, for technical specifications or to discuss similar intermodal terminal applications, contact the Haitai engineering team at www.cranehaitai.com or via WhatsApp at +8613673521295.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the operating temperature range of this RMG crane?
The crane is designed for continuous operation from -40°C to +45°C. Low-temperature structural steel, cold-rated hydraulic fluid, thermostatically controlled enclosure heaters, and heated cabin windows ensure reliable startup and operation at extreme low temperatures. Rail clamps prevent movement during high wind or ice conditions. An optional cold-weather package is available for sustained operation below -45°C.
Q2: How does the semi-automatic spreader work?
The telescopic spreader adjusts length automatically when the operator selects 20-foot or 40-foot mode from the cabin console. Twistlocks engage automatically when the spreader lands on the container corner castings. Guide rollers align the spreader during descent. Skew detection sensors correct misalignment during lifting. The system operates without ground crew intervention for standard container handling.
Q3: What digital integration capabilities does this RMG crane have?
The RMG crane communicates with the terminal operating system via OPC UA over a fiber-optic network. 35 real-time data tags include container ID, load weight, crane position, spreader status, fault codes, and maintenance intervals. The PLC supports automated job assignment from the terminal management software. All operational data is logged and stored for 12 months. Custom integration with specific TOS platforms is available.
Q4: What safety systems are installed on the RMG crane?
Safety systems include laser anti-collision sensors on both ends of the gantry, rail clamps for wind and gradient holding, a wind speed anemometer with automatic alarm and shutdown thresholds, overload protection on the hoist, dual mechanical limit switches on hoist and trolley travel, emergency stop push buttons at the cabin, ground level, and both gantry ends. All safety circuits are designed to EN 15011 and SIL 2 standards.
Q5: What after-sales support is provided for the electrical system?
The VFD drives, PLC control cabinet, and spreader control system carry a 36-month warranty. Spare parts for the electrical system are stocked at the regional service center. Remote technical support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp and email with VPN-connected HMI access for diagnostics. On-site service can be dispatched within 72 hours to Kazakhstan.
