Patents on APM Terminals' FastNet cranes have been filed in 17 nations and the 27 member countries of the European Union.
The winning FastNet crane technology developed by APM Terminals enables STS gantry cranes to simultaneously work adjacent bays of large container ships, effectively doubling crane productivity. The cranes are similar to existing upper works of cranes, but without the large portal frames beneath. The concept calls for STS cranes to be suspended from large horizontal girders 50 meters above wharf level, supported by intermediate frames. Consequently, the cranes are as narrow as a 40 foot container and can work adjacent hatches.
The operational flexibility is obtained by allowing the cranes to pass the frames using a gate in the boom structure, enabling the frames to move parallel to the quay to avoid blocking ship bays. Eliminating the physical limitation on cranes working in adjacent bays allows the number of cranes deployed on a ship to be doubled, thus doubling productivity without any increase in the handling rate of individual cranes.