--- title: ZIMM drive technology for STS and container cranes url: "https://zimm.com/ship-to-shore-cranes/" datePublished: "2026-04-16T07:35:55+00:00" dateModified: "2026-08-19T08:41:01+00:00" author: Florian Wenger lang: en canonical: "https://zimm.com/ship-to-shore-cranes/" markdown: "https://zimm.com/ai/page/ship-to-shore-cranes.md" image: "https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/header-image-sts-container-cranes_jun26.png" --- ![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/header-image-sts-container-cranes_jun26.png) YOUR REQUIREMENTS - OUR SOLUTIONS # ZIMM drive technology for STS and container cranes | Locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning **Movement tasks:**Locking · Positioning · Adjusting · Tensioning**Product groups:**ZA-I series actuators · ZA series actuators · ZE series screw jacks**Lifting force ranges:**Screw jacks: 2.5 to 1,000 kN per jack · Electromechanical actuators: 25 to 200 kN**Application examples:**Bogie locking on gantry cranes · Locking and adjustment functions in the spreader · Rope tensioning systems at backreach**Areas of use:**Ship-to-shore cranes · Container and gantry cranes · Spreaders · Container terminals · Port equipment**Operating conditions:**Outdoor installation · Salt-laden atmosphere · Varying temperatures · Multi-shift and continuous operation**Project types:**New OEM design · Retrofit · Replacement of hydraulic actuators**Quality management:**ISO 9001:2015 · Requirements from crane and terminal specifications on a project-specific basis Ship-to-shore and container cranes must perform locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning functions reliably during terminal operation. Robust mechanics, clearly defined interfaces and repeatable movements are essential so that gantry travel modes, spreader functions and rope-guided systems operate without disruption and can be integrated cleanly into the crane logic. ZIMM provides a modular solution kit for this: ZA-I and ZA series electromechanical actuators as well as screw jacks perform linear motions for locking, positioning, adjusting and tensioning. This creates robust solutions for STS/container cranes, port equipment and retrofit tasks where function, integrability and continuous operation are the priority. Within the ZIMM modular system, electromechanical actuators and screw jacks can be combined with matching screws, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and add-on parts. The sizing depends on the actuating or lifting force, stroke, speed, duty cycle, number of drive points, installation situation, ambient conditions and the safety concept of the overall system. ZIMM develops and manufactures screw jacks, electromechanical actuators and matching add-on parts for industrial lifting and adjusting tasks at Millennium Park 3, 6890 Lustenau, Austria. Spindle with trapezoidal or ball threadStandardised flanges and matching partsCorrosion protection ex worksIntegrated sliding swivel bearingsSealed gearLubrication without downtimesFlexible drive configuration ### ZA-I-Series | Actuator High precision and flexible drive configuration for reliable locking, positioning and adjustment movements: ZA-I series actuators operate as a coaxial drive in a compact, powerful and repeatable manner. With single-stage or two-stage planetary gearbox as well as direct drive, they can be adapted to duty cycle and system design. The ZIMM modular system offers perfectly matching parts. Spindle with trapezoidal or ball threadHigh performance gearingStandardised flanges and matching partsCorrosion protection ex worksIntegrated sliding swivel bearingsSealed gearLubrication without downtimesReady for all installation positions ### ZA-Series | Actuator Excellent energy efficiency and low maintenance compared to hydraulic solutions: ZA series electromechanical actuators operate dynamically, precisely and repeatably. They perform motions for locking, positioning and adjusting. The spindle located inside the housing is protected against dirt, dust and water; high IP protection classes are possible. The ZIMM modular system offers perfectly matching parts. ### ZA-Series | Actuator Excellent energy efficiency and low maintenance compared to hydraulic solutions: ZA series electromechanical actuators operate dynamically, precisely and repeatably. They perform motions for locking, positioning and adjusting. The spindle located inside the housing is protected against dirt, dust and water; high IP protection classes are possible. The ZIMM modular system offers perfectly matching parts. Spindle with trapezoidal or ball threadHigh performance gearingStandardised flanges and matching partsCorrosion protection ex worksIntegrated sliding swivel bearingsSealed gearLubrication without downtimesReady for all installation positions ### ZE-Series | Screw jack Proven technology for reliable positioning, adjusting and tensioning tasks: ZE series screw jacks operate precisely, robustly and repeatably. Depending on the version and system design, they perform linear motions per gearbox or within the system. The ZIMM modular system offers perfectly matching parts. ## Typical motion tasks in the STS/container crane environment ### Safe-Lock | Locking the gantry bogies on gantry cranes Depending on the operating mode, gantry cranes must be able to switch between normal travel, cross-travel, rotate mode and parking mode. For this purpose, the bogies are swivelled into alternative positions and then locked reliably. The locking function must release the selected position and hold it stably under load. At the same time, the upward and downward movement of the locking pin must be clearly controlled. ### Benefits - Clear locking motion for controllable gantry travel modes - Repeatable pin positions for reliable locking of the selected bogie position - Robust electromechanical solution with clear end-position logic - Easy integration into crane control and gantry travel logic ### Operating principle - A ZA-I series electromechanical actuator actuates the locking pin device - The motor-driven mechanism releases or locks the pin depending on the selected bogie position - End-position monitoring controls the lifting motion of the pin - After swivelling, the pin engages in the new position in a controlled manner ### Application scenarios - Switching between normal travel and cross-travel mode - Locking function in rotate mode - Locking of defined parking positions - Gantry travel logic on gantry cranes in OEM or retrofit environments https://youtu.be/cWPIsnQlcL4 ### Spreader | Actuate locking and adjustment functions Locking and adjustment functions in the spreader must be actuated precisely and controlled in a mechanically traceable manner. Especially in intermodal operation, repeatable motion sequences and full integration into the crane solution are essential. Continuous access by the crane management system to the respective function must remain possible at all times. ### Benefits - Precise electromechanical adjustment motion for locking and adjustment functions - Full integrability into crane management and control systems - High functional traceability due to direct mechanical coupling - Suitable for clearly structured motion sequences with increased integration requirements ### Operating principle - ZA series electromechanical actuators perform the adjustment motion - Opposing functional elements can be mechanically coupled via a direct shaft - This allows motions to be transmitted and synchronized in a controlled manner - The mechanical design of the overall system supports a traceable functional logic ### Application scenarios - Spreader functions in container handling - Intermodal operating modes with high requirements for motion control - Fully electrically and mechanically integrated crane solutions - Retrofit or new design of locking and adjustment functions https://youtu.be/2nBx1zSoXF8 ### Backreach | Maintain rope tension on the container crane In the landside area of the container crane, rope tension must be kept constant so that no slack rope occurs and the catenary trolley can be guided stably and precisely. At the same time, vibrations should be reduced and smoother rope running with lower wear should be achieved. The tensioning function therefore supports operational safety, guiding quality and ease of maintenance. ### Benefits - Constant rope tension - Reduction of slack rope and vibration-related effects - More precise guidance and positioning of the catenary trolley - Lower wear due to smoother rope running and fewer bending cycles ### Operating principle - Screw jacks generate the linear tensioning motion - The rope tensioning system at backreach keeps the ropes under controlled preload - This allows rope guidance and tension level to be adjusted repeatably - Fewer bending cycles support longer rope service life and more stable rope running ### Application scenarios - Rope tensioning systems at backreach on container cranes - Retrofit of existing tensioning solutions - Crane applications focused on rope service life and smooth rope running - Systems where vibration reduction and precise guidance of the catenary trolley are relevant https://youtu.be/L3pHbkSOaeQ ## Frequently asked questions about ZIMM drive technology for STS and container cranes ZIMM electromechanical actuators and screw jacks can be used when pins, components, functional elements or rope tensioning systems have to be locked, positioned, adjusted or tensioned in a controlled manner. ZIMM supplies the drive components as well as matching motor technology, connection technology and add-on parts from the modular system, not the complete system. The crane, bogie, spreader and tensioning system are built by the respective crane, spreader or system manufacturer; ZIMM supports the selection and sizing of the drive technology and provides CAD data for the design work. The corrosion protection, sealing version and degree of protection are defined according to the actual operating and ambient conditions. In electromechanical actuators, the screw enclosed in the housing is protected against dirt, dust and water; depending on the version and system design, high IP protection classes are possible. For screw jacks, protective tubes, bellows, wipers and surface protection are agreed on a project-specific basis. The decisive factors are the corrosivity category specified by the crane manufacturer or operator and the temperature limits at the installation location. The electromechanical drive is sized not on the basis of pressure but on the basis of force, travel, speed and duty cycle. It is therefore necessary to clarify the actual force requirement including breakaway and disturbing forces, the usable stroke, the number of cycles, the existing connection points as well as the available electrical power and the space for the motor and connection technology. Within the ZIMM drive axis, hydraulic fluid, piping and leakage risk are eliminated. End positions and position are reported back to the crane control via limit switches or sensors. In addition to force and stroke, the duty cycle, the cycles per hour and the resulting heat build-up are decisive for the selection of series, size, screw drive and motor. Ball screw drives are suitable for high cycle rates and high efficiency, trapezoidal screw drives for lower travel frequencies and robust operating conditions. The real load spectrum and the expected motion sequence are required for the assessment, not just the maximum load. The drives are controlled electrically via the motor; limit switches, position sensors and feedback signals can be added in line with the control architecture. This makes end positions, intermediate positions and functional states mappable in the higher-level crane logic. The sensors, signal types and scope of monitoring are selected together with the control concept of the overall system. The maintenance effort depends on the series, screw drive, load spectrum and ambient conditions. It essentially comprises inspection and relubrication in accordance with the operating instructions, visual inspection of seals and protective elements as well as, in the case of trapezoidal screw drives, checking the wear of the load-bearing nut. The maintenance intervals are defined on the basis of the actual operating data and incorporated into the maintenance concept of the system. The following information in particular is required for the technical designing: - Movement task (locking, positioning, adjusting, tensioning) - Required actuating, lifting or tensioning force - Stroke and speed - Duty cycle or cycles per hour - Number of drive points - Installation situation, mounting position and available installation space - Ambient conditions In addition, details of the load distribution, control system, sensors and safety requirements are required. A drawing or sketch of the installation situation supports the technical assessment. ## Submit an inquiry for your application now Are you planning a locking, positioning, adjustment or tensioning function in the STS and container crane environment? Then send us a brief description of the technical task together with the key boundary conditions such as load, stroke, installation situation, motion sequence and control requirements. ZIMM supports you in selecting ZA-I and ZA series electromechanical actuators as well as screw jacks for motion tasks in OEM and retrofit environments.