Optimization of Tilt, List, and Skew of Sea-to-Shore Gantry Cranes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48039/a3e1z632

Keywords:

Corner cast, Spreader, Port, Quay, Gantry crane, PID

Abstract

Automation of sea-to-shore gantry cranes and use of artificial intelligence is a trend that most ports are trying to adopt in order to cope with handling of high volume of containerized cargo. Low target achievements in container handling have resulted in low ship turn around. The aim of automation was to either offload or load high volumes of containers in order to increase productivity and ship turn around. This study developed a vision-based real-time monitoring system integrated with an adaptive PID controller to detect tilt, list, and skew of spreader in sea to shore gantry cranes with high accuracy. The system integrated cameras, counters, sensors, and encoders that enable real-time monitoring and control of movements of cranes. A mathematical model was developed to describe a three-dimensional movement of a crane spreader in order to perfect tilt, list and skew. Due to automation, the time to handle a container reduced from 8 min to 2.5 min. This resulted into crane performance improvement of 68.8%. The developed monitoring system reduced operational time, enhanced safety and reduced costs.

Author Biographies

  • Martin N. Mae, Technical University of Mombasa

    Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 90420-80100 Mombasa, Kenya

  • Michael J. Saulo, Technical University of Mombasa

    Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 90420-80100 Mombasa

  • Michael D. Odhiambo, Technical University of Mombasa

    Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 90420-80100 Mombasa, Kenya

  • Daniel N. Wang’ombe, Technical University of Mombasa

    Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 90420-80100 Mombasa, Kenya

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Mae, M., Saulo, M. J. S., Odhiambo, M., & Wang’ombe, D. (2026). Optimization of Tilt, List, and Skew of Sea-to-Shore Gantry Cranes. Multidisciplinary Journal of Technical University of Mombasa, 5(1), 16-29. https://doi.org/10.48039/a3e1z632

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