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3 Ton Aluminum Double-Girder Portable Gantry Crane for Ships

Lightweight 3-ton aluminum gantry crane for shipboard lifting. Double-girder design, portable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to assemble for marine use.

Category: 3 Ton Gantry Cranes

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3 Ton Aluminum Gantry Crane for Sale
3 Ton Aluminum Lightweight Double-Girder Portable Gantry Crane for Shipboard Lifting

Project Overview

This project focuses on a 3-ton aluminum gantry crane designed specifically for shipboard lifting. Ships present unique challenges—space is tight, decks are uneven, and every extra kilogram matters. That's why each component of this portable gantry crane is kept under 50 kg, allowing crew members to carry, assemble, and reposition parts by hand without relying on forklifts or deck cranes.

To meet the lifting demands without adding unnecessary weight, the crane uses a double-girder aluminum design. By combining lightweight aluminum with a dual-rail girder structure, the crane delivers 3,000 kg lifting capacity while staying practical for marine environments. This setup balances strength, portability, and safety, making it suitable for engine rooms, cargo holds, and other confined spaces on board.

3-ton aluminum gantry crane

Key Project Highlights

  • Lifting Capacity: 3 tons (3,000 kg)
  • Component Weight: Each part ≤ 50 kg for manual handling
  • Application: Shipboard lifting in confined or uneven spaces
  • Design Focus: Lightweight, portable, and strong
  • Structure: Double-girder aluminum alloy with dual Epose rails

This combination ensures that ship operators can safely move heavy loads without overloading the deck or struggling with bulky steel equipment.

Design Requirements & Constraints

Designing a lightweight aluminum gantry crane for ships is not just about strength—it's about fitting the equipment to the environment and workflow. Marine crews need cranes that are light, modular, corrosion-resistant, and adaptable. This project sets clear parameters to meet those needs while ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Core Requirements

  • Rated Capacity: 3,000 kg, sufficient for engines, pumps, spare parts, and heavy tools
  • Maximum Weight per Component: ≤ 50 kg for safe manual assembly and transportation
  • Operating Environment: Marine / shipboard conditions with exposure to humidity, salt spray, and uneven surfaces
  • Deck Conditions: Height-adjustable legs to adapt to sloped or uneven decks
  • Material & Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum alloy selected for marine-grade durability
  • Rail Limitations: Standard single Epose rails cannot support 3-ton loads; dual-rail double-girder configuration is required to safely achieve rated capacity

This careful combination of lightweight parts, dual-girder strength, and adjustable design ensures the crane performs reliably while remaining easy to handle onboard. It's a practical solution for ship operators who need heavy-lifting capability without heavy equipment.

Shipboard Gantry Crane Structural & Safety Features

Design and construction of a shipboard gantry crane require balancing strength, weight, portability, and safety. Below are the key components, materials, and verification measures that ensure reliable performance in marine environments.

Structural Concept

Designing a gantry crane for shipboard use requires balancing strength, weight, and portability. This crane uses a double-girder aluminum configuration, which provides the necessary load capacity while keeping each component light enough for manual handling.

The structure is engineered for marine conditions, where space is limited and deck surfaces may be uneven. Modular design and thoughtful material selection make the crane practical for everyday shipboard lifting.

Key Structural Features

  • Double-Girder Aluminum Configuration: Each girder is formed by connecting two aluminum Epose rails, increasing the section strength without adding extra weight.
  • Lightweight Gantry Design: Optimized cross-sections, bolted modular joints, and high-strength aluminum alloy reduce self-weight while maintaining rigidity.
  • Portable Shipboard Structure: Every component is designed for manual handling and quick assembly on deck, making relocation or temporary setups simple and safe.

This structural approach ensures stability, load capacity, and ease of use in marine environments.

Main Girders

The main girders form the backbone of the crane and are carefully engineered to handle heavy loads while remaining lightweight.

Main Girder Specifications

  • Material: High-strength aluminum alloy, corrosion-resistant for marine environments
  • Configuration: Dual Epose rails per girder, designed to safely support 3-ton bending capacity
  • Connections: Bolted splice plates with alignment pins allow fast assembly and accurate alignment
  • Deflection Control: Designed to keep trolley movement smooth, preventing jerks or uneven lifting

By combining dual rails, precise bolted connections, and optimized aluminum profiles, the main girders provide the balance of strength, rigidity, and portability needed for shipboard lifting operations.

Hoist & Trolley System

The crane's hoist and trolley system is designed to work seamlessly with the dual-rail aluminum girder structure, providing smooth, reliable lifting and movement even in tight shipboard spaces. It combines durability, low maintenance, and flexibility depending on operational requirements.

Key Features of the Hoist & Trolley

  • Dual-Rail Compatibility: Works perfectly with the double Epose rail configuration for stable load travel
  • Corrosion-Resistant Trolley: Low-friction wheels reduce wear and ensure smooth movement across the beam
  • Flexible Hoist Options: Can be fitted with manual or electric hoists, depending on available shipboard power and lifting needs
  • Integrated Pulley System: Built-in sheaves and pulleys in the horizontal beam simplify load routing and improve lifting efficiency

This system ensures that lifting operations are controlled, safe, and efficient, whether moving heavy parts across a deck or performing maintenance in confined areas.

Adjustable Base Structure

A stable base is critical for shipboard lifting, especially when deck surfaces are uneven or slightly sloped. The crane features four independently adjustable aluminum legs, providing flexibility and safety for diverse marine conditions.

Key Features of the Base Structure

  • Four Adjustable Legs: Each leg can be independently set to compensate for uneven deck surfaces
  • Wide Load-Distribution Footpads: Spread the crane's weight evenly to protect the ship deck from pressure points
  • Optional Wheel Sets: Allow limited movement when the crane is unloaded, making relocation simple without disassembly

This adjustable base ensures stability, safety, and adaptability, allowing the crane to perform reliably in a variety of shipboard scenarios.

Materials & Corrosion Protection

Shipboard environments are harsh, with constant exposure to saltwater, humidity, and temperature changes. Selecting the right materials and protective treatments is essential to ensure the crane's long-term performance and safety.

Key Material & Protection Features

  • Marine-Grade Aluminum: Used for girders, frames, and support structures to reduce weight while resisting corrosion
  • Stainless Steel 316 Fasteners: Highly resistant to rust and pitting in marine conditions
  • Protective Finishes: Anodized or epoxy-coated surfaces provide an extra barrier against saltwater and humidity
  • Joint & Splice Treatment: Anti-corrosion treatment applied at bolted connections and splice points to maintain strength over time

These measures help the crane stay durable and reliable even in demanding shipboard operations.

Modular Assembly & Transport

Shipboard lifting equipment must be portable, easy to assemble, and storable. This crane's modular design addresses all these practical needs.

Key Modular Features

  • Lightweight Components: All parts kept ≤ 50 kg for manual handling
  • Quick-Fit Bolted Splices: Simple alignment pins and bolts allow fast assembly and disassembly without welding
  • Compact Modules: Designed to fit easily into onboard storage spaces when not in use
  • Minimal Tools Required: Installation can be completed with basic hand tools, reducing setup time and crew workload

This modular approach ensures the crane is ready to use quickly, easy to move between locations, and doesn't require heavy lifting equipment or complex procedures.

Safety Systems

Safety is critical on ships, where space is limited and loads can shift unexpectedly. This gantry crane includes multiple safety features to protect both operators and equipment during lifting operations.

Key Safety Features

  • Mechanical End Stops on Trolley: Prevent the trolley from running off the girder ends
  • Overload Protection for Hoist: Stops lifting if the load exceeds the rated 3-ton capacity
  • Emergency Stop Control: Immediate shutdown in case of unforeseen issues or hazards
  • Load Limiters & Travel Limit Switches: Ensure safe operation within designed ranges and prevent collisions

These systems help crews lift and move heavy components safely, even in confined or unstable shipboard environments.

Structural Verification

To ensure the crane performs reliably under both normal and challenging conditions, comprehensive structural verification is conducted. Marine conditions, including rolling and pitching of the vessel, are considered in all calculations.

Key Verification Measures

  • Static and Dynamic Analysis: Assesses 3-ton load capacity plus ship motion factors
  • Rail-to-Wheel Contact Stress Checks: Confirms the trolley moves smoothly without overstressing rails or wheels
  • Fatigue Analysis: Evaluates repeated lifting cycles in marine environments to prevent premature wear
  • Stability Checks: Ensures the crane remains secure and balanced under rolling and pitching conditions

Fabrication, Testing & Certification

Before reaching the ship, every component of the crane is carefully fabricated, inspected, and tested to ensure it meets marine lifting standards. This ensures reliability and safety when the crane is put into service.

Key Fabrication & Testing Steps

  • Pre-Assembly Testing: All aluminum modules are checked for fit and alignment before delivery
  • 125% Proof Load Test: Each crane is tested beyond its rated capacity to verify structural integrity
  • Standards Compliance: Designed and certified to meet marine and shipboard lifting guidelines
  • Documentation Package: Includes detailed drawings, load charts, and a complete operator manual

These steps give ship operators confidence that the crane is safe, robust, and ready for demanding onboard use.

3-ton aluminum gantry crane double girder design for ships

Shipboard Installation & Commissioning

Installation onboard is simplified by the crane's modular design, but proper commissioning ensures safe operation in the vessel's unique environment.

Installation & Commissioning Process

  • Step-by-Step Assembly: Guides the crew through the full setup, including proper lifting sequences for components
  • Deck Reinforcement Check: Confirms that the installation area can safely support the crane's weight and loads
  • Function Testing: Trolley, hoist, and leg adjustments are tested for smooth and safe operation
  • Operator Training & Safety Briefing: Crew receives hands-on instruction and guidance on safe lifting practices

This ensures the crane is fully operational, safe, and optimized for shipboard lifting tasks from day one.

Summary: Lightweight Double-Girder Aluminum Gantry Crane – Shipboard Solution

This 3-ton aluminum gantry crane is specifically engineered for shipboard operations where weight limits, tight spaces, and portability are critical. Using a double-girder design with dual Epose rails, it achieves high bending strength while keeping each component under 50 kg for manual handling and easy assembly.

Key features include adjustable legs for uneven decks, an integrated trolley and hoist system, and marine-grade corrosion protection. The modular, quick-assembly design simplifies onboard transport and storage. Safety is ensured with mechanical end stops, overload protection, and limit switches, while structural verification accounts for ship motion.

This crane provides a reliable, lightweight, and flexible lifting solution for marine contractors, ship operators, and offshore engineers.

Quick Overview

  • Lifting Capacity: 3 tons
  • Component Weight: ≤ 50 kg
  • Structure: Double-girder aluminum with dual Epose rails
  • Base: Adjustable legs for uneven/sloped decks
  • Hoist Options: Manual or electric
  • Portability: Modular design with quick-fit bolted splices
  • Protection: Marine-grade aluminum, stainless fasteners, anodized/epoxy coatings
  • Safety: End stops, overload protection, travel limiters, emergency stop

Practical Applications

  • Engine and gearbox replacement
  • Moving pumps, valves, and spare parts
  • Lifting in lower decks, engine rooms, and cargo holds
  • Temporary repairs during voyage
  • Multi-zone lifting across decks

Buyer FAQs

Q1: What is the rated lifting capacity?

  • 3,000 kg, ideal for heavy shipboard components.

Q2: Can it be assembled without heavy equipment?

  • Yes, all components ≤ 50 kg and use quick-fit bolted splices.

Q3: Will it work on uneven decks?

  • Yes, all four legs are independently adjustable for stability.

Q4: Is it suitable for electric hoists?

  • Yes, optional electric hoist or manual hoist can be installed.

Q5: How is corrosion prevented?

  • Marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel fasteners, anodized/epoxy coating, plus treated joints.

Q6: How portable is it onboard?

  • Compact modular design, optional wheels for limited movement when unloaded.

Q7: What safety features are included?

  • Trolley end stops, overload protection, emergency stop, travel limiters, load limiters.

Q8: Is it certified for marine operations?

  • Yes, tested at 125% proof load and complies with marine lifting standards, complete with documentation.

QDX 150 ton overhead crane in action in Paraguay. Installation photos, video, and client feedback show performance, safety, and heavy-lifting efficiency.


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