Quay Crane OCR: Recording Every Container at the Berth
Quay cranes, also called ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, load and discharge every container on a vessel. Recording each move accurately is critical for the stowage plan, the yard and customs. Quay crane OCR captures container numbers, ISO codes, seals and damage images automatically as the spreader lifts each box. This guide explains how quay crane OCR works and the value it brings at the berth.
Key takeaways
- Quay crane OCR records every container loaded onto or discharged from a ship.
- It captures container numbers, ISO codes, seals, door direction and damage images.
- It removes tally clerks from the dangerous area under the crane.
Why quay cranes need OCR
Traditionally, tally clerks stand near the crane to note container numbers and check damage. It is slow, risky and prone to error. Mistakes affect the stowage plan, yard planning and customs records.
How quay crane OCR works
- Capture. Cameras on the crane legs and trolley photograph each container during the lift.
- Read. OCR reads container numbers and ISO codes from several sides.
- Inspect. Images record seals, door direction and visible damage.
- Match. Results are checked against the load or discharge list.
- Update. Confirmed moves and images are sent to the TOS.
Benefits at the berth
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Safety | No clerks working under moving containers |
| Accuracy | Fewer errors in vessel and yard records |
| Speed | No waiting for manual tally confirmation |
| Damage evidence | Time-stamped images for claims |
| Productivity data | Moves per hour for each crane |
For yard cranes, see crane OCR for RTG and RMG cranes, and for TOS integration read crane OCR integration.
Quay crane OCR from Suraj Informatics
Suraj Informatics provides crane OCR service and integration for quay, RTG and RMG cranes at ports and terminals in India.
Quay crane OCR: common questions
What is quay crane OCR?
A camera and OCR system on ship-to-shore cranes that records container numbers, codes and images during loading and discharge.
Does it replace tally clerks?
It removes the need for clerks under the crane; exceptions are checked remotely using the images.
Can it record container damage?
Yes. Images from several angles provide evidence of the container’s condition at the berth.
Talk to our port automation team
Tell us about your quay cranes and TOS, and we will suggest the right crane OCR setup.
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