Crane OCR for RTG and RMG Yard Cranes: Stop Lost Containers
In a container yard, the biggest risk is a container placed in the wrong slot: it can take hours to find and delay ships, trains and trucks. Crane OCR on rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) and rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes confirms every pick and drop automatically. This guide explains how yard crane OCR works, what it records and why it matters for yard accuracy.
Key takeaways
- Yard crane OCR is fitted to RTG and RMG cranes that stack containers in the yard.
- It reads the container number and confirms the exact yard position of each move.
- This stops misplaced containers and keeps the yard inventory accurate.
- Data and images go straight to the terminal operating system (TOS).
Why yard cranes need OCR
Yard cranes make thousands of moves a day. If the driver or clerk records the wrong container or slot, the yard inventory no longer matches reality. Lost containers delay vessel loading, rail departures and truck collections, and finding them wastes crane and staff time.
How yard crane OCR works
- Lift. As the spreader picks up a container, cameras on the crane capture its markings.
- Read. OCR software reads the container number and ISO code.
- Locate. The crane’s position system records the exact block, row, bay and tier.
- Confirm. The move is checked against the job from the TOS; mismatches are flagged.
- Update. The confirmed position and images are sent to the TOS.
What yard crane OCR records
| Data | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Container number and ISO code | Confirms the right box is being moved |
| Pick and drop position | Keeps the yard map accurate |
| Truck or chassis ID | Links the container to the right truck at transfer points |
| Images and timestamps | Evidence for damage claims and audits |
| Move times | Crane productivity reporting |
Benefits for the container yard
- No lost containers: every move is confirmed automatically.
- Faster vessel and rail operations, because boxes are where the system says they are.
- Less manual checking by clerks in the yard.
- Safer yards, with fewer people on foot near cranes.
- Accurate productivity data for each crane and driver.
For quay crane and overall crane OCR features, see our guide to the crane OCR system.
Yard crane OCR from Suraj Informatics
Suraj Informatics provides crane OCR service and integration for RTG, RMG and quay cranes at ports and terminals, connected to the TOS and to gate and rail automation on the GATIVRA platform.
Yard crane OCR: common questions
What is an RTG crane?
A rubber-tyred gantry crane that moves on wheels and stacks containers in yard blocks.
How does crane OCR stop lost containers?
It reads the container number and records its exact position on every pick and drop, so the yard map stays accurate.
Does crane OCR need a TOS?
It is designed to send data to a terminal operating system, which uses it to update container locations.
Can crane OCR be added to existing cranes?
Yes. Cameras and software are usually retrofitted to existing RTG, RMG and quay cranes.
Talk to our port automation team
Tell us about your yard cranes and TOS, and we will suggest the right crane OCR setup.
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