I. Xiamen Port Deploys Intelligent Container RTG Cranes: A New Benchmark for Port Intelligence

Source: Xiamen Daily, Tencent News (April 3, 2026)

On April 3, 2026, Xiamen Port's Haitian Terminal welcomed a major equipment upgrade—8 newly purchased intelligent container rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) were officially unloaded. These gantry cranes integrate

automation, intelligence, and green technology, representing the latest technical level of port lifting equipment.

Technical Highlights:

• Remote Control Technology: Operators can control remotely from the central control room, significantly improving operational safety

• Intelligent Dispatching System: AI algorithms optimize container storage and handling paths, improving operational efficiency

• Green Energy-saving Design: Energy feedback technology reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions

• 5G+IoT Integration: Real-time equipment monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities

Application Value:

According to SANY Marine Heavy Industry's project data at Tianjin Port, after applying the H-Move2.0 intelligent system, tire crane operating efficiency can be improved to 20 operations per hour while achieving green energy-saving goals. This equipment upgrade at Xiamen Port will further enhance port throughput capacity and intelligence levels.

II. Electric Transfer Cart Industry Trends 2026: Customization and Intelligence Become Core Competitiveness

Source: Hangzhou Longli Intelligent Equipment (March 2026)

Entering 2026, China's industrial handling equipment market continues to upgrade. The electric transfer cart industry is gradually moving away from traditional standardized mass production models toward

customization, intelligence, and servitization transformation.

Industry Development Trends:

• Flexible Production Adaptation: As manufacturing moves toward flexible production and intelligent manufacturing, electric transfer carts need to adapt to multi-variety, small-batch production models

• Heavy-load Technology Breakthrough: In heavy equipment manufacturing and other industries, 150-ton electric transfer carts have become standard. Latest technology focuses on wheel configuration optimization and ground bearing design

• Intelligent Upgrades: Automatic navigation (AGV/AMR) technology integration, seamless connection with MES/ERP systems, real-time data collection and analysis

Market Prospects:

According to industry research reports, the Chinese electric transfer cart market will maintain steady growth from 2025-2031, with a compound annual growth rate expected to be between 5-8%. Customized solutions will become the key to differentiated competition for enterprises.

III. Jib Crane Technology Innovation: Intelligent Operation Becomes Key Direction

Source: Sohu Business, Zhongshang114 (January-March 2026)

As core equipment in industrial lifting, jib cranes are widely used in machinery manufacturing, warehousing logistics, and automotive assembly lines due to their flexibility and high space utilization. In 2026, jib crane technology innovation focuses on the following directions:

1. Intelligent Operation Innovation

• AI-assisted Control: Introduction of artificial intelligence technology for automatic lifting path planning

• IoT Integration: Real-time equipment monitoring and remote management through IoT technology

• Big Data Analytics: Optimizing equipment maintenance strategies based on operational data

2. Product Structure Innovation

• Mobile Jib Cranes: Meeting flexible operation needs and adapting to multi-station production models

• Telescopic Sleeve Design: Height-adjustable column design to meet drilling team mud material unloading and weighting operation requirements

• Lightweight Material Application: Reducing equipment self-weight while ensuring strength

IV. Smart Crane Market Explodes: Market Size Reaches New High in 2026

Source: Global Growth Insights, Fortune Business Insights (March 2026)

According to the latest data from international market research institutions, the global smart crane market shows strong growth momentum:

Market Size Data:

• 2025 Global Smart Crane Market Size: $120.52 million

• 2026 Estimated Market Size: $125.58 million

• 2035 Forecasted Market Size: $181.86 million

• 2026-2035 CAGR: 4.2%

Autonomous Crane Market Growing Even Faster:

• 2025 Global Market Size: $7.87 billion

• 2026 Estimated Size: $9.87 billion

• 2034 Forecasted Size: $52.86 billion

• CAGR: 20.50%

Regional Market Pattern:

North America dominates the global market with a 34.73% share, while the Asia-Pacific region (especially China) is growing fastest and is expected to become the world's largest smart crane market within five years.

V. Port Crane Green Technology Breakthrough: Carbon-based Capacitor Energy-saving Technology Achieves Zero Emissions

Source: Shenzhen News Network (March 2025)

China's first carbon-based capacitor energy-saving technology has been successfully applied to port rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), marking a major breakthrough in port lifting equipment green technology.

Technical Features:

• Energy Recycling: Carbon-based capacitor energy storage system enables potential energy recovery and reuse

• Zero Emission Target: Pure electric drive completely eliminates diesel engine exhaust emissions

• Significant Economic Benefits: Comprehensive energy-saving efficiency reaches $10,800/year/unit

• Outstanding Environmental Benefits: Single equipment reduces carbon emissions by approximately 15 tons annually

Promotion Significance:

This technology was developed starting in February 2024, with port RTGs as pilot projects. It provides a feasible technical path for achieving the port industry's 'dual carbon' goals.

Industry Outlook

In 2026, the crane industry is at a critical juncture of transformation and upgrading. Overall, industry development shows the following trends:

• Deep Integration of Intelligence: The integration of AI, 5G, and IoT technologies with lifting equipment will deepen further, with remote control and autonomous operation becoming standard.

• Green Technology is Imperative: Driven by 'dual carbon' goals, electrification, energy recovery, and zero-emission technologies will accelerate adoption.

• Servitization Transformation: Shifting from single equipment sales to 'product + service' models, with full lifecycle management becoming a competitive focus.

• Growing Customization Demand: Under the trend of flexible manufacturing, customer demand for personalized solutions will continue to increase.

• Accelerated Domestic Substitution: Domestic enterprises continue to make breakthroughs in technology and quality, and the import substitution process will further accelerate.

As Shandong Luqi Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd., with over 30 years of professional manufacturing experience, we will continue to track industry frontiers, commit to providing customers with smarter, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient lifting solutions, and contribute to the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industry.

About Shandong Luqi Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd.

Shandong Luqi Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd. (Brand: Luqi) has over 30 years of professional manufacturing experience, focusing on the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of lifting machinery. Main products include bridge and gantry cranes, electric transfer carts, jib cranes, electric hoists, etc., widely used in ports, mining, metallurgy, power, and other industries. The company always adheres to technological innovation and quality excellence, providing customers with reliable lifting solutions.

— This article is compiled from public news reports and industry research for reference only —