Yard Crane Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Yard Crane Market is accounted for $1.89 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $2.93 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. A yard crane is a heavy-duty lifting machine used in container terminals, shipping yards, and industrial storage areas for handling and stacking containers or heavy cargo. These cranes are designed to optimize space utilization and improve operational efficiency in logistics and transportation hubs. Common varieties that provide flexibility and accuracy in container movement are rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes and rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. Moreover, modern yard cranes with energy-efficient systems, GPS tracking, and sophisticated automation increase output while lowering operating expenses and their negative effects on the environment.

According to the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA), a total of 790 yard container cranes were delivered globally in 2014, comprising 507 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) and 283 rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs).

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Growth in containerization and international trade

The movement of goods across continents has increased dramatically as a result of the ongoing growth of international trade, which is driven by economic expansion and globalization. Containerization, or the standardization of cargo transportation through containers, has become the foundation of contemporary shipping, increasing productivity and cutting expenses. Yard crane demand is rising as a result of ports being forced to handle heavier cargo loads due to an increase in global trade volumes. Additionally, these cranes are essential to the effective management, stacking, and moving of containers in port terminals, which guarantees efficient logistics operations.

Restraint:

Restricted access to skilled labor

A workforce skilled in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting sophisticated yard cranes is necessary due to the growing automation of port operations. But there is a big skills gap, especially in areas where port infrastructure is still growing. Many ports find it difficult to offer the specialized training needed for the transition from manual to automated crane systems in areas like predictive maintenance, AI-based diagnostics, and remote operations. Furthermore, the lack of qualified crane operators causes inefficiencies, delays in operations, and increased downtime, which have a detrimental effect on port throughput and the effectiveness of logistics as a whole.

Opportunity:

Growth of smart ports and initiatives for digitalization

The market for yard cranes has a big chance as smart port technologies become more widely used. To increase productivity, lower operating costs, and improves cargo tracking, ports all over the world are combining digital twins, IoT, AI-driven automation, and big data analytics. Modern port operations increasingly depend on smart yard cranes with AI-based predictive maintenance, automated diagnostics, and real-time monitoring. Prominent ports like Shanghai, Singapore, and Rotterdam have already adopted digital control systems for automated yard cranes, establishing a standard for adoption worldwide. Additionally, smart logistics infrastructure is being heavily invested in by governments and private port operators, opening up new business opportunities for yard crane manufacturers.

Threat:

Stringent environmental and safety regulations

Strict emission limits and workplace safety requirements are being placed on port machinery, including yard cranes, by governments and regulatory agencies around the world. The European Environmental Agency (EEA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have established regulations to lower noise pollution, emissions, and safety hazards related to crane operations. Furthermore, manufacturer’s costs will rise as a result of the ongoing investment in safe and environmentally friendly technologies needed to comply with these regulations. For businesses using non-compliant cranes, noncompliance with workplace safety regulations and emission reduction targets may result in fines, shutdowns, or legal issues.

Covid-19 Impact: 

Due to labor shortages, decreased port activity, and worldwide supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on the yard crane market. Due to factory shutdowns and logistical bottlenecks, lockdowns and restrictions caused delays in the production and delivery of yard cranes. The volume of cargo at ports fluctuated, first declining in trade and then increasing in demand, which led to congestion and put more strain on crane operations. As port operators looked to reduce human intervention and boost operational efficiency, the crisis also hastened the transition to automation and electrification. Budgetary restrictions and economic uncertainty, however, caused new infrastructure investments to be postponed, which had an effect on the market's short-term growth.

The Rubber-tired Gantry (RTG) Crane segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The Rubber-tired Gantry (RTG) Crane segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, driven by its superior cost-effectiveness, mobility, and operational flexibility over rail-mounted alternatives. RTG cranes effectively handle stacked containers without the need for fixed rail infrastructure, making them popular in logistics hubs, intermodal yards, and container terminals. They are the go-to option for ports seeking scalable and effective cargo-handling solutions because of their versatility in moving across different yard sections and accommodating different port layouts. Furthermore, developments in electric and hybrid RTG technologies are lowering emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, which is encouraging their use in ports around the world that care about the environment.

The Electric segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the Electric segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by the global shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient port operations. Port operators are increasingly choosing electric and hybrid cranes over conventional diesel-powered models due to growing regulatory pressure to lower carbon emissions and rising fuel prices. Modern container terminals prefer electric yard cranes because they are more environmentally friendly, require less maintenance, and have lower operating costs. Moreover, advances in energy storage and battery technology are making fully electric yard cranes more feasible, which are propelling the market's expansion. The rapid global adoption of electric yard cranes is also being aided by rising investments in automation and green port infrastructure.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by its robust investments in smart port infrastructure, high container throughput, and quick port expansions. To increase efficiency and lower emissions, major economies like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are making significant investments in automated and electrified port operations. China's dominance in global trade and port activities, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has fueled significant demand for yard cranes. Additionally, Asia-Pacific's dominance in the yard crane market is being strengthened by the growing demand for effective cargo-handling solutions brought on by increased e-commerce and global trade.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Middle East & Africa region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by government investments in logistics infrastructure, growing trade activity, and significant port development projects. In response to increasing oil exports, industrialization, and trade diversification initiatives, nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are increasing their port capacities to accommodate increasing cargo volumes. Furthermore, Middle East & Africa is positioned as a high-growth market for yard cranes due to the region's developing trade hubs and the growth of free trade agreements, which are also driving demand for contemporary port handling equipment.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Yard Crane market include Action Construction Equipment Limited (ACE), Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Cargotec Corporation, JCB India Limited, Terex Corporation, Andritz Inc, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Liebherr Group, XCMG Group, Toyota Industries Corporation , Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Anupam Industries Limited and Tadano Ltd.

Key Developments:

In February 2025, Andritz, has signed a cooperation agreement with the German battery recycling company Duesenfeld, which will license its patented processes, including deep discharging and low-temperature drying. Andritz will act as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) or the engineering, procurement and supply (EPS) contractor, responsible for delivering the recycling plant and key equipment, such as shredders and dryers.

In November 2024, Cargotec Corporation signed an agreement to sell its MacGregor business area to funds managed by Triton Investments for an enterprise value of €480 million, aiming to support Hiab’s future growth. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and works council consultation in relevant jurisdictions.
 
In July 2024, Norwalk, Conn.-based Terex Corporation has agreed to purchase Environmental Solutions Group (ESG) from Dover Corporation. The $2 billion all-cash transaction includes solid waste industry brands Heil, Marathon, Curotto-Can, and Bayne Thinline, as well as digital solutions such as 3rd Eye and Soft-Pak. The acquisition strengthens Terex's portfolio and customer base.

Products Covered:
• Rubber-tired Gantry (RTG) Crane
• Rail-mounted Gantry (RMG) Crane 
 
Lifting Capacities Covered:
• Light Duty (Up to 50 Tons)
• Medium Duty (51-100 Tons)
• Heavy Duty (101-200 Tons)
• Super Heavy Duty (Over 200 Tons) 

Drive Systems Covered:
• Electric
• Diesel-Powered
• Hydraulic 

Boom Lengths Covered:
• Short Boom (Up to 50 Meters)
• Medium Boom (51-100 Meters)
• Long Boom (Over 100 Meters) 

Applications Covered:
• Container Handling
• Shipping Yards
• Rail Yards
• Bulk Material Handling
• General Cargo Handling
• Specialty Applications
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances