BPA Completes Domestic Development of Spreader, the Hand of Port Cranes

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Busan Port Authority (BPA) has completed the development project for the localization technology of spreaders used by port cranes to lift and lower container cargo.

The technology development was part of a public-private joint technology development project by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, with a total investment of 1.1 billion KRW over two years starting from November 2020. The project involved Hanmi Techwin, a specialized cargo handling equipment company, and KR Engineering, a ship and port technology specialist company.

Busan Port Authority domestically developed spreader.

A spreader is an essential device for loading and unloading container cargo using container cranes, transfer cranes, shuttle carriers, etc. However, there are no domestic technologies or manufacturers in Korea, so overseas products from Europe, Singapore, and other countries have been introduced and operated on site.

In particular, spreaders frequently require maintenance such as repairs and parts replacement due to impacts during handling of heavy cargo and cargo operations. However, delays in the arrival of overseas technicians and prolonged parts delivery times have caused reduced equipment operation rates.

The spreader developed with domestic technology this time addresses these issues and further enhances safety by applying elastic urethane material with excellent shock absorption to minimize flipper damage and designing a structure that secures maintenance space for operators.

Additionally, an integrated monitoring system was developed that allows users to check user manuals, equipment drawings, and other documents, which were previously managed separately, at a glance on a touchscreen monitor, providing convenience for equipment operation and maintenance.

BPA plans to install the spreader on cranes at port terminals currently in operation for demonstration and to equip it on another R&D project, the ‘ITT Station Loading and Unloading System,’ to further verify compatibility with other cargo handling equipment.

Kang Jun-seok, President of BPA, said, “Based on the core technology of port cargo handling equipment secured through domestic technology, we will rebuild the domestic port equipment ecosystem, which has been dominated by foreign products due to price and technological competitiveness, and establish a foundation to enter the global market.”