Another trend noted by Modulift is the demand for reduced manual handling and faster, simpler rigging.
components and breakbulk units,” it says. “As a result, there is a growing preference for certified, purpose designed below the hook equipment that removes ambiguity from lifting operations.” Another trend is the demand for reduced manual handling and faster, simpler rigging. “Complex lifting arrangements increase both exposure time and the likelihood of human error,” Modulift adds. Its customers are asking for lifting beams and spreader systems that minimise components, simplify connections and reduce the number of rigging elements requiring handling at height. Handling heavier and larger cargoes is also driving safety innovation. “As project cargo dimensions increase, so too does the risk associated with load control, sling forces and uneven load distribution,” says Modulift. Its customers are looking for lifting systems that provide greater load stability and controlled force distribution across multiple lifting points. These include multi point frames, spreader beams with adjustable spans and custom configurations designed to manage low headroom conditions.
Safety transition Overall, safety is improving as ports adopt new technologies. “As terminals handle growing volumes and push for higher efficiency, safety is increasingly addressed not by additional procedures alone, but through technology that is embedded directly into crane design,” says Arjan Meijer, sales manager, port cranes, Huisman. His company feels that its automated stacking cranes (ASCs) illustrate how automation, digitalisation and training together are raising safety standards. Today’s ASCs are designed for fully automated operation, with manual intervention taking place from ergonomic remote operator stations rather
than from within the crane or yard. “Operators are physically removed from risk zones while maintaining full situational awareness through cameras, sensors and real time data,” he adds. Automation is complemented by intelligent
control of crane motions. Acceleration, speed and movements are automatically adapted to load conditions and wind speeds. “The result is not simply fewer warnings, but active prevention of human error,” he says. Mi-Jack also sees a clear shift towards
automation, real-time visibility and proactive safety systems. “Companies are increasingly looking for real-time capabilities and interconnecting systems,” Stephan says. “That is only possible if you have a real-time locating system to give the position of all objects within your terminal and they are completely connected with other systems like the TOS.” Fully automated collision prevention
systems create a smart network which enables real-time decision-making through interconnected systems. Here, the ability
to react in real time to stop crane and other machinery movements and allow safe passage of workers is critical. The right combination of technologies can enable more interventions before an incident takes place. “Today, thanks to more intelligent solutions, the machines are able to interact with the people in a smarter way,” says Trauth. Mi-Jack’s latest solution, AccuTrack, combines real-time tracking of personnel and equipment movements with zone-based safety logic to prevent dangerous interactions. It features automated collision avoidance between people, cranes and vehicles, plus real-time in-cab alerts and visual warnings for operators. In this way, AccuTrack enables terminals to allow safe, parallel operations within shared workspaces. Another key selling point for Mi-Jack
is customisation. “You think you are just moving a container from A to B, and that it is the same for everyone, but everyone is doing it slightly differently,” says Trauth. “If you have 20 terminals you will have 20 different approaches.”
Understanding risk The first step in improving site safety remains gaining knowledge. “The quickest way to improve safety is to clearly understand your existing processes and the challenges you have,” says Trauth. His advice is to start with an area of high-risk, typically one with high interactions between people and machines. “This is where you can achieve the most relevant results and the best return on investment. From there, you can expand slowly – particularly if you already can draw data from the machines through your container management or equipment management systems.”
Mi-Jack also sees a clear shift towards automation, real-time visibility and proactive safety systems.
www.hoistmagazine.com | May/June 2026 | xvii
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