What does a gantry container crane operator do?
Are you practical person who is organised, coordinated, and who can work with precision and accuracy?
Do you like the idea of working in an office with a 100km view?
A gantry container crane operator needs to handle cargo with precision and accuracy. A gantry container crane operator has to :
- focus on the safety of those working with the gantry crane
- treat the cargo with care
- ensure productivity remains at a rate that meets deadlines.
Tasks that a gantry container crane operator undertakes include:
- following the ship’s plan to make sure cargo is loaded in the correct place
- lifting containers from the wharf onto the ship and lifting containers from the ship onto the wharf.
A gantry container crane operator may also need to:
- perform clerical duties such as recording and checking cargo on arrival, storage or despatch
- moor and unmoor ships on arrival and departure
- drive reach stackers, forklifts or top loaders to move containers within the terminal
- unlash (loosen) containers, or lash (secure) containers, to the ship.
A gantry container crane operator needs to:
- have a head for heights
- be a team worker
- enjoy practical and manual work, be physically fit, and capable of lifting and carrying heavy items
- possess good communication and organisational skills and be able to follow instructions.
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES
Achievements & highlights
Working at the wharf is a great opportunity to work in a team environment where there is real camaraderie. Driving the gantry crane really tests your coordination skills. To operate the crane, you need to drive looking down while using both hands and feet to control the crane’s movements. Each ship needs to be treated differently, so no two jobs are ever the same.
The gantry crane is the most amazing workplace; each shift begins with a 45m climb in an elevator to the cabin. Once there, in the peace and quiet of the cabin you can enjoy amazing views across the bay and coast. The modern cabins are designed for comfort. Some cranes are designed so that they can lift either two or four containers simultaneously.
Challenges
Bad weather conditions can make the job of handling containers extremely challenging. Occasionally too, the elevator to the cabin may not be available and you have to walk all the way to the top.