i-CRANE: innovating ports with predictive maintenance and space technologies

Challenge

Ports today face a dual challenge: improving operational efficiency and safety by leveraging automation and digitalization, while at the same time reducing environmental impact and investment costs. 

Updating and replacing critical port assets, particularly STS (Ship-to-Shore) cranes, requires significant investment, ranging from €10M to €25M per unit (depending on robustness and automation levels), making the widespread adoption of advanced technologies particularly challenging, especially for non-automated ports. 

i-CRANE was developed to address these needs, offering an innovative smart retrofitting approach that enhances existing assets rather than replacing them, extending their operational lifespan and ensuring continued performance. 

 

Applied expertise

Within the i-CRANE project, RINA integrates engineering, digital and space-based expertise to: 

• Ensure continuous monitoring of port assets through IoT sensor systems and satellite data. 
• Enable data-driven operational decisions based on real-time data analysis. 
• Develop advanced predictive maintenance models, improving the reliability and availability of port operations. 
• Strengthen the resilience of port infrastructure, reducing risks and operational disruptions. 
• Support the the digital transformation of ports, contributing to more scalable and efficient operating models. 

Impact

The i-CRANE project will support port automation and digital transformation through: 

• Significant cost reduction: existing cranes can be upgraded at approximately one-tenth of the cost of full replacement, making innovation accessible even to small and medium-sized ports.  
• Improved operational efficiency: around 10% reduction in downtime through continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions. 
• Enhanced safety: improved operating conditions and reduced risks for port operators.