STS Crane Collapses During Delivery at Tuas Port, Singapore
- Meagan Wood
- Jun 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 6
30-Second Takeaway
A newly delivered ship-to-shore (STS) crane collapsed at Tuas Port in Singapore on June 15 while being positioned at a non-operational berth. Video footage appears to show the crane’s front legs giving way as it came ashore. The incident involved a new Sany STS crane and resulted in no injuries or fatalities. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and PSA are jointly investigating.
Incident Overview
A new ship-to-shore container crane collapsed during the delivery phase at Tuas Port, Singapore, on Saturday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time.
The crane was being positioned at a non-operational berth when it tipped over. Video footage circulating online appears to show a failure at the front leg area as the crane transitioned ashore.
What Is Known
Location: Tuas Port, Singapore
Date: June 15, 2025
Time: Approximately 1:20 p.m.
Crane type: Ship-to-shore (STS) quay crane
Manufacturer: Sany
Rated capacity: 65 tonnes
Span: 35 metres
Maximum forward radius: 73 metres
Backreach: 22 metres
Lift height: 55 metres
Injuries/Fatalities: None reported
The crane was not yet operational and had not been commissioned for lifting activities.
Equipment Context
The crane involved is understood to be part of Sany’s dual-trolley STS crane lineup, equipped with:
Synchronised main and gantry trolleys
3D sensing systems
Smart handling and automation technology
These features are designed to improve productivity and positioning accuracy once in service, but they do not eliminate the risks associated with delivery, transfer, and installation phases.
Official Statement PSA & MPA
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Singapore issued a joint statement confirming:
“On 15 June 2025 at approximately 1:20pm, a new quay crane at Tuas Port tipped over while it was being delivered to a non-operational berth. There were no injuries or fatalities. No damage has been assessed to adjacent port equipment and facilities. All of PSA Singapore’s current operational berths remain fully accessible, and all port operations and port development works remain unaffected. The incident is under investigation. PSA and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will work with relevant authorities regarding the incident.”
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing and is expected to examine:
Crane delivery and transfer methodology
Shore interface and rail alignment conditions
Ground bearing and quay edge support
Load transfer sequencing during landing
Crane leg geometry and temporary stability conditions
No conclusions have been released at the time of publication.
Why Delivery-Phase Incidents Occur
STS crane incidents during delivery often occur during the most unstable phase of the crane’s lifecycle, when:
The crane is not yet fully supported on rails
Temporary load paths differ from operational conditions
Quay edge tolerances are minimal
Differential settlement or misalignment can occur
Environmental factors affect stability margins
Delivery and landing operations can expose structural elements to load cases not encountered in service.
Industry Reminder
STS cranes are at their most vulnerable before commissioning, when temporary load paths and partial support conditions exist.
This incident highlights the importance of delivery-phase engineering discipline, even for highly advanced and automated crane designs.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane incidents to support industry awareness, technical understanding, and prevention. Apparent causes are clearly identified where official findings are pending. This article will be updated as verified information becomes available.
How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented
Engineered Delivery Procedures
Crane landing and positioning should follow manufacturer-approved, engineered delivery sequences.
Quay Interface Verification
Rail alignment, elevation, and bearing capacity must be verified immediately prior to delivery.
Temporary Stability Analysis
Temporary conditions during delivery should be assessed separately from operational load cases.
Controlled Transition Movements
Crane movement from vessel to quay should be conducted at minimal speed with continuous monitoring.
Clear Stop Criteria
Predefined abort criteria must be established if abnormal movement or loading is detected.
