Electric Bulker Crane

Bulker Crane - Electric GLBE

The MacGregor electric drive bulker crane (type GLBE) is the first choice for highly efficient and environmentally friendly bulk operation.

The GLBE is the electric-drive version of the bulker crane. The electric and electro-hydraulic cranes have the same safe working loads (SWL) and outreaches.

GLE crane designs are based on MacGregor’s long experience and backed up by unrivaled global service support and a proven track record of more than 13,000 crane deliveries worldwide over the past 50 years.

Electric Bulker Crane

The crane offers multiple benefits to shipbuilders, owners, and operators:

• Up to 50% lower energy consumption, especially during standby mode 
• Up to 50% lower fuel consumption
• Potential savings in capital expenditure through reduced generator size
• Smaller electric cables and no oil filling
• Superior cargo handling efficiency due to higher speeds and precision control, reducing time in port
• Increased operator & crew comfort through significantly reduced noise levels
• Lower maintenance costs without the need to change oil, oil filters, and hoses 
• A sustainable choice that removes the risk of oil leakage
• Up to SWL 25t - 45t 

Comparison study

Evaluation of climate change mitigation potential of electric vs hydraulic crane. 

Global warming potential (GWP) hydraulic conventional hydraulic crane: 846 tCO2e

• Product manufacturing 5%
• Use phase 94%
• Maintenance 0.59%
• EOL (not yet accounted*)

Global warming potential (GWP) electric transloading crane: 452 tCO2e

• Product manufacturing 10%
• Use phase 88%
• Maintenance 1.11%
• EOL (not yet accounted*)

*End of Life (EOL) depending on vessel specific battery setup. 

Generation 2 Drive System

Like all MacGregor electric cranes, the GLBE series is built upon the Generation 2 variable frequency drive (VFD) design. 

The advanced design is based on the latest generation of water cooled electric motors and inverters. It also includes a direct motor connection for further improved power efficiency due to less power transmission losses. 

Crane Control System

The MacGregor control system ensures smooth, fast and stepless crane control, with hoisting, bluffing and slewing motions independent of each other. This means that at their maximum capacity, GLBE cranes can operate at full speed using all three movements at the same time.

The in-house system development allows individual adjustment possibilities and includes monitoring and diagnostic functions. 

OnWatch Scout ready

OnWatch Scout increases the flow of information and moves support from a reactive to proactive mode, with operational data streamed directly from the vessel, monitored, analysed, and used to provide guidance on performance.

Learn more

Extra Features

The crane can be equipped with various functions and equipment: 

• Power swivel with Active Rotation Control (ARC)
• Active Pendulation Control (APC)
• Anti-collision system
• Auto team
• AutoGrip – Feature for optimal filling of mechanical grab     
• Camera system (CCTV)
• Swing defeater
• Power limitation 
• Ship Motion Compensation
• Target tracking 
• Ships office