1 Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Size (Value) and CAGR (2024-2033)
In 2024, the global Overhead Travelling Cranes market was valued at USD 13416.75 million, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2033.
Overhead Travelling Cranes, which is widely used and has the largest number of hoisting machinery, is a lifting equipment for lifting materials across workshops, warehouses and stockyards. Its two ends are located on tall concrete columns or metal supports, and its shape is like a bridge. The bridge frame of bridge crane runs longitudinally along the tracks laid on elevated sides, which can make full use of the space below the bridge frame to lift materials without being hindered by ground equipment. This report studies the global Overhead Travelling Cranes market.
Figure Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Size (M USD) and CAGR 2024-2033
2 Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Drivers
Overhead travelling cranes offer significant operational benefits that drive their market growth. They are highly efficient in lifting and moving heavy materials, often increasing working speed by 2–3 times compared to manual labor or traction motors. This efficiency is crucial for manufacturers, factories, and warehouses looking to automate their material handling processes. By simplifying these processes, overhead travelling cranes enhance overall productivity and reduce labor costs.
Safety is another critical driver for the adoption of overhead travelling cranes. These cranes can operate in extreme environments and handle corrosive or dangerous materials, such as molten iron and chemicals. They are designed to lift and move heavy objects in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with manual handling. For instance, in a steel mill, an overhead travelling crane can safely transport molten metal, ensuring worker safety and minimizing the risk of burns or other injuries.
The demand for overhead travelling cranes is also driven by the rapid growth of downstream industries. These cranes are essential tools for mechanizing and automating production processes in various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, chemical, railway transportation, ports and terminals, and logistics. As these industries expand and become more sophisticated, the need for efficient material handling solutions increases.
3 Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Restraints
One of the significant challenges faced by the overhead travelling cranes market is the stringent regulatory environment. Government agencies, construction industry bodies, and occupational safety and health departments have established comprehensive regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the public. For example, regulations such as BEM Guideline No. 001 and CIDB’s Construction Industry Standard (CIS) 25:2018 set specific requirements for the design, installation, and operation of overhead travelling cranes. These regulations often necessitate regular inspections, certifications, and compliance with safety standards, which can increase the operational costs for manufacturers and users.
Overhead travelling cranes are complex machines that require regular maintenance to ensure their safe and efficient operation. The frequent use of these cranes, especially in heavy industrial applications, can lead to wear and tear, necessitating regular repairs and replacements. Traditional repair methods, such as welding or brush plating, can be costly and may not provide long-term solutions. The high maintenance costs associated with overhead travelling cranes can be a significant barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises, limiting their adoption of these cranes.
4 Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Production (K Units) by Type in 2024
Conventional Top Running Overhead Cranes are designed with a fixed track or track system installed at the top of each runway beam. This configuration allows the end trucks to transport the bridge and hoist along the top of the runway system. These cranes can be configured in single-girder or double-girder bridge designs. Single-girder bridges typically use suspended trolleys and cranes, while double-girder designs often employ top-running trolleys and cranes. They are commonly used in assembly and machinery workshops, storage facilities, and other environments where heavy lifting and precise material handling are required. The 87.63 thousand units projected for 2024 underscore their widespread adoption and essential role in industrial operations.
Under-Slung Overhead Cranes are designed to move or carry goods quickly, saving significant amounts of time and labor. Unlike top running systems, under-slung cranes “hang” below the runway, which is particularly useful for maximizing headroom. These cranes are widely used in medium-sized workshops, warehouses, and factories. Their ability to operate in confined spaces makes them ideal for environments where overhead clearance is limited. The projected production of 57.23 thousand units in 2024 reflects their growing importance in optimizing space utilization and enhancing operational efficiency.
Freestanding Gantry Systems are unique in that they do not require attachment to the supporting structure of a building. This design eliminates the need for permanent runway beams and supporting columns, making them a cost-effective solution in many cases. Compared to other overhead travelling cranes of similar specifications, freestanding gantry systems can significantly reduce material costs. They are particularly useful in applications where flexibility and portability are essential, such as outdoor construction sites and temporary industrial setups. The expected production of 44.88 thousand units in 2024 highlights their value in providing versatile and adaptable lifting solutions.
Table Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Production (K Units) by Type in 2024
Type | Market Production (K Units) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
Conventional Top Running Overhead Cranes | 87.63 | 42.14% |
Under-Slung Overhead Cranes | 57.23 | 27.52% |
Freestanding Gantry Systems | 44.88 | 21.58% |
Others | 18.20 | 8.75% |
5 Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Consumption (K Units) by Application in 2024
Factory & Plant: This segment is the largest consumer of Overhead Travelling Cranes, with an expected consumption of 92.08 thousand units in 2024. Factories and plants rely heavily on these cranes for lifting and transporting heavy materials, machinery, and components. The cranes are essential for improving production efficiency, reducing manual labor, and ensuring safety in environments where heavy lifting is a daily requirement. They are used in various industries, including automotive, steel, and heavy machinery manufacturing, where precise and efficient material handling is crucial.
Production Line: The production line segment is another significant consumer, with an expected consumption of 50.66 thousand units. Overhead Travelling Cranes are integral to the production process, facilitating the movement of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. They help streamline operations, reduce downtime, and enhance overall productivity. In industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, these cranes play a vital role in maintaining the flow of production and ensuring quality control.
Warehouse: Warehouses are also major consumers of Overhead Travelling Cranes, with an expected consumption of 44.03 thousand units. These cranes are used for storing and retrieving goods, optimizing space utilization, and ensuring efficient inventory management. In the logistics and e-commerce sectors, where the volume of goods handled is high, Overhead Travelling Cranes are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Table Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Consumption (K Units) by Application in 2024
Application | Market Consumption (K Units) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
Factory & Plant | 92.08 | 46.42% |
Production Line | 50.66 | 25.54% |
Warehouse | 44.03 | 22.19% |
Others | 11.62 | 5.85% |
6 Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Sales (K Units) by Region in 2024
North America: North America is a significant market for Overhead Travelling Cranes, with an expected sales volume of 54.73 thousand units in 2024. The region’s strong industrial base, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, drives the demand for these cranes. The United States and Canada are key markets, with industries such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturing contributing to the growth. The region is also known for its stringent safety regulations, which ensure the high quality and reliability of the cranes used.
Europe: Europe is another major market, with an expected sales volume of 49.31 thousand units. The region’s diverse industrial landscape, including automotive, steel, and chemical industries, creates a steady demand for Overhead Travelling Cranes. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are key players, with a focus on advanced manufacturing technologies and efficient material handling solutions. The European market is also characterized by a high level of innovation and adoption of new technologies, driving the growth of specialized crane systems.
China: China is the largest market for Overhead Travelling Cranes, with an expected sales volume of 64.53 thousand units in 2024. The rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have led to a surge in demand for these cranes across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction. The country’s vast industrial base and growing infrastructure projects contribute to the high consumption of cranes. Additionally, China’s focus on technological advancements and automation in manufacturing further drives the market growth.
Figure Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market Sales (K Units) by Region in 2024
7 Major Players in Global Overhead Travelling Cranes Market
7.1 ZPMC
Company Profile: ZPMC, also known as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., is a leading global manufacturer of heavy equipment. Established in 2009, ZPMC has its roots in the Gongmao Shipyard, which was founded in 1885. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and operates eight production bases in Shanghai and Nantong. ZPMC is renowned for its port machinery and heavy equipment, with products exported to over 104 countries and regions worldwide.
Business Overview: ZPMC’s business focuses on the development and manufacturing of a wide range of heavy equipment, including port cranes, shipbuilding equipment, and offshore engineering products. The company’s extensive product line also includes Overhead Travelling Cranes, which are designed to meet the needs of various industrial applications. ZPMC’s commitment to innovation and quality has positioned it as a global leader in the heavy equipment industry.
Product Introduction: ZPMC’s Overhead Travelling Cranes are designed for heavy lifting and material handling in industrial settings. These cranes are known for their robust construction, high load capacity, and advanced control systems. They are widely used in factories, warehouses, and production lines to enhance operational efficiency and safety. ZPMC’s cranes are available in various configurations, including conventional top running and under-slung designs, to cater to different customer requirements.
Recent Financial Performance: In the most recent year, ZPMC reported a revenue of approximately 2,014.18 million USD from its Overhead Travelling Cranes segment.
7.2 Weihua
Company Profile: Weihua Group is a large-scale enterprise group specializing in the development and manufacturing of lifting equipment. Founded in 1988, Weihua has grown to become a significant player in the global crane market. The company is headquartered in China and has a strong presence in domestic and international markets, including the USA, the UK, France, and Russia.
Business Overview: Weihua’s business encompasses a wide range of products, including bridge cranes, gantry cranes, port machinery, electric hoists, speed reducers, mining machinery, parking equipment, and special robots. The company’s focus on innovation and quality has enabled it to establish a strong brand reputation and a diverse customer base. Weihua’s Overhead Travelling Cranes are designed to meet the stringent requirements of various industrial applications, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
Product Introduction: Weihua’s Overhead Travelling Cranes are known for their advanced technology, novel structure, and high safety standards. These cranes are available in various capacities and configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Weihua’s cranes are equipped with features such as rotatable spreaders, variable hook distances, and load weighing and display systems, enhancing their functionality and user-friendliness.
Recent Financial Performance: In the most recent year, Weihua reported a revenue of approximately 1,546.84 million USD from its Overhead Travelling Cranes segment.
7.3 Konecranes
Company Profile: Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers across manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports, and terminals. Established in 1994, Konecranes is headquartered in Finland and operates globally, with a strong presence in Europe and other major markets.
Business Overview: Konecranes provides a comprehensive range of lifting solutions, including industrial cranes, port cranes, and service offerings. The company’s focus on productivity-enhancing lifting solutions and specialized maintenance services has positioned it as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide. Konecranes’ commitment to innovation and sustainability has enabled it to develop advanced crane systems that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Product Introduction: Konecranes’ Overhead Travelling Cranes are designed to offer superior performance and reliability. The company’s S-Series cranes feature advanced technologies such as tilted rope drums, synthetic ropes, and smart control systems, ensuring smooth and accurate material handling. Konecranes’ cranes are available in various configurations, including top running and under-slung designs, to cater to different industrial requirements. The company’s digital ecosystem, TRUCONNECT®, further enhances the safety and productivity of its cranes.
Recent Financial Performance: In the most recent year, Konecranes reported a revenue of approximately 531.20 million USD from its Overhead Travelling Cranes segment.