Custom container cranes

And operator cabins for safer, more efficient terminals

Container cranes are the powerhouses of global trade lifting, moving, and stacking thousands of containers daily across ports and terminals worldwide. But their performance depends on more than just steel and hydraulics. At the centre of every operation is the operator cabin. A carefully engineered workspace that keeps operators safe, focused, and efficient in one of the most demanding environments.

Metagro designs and manufactures custom operator cabins for e.g. RTG cranes, and control stations that enhance performance, safety, and comfort for operators working on cranes, vessels, and industrial machinery.

What is a container crane?

A container crane (also called a ship-to-shore or port crane) is a large dockside gantry crane used to load and unload intermodal containers from ships. These cranes are vital in modern logistics, combining massive lifting capacity with millimeter precision to keep port operations running smoothly.

Metagro’s cabin designs support different crane types, including:

Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes – used for loading and unloading containers directly from vessels.
Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes – mobile cranes used in container yards for stacking and moving shipping containers.
Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes – fixed gantry systems ideal for high-volume terminals.

Each crane type demands a cabin built for maximum safety, reliability, and efficiency, adapting to unique workflows, climates, and visibility requirements.

Why customization matters in port and terminal equipment

Every port operates differently. Container sizes, yard layouts, and automation levels vary widely between terminals. That’s why custom engineering is crucial. A one-size-fits-all cabin won’t provide the ergonomics, visibility, or control integration modern operators need.

Metagro specializes in customized operator cabins that are engineered to match your crane type, operator workflow, and technical systems—from control panels to climate systems. This ensures seamless integration and longer lifecycle performance, reducing total cost of ownership for port managers and OEMs alike.

The role of the operator cabin in port crane performance

Ergonomics, Safety and Visibility

Operator cabins are more than enclosures, they are safety-critical control environments. Poor ergonomics can lead to fatigue, reduced focus, and even operational errors. Metagro designs cabins with optimized seating, control placement, vibration damping, and sound insulation to create a workspace where operators can perform at their best all day long.

Operator Comfort = Operational Efficiency

A comfortable operator is a productive operator. Features such as adjustable operator seats, climate control, and low-vibration structures contribute to better uptime, fewer health complaints, and higher throughput.

For HSE managers, these features directly improve safety compliance and operator well-being, reducing injury risk and improving long-term workforce sustainability.

How Metagro designs and builds custom cabins for every crane type

From concept to completion

From design and engineering to production, Metagro provides full-service cabin development. Each cabin is built in-house, using durable steel and composite structures that meet international safety standards. This ensures quality, traceability, and on-time delivery key priorities for procurement and supply managers in the OEM and port sectors.

Applications Beyond Ports:

Special Cabins for Industrial and Offshore Use

Beyond container terminals, Metagro engineers special cabins for industries such as offshore operations, steel production, mining, and heavy logistics. These environments demand custom enclosures that withstand vibration, corrosion, and extreme temperatures—without compromising operator comfort.

Each special cabin is purpose-built for its environment, with options for remote operation desks, camera integration, and reinforced safety glazing.

Why leading OEMs choose Metagro

For over 25 years, Metagro has been the partner of choice for OEMs and port operators who demand the highest standards of quality, reliability, and ergonomics. Customers value:

Full-service delivery – from engineering to aftersales support.
Customization and modularity – to meet exact technical and operational needs.
Operator-focused design – ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Durable materials and long lifecycle service – lowering maintenance costs and downtime.

With every cabin, Metagro delivers on a single promise: to create the safest, most ergonomic operator environments in the industry.

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FAQ

Can we replace a new cabin onto existing equipment (or crane)?

Many crane cabins face outdated designs that no longer meet modern demands for comfort, safety and efficiency. At Metagro, we offer an innovative solution through replacement. This process transforms old cabins into modern, comfortable and safe working environments. A key benefit is the extended service life of the cabins: instead of a costly replacement, we renovate the existing cabins, saving significant costs. In addition, our plug-and-play designs ensure easy installation and minimal downtime.

Are there standards we must meet?

Requirements vary by industry and region. Many projects reference ISO/EN safety, welding, and electrical standards, plus site‑specific specifications. At Metagro we ensure the highest possible standards.

What makes a container crane operator cab different?

Crane cabins prioritize visibility and fine control. Expect panoramic glazing, high‑precision joysticks, and camera systems that cover blind spots.