Have you ever wondered which companies in China are leading the way in crane manufacturing? Let’s take a look at the top crane factories in China, where innovation and production are reaching new heights. From XCMG to Zoomlion, we’ll explore the giants that are shaping the industry.

Congressional probe finds communications gear in …

China extends reach into Latin America as crane exports …

Product Details: The product in question is an 800-ton crane exported by Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd. to Argentina. This crane set a record for the largest tonnage crane exported from China to South America. It has been upgraded with a tower boom extended to 93m, enabling hoisting operations at greater distances and more complex angles. The crane will be used for the maintenance of wind power projects and the construction of large-scale projects such as petrochemical, oil, and gas projects.

Pros:
– Localized upgrading to meet specific customer needs, including an extended tower…
– Strong product strength and a well-established localization sales and service sy…
– Ability to serve various construction needs, including wind power, petrochemical…
– Established subsidiaries in several American countries to provide direct localiz…

Cons:
– No specific cons mentioned in the provided sources, but potential issues could i…

Joint Investigation into CCP-Backed Company Supplying …

Why China’s cargo cranes at U.S. ports pose espionage risk

Product Details: The Chinese-made cargo cranes, primarily manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), are ship-to-shore (STS) cranes used in approximately 80% of U.S. ports. These cranes are equipped with advanced control technology, including cellular modems, which enable remote access, monitoring, and diagnostics. ZPMC dominates the global market share of STS cranes and has over 200 cranes in operation at American container hubs.

Pros:
– Advanced control technology allowing for remote monitoring and diagnostics.
– Cost-effective and widely available, contributing to their widespread adoption i…
– Partnership with international companies like ABB for enhanced engineering and s…

Cons:
– Built-in vulnerabilities for remote access and control, posing significant cyber…
– Potential for espionage and sabotage due to the installation of unauthorized cel…
– Risk of disruption to U.S. critical infrastructure and supply chains, particular…
– Compliance issues with U.S. security regulations, as Chinese law mandates cooper…

Chinese-made port cranes in US included ‘backdoor …

Product Details: The product in question is Chinese-made ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by ZPMC, a state-owned Chinese company. These cranes are equipped with cellular modems connected to Linux computers, which were not requested by U.S. ports or included in the contracts. The modems are intended for the collection of usage data on the equipment but create a significant backdoor security vulnerability. The cranes dominate the global market, with ZPMC accounting for roughly 80% of the STS cranes operational in the U.S.[1][3][5]

Pros:
– The cranes are highly efficient and widely used, indicating their reliability an…
– ZPMC’s dominance in the market suggests competitive pricing and robust warranty…

Cons:
– The cellular modems installed in the cranes create a backdoor security vulnerabi…
– The modems can bypass firewalls and disrupt port operations, posing a significan…
– The contracts with ZPMC do not prohibit or limit unauthorized modifications or a…
– In a potential future dispute over Taiwan, the PRC could restrict or manipulate…

Pentagon Sees Giant Cargo Cranes as Possible Chinese …

China can spy on US with intelligence-gathering devices …

Product Details: The product in question is ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by the Chinese company ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited). These cranes are widely used at U.S. seaports, accounting for roughly 80% of the cranes in use. The cranes are equipped with cellular modems and other technological components that allow for remote monitoring, maintenance, and control. These modems, often installed without the knowledge or consent of port authorities, are connected to Linux computers on the cranes and can collect usage data and potentially bypass firewalls.

Pros:
– The cranes are sophisticated and efficient, enhancing the operational speed and…
– Remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities can improve the diagnostic and se…

Cons:
– The presence of cellular modems and remote access capabilities poses significant…
– The modems were often installed without the knowledge or consent of port authori…
– The vulnerability to remote control and data collection could lead to catastroph…
– The cranes’ design allows them to be controlled, serviced, and programmed from r…

Coast Guard Warns of Continued Risks in Chinese Port …

Product Details: Chinese-made ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, predominantly manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), are widely used in U.S. ports, accounting for approximately 80% of the STS cranes in operation. These cranes are designed for remote control, servicing, and programming, and are integrated with advanced control technologies. However, they pose significant cybersecurity risks due to their susceptibility to exploitation and potential unauthorized access to sensitive port systems[2][3][5].

Pros:
– Advanced control technology for efficient operation
– Dominant market share indicating widespread compatibility and support

Cons:
– Susceptible to cyber exploitation and unauthorized access
– Potential for backdoors and unauthorized modifications by the manufacturer
– Risk of disruption by PRC government entities due to national security laws
– Dependence on foreign-manufactured components which could be restricted in futur…

Chinese Cargo Cranes at U.S. Ports Pose Espionage Risk …

Product Details: The product in question is ship-to-shore (STS) cranes manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), a China-based, state-owned company. These cranes are widely used in U.S. seaports, accounting for roughly 80% of all STS cranes. The cranes are equipped with cellular modems that can provide diagnostic and maintenance data, but these modems were often installed without the knowledge or consent of port authorities. The modems are connected to Linux computers on the cranes and can potentially allow remote access.

Pros:
– The cranes are dominant in the global market, indicating high efficiency and rel…
– ZPMC offers competitive pricing and robust warranty policies, making them an att…

Cons:
– The cranes pose significant cybersecurity and national security risks due to the…
– The presence of unauthorized cellular modems creates backdoor security vulnerabi…
– The reliance on Chinese-manufactured cranes creates a strategic vulnerability in…
– The lack of oversight during the assembly process in China raises concerns about…

Washington Tackles a New National Security Threat

Product Details: The product in question is the ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes manufactured by the Chinese state-owned company Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC). These cranes are sophisticated digital systems that handle sensitive data about containers and their contents, origins, and destinations. They integrate directly into port community platforms and other IT systems. Over 200 Chinese-manufactured cranes are operating in the United States, with ZPMC cranes making up about 80 percent of U.S. container cargo-handling equipment. Each crane costs around $12 million when purchased in bulk and arrives fully assembled and sealed on specialized barges with their sensors, operating software, and application programming

interfaces intact.

Pros:
– The scale and price that Chinese firms offer is unmatched on the global market.
– These cranes are fully assembled and sealed on specialized barges, which can str…

Cons:
– The cranes contain technological backdoors, including cellular modems that can b…
– The dominance of ZPMC cranes in U.S. ports creates a near monopoly, making it ch…
– The deep dependence on China for these cranes and other maritime equipment poses…
– Replacing these cranes with U.S.-made substitutes will require significant inves…

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are five FAQs about crane factories, particularly focusing on those with connections to China

What types of cranes are produced in Konecranes’ factory in Lingang, China?

Konecranes’ factory in Lingang, China, produces a variety of lifting equipment, including empty container handlers, reach stackers, and heavy forklift trucks. These products are not only sold to Chinese customers but also shipped to customers worldwide.

How has Konecranes expanded its operations in China?

Konecranes has significantly expanded its operations in China by extending its factory in Lingang, doubling the production area to increase the number of lift trucks produced. The company also has other production sites in China, such as in Shanghai for hoists and cranes, Dalian for port cranes, and Jingjiang for crane and hoist manufacturing through its acquisition of Sanma.

Which Chinese manufacturer dominates the global STS crane market?

ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.) holds a dominant position in the global STS (Ship-to-Shore) crane market, accounting for about 70% of all STS crane installations worldwide, with an even higher percentage in the United States.

What cybersecurity concerns are associated with Chinese-built port cranes?

There are concerns about the cybersecurity of Chinese-built port cranes, particularly those from ZPMC, due to the discovery of undocumented cellular modems installed on these cranes. These devices have raised suspicions about potential spying and disruption of American commerce, although no known security breaches have been reported.

How is the U.S. addressing cybersecurity risks associated with Chinese cranes?

The U.S. is addressing these risks by investing in restoring American-made crane production, which ceased three decades ago. The U.S. Coast Guard has been empowered to require vessels and ports to address cyber conditions that may endanger safety, and there is a mandatory reporting requirement for cyber incidents along the waterfront.