In a method of automating the loading and unloading of container ships in container
terminals, a stowage plan of a ship cargo compartment to be handled by a container
crane is transmitted from a harbor-side master computer via a data link to a PC
of a crane automation system which renders the container crane operative in response
to the stowage plan for transporting containers between a container ship and a
repository location in a container storage area of the container terminal. The
stowage plan is displayed on a touch screen of the crane automation system, whereby
a next following repository location to be handled in the stowage plan is indicated
on the touch screen, e.g. through a change in color.