Abstract: The invention relates to a transverse travelling crane for ships which comprises a fixed horizontal crane beam extending transversely of the ship through a superstructure thereon. The beam has substantially the same length as the width of the ship, and the superstructure is accommodated with access openings on either side thereof. At each end of the fixed beam is an upwardly pivotable cantilever crane beam. In inactive position the cantilever beam or beams are swung up to vertical position along the side of the ship. A winch carriage is adapted for travelling along the crane beams. The carriage is provided with a travelling and hoisting wire system having wires extending out to pulleys located at the respective outer end of each cantilever beam, and these wires run beneath guiding means such as pulleys in the vicinity of the pivoting axes of the cantilevered beams. Thus the wires are operative so that the crane without readjustments can be used with none, one or both cantilever beams in the active position.