Gantry MCP
A native Mac app with a bundled MCP server that lets an agent manage Docker containers locally and over SSH.
- 86 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Broad access
Why this level
- The agent creates and removes containers, runs commands inside them and reads and writes files on Docker hosts, SSH servers included.
- A port can be exposed to the internet through a Cloudflare Tunnel while the server process runs.
Install
- Works in
Manual install
brew install --cask getgantry/tap/gantryThe first install command from the README installs the app through Homebrew. Then clear quarantine with the command from the Install section.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- The agent creates and removes containers, runs commands inside them and reads and writes files on Docker hosts, SSH servers included.
- A port can be exposed to the internet through a Cloudflare Tunnel while the server process runs.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Gantry is a native macOS app (SwiftUI) that manages Docker on the local daemon, on remote hosts over SSH and on apple/container hosts. A bundled MCP server, `gantry-mcp`, gives an agent the same reach as the app window. Through MCP an agent lists and changes containers (lifecycle, creation, logs, stats, command execution, file reads and writes), pulls and builds images, handles volumes and networks, brings up Compose stacks and exposes a port through a Cloudflare Tunnel or an SSH forward. Long operations such as pulls and builds run to completion, and the agent then receives their log.
Who it is for. Mac developers whose containers run on a laptop or on servers over SSH and who want Claude Code to take over part of the routine.
Good fit when
- A container keeps restarting, and the agent works through logs, exit code and state.
- A Compose stack is started on a remote host over SSH without opening a terminal.
- The disk is full, and the agent looks for unused images, volumes and build cache before pruning.
- A prompt for a problem container is copied from the app and pasted into a Claude Code session.
Not a fit when
- You work on Linux or Windows: the app needs macOS 26 or newer.
- SSH hosts are protected by ECDSA keys in OpenSSH format: the app cannot read such keys.
- Production hosts where an agent must not remove containers or write files without a review of every step.
Example request
The `api` container on the `prod` host keeps restarting. Check its logs and state, find the cause and suggest a fix, but do not remove anything.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
The app needs macOS 26 (Tahoe) or newer and is not notarized: after installing, clear the quarantine flag with `xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Gantry.app` or open it through the context menu. Updates arrive through Homebrew. Remote hosts need `docker` on `PATH`. The agent has the same rights as the app: it creates and removes containers, runs commands inside them and writes files. Headless SSH connections use only hosts whose keys you already trusted in the app.
How to disable. Remove the `gantry` entry from the MCP settings in your client, then quit the app and delete Gantry.app. Tunnels and port forwards live as long as the server process and close with it.
FAQ
How do I connect Gantry to Claude Code?
Install the app and run `claude mcp add gantry -- /Applications/Gantry.app/Contents/Resources/gantry-mcp`. The server speaks stdio and ships inside the app.
Can the agent see remote hosts?
Yes, SSH hosts included. Headless connections use only hosts whose keys you already trusted in the app.
Which operations are available over MCP?
Containers, images, volumes and networks, disk usage and build cache, apple/container machines and DNS domains, Compose up and port exposure through a Cloudflare Tunnel or SSH.
Can I manage containers without MCP?
Yes. App Intents start, stop and restart containers and return logs from Shortcuts, Siri and Spotlight, even when the app is closed.
What does copying a prompt for the agent do?
For any container the app builds a ready prompt: host, how to reach it, the MCP host id, container state and a task matched to the symptom. You paste it into Claude Code.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gantry (this card) | no | not required | 86 | |
| Docker MCP server | no | not required | 756 | an MCP server without a graphical client; Gantry installs a Mac app alongside and adds apple/container hosts |
| Docker MCP by QuantGeekDev | no | not required | 504 | a standalone server for creating containers and stacks; Gantry also covers images, volumes, networks, SSH hosts and tunnels |
README in short
Most of the description covers the app window: containers, images, logs, failure alerts and hosts. A separate agent section describes the `gantry-mcp` server, App Intents and prompt copying.