A 104-tonne-capacity shoreside, mobile harbor crane was approved for the port. The Liebherr LHM500S has a purchase price of $4.3 million. "This acquisition strengthens what is already a proven capacity for handling project cargoes," said Ken O'Hollaren, executive director of the port. "We are committed to supporting our current and future customers shipping heavy-lift cargoes, and particularly the wind energy sector," he continued.
Through December 2007, the port will handle nearly 200 full wind turbine sets plus tower components for wind energy projects. Since 2003, wind energy has grown to comprise 25% of the port's marine cargo services. The port also handles other vessels with heavy-lift project cargoes, adds O'Hollaren.
Delivery of the crane is scheduled for July 2008.
