A new ship-to-shore gantry crane arrived at the Port of Gulfport, an addition that will help grow business for the Port and increase the impact on local and state economies.

“The arrival of this new crane represents a shift from decades of restoration of the Port of Gulfport to a future focused on economic growth, jobs and opportunity for the Gulfport community,” said Port of Gulfport CEO Jon Nass. “This investment reflects the strength of our partnership with Ports America and underscores the importance of public-private investments that are transforming not only our Port, but also the regional economy and the state of Mississippi.”

The Port’s new ship-to-shore crane stands 300 feet tall, weighs 1,500 tons and is 75 feet taller than the current cranes. It will be able to handle vessels up to 19 containers wide, compared to the current reach of 18.

“Ports America is honored to mark another milestone in our longstanding partnership with the Mississippi State Port Authority at the Port of Gulfport,” said Matthew Leech, President and CEO of Ports America. “The arrival of the new ship-to-shore crane underscores our commitment to investing in Gulfport’s infrastructure, creating quality jobs and workforce development opportunities and strengthening the Port’s role as a critical hub for maritime commerce and economic growth along the Gulf Coast.”

The crane will be unloaded from the vessel two days after it docks. In addition to the Port’s crane, the vessel is transporting four other cranes that will continue to different destinations once unloading here is complete. The ship is expected to depart the Port of Gulfport by Monday, and its presence will not disrupt regular port operations.
Source: Ports America