Barnhart Crane & Rigging and the Alabama State Port Authority officially named the Port of Mobile’s new 400-Ton capacity heavy lift barge crane during a vessel dedication ceremony held this week.  Leadership, partnership, place and capability all influenced the crane’s name. “Alabama was home to Barnhart’s first branch office when the company expanded beyond Tennessee, and our partnership with the Port Authority allows us to build upon the company’s success,” said Chris Teague, director of marketing.  Since then, Barnhart’s president, Alan Barnhart, helped drive the company’s expansion in twelve states. “When it came right down to it, we wanted the crane’s name to reflect the high capacity of crane’s capabilities, emphasize our commitment to Alabama and honor Alan’s contributions to that growth,” said Teague.  Moments later, Teague announced that ‘BIG AL’ was now at work in the Port of Mobile.

Jimmy Lyons, director and chief executive officer for the Port Authority echoed praise for Barnhart’s commitments in Alabama and noted, “BIG AL and Barnhart’s network of services can be counted upon to be here in the port when needed.  Since the crane’s arrival in late May, Barnhart has already completed several lifts at our terminals and two local shipyards.  This new and much needed capability will allow all of our port users to pursue efficient and cost effective specialty lift services.”

BIG AL will accommodate most vessels and is capable of discharging cargo up to 400 short tons from mid-ship to barge, shore, rail, truck, or specialized carrier.  In addition to providing the floating crane, as one of the largest heavy lifting and heavy transportation companies in the United States, Barnhart will also be able to provide turnkey heavy-lift services from ship to site.

Barnhart Crane & Rigging, established in 1969, is a leading national supplier of heavy lifting and transportation solutions, and operates its Memphis Heavy Lift Terminal featuring 1,250 Ton derrick crane.  The company, with 23 locations across the United State also provides logistics, machinery moving and plant relocations. Barnhart’s Quality Management System is certified to the ISO 9001:2008 international standard and has been registered since 2000.

The Alabama State Port Authority owns and operates the State of Alabama’s deepwater port facilities at the Port of Mobile, currently ranked 9th largest U.S. seaport in total volume. The Authority’s container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems, five Class 1 railroads, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterway connections.