The crane will be used for handling wind energy cargo, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the Port’s marine terminal business, along with other project cargos. The Liebherr crane is capable of lifting more than 100 metric tons, which will easily accommodate customer needs.
“The new crane will enhance the Port’s current services and add a new dimension to cargo handling on the dock, and in the terminal,” said Port of Longview Director of Marketing Valerie Harris. “Ultimately, it is our goal to make it easy for customers to conduct business at the Port of Longview.”
Erection of the crane will take place over the next two weeks, with two weeks of operator training to follow before the crane is fully commissioned. A formal dedication of the crane is planned for mid-August.
The $4.6 million dollar crane was approved by the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners in December of 2007, as a result of the increase in wind energy cargo coming to the Port. “The crane will help the Port achieve our objective of attracting new cargos while maintaining our competitive position in the wind energy marketplace,” said Harris.
