Towering new cranes look set to ensure the Port of Oakland remains a key trade hub.
Stevedoring Services of America (SSA) is investing in the three giant cranes for its marine terminal at Oakland (Oakland International Container Terminal - OICT). The cranes were ordered from Shanghai-based ZPMC.
“These cranes will keep the Port of Oakland competitive so that we can continue to attract the largest vessels calling North America,” said Port of Oakland executive director Danny Wan. “Ultimately, bigger cranes at our waterfront translate into maritime and related jobs for the region.”
According to SSA, its new cranes will have a lift height of 174ft (53m) above the dock. They will be able to reach 225ft (69m) across a ship’s deck. When the crane booms are in the raised position, they will soar more than 400ft (121m) above the wharf.
“Taller cranes are needed for efficiently handling cargo that arrives on ultra-large container ships,” said SSA Containers president Edward DeNike. “This new infrastructure is a commitment to the Port that we will continue our maritime business at Oakland well into the future.”
