Earlier this month, the Port of Bellingham welcomed a 120-metric ton capacity harbor crane, marking a big moment in the port’s efforts to modernize Bellingham Shipping Terminal.
With a reach of 157 feet and the capability to move various cargo, the 817,915-pound Liebherr brand harbor crane was moved by barge from California to Bellingham and is expected to be put into service on several projects once it’s certified.
This equipment piece and the recent terminal upgrade funded with a $6.85 million federal PIDP grant, will go a long way in drawing new customers and better serve long-term businesses.
“The new harbor crane is an amazing piece of machinery which will open the door for business opportunities we have not been able to access and create good jobs for our community,” said port Commission President Ken Bell. “Having a massive crane on the docks of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal not only shows we are (a) working port, but it will serve as a lasting symbol of the strength of Whatcom County’s working waterfront.”
The terminal has the potential to create more good-paying jobs, according to port officials.
“Having a harbor crane to load and unload cargo is a key component in our return to working seaport status,” said port Marine Terminals Business Development Manager Chris Clark.