WILMINGTON: North Carolina Ports has ordered two New Panamax cranes, and plans to purchase two more, as part of its ongoing infrastructure investment plan. When all four cranes have been purchased and delivered, the Port of Wilmington will feature a total of 10 container cranes operating over a 2,650 ft. area. The New Panamax cranes, which are expected to arrive in the spring of 2018, have a total estimated project cost of $27.4 million. Between additional projects such as the Turning Basin expansion project, the expansion of the container yard, and various other berth improvements, North Carolina Ports will be investing over $120 million into its infrastructure over the next few years. North Carolina Ports Chairman Tom Adams said in a news release that the investments are worth it.
“North Carolina Ports’ expansion [will] enable shippers to gain unprecedented access to the U.S. East Coast,” he said. “The work underway will allow the Port of Wilmington to accommodate multiple post-Panamax container ships.” Currently, the Port of Wilmington’s expanded turning basin, post-Panamax berth and post-Panamax cranes enable it to handle a 10,000 TEU class vessel. North Carolina’s ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and in Greensboro, contribute statewide to 76,000 jobs and $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues. The planned port expansions are expected to create jobs and spur economic development in the Cape Fear region.
