Cypress, California – In a move signaling a significant shift in the U.S. port equipment market and reinforcing supply chain resilience, PACECO Corp. and MITSUI E&S have announced a major contract to provide two state-of-the-art ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to Total Terminals International, LLC (TTI) at the bustling Port of Long Beach. This business news underscores a trending effort to diversify sourcing for critical port infrastructure and ensure greater national security.
A Strategic Contract for Enhanced Port Operations
The agreement calls for the delivery of two advanced MITSUI-PACECO Portainer® ship-to-shore gantry cranes, designed to serve the world’s largest container vessels, including those with capacities of up to 24,000 TEUs. These cranes will feature a 230-foot outreach, enabling them to handle ships spanning up to 25 containers wide, making them among the largest STS cranes deployed at the Port of Long Beach and the neighboring Port of Los Angeles. While the new cranes will be manufactured in Japan, a key aspect of this contract is the inclusion of significant American-made components, supplied by U.S. companies, aligning with broader U.S. trade policy and national security priorities. The new equipment is slated to enter service in 2027, following its manufacturing and installation.
Diversifying Supply Chains and National Security
This order represents a crucial step in the ongoing effort to reduce reliance on single-source manufacturers, particularly those in China, which have historically dominated the global STS crane market. Troy Collard, General Manager of Sales at PACECO, highlighted this shift, stating, “This order underscores the shift now underway in the U.S. container handling market. For decades, terminals depended heavily on Chinese manufacturers. Today, PACECO and MITSUI E&S are proving that there are reliable alternatives that both meet the needs of U.S. ports and support broader national security and supply chain resilience goals.” The emphasis on integrating American-made components also contributes to domestic job creation and strengthens the U.S. industrial base, reinforcing the role of PACECO and MITSUI E&S as trusted partners to U.S. ports. This initiative aligns with government efforts to fortify critical infrastructure against potential vulnerabilities, particularly concerning foreign-manufactured equipment.
Key Players in Port Technology
PACECO Corp., a globally recognized leader in container handling equipment, and MITSUI E&S, a prominent Japanese conglomerate with extensive shipbuilding and industrial machinery capabilities, have a long-standing technical cooperation and partnership. Their combined expertise has led to the delivery of over 480 Portainer® units worldwide since 1967, with more than 60 super post-Panamax units capable of handling over 23,000 TEU class vessels already delivered. PACECO’s standardized design approach, refined through numerous deliveries, allows for proven platforms with custom features tailored to specific terminal operations.
Total Terminals International (TTI) operates a major terminal at the Port of Long Beach, a vital gateway on the U.S. West Coast. TTI is known for its large-scale operations, capable of handling ultra-large container vessels and boasting one of the most robust on-dock rail facilities on the West Coast. This contract marks TTI’s first order for MITSUI-PACECO Portainer cranes, though the terminal has received 24 MITSUI-PACECO Transtainer® rubber-tired gantry cranes from the companies over the past two decades.
Advancing Crane Technology and Sustainability
The new STS cranes are designed with advanced features, including a mono-box boom and semi-rope trolley, known for simplifying container handling and maintenance. Modern STS crane technology is rapidly evolving, with advancements focusing on automation, increased speed, precision, and environmental sustainability. Features like automated trolley placement, anti-sway systems, and remote monitoring are becoming standard, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Furthermore, PACECO and MITSUI E&S are at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly solutions. PACECO’s recent delivery of six hybrid Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes to TTI, designed for easy upgrade to full zero-emission operation using hydrogen fuel cells or shore power, exemplifies this commitment. This follows PACECO’s successful deployment of the world’s first hydrogen-powered RTG crane at Yusen Terminals in Los Angeles in 2024, showcasing a dedication to innovation in the green port technology space.
Conclusion
The contract between PACECO, MITSUI E&S, and TTI is more than just a purchase of heavy machinery; it represents a strategic investment in the future of U.S. port infrastructure. By incorporating advanced technology, emphasizing supply chain resilience, and aligning with national security objectives, this development is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Port of Long Beach and contribute to the overall strength of maritime trade on the West Coast. This business news highlights a trending commitment to reliable, technologically advanced, and increasingly sustainable solutions for the nation’s critical logistics hubs.
