AASHTO Journal - Port Survey: $6.7B Needed for Cargo Handling Equipment

The National Association of Waterfront Employers or NAWE recently conducted a survey of 25 senior U.S. port and terminal executives that indicates $6.7 billion will be needed for cargo handling equipment at U.S. ports over the next five years.

[Above photo by Georgia Ports Authority]

The survey highlights the increasing cost pressures facing port operators as cargo volumes grow, vessels become larger, and equipment ages, NAWE said.

Respondents emphasized that sustained capital investment – supported by public-private collaboration – will be critical to keeping pace with global competitors and meeting the demands of exporters, importers, and American consumers.

Additionally, the survey found that there is demand for more than 100 new or replacement ship-to-shore or STS cranes, underscoring the scale of modernization needed to accommodate larger vessels and maintain port efficiency.

According to the survey, that $6.7 billion in total investment breaks down as follows:

$2.74 billion is needed for new STS crane purchases;
$2.4 billion is needed for large yard cargo handling equipment and additional STS cranes;
$917 million is required for rail-mounted large yard cargo handling equipment; and
$790 million is needed for repairs to existing STS cranes and cargo handling equipment at marine terminals.

“These findings underscore the scale and urgency of the investment challenge facing U.S. ports,” said Carl Bentzel, NAWE’s president, in a statement.

“Modern cargo handling equipment is essential to ensuring terminal productivity, supply chain resilience, and the ability of U.S. ports to compete with international gateways,” he added. “To invest in this equipment is an investment in securing America’s future and supply chain and will be the lynchpin to unlock tens of billions of private sector investment in related intermodal infrastructure.”