Virginia port receives two massive container cranes

The Port of Virginia yesterday accepted delivery of two massive container cranes at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), the final pieces of equipment needed to complete the $450 million renovation of the terminal's South Berth.

"It's a landmark moment for the Port of Virginia because it signals the completion of the overall expansion of this port that started back in 2016," said John Reinhart, chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, in a press release.

The units provide significant lift capacity in the harbor and the ability to handle multiple ultra-large container ships at once at both NIT and Virginia International Gateway (VIG), he said.

In August 2017, the port authority's board approved the purchase of four new cranes for VIG and that contract included an option for two additional units for NIT. The cranes were built by Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., the same company that built and delivered four identical cranes to VIG in January 2019.

Also on order from Zhenhua are two more identical cranes set for delivery to NIT in early 2022.

CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway serve the Port of Virginia.