New port crane expected to keep jobs at home

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - She goes by the name of Ocean Ranger.

Earlier this month, the South Carolina Ports Authority unveiled the newest member of its team: a 162-foot tall, near 1400 ton heavy-lift crane.  

With a lift capacity of 500 tons, the Ocean Ranger can reach a lift-rating of up to 740 tons for heavier cargo.  That's up from the previous 400 ton capacity of former cranes on the port.

"Without this piece of equipment, we would not be able to accommodate the business," said Brad Stroble of the South Carolina Ports Authority.

"It also means we keep jobs at home," he said.

The Ocean Ranger holds a dead weight of nearly 1400 tons, with a 162-foot-long lifting boom. It made it's first lift Sunday, March 2, but is expected to lift several times a month.

"This is the largest crane between New York City and New Orleans Louisiana," added Bos Smith, who worked to craft the design.

The crane was manufactured locally by Metal Trades on Yonges Island.  Throughout the year, it will be docked on the Cooper River near Veterans Terminal.

The South Carolina Ports Authority invested 2.5 million dollars in the project, acquiring priority access throughout the life of the crane.

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