NWSA retires two legacy cranes at Terminal 7
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is embarking on a significant transition at Terminal 7 in Tacoma, removing two veteran ship-to-shore cranes. This action signifies the close of a long chapter for these iconic pieces of waterfront infrastructure.
The cranes in question, IHI 2078 (manufactured in 1979) and Sumitomo 2403 (manufactured in 1986), will be carefully loaded, in their entirety, onto a heavy-lift barge. They will then be transported from Commencement Bay to the Port of Bellingham, where they will be recycled. This method of removal, by keeping the cranes intact, is designed to minimize any disruption to the ongoing, high-volume cargo operations at the bustling terminal.
This initiative represents the culmination of a multi-year strategy to decommission equipment that has reached the end of its operational lifespan and is no longer considered safe or efficient. In recent years, both cranes had experienced a notable increase in unreliability, with their maintenance expenses beginning to outweigh their economic value.
According to NWSA representatives, the removal of these cranes will yield several key benefits. It will liberate valuable pier space, eliminate recurring maintenance expenditures, and enable the terminal to concentrate its resources on future cargo activities and critical infrastructure enhancements. These improvements are crucial for supporting the long-term growth of the gateway and ensuring the continued vitality of waterfront jobs.