Massport receives new RTG cranes for Conley Terminal

Investing in infrastructure is key to fueling additional growth

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) received two new rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) this month at Conley Terminal to help service record-breaking container volume in each of the last four years. This new equipment is part of an $850 million investment plan to keep the Port of Boston competitive for New England’s importers and exporters while protecting and growing jobs in the working port. Massport expects two more RTGs in the fall and plans to operate a fleet of 16 RTGs by 2020.

“These new cranes are a critical addition to the Port as we continue to set records each year at Conley Terminal,” said Lisa Wieland, Massport’s Port Director. “Revitalizing the working Port of Boston means strategically purchasing equipment and modernizing the terminal to support that growth. Our strong working relationships with ocean carriers, the Northeast supply chain community, and the International Longshoremen’s Association are key to Conley Terminal’s success.”

Conley Container Terminal has set volume records for four consecutive years, processing over 298,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2018. The consistent growth is attributed to the strong regional economy, the higher levels of productivity, and the ease of doing business through an efficient and virtually congestion-free terminal. The factors make the Port of Boston a competitive gateway for the Northeast region.

Massport is investing in waterside and landside infrastructure to keep Conley Terminal competitive and cost-effective. The Boston Harbor Dredging Project is a $350 million partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Massport. The maintenance dredging of the inner harbor was completed in December of 2017. The deepening of the main ship channels, which began in July 2018, and is now 30% completed, will enable the Port to better accommodate the large container vessels calling today and larger ships expected in the future. Massport is also purchasing three new ship-to-shore cranes, which are expected to arrive to the Port of Boston in Fall 2020. Conley Terminal improvements include the construction of two 50-foot berths, expanded reefer storage, and new in-and-out gate facilities.

Conley Terminal is the only full-service container terminal in New England and serves nine of the top shipping lines in the world: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) Group (including OOCL), Evergreen Marine Corporation, CMA CGM Group (including APL), Yang Ming Marine Transport, Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE). Each year, more than 2.2 million metric tons of cargo passes through the terminal. Containerized cargo that uses Conley’s regional gateway includes seafood, wine and spirits, recycled fibers, furniture, apparel, among several other commodities supporting development and economic growth in this region.

_{Source: ajot.com}