PortMiami keeps goods moving from ship to shelf with new cargo handling equipment

Six new all electric rubber-tired gantry (E-RTGs) cranes at PortMiami's South Florida Container Terminal (SFCT) have been installed and are now in service.

The new E-RTGs replace older, diesel-powered top-loaders which worked in the container yard. Upon arrival in early January – the new equipment went through a 30-day testing and certification process by the manufacturer.

The new equipment is safe and sustainable benefiting the port and surrounding community with zero emissions and significantly less noise. SFCT is currently undergoing cargo upgrades as part of PortMiami's Master Plan. The project reflects a successful public-private partnership with PortMiami financing the improvements to the cargo yard.

"These electric machines usher a safer, more efficient and more sustainable era at the port allowing us to densify our terminal to handle future cargo growth," said SFCT Terminal Director Mark Baker. "We thank Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla for their initiative and foresight on our port upgrade to ensure Miami's competitiveness in world markets. Our port has a -50'-52'ft depth and is the closest US port to the Panama Canal offering shippers excellent access to Florida's fast-growing consumer market and Latin America business hub."

The new cargo handling equipment is being operated by specially trained longshoremen from PortMiami's ILA Local 1922 and Local 1416. The experience and collaboration of the ILA's workforce plays a critical role in this new development.

"As we are experiencing these challenging times, PortMiami keeps goods moving from ship to shelf, maintaining its role as a lifeline to the South Florida region" said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "It is important to continue optimizing containerized cargo operations and promote efficiency at our Port. We will maintain our collaboration with our partners, and sustain our investment in this ever-growing global gateway. Its expansion represents economic prosperity for not just our community, but all of Florida."

"This is another example of the confidence that we, at Miami-Dade County, have for the direction of our port and the relationships with its stakeholders," said Vice-Chair Rebeca Sosa, Chairwoman of the Tourism and the Ports Committee. "Lets keep the goods moving!"