Oakland brings first European STS cranes to US West Coast

July 31, 2026

The Port of Oakland’s TraPac Terminal has commissioned the first European-built ship-to-shore cranes ever delivered to a US West Coast port.

The project began with the units’ arrival in sections in January 2026.

The cranes, manufactured by Liebherr in Ireland, were assembled on-site by Pacific Crane Maintenance Company using labour from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).

Standing more than 440 feet tall, roughly the height of a 40-storey building, the two units were fitted with extended boom arms before being placed on rails ahead of commissioning.

The Port of Oakland and TraPac marked the milestone on 7 July, with the first two of four new electric Liebherr cranes now operational at the terminal.

Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland, said: “These cranes represent a commitment to Oakland and the promise of Oakland. It’s our shared commitment, it’s our shared endeavors, it’s our shared growth, it’s our shared opportunity and the prosperity that we bring to our communities and regions far and wide with global trade.”

For TraPac, the cranes extend the terminal’s reach to vessel classes it previously could not service.

READ: Port of Oakland container volumes jump 7.7 per cent in June

Chris Lambert, Head of Operations at TraPac Oakland, stated: “These cranes give us the ability to service the largest container vessels operating today, vessels that were previously beyond our reach. That means greater cargo capacity, improved efficiency, faster vessel turnaround, and a stronger gateway for global trade.”

The electric cranes also offer greater energy efficiency than the equipment they replace, reducing carbon output per lift and supporting air quality improvements for neighbouring communities, including West Oakland, which sits closest to terminal operations.

The upgrade reinforces Oakland’s position as one of the West Coast’s key gateways for refrigerated and agricultural cargo. “California’s farmers and food exporters depend on reliable, high-capacity infrastructure to move products to markets around the world,” Lambert said.

“From fresh produce grown in the Central Valley to California wine and dairy exports, these cranes will help cargo move more efficiently and reliably through Oakland.”