13/05/2026
3 Cranes Purchase Process Kicks Off
(Port Authority of Guam)--The Port Authority of Guam and the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) officially launched the next phase of the Port’s federally funded gantry crane modernization project during a virtual kickoff meeting held this morning.
The meeting marked the formal beginning of coordination between MARAD and the Port following the recent award of approximately $59.6 million under the Fiscal Year 2025 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the procurement and installation of up to three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes at the Port of Guam. The project, titled Strengthening Supply Chain with New Port Cranes, represents a total investment of approximately $74.5 million, including $59.6 million in federal funding. The Port Authority of Guam will fund its required local match of approximately $14.9 million through its existing reserves.
The virtual kickoff meeting included Bryan Herdliska, Grants Manager with MARAD’s Office of Port Infrastructure Development, Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio, and members of the Port Authority of Guam Planning Division.
Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio said the kickoff meeting represented another major milestone in the Port’s long-term modernization efforts.
“This meeting officially moves us into the implementation phase of one of the most important infrastructure investments in the history of the Port of Guam,” said Respicio. “These new cranes are critical not only to Guam’s commercial supply chain, but also to the strategic readiness and economic resilience of our island and region. We appreciate MARAD’s continued partnership and support as we move this project forward.”
According to MARAD, the federal award supports “the acquisition and installation of three state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes,” including procurement, fabrication, shipment, installation and commissioning, operator training, and warranty support.
During the kickoff meeting, Herdliska outlined the grant agreement process and discussed coordination and matters related to the project.
Port officials also discussed the project’s NEPA review process, grant agreement coordination, procurement preparation, and other project-related requirements necessary to advance the federally funded crane modernization project.
Respicio said the kickoff meeting established a strong foundation for the work ahead.
“This project is a major operational and strategic priority for the Port and for Guam,” he said. “The kickoff meeting allowed both teams to align expectations early and begin moving through the federal requirements necessary to execute the grant agreement and advance procurement activities.”
The Port’s current ship-to-shore gantry cranes are more than 40 years old and remain critical to cargo operations supporting Guam’s civilian, commercial, military, and regional supply chain needs.
The Port intends to formally issue the procurement for the new ship-to-shore gantry cranes no more than two weeks following receipt of a signed executed agreement from MARAD.
