TraPac Oakland Commissions First Two of Four New Liebherr Ship-to-Shore Cranes
Investment strengthens terminal capacity, operational efficiency, and the future of cargo movement at the Port of Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. — July 7, 2026 — TraPac Oakland celebrated the commissioning of the first two of four new Liebherr ship-to-shore cranes during a ceremony at its Oakland terminal, marking a significant milestone in the terminal’s continued investment in modern infrastructure and operational excellence.
The commissioning ceremony brought together customers, employees, labor leaders, industry partners, Port of Oakland leadership and Port Commissioners, city officials, and members of the maritime community to recognize the collaboration that made this transformational project possible. The event featured remarks from TraPac leadership, Liebherr, the Port of Oakland, Port Commissioners, Pacific Crane Maintenance Company (PCMC), and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
“These cranes represent one of the most significant investments made at our Oakland terminal in recent years. They are a clear statement about where we’re headed, our confidence in this market, and our commitment to the customers, workforce, and partners who depend on this gateway every day,” said Cameron Thorpe, Chief Executive Officer of TraPac.
“Today is more than about cranes, it’s about vision, partnership, and above all, trust,” said Shane Kuhlmey, Division Director, Liebherr Container Cranes. “The commissioning of these cranes represents another milestone in our longstanding partnership with TraPac, and we are proud to support the modernization of TraPac Oakland with industry-leading crane technology that will serve the terminal and its customers for decades to come.”
Manufactured by Liebherr in Ireland, the new ship-to-shore cranes are the first European-built ship-to-shore cranes commissioned at a U.S. West Coast port. Standing more than 440 feet tall and capable of servicing the largest container vessels operating today, the cranes arrived in sections and were assembled and commissioned on-site by Pacific Crane Maintenance Company using skilled ILWU labor, supporting approximately 2,100 jobs throughout the project.
The investment strengthens TraPac Oakland’s cargo-handling capabilities by improving vessel turnaround times, increasing terminal capacity, and supporting the movement of refrigerated and agricultural exports through the Port of Oakland. Two additional cranes are expected to join the fleet as part of the terminal’s commitment to future growth.
“TraPac’s major investment into Oakland with new state-of-the-art cranes will help modernize and decarbonize our waterfront,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director, Kristi McKenney. “Major investments like these strengthen the Port of Oakland as a gateway for international trade and ensure our ability to serve the next generation of container vessels. We congratulate the TraPac team on this important milestone and thank them for their continued investment into the Port of Oakland, its customers, our community, and the future of California’s maritime economy.”
The ceremony also recognized the many organizations whose partnership was instrumental throughout the planning, assembly, installation, and commissioning process. Representatives from Liebherr, the Port of Oakland, Pacific Crane Maintenance Company, and the ILWU joined TraPac leadership in celebrating the successful completion of this important milestone and reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the Port of Oakland’s role as a vital gateway for international trade.
The ceremony concluded with the premiere of a commemorative video documenting the assembly and installation of the cranes, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the cranes made their inaugural container lifts.
The commissioning of these cranes represents not just the addition of new equipment; it reflects TraPac Oakland’s continued investment in innovation, operational excellence, and the partnerships that keep cargo moving throughout Northern California and beyond.
About TraPac
TraPac is a leading container terminal operator on the U.S. West Coast, operating state-of-the-art marine terminals in Los Angeles and Oakland, California. Through continued investment in technology, infrastructure, and customer service, TraPac provides safe, efficient, and sustainable cargo-handling solutions that support global trade and regional economic growth.
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