SSA Marine and the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport have commissioned a second Liebherr LHM 550 hybrid mobile harbour crane at the Port of Gulfport, supported by $1.6 million in state funding to enable its future electrification.
The new crane has a lifting capacity of 124 tonnes and will operate initially on a hybrid drive system before being connected to shore power through new electrical infrastructure funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund, together with a partial contribution from SSA Marine.
“Adding a second LHM 550 at Gulfport expands our bulk handling capacity and allows us to continue delivering reliable, high-quality service to our customers,” said Greg Schruff, General Manager of SSA Marine’s Port of Gulfport operations.
The crane will primarily handle bulk cargo for The Chemours Company, transporting ilmenite sand used in the production of titanium dioxide pigment at the company’s nearby DeLisle manufacturing facility.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships,” said Jon Nass, CEO and Executive Director of the Port of Gulfport. “Together, these investments strengthen our port, improve efficiency and position Gulfport for continued growth.”
Chemours also welcomed the investment, with Duane Wilson, Site Engineering Manager at the company’s DeLisle facility, saying the additional crane capacity will improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply reliability.
The latest investment forms part of SSA Marine’s and the Port of Gulfport’s wider strategy to modernise terminal equipment, expand cargo handling capacity and support future growth through more sustainable port operations.
