The new crane replaces the one that collapsed in severe winds last year. The crane was vacant at the time.
APL’s crane collapsed this past winter after a storm hit Unalaska, knocked over by winds reported to be up to 170 miles per hour. For the past eight months, APL has loaded and unloaded its ships with the Horizon Lines crane at the city dock. It’s been paying tariffs and dockage fees to the city in the interim.
A spokesman for APL said, “We are working to connect it to shore power instead of using diesel power so it will be a more environmentally friendly piece of equipment.”
The new crane is expected to be operational by October.