The Port of Port Orford has completed the installation of two new 50-ton cranes that are used to launch and recover boats from the high dock. These higher capacity cranes are enabling the handling of heavier vessels, and having two provides the redundancy for improved safety and regular maintenance of this essential equipment for the port operation. The viability of the port and the fishing fleet relies on these two cranes, along with product hoists and associated product handling infrastructure and equipment.
The Port of Port Orford is one of only a few ports built directly on the ocean and not in an estuary, and so the Port occupies a distinctive geographic niche that demands specific facilities and fishing methods. The Port launches boats by crane from a high dock directly into the ocean. Because the cranes cannot accommodate larger vessels, the fishing fleet is made up of smaller boats (under 42 feet) that fish by hook and line or traps such as crab pots, primarily during day trips. Selective fishing methods and shorter transport times contribute to added value products and shorter running times, fewer emissions and burn less fuel. A significant portion of the hook and line caught fish is captured and transported live to markets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Portland, and Seattle, where it fetches premium prices. The Port relies on the higher prices paid to its commercial fishermen as a source of revenue through a landing fee of 1% imposed on all fish and shellfish landed at the Port.
The Port of Port Orford Crane Replacement Project was funded through a $1.6M competitive grant from Connect Oregon and a $694K legislative appropriation through Business Oregon, along with an additional legislative appropriate from the Oregon State Legislature.
The cranes were constructed by ASCOM Handling Equipment Specialist.
The new crane foundations were designed and constructed by PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
PBS, an Apex Company.
The crane installation was completed by Bergerson Construction LLC.
