The Port of Port Orford is replacing the two aging high-capacity cranes that allow it to launch and recover boats as well as product hoists used to load equipment and unload fish, crab, and other seafood products from commercial fishing vessels. This project includes the installation of 4 product hoists that will become part of the Port’s public infrastructure and available to all product buyers and sellers. Other necessary seafood transportation infrastructure will also be included in this infrastructure upgrade, including a Port owned forklift and product handling equipment. The viability of the port and the fishing fleet relies on these two cranes, 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 crane 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 is being funded through a $1.6M competitive grant from Connect Oregon and a $694K legislative appropriation through Business Oregon.
The cranes are now being constructed and prepared for shipping by ASCOM Handling Equipment Specialist.
The new crane foundations are being designed by PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
PBS, an Apex Company.
The photos of the new crane elements seen below were taken recently at the ASCOM fabrication facility.
