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12 September 2006 -- The Danish wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas, has designated the Port of Vancouver, US, as the exclusive port of entry for all of its wind energy projects in the Columbia River region. This guarantees heavy-lift project cargo business for the port's new LHM 500S mobile harbor crane, which is the largest of its kind in North America.
Jens Soby, president of subsidiary Vestas American Wind Technology, Inc., announced the three-year agreement with the Port of Vancouver for all Vestas wind energy projects arriving by vessel to the Columbia River.
The giant, $3.2 million crane was acquired in part to help unload the gigantic generators, blades and hubs for Pacific Northwest wind farms off of incoming vessels. The crane is capable of lifting 140 metric tons with a 60-foot outreach and can turn in any direction. In addition to weighing close to 500 tons, the engine is powered by a 12-cylinder MAN diesel engine, which is biodiesel-compatible, in compliance with the port's policy to use alternative fuels in its equipment fleet.
"This heavy-lift crane brings a whole new dimension for cargo handling in the Columbia River, positioning Vancouver as a premier project cargo port," said Larry Paulson, Port Executive Director. "We already handle several large wind turbine projects and this additional capability will open up new markets for the region to handle heavy or oversized equipment for large-scale projects in the energy and transportation industries."
The new crane was commissioned in a ceremony on September 8 and was attended by more than 400 dignitaries and waterfront workers, including U.S. Congressman Brian Baird.
In the past six years, the Port of Vancouver has been involved in moving wind turbine components for six wind farm projects, including the current Wild Horse Wind Energy facility located in Ellensburg, Washington, scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
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