The Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) has celebrated the recent arrival of the first two super Post-Panamax cranes - another milestone spurred by the government’s port development plan.

The official welcoming ceremony was held at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal on May 29.

The cranes, built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), are capable of discharging containers from ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) with capacities ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 TEU.

Back in 2016, the government announced the plan to invest more than USD 300 million in the infrastructure of PhilaPort in order to double the port’s container capacity by 2020.

“Deepening the Delaware is one of the most substantial job creation opportunities that Southeastern Pennsylvania has had in decades. For years it was a distant goal, but because of the dedication of this community, it is becoming a reality. I have been a proud partner in this effort and have worked to secure USD 271 million in federal funding for the deepening project. I look forward to PhilaPort’s continued growth in the years ahead,” Senator Bob Casey commented.

Since implementing the plan, the port realized record-breaking cargo volumes and nearly 20 percent container growth in 2017, and just last month welcomed the arrival of the largest container vessel to ever call at the port.

Ceremonial first lift of the new#PhilaPortCranes! pic.twitter.com/GuY69G9Ny1

— Port of Philadelphia (@PhilaPort) May 29, 2018