FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2008

For more information contact
Ashley Opsahl-Scibelli,
Communications/ Public Affairs Manager
(360) 425-3305
aopsahl-scibelli@portoflongview.com

PORT OF LONGVIEW WELCOMES MOBILE HARBOR CRANE

Longview, WA- The Port of Longview welcomed their new mobile harbor crane July 1, 2008.  The first mobile harbor crane in the fleet, the Liebherr LHM500S arrived aboard the marine vessel (M/V) Emilie K from Austria and was discharged in two shifts by SSA Marine and ILWU Local 21 laborers.

The crane will be used for handling wind energy cargo, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the Port’s marine terminal business, along with other project cargos. The Liebherr crane is capable of lifting more than 100 metric tons, which will easily accommodate customer needs.

“The new crane will enhance the Port’s current services and add a new dimension to cargo handling on the dock, and in the terminal,” said Port of Longview Director of Marketing Valerie Harris. “Ultimately, it is our goal to make it easy for customers to conduct business at the Port of Longview.”

Erection of the crane will take place over the next two weeks, with two weeks of operator training to follow before the crane is fully commissioned. A formal dedication of the crane is planned for mid-August.

The crane was approved by the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners in December of 2007, as a result of the increase in wind energy cargo coming to the Port. “The crane will help the Port achieve our objective of attracting new cargos while maintaining our competitive position in the wind energy marketplace,” said Harris.

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About the Port of Longview
The Port of Longview is the first full-service operating port with strategic transportation connections on the deep-draft Columbia River shipping channel in southwest Washington State. The Port is located just 66 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, 120 driving miles from Seattle, Washington, and 40 driving miles from Portland, Oregon. Port facilities include eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property with direct connections to main-line rail and interstate highway. Cargo handling specialties include all types of bulk cargos and breakbulk commodities such as steel, lumber, logs, pulp, paper, project and heavy-lift cargo.