The Port Authority of Guam has restored all three of its ship-to-shore gantry cranes to cargo operations following a high-wind incident on October 2 that temporarily disabled the entire fleet. The recovery restores the port’s full container-handling capacity and strengthens its ability to maintain cargo flows through Guam, a key Pacific logistics hub.
The final crane, Gantry Crane 5, returned to service after passing a load test and receiving conditional certification. It can now load and unload vessels while further repairs continue.
Crane Collision Disrupted Operations
The incident occurred when strong winds dislodged Gantry Crane 6 from its secured position. The crane travelled approximately 1,000 feet along the dock rail system before striking Gantry Cranes 5 and 4. Wind gauges recorded speeds of around 100 miles per hour at the time.
No injuries were reported, but all three cranes sustained damage, requiring inspections, repairs and technical assessments.
Gantry Crane 4 returned to service on October 5, followed by Crane 6 on October 14. Crane 5 was the final unit to resume cargo operations.
Conditional Certification for Crane 5
Although Crane 5 can now handle cargo, it cannot yet move independently along the dock rails. Port personnel can reposition it manually while mechanics replace the motors required to restore full mobility.
Hawaii-based Doc Bailey Cranes & Equipment assisted with inspections and recertification. Further technical work will be needed before Crane 5 receives unrestricted certification.
Cargo Operations Return to Normal
During the recovery period, the port continued handling vessels using available cranes, ships’ own lifting equipment and other operational arrangements. However, reduced crane capacity extended vessel working times and affected schedules.
The restoration of all three cranes improves the port’s ability to handle container vessels and maintain cargo movements supporting Guam’s import-dependent economy.
Separately, the US Coast Guard restored the harbour to normal operating status on October 21, lifting the daylight-only vessel movement restrictions imposed during assessments of weather and harbour conditions following Typhoon Champi.
Focus on Long-Term Resilience
The incident has highlighted the importance of equipment reliability and weather-related safeguards at Guam’s principal commercial port. Port personnel and technical partners are continuing assessments while cargo operations proceed.
With all three cranes operational, the port has regained its full existing gantry crane capacity. Further repairs to Crane 5 and the ongoing technical assessment will determine when the equipment can return to unrestricted operation.