February 5 - From May 2010, the Alabama State Port Authority and Barnhart Crane & Rigging will provide heavy lift barge crane services to cargo customers at the Port of Mobile.

The Authority launched its RFP process in October 2009 seeking a private partner to position heavy lift and turn key services at the port.

The barge mounted heavy lift crane will service most vessels and is capable of discharging cargo up to 400 tonnes from mid-ship to barge, shore, rail, truck, or specialised carrier.

"This heavy lift floating crane will provide an advantage to our customers in need of greater flexibility and capacity for cargo transfer on the central Gulf Coast," said Alabama State Port Authority Director & CEO, Jimmy Lyons, "We think this partnership marks a significant benefit to shippers at both public and private terminals."

In addition to providing the floating crane, as one of the largest heavy lifting and heavy transportation companies in the USA, Barnhart will also be able to provide turnkey services from ship to site.

"For Port of Mobile users Barnhart can offer a new dimension in transport and lifting solutions. Considering our engineering capabilities, specialised equipment like hydraulic gantry, slide systems, and electronic steer Goldhofer trailers, we should be able to handle the toughest cargo challenges," said Barnhart's Jeff Latture, senior vice-president for sales & marketing.

Barnhart will also offer project cargo customers a variety of on-carriage options including barge, rail and storage.

This range of services truly makes the Port of Mobile a turnkey option for project cargo.