US Navy Awards Konecranes $49.7 Million Portal Jib Crane Order for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Meagan Wood
Jan 16
3 min read

30 Second Takeaway

Konecranes has secured a $49.7 million contract from the US Navy for a heavy-lift portal jib crane to be installed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The order marks the sixth portal jib crane awarded under a long-term agreement and supports critical naval shipyard operations and future fleet requirements.

Sixth Portal Jib Crane Awarded Under Long-Term Agreement

The US Navy has awarded Konecranes a new $49.7 million contract for a heavy-lift portal jib crane, continuing a procurement programme first announced in December 2019.

The latest order was booked in January 2026 and represents the sixth portal jib crane awarded to Konecranes under the agreement. As part of the original contract framework, the US Navy retains the option to order one additional portal jib crane in the future.

The crane will be delivered to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, a critical facility supporting the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the US Navy’s submarine fleet.

Heavy-Lift Capability for Naval Operations

175-Tonne Portal Jib Crane

The new portal jib crane will have a lifting capacity of 175 tonnes and will be manufactured in Wisconsin before being transported and installed at the shipyard.

The crane follows a proven design similar to previous Konecranes portal jib units supplied to the US Navy, incorporating a customised configuration with specialised features that allow operation on both straight and curved rail tracks.

Modular and Future-Proof Design

Adaptable for Global Naval Shipyards

A key feature of the crane is its modular jib configuration, which enables future modifications if required. This design allows the crane to be adapted for different track gauge sizes, providing flexibility should the crane be relocated to another naval shipyard.

The portal jib crane design has been developed for potential deployment across multiple naval shipyards worldwide, offering consistency, adaptability and long-term value for defence infrastructure programmes.

Supporting Naval Infrastructure and Efficiency

Reliability, Precision and Longevity

Portal jib cranes play a vital role in naval shipyard operations, supporting heavy component handling, vessel maintenance and complex assembly tasks. The new crane will contribute to improved operational efficiency, lifting precision and long-term reliability at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Konecranes’ continued selection reflects the US Navy’s confidence in the company’s ability to deliver mission-critical lifting solutions that meet stringent performance and safety requirements.

About Konecranes

Konecranes is a global leader in material handling solutions, providing lifting equipment and services for ports, shipyards, manufacturing and heavy industry worldwide. The company is known for delivering customised crane solutions that combine robust engineering, advanced technology and lifecycle support.

Through continued investment in digitalisation, automation and sustainable technologies, Konecranes supports customers in improving efficiency, safety and environmental performance across demanding operational environments.

Website: https://www.konecranes.com