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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the US Navy’s latest Konecranes order?
The contract is valued at $49.7 million.
Where will the portal jib crane be installed?
The crane will be installed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
What is the lifting capacity of the crane?
The portal jib crane will have a 175-tonne lifting capacity.
How many portal jib cranes has Konecranes supplied under this agreement?
This is the sixth portal jib crane awarded under the agreement announced in 2019.
Can the crane be adapted for other shipyards?
Yes. The modular design allows the crane to be modified for different track gauges and potentially relocated to other naval shipyards.
Is there an option for additional orders?
Yes. The US Navy retains the option to order one additional portal jib crane under the original agreement.
