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Guam senators press Port Authority on aging cranes, tariff petition and modernization plans
Summary
At a Feb. 13 oversight hearing, Port Authority of Guam officials defended recent modernization work and federal grant-seeking for three 42‑year‑old gantry cranes, while detailing performance metrics, federal grants and a tariff petition pending before the Public Utilities Commission. Senators pressed management on funding timelines, customs coordination and workforce readiness.
The Guam Legislature’s oversight committee questioned Port Authority of Guam leaders on Feb. 13 about the port’s readiness, finances and a multiyear push to replace decades‑old gantry cranes central to cargo throughput.
Port management told senators the port handles “over 90% of all goods coming into the island,” and outlined a multi‑year master plan that it said moved the agency from stabilization and recovery into a 2026 phase of institutionalizing reforms and executing capital projects. “When the port is efficient, Guam’s cost of living goes down,” the committee chair said in opening remarks.
General management said the port submitted a third MARAD grant application for replacing three 42‑year‑old ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes, and that MARAD recently waived a Buy‑American restriction for STS cranes serving Pacific ports. The port believes that waiver removes a major barrier to award; officials said they expect a decision imminently. “If Merit doesn’t approve, we’re going to have to consider how we raise the capital,” the general manager said.
Management emphasized the…
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