By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS – One of two port loading cranes christened at a ceremony in New Orleans has been commissioned for use at the Port of South Louisiana in Reserve, according to a release from Associated Terminals.

The barge-mounted crane, dubbed “Ability,” is a 360-degree revolving crane mounted on a 250-foot-by-72-foot-by-12-foot floating deck, said Associated Terminals Marketing Manager Travis Perry. He said the crane was added to the port’s existing fleet and is currently in use.

Perry said the crane, which is powered by a 1,900-horsepower self-lubricating and self-fueling engine, possesses 164 feet of boom with 125 tons of counterweight. It has the capability to load or unload a shipping vessel at a rate of 1,200 tons per hour.

Perry said the crane is equipped with cameras to look into ship holds for accurate bucket placement and also includes built-in stairwells that provide access to barges and crew boats for added convenience and safety.

The “Ability” was christened during a March 25 ceremony at the Port of New Orleans conducted by the United States Coast Guard. Following the ceremony the crane was floated up river to the Reserve port, where it was commissioned for use. Perry said the second crane, dubbed “Attitude,” was sent to the Port of St. Bernard.