Manatee’s brave new world

“This crane represents the future of Port Manatee,” said Manatee County Port Authority Chairman Joe McClash. “Its arrival puts us in a position to attract new containerised services, which could dramatically increase port revenues and provide for the economic vitality of Manatee County.”

The port currently handles a modest number of containers, but officials expect to eventually handle up to 600,000 boxes a year.

The crane’s arrival comes just as Del Monte’s five-year contract with the port authority is up for renewal. Delivering the crane was a Del Monte prerequisite to renew the agreement for an additional five years.