On February 21, 2024, the White House announced port cybersecurity steps aimed in part at China-made cargo cranes. It said PACECO Corp., the USA subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsui E&S, plans to bring ship-to-shore crane manufacturing back to the USA.
The crane plan
- PACECO built the first dedicated ship-to-shore container crane in 1958 and made cranes in the USA until the late 1980s.
- It plans to partner with other trusted manufacturers to restore USA crane production for the first time in 30 years, pending final site and partner selection.
- The administration tied the move to more than $20 billion in port infrastructure spending over five years.
Why cranes
Officials told CNBC that about 80 percent of the cranes at USA ports are made in China and run Chinese software, raising surveillance worries. The order also requires that maritime cyber attacks be reported to the Coast Guard and that critical port systems meet recognized security standards.
FAQ
Who plans to make port cranes in the USA?
PACECO Corp., the USA subsidiary of Mitsui E&S.
When were cranes last made in the USA?
PACECO made them in the USA until the late 1980s.
Why the concern about cranes?
Officials said about 80 percent of USA port cranes are made in China.
Source & credit
Source: The White House, February 21, 2024: “FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Initiative to Bolster Cybersecurity of U.S. Ports”.
Also: CNBC, February 21, 2024: “Biden to sign executive order on US port cybersecurity targeting Chinese-manufactured shipping cranes”.