Phoenix tower crane producer Stafford Crane Group is moving into the ship-to-shore (STS) crane sector, vowing to provide the US domestic market with a 100% American-made STS Panamax crane.

The crane is now being designed and developed in Stafford’s Italy-based engineering studio and a suitable location for manufacturing is being sought.

Stafford has yet to decide if it will establish a new company for the STS crane under its umbrella.

“The Stafford family (wishes) to offer this industry a true American brand of STS/Panamax cranes into the American market, 100% fabricated and manufactured in the south-west of the USA,” a statement from the Stafford reads.

“(Stafford) will draw on its resources in crane manufacturing to prepare a new concept in STS cranes utilising their multiple years of experience in tower crane manufacturing (Stafford Tower Cranes) and applying this to a new STS product line. 

“SCG also has know-how to tap into from (its) experience with the heavy-duty gantry cranes and, in particular, the NASSCO project to further assist in this new development concept.

"Technology has much advanced in crane manufacturing in recent years to make it possible for this type of crane to support automated operations, which will also be explored by Stafford in the design features for this new crane together with eco-energy and sustainability in mind.”

Stafford manufactures a range of crane towers ranging from 5 T to 42 T capacity and recently introduced three new conventionally designed luffing crane models from 16 T to 42 T and a further five models with a hydraulic luffing jib. 

In May, Stafford re-branded Soima Cranes, which it acquired in 2021, to the Stafford brand and opened its Milan-based engineering studio. Soima serviced the Portugal, Spain, France and Mediterranean markets.