The Port Authority of Guam is bolstering its operations with the arrival of five brand-new forklifts, part of a multi-million-dollar equipment upgrade funded in large part by a federal grant. The 5.5-ton forklifts — valued at over $350,000 — arrived June 22 and are the final installment of equipment purchased through the US Maritime Administration’s America’s Marine Highway Program.

In total, more than $8.4 million worth of modern yard equipment has been added to the port’s fleet, including container handlers, yard tractors, and a 180-foot boom lift.  Nearly $5.7 million of that was covered by federal grant funds.

Port general manager Rory Respicio says the upgrades improve efficiency, safety, and support Guam’s growing role as a key logistics hub in the Pacific.