Port approves crane purchases

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Port Authority board made it official today signing all of the documents for the purchase of three cranes from Matson and Horizon.  The acquisition is mandated by law to be completed this month.  Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz has been extremely critical of the purchase saying the port made a bad bet on the Port of Los Angeles cranes.  Additionally Cruz is concerned that an increased crane surcharge approved by the Public Utilities Commission will result in higher costs for consumers as shippers will have to pay increased surcharges that could increase by as much as 300% by 2027.