The Port Authority of Guam has received five new forklifts this week to support cargo operations at the island’s only commercial seaport.

These forklifts, valued at a total of $352,015.00, are the last batch of modernization equipment acquired through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration under the America’s Marine Highway Program.  

A total of $8,475,678.41 was spent on the new equipment. Out of that total, the grant paid for $5.7 million and the Port paid for the remaining amount.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration officially designated the “Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Route” under the America’s Marine Highway Program on Aug. 19, 2021. 

That date marks the formal recognition of the route, making Guam and CNMI eligible for grant funding and reinforcing the regional collaboration with the Commonwealth Ports Authority.

The five new 5.5-ton forklifts arrived on June 22, 2025 augmenting the Port’s current fleet of equipment. These forklifts are equipped with advanced capabilities, enabling them to handle a wide range of materials efficiently, including heavy cargo and palletized goods. 

This significant grant, first awarded on Oct. 7, 2022, has been instrumental in upgrading the Port’s operations and infrastructure, further solidifying Guam’s role as a vital hub in the region’s shipping and logistics network. 

The following assets have been received to date:

  • Two 40-ton loaded container handlers – Fully received, valued at $2,689,408.00
  • Three 10-ton empty container handlers – Fully received, valued at $2,205,723.00
  • One 180-foot boom lift – Fully received, valued at $517,205.41
  • Nine container yard tractors – Fully received, valued at $1,791,327.00
  • Two 40-plug mobile reefer generators – Fully received, valued at $920,000.00
  • Five 5.5-ton forklifts – Fully received, valued at $352,015.00

Respicio credited the success of the effort to strong leadership and teamwork: “This achievement would not have been possible without the support of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, our Board of Directors, and the hard work of Port employees.”