APM Terminals Elizabeth completes precision crane demolition

The skies over APM Terminals Elizabeth briefly filled with a bit of dust and a whole lot of excitement on February 8, as the first of five massive ship-to-shore cranes was successfully brought down in a carefully planned and flawlessly executed controlled demolition. This operation — the first of its kind at the terminal — marks a major milestone in a months-long effort to retire aging equipment and make way for modern, high-efficiency cranes.

“This was about more than just bringing down a crane," explained Michael Barrera, engineering project manager. "Our top priorities were safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness. After evaluating all options, including traditional dismantling that would have required months of high-altitude labor, we determined that a controlled collapse was the safest and most efficient solution. "The controlled collapse strategy allowed APM Terminals to reduce the timeline for both demolitions from 6-8 months to just 10-11 weeks, with significantly reduced operational costs and worker risk.

On the day of the demolition, operations began at 7:00 AM with site preparation and final checks. By noon, engineers cut key structural supports, weakening the crane's integrity. When everything was ready, a coordinated tug brought the structure down safely within a secure exclusion zone. In minutes, the towering crane was reduced to recyclable material, signaling both progress and renewal.

Jennifer Murphey, Head of Project Management for APM Terminals Elizabeth, reflected on the success of the operation. “We aimed for nothing less than perfect execution. Every contingency was accounted for — covered utilities, exclusion zones, and fencing were all in place to protect the surrounding environment and infrastructure. The precision planning paid off."

Modernizing for the future of trade

Installed in the early 2000s, the retired crane stood 338 feet tall and weighed more than 1,600 tons. Over two decades, it handled millions of container lifts and billions of dollars’ worth of cargo. However, with the arrival of six state-of-the-art Neo-Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes in 2024, it was time to modernize the terminal’s capabilities to meet the demands of today’s global trade.

The demolition is just one part of a $70 million modernization initiative at APM Terminals Elizabeth that included the installation of six new Neo-Panamax STS cranes designed to handle Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) carrying up to 18,000 TEUs thanks to their superior height and a 23-container outreach.

Henrik Kristensen, Managing Director of APM Terminals Elizabeth, emphasized the strategic significance of the upgrade. “Over time, we have been assembling an extensive array of crane infrastructure along our eastern berth that will enable us to work multiple large ships more efficiently than almost any terminal on the U.S. coast,” said Kristensen. "Our productivity gains translate to the reduction in port stay time for our customers and a faster supply chain overall.”

As one of the busiest terminals on the U.S. East Coast, APM Terminals Elizabeth handles nearly a quarter of the Port of New York and New Jersey’s annual volume. These improvements not only enhance terminal efficiency but also fuel economic growth across related industries like trucking, warehousing, and manufacturing.

With the first demolition complete and six new cranes standing tall along the Elizabeth waterfront, APM Terminals Elizabeth is poised to remain a cornerstone of U.S. East Coast commerce—efficient, resilient, and future-ready.

Collaboration is the key

The success of the crane demolition was the result of extensive collaboration over several months between APM Terminals’ Project Management Office and key stakeholders. Together, the team designed a solution that satisfied complex safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

"We couldn’t have done this without the collaboration and support of all our stakeholders," Barrera added. "The coordination between contractors, engineers, regulatory bodies, and labor teams was key to achieving flawless execution."

The stakeholders involved included:

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PAPNYNJ):
  Provided critical permitting oversight and safety approvals through extensive feasibility studies. The Port Authority also coordinated with local agencies — including the Port Authority Police Department, Elizabeth Fire Department, and utility providers like Elizabeth Gas and Water — to ensure the project's success.
• O’Brien Specialist Crane Services:
  Led the controlled demolition and provided key engineering calculations for the permit process.
• International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA):
  Prepared the crane for demolition, including disconnecting and removing hazardous materials, while ensuring all labor requirements were considered and cared for.
• ZPMC:
  Supported the relocation of new cranes to the site as labor teams assisted with site preparations and logistics to create a safe path for crane placement.

The collaboration exemplified the power of teamwork, ensuring the project was completed on time and with zero incidents.

Nothing goes to waste

The retired cranes are not simply being discarded. Up to 90 per cent of the recovered materials — including steel, copper, and electronics — will be recycled. The dismantled components are being separated, sorted, and sent to specialized facilities for processing. These materials will eventually be melted down and reused in steel production, contributing to a circular economy.
Recycling the cranes reduces waste, minimizes environmental impact, and underscores APM Terminals’ commitment to sustainability.