Schnitzer Steel Commissions Fully Electric Harbor Crane

Special to The Advocate

 Earlier this month, Schnitzer Steel, one of North America’s largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled metals with operations along the Mystic River in Everett, commissioned the company’s first-ever fully electric harbor crane.

 With an operating arm extending nearly 180 feet wide, the German-made LHM 550 Liebherr Harbor Crane will load recycled metals sourced primarily from individuals and businesses in the Northeast onto cargo ships to be delivered to smelters and foundries across the globe. Once deployed, the Liebherr crane will replace the company’s existing diesel-powered crane with a zero emissions alternative. The project builds on recent investments at Schnitzer’s Oakland, California location, including the purchase of four all-electric support vehicles that replace diesel-fueled tractors, and installation of a 1,600-kilowatt Battery Electric Storage System that leverages best practices in energy demand management.

 “Investing in an electric vehicle of this magnitude is a big first step in our long-term plan to go electric across our facility,” explained Schnitzer’s Recycling Operations Director, John Silva. “We are working with vendors and equipment manufacturers to explore additional opportunities to electrify equipment and lower our operational carbon footprint.”

 “Schnitzer immediately gravitated to the LHM 550 Liebherr Harbor Crane, which boasts zero emissions and utilizes local power supply,” said Liebherr’s Head of Sales, Maritime Cranes, Winston Ziegler. “We are thrilled to partner with Schnitzer to implement this technology that delivers important environmental benefits to its operation.”

 The steel, copper, aluminum, and dozens of other critical metals recycled at Schnitzer facilities represent essential manufacturing inputs for low-carbon technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and battery storage systems. Beyond the inherent environmental benefits of using recycled materials to produce these technologies, Schnitzer is making significant investments to reduce emissions from its own recycling operations.

 “Reaching our sustainability goal of net zero emissions by 2050 is a driving force behind the investment,” said Schnitzer’s Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, Colin Kelly. “We look forward to exploring more opportunities to deploy electric equipment and advance our environmental commitments in Everett and our surrounding communities.”