NAWE hosts panel on future of port equipment

The National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) convened a high-level panel discussion in conjunction with National Maritime Week (May 20-22) and National Maritime Day (May 22) to spotlight the future of port efficiency and U.S.-manufactured cargo handling equipment. The event brought together maritime leaders, manufacturers, and policy advocates to discuss next-generation port technology and the strategic reshoring or crane manufacturing.

NAWE President Carl Bentzel moderated the panel that unveiled findings from NAWE’s forthcoming Optimizing Cargo Handling: A Technology Assessment report. The report will be a practical tool for marine terminal operators and other interested stakeholders that outlines the transformative potential of new equipment technologies and U.S.-based manufacturing in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the nation’s ports.

Panelists included:

• Patrick Stafford, President, Stafford Crane Group
• George Kochanowski, CEO & CTO, Staxxon Inc.
• Spencer Pope, Product Manager, Taylor Machine Works
• Marcel van Lith, Business Development Manager – Harbor Cranes, Siemens Industry

The discussion highlighted NAWE’s newly established Ship-to-Shore Crane and Cargo Handling Equipment Task Force, which is leading efforts to re-shore critical crane manufacturing and promote innovation in U.S. cargo handling equipment. Panelists explored opportunities and challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and terminal operators as they respond to increased demand for efficient, sustainable, and domestically produced port equipment.

“This is about securing the future of our ports,” said Carl Bentzel. “By investing in next-generation U.S.-made cargo handling equipment and advocating for policies that bolster fair trade and support domestic manufacturing, we can revitalize our maritime supply chain and reduce our dependence on foreign producers.”

“Taylor is proud to have supported our critical U.S. port and shipping industry for over 50 years,” said Spencer Pope, Product Manager and Manager of Grant Acquisitions at Taylor Machine Works and Co-Chair of NAWE’s Environment, Energy, and Equipment Committee. “This was a great discussion regarding American manufacturing, and how we continue to innovate with technologically advanced and efficient equipment to serve our Waterfront Employers.”

The panel also shed light on NAWE’s advocacy before the U.S. Trade Representative to address trade practices that currently hinder the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.

This working lunch was part of the broader National Maritime Week celebrations taking place from May 20 to May 22, 2025, recognizing the essential contributions of the maritime industry to the nation’s economy and security.

The Optimizing Cargo Handling: A Technology Assessment will be formally released soon via NAWE’s website www.nawe.us.