The Sparrows Point Container Terminal is being developed by Tradepoint Atlantic in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) at the Port of Baltimore. The 168-acre development marks a major step in the transformation of the former Bethlehem Steel site into a modern global logistics hub and is expected to increase the port’s container handling capacity by approximately 70 percent, while generating significant economic activity and employment in the region.
Handling the largest vessels of today and tomorrow
The seven STS cranes supplied by Liebherr will be central to terminal operations, enabling the efficient handling of ultra-large container vessels. Designed to accommodate two vessels simultaneously, the terminal is positioned as a key gateway for global trade.
Engineered for next generation container ships, the cranes feature a 70 metre outreach, 25 metre backreach and a lift height over rail of 51 metres. This configuration allows them to service the widest vessels currently in operation while accommodating increasing vessel sizes. In addition to performance, the cranes incorporate proven control systems and robust digital architectures, supporting reliable and secure terminal operations while ensuring long-term operational confidence.
“This project will add capacity and efficiency not only for the local community, but for the wider Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions,” said Ammar Kanaan, CEO of Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). “That is why developments such as Sparrows Point are so important for the future of the US supply chain.”
“This is a landmark project, both for our customer and for Liebherr,” said Declan O'Sullivan, Managing Director – Sales at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. “It reflects the scale of investment and ambition behind Sparrows Point and reinforces Liebherr’s ability to deliver high-performance crane solutions for some of the most significant terminal developments underway globally.”
“We are pleased to partner with Liebherr on this important project,” said Tom Caso, Vice President at Tradepoint Atlantic. “Their experience in delivering high performance and dependable crane solutions for major terminals gives us confidence as we develop Sparrows Point into a key gateway for global trade. This project is about building for the future, and the equipment we deploy is central to achieving that ambition.”
Strong presence across the US
This order marks another step in Liebherr’s continued success in the United States. It brings the total number of STS cranes ordered for the US market since 2020 to 27, strengthening the installed base and long-standing customer relationships across the region. The award further reinforces Liebherr’s position as a leading supplier of large-scale port infrastructure projects in North America
“This project highlights the continued confidence placed in Liebherr’s expertise and technology in the United States,” said Shane Kuhlmey, Division Director – MCC at Liebherr USA, “We are proud to support the development of Sparrows Point as a next-generation container terminal and to contribute to strengthening critical supply chain infrastructure across the region.”
The Sparrows Point development is one of the largest privately financed container terminal projects in the United States, with approximately $1.2 billion invested in its development. Once completed, the facility is expected to play a key role in enhancing the competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore and strengthening its position as a major hub for international trade.
This order marks a further step in Liebherr’s long-term commitment to supporting customers across North America and delivering solutions for the next generation of container terminals.
Further information on Sparrows Point Container Terminal can be found at www.spctmd.com.
