After a four-week auction, the three cranes were sold to Haina International Terminals (HIT), a port company operating the Río Haina Port in the Dominican Republic. A company representative later purchased the replacement parts too.

The cranes received a combined 4,925 views, with each selling for $50,000. The replacement parts also sold for $50,000 after amassing nearly 1,000 views.

Potential buyers had to be prepared to disassemble and remove the cranes, while much logistical coordination between the client and the successful buyer would be needed.

As required, the port’s operating subsidiary Virginia International Terminals (VIT) worked closely with HIT to develop and implement a plan to remove and transport the cranes from the Portsmouth Marine Terminal in the US to the Dominican Republic capital Santo Domingo.

The exchange proved beneficial for both parties, with the buyer being able to acquire the equipment it needed at a discount, and the seller saving thousands of dollars in removal costs.

“Auctioning these units is a sustainable solution that allows them to have a new, productive life after leaving our port,” VPA said on Twitter.

Fully operable and in good condition, the cranes had been used to load and unload container ships at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, where port traffic slowed and the terminal was closed because of the pandemic. When container operations were moved to the Virginia International Gateway and Norfolk International Terminals, business at the Port of Virginia began growing. This necessitated bigger equipment – such as cranes – to meet the needs of larger container ships.

“We’re very satisfied with the results of our partnership. With the assistance of GovDeals, the port has been able to steadily continue its growth and expansion plan, without interruption,” said Al Collado, director of terminal at VIT.

“Finding a buyer for these cranes from the Dominican Republic shows the expansive reach and exposure GovDeals provides its sellers. We are pleased to be able to help the port save much-needed removal funds that can now be used to improve its current operations,” said Ethan Hill, account manager for state government and higher education at GovDeals.

GovDeals claims that “sellers can directly launch and manage their listings in just days with more control and lower fees than traditional auction solutions”. The platform is powered by Liquidity Services, a company that supports customers in the circular economy.

Sign up for Hoist Magazine’s weekly newsletter

RELATED STORIES