A new state-of-the-art crane at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, is catching the attention of people driving over the Memorial Bridge and boating on the Piscataqua River.

The $54.9 million crane arrived at the shipyard last week. It was manufactured by Konecranes in Wisconsin and has a 140-ton lifting capacity.

“The increase in lift capability expands the scope of submarine overhaul and modernization work that PNS is able to execute in the future,” Lifting and Handling Department Branch Head Brendan Goodwin said in a statement.

Officials at the Shipyard say the crane and other investments, such as the Super Flood Basin, are essential in supporting the Navy and protecting the country.

“Global events have placed a great demand on our submarine fleet,” said Capt. Daniel Ettlich, who is the Shipyard's commander. “The new portal crane allows the shipyard to support service life extension work, which increases the number of submarines available for the Navy during this critical time.”

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's primary mission is the safe overhaul, repair and modernization of the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet, according to their website.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.

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