Port to invest in emergency repairs for its crane

The Port of Olympia Commission ratified a declaration of emergency to repair its broken crane yesterday, September 26.

Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney declared the repair to be an emergency on September 22 after a marine terminal manager reported that there were issues with the crane during a vessel offloading operation. Inspectors from Cummins, the crane’s engine manufacturer, came to investigate the issue and found that two fuel pumps had failed and needed repairs.

The inspectors informed the Port that they could not immediately replace the pumps and did not know when a replacement could be available. They did tell the Port that they could rebuild and reinstall the pumps.

Gibboney declared an emergency to forego the competitive bid process and allow for the immediate repair of the pumps.

“The crane is an integral part of the Marine Terminal’s essential operations of loading and offloading cargo. Any delay in addressing this unforeseen event could have major ramifications to the Port’s inbound vessels,” documents prepared for yesterday’s commission meeting stated.

The Port estimates that initial repairs will cost $14,905.41, excluding state sales tax.

The Olympian reported in August 2020 that the port had lost $2.21 million on the crane, for which it paid $3.475 million to purchase and assemble it in 2015.

The Port’s policy allows the executive director to declare an emergency and execute contracts necessary for the said emergency. The executive director is required to request the Port Commission to ratify the declaration within seven working days after the commencement of the work or execution of contrast.

CORRECTION:  September 29, 2022 -- A  previous version of this story stated that the port commissioners approved "a budget amendment"  instead of the more accurate "state of emergency."