The Biden administration is taking steps to revive the US-based crane industry in response to China’s dominance in the global supply of port cranes. According to a White House fact sheet, over $20 billion will be invested in US port infrastructure over the next five years through the President’s Investing in America Agenda. This includes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
As part of this initiative, PACECO Corp., a US-based subsidiary of Mitsui E&S Co. Ltd in Japan, is planning to onshore US manufacturing capacity for its crane production. The White House stated that PACECO intends to partner with other trusted manufacturing companies to bring port crane manufacturing capabilities back to the US for the first time in 30 years. This move is pending final site and partner selection.
While jump-starting a heavy manufacturing industry like crane production may seem unrealistic, some experts are optimistic about the initiative. Lisa Plaggemier, executive director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), pointed to the success of the CHIPS Act and the private sector’s response to it as evidence of the potential for swift change. She noted that new chip manufacturing facilities have been established to transition away from dependency on China.
Tenable’s Edwards also expressed support for the onshoring of manufacturing capability, acknowledging that progress may not be as fast as some would like it to be, but it is a definite start.
In addition to the efforts to revive the crane industry, the Biden administration’s port security initiative has been met with approval from lawmakers and cybersecurity experts. Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, praised the administration’s action to enhance port cybersecurity, citing the critical role of ports in global supply chains.
Similarly, cybersecurity experts like Tom Guarente and NCA’s Plaggemier expressed support for the initiative. Guarente emphasized the importance of sufficient funding and detailed planning to effectively implement these initiatives, while Plaggemier highlighted the need to address security measures for critical national infrastructure like ports.
Overall, the Biden administration’s efforts to foster a domestic crane industry and improve port security have garnered positive reactions from experts and lawmakers alike. The initiatives are seen as a crucial step towards reducing dependency on foreign supply chains and enhancing national security. With significant investments and support from trusted partners, the US aims to revitalize its industrial capacity in these critical areas.