E-Crane International's largest electric crane in action at the Port of Iberia.
E-Crane International USA has unveiled its largest electric crane at the Port of Iberia, capable of lifting 35 tons of grain. The new crane marks a significant advancement in industrial capabilities for Louisiana. Key figures from the company and local officials attended the unveiling event, highlighting the crane’s importance for grain handling operations. E-Crane also announced the completion of a second crane, the Creole King, and plans to expand further in the region. This development underscores the demand for enhanced logistics in the growing industrial sector.
New Iberia, LA – E-Crane International USA unveiled its largest electric crane of its class at the Port of Iberia facility on July 11, 2025. This new crane, featuring a clamshell grabber, boasts the capability to lift an impressive 35 tons of grain, marking a significant advancement in the company’s contributions to Louisiana’s industrial sector.
Key figures at the unveiling event included Aaron Bennett, the Vice President of E-Crane Business Development, Lieven Bauwens, the owner of E-Cranes, and Steve Osborne, the CEO of E-Crane USA. The ceremony also attracted local officials, including Iberia Parish Assessor Ashlie Spiker, who attended to inspect the new crane.
The decision to develop this crane aligns with the growing demand in the industrial sector in Louisiana, particularly for grain handling services. With a proven track record, E-Crane International has manufactured approximately 300 cranes since its inception in the 1990s, including around 10 units of the E4000 crane model for companies globally.
Alongside the largest crane’s introduction, the company announced the completion of a second E4000 crane, named the Creole King, which will be delivered to Cooper Consolidated, a well-established Louisiana company with a history in barge and marine logistics dating back to its formation in 1905 as the Cooper Group. The Creole King is one of two largest cranes supplied by E-Crane to U.S. customers and is expected to operate primarily in bulk material handling and grain logistics.
E-Crane has also secured significant contracts with various Louisiana-based companies, including Five-S Group, Rigid Constructors, and Patriot Construction, which together are ordering a total of six cranes. This expansion showcases the company’s commitment to fostering local partnerships and enhancing the region’s industrial capabilities.
The strategic placement of E-Crane at the Port of Iberia, which commenced operations in December 2023, serves as a critical base for the company to expand its customer base within Louisiana. The Acadiana region has been identified as an ideal location for this expansion, benefiting from a well-rounded workforce shaped by the local oil and gas sectors and the accessibility of waterways.
In addition to development in Louisiana, E-Crane has begun securing contracts in neighboring Mississippi, indicating a broader regional growth strategy. As part of its plans, E-Crane is currently constructing a new warehouse and facility at the Port of Iberia, with completion anticipated in the coming months.
The innovation behind E-Crane’s technology is noteworthy; the cranes require only half the horsepower compared to traditional hydraulic cranes, promoting a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach in crane operations. The newly unveiled crane was strategically mounted on a barge, which will enhance loading and unloading operations, catering to the needs of modern logistics demands.
Craig Romero, the president of the Port of Iberia Board, remarked on the significance of repurposing the port area to adapt to emerging industry requirements, especially as the offshore platform construction industry faces decline. The unveiling of the Creole King was greeted with enthusiasm from local officials, including Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, signaling strong governmental support for E-Crane’s innovative projects in the state.
As E-Crane International USA continues to grow, its impact on the local economy and the operational capabilities of the Port of Iberia could reshape regional logistics and industrial landscapes, supporting ongoing economic development in Louisiana.
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