A back-up power generator made of recycled crane components completed its first real-world exercise during Hurricane Matthew, keeping JAXPORT's main office in Jacksonville, Fla., connected with tenants, customers, employees and the community during the storm’s power outages.

The generator was constructed by JAXPORT terminal personnel using surplus crane parts, including an engine and electrical generator. The unit, housed in a recycled shipping container, is capable of providing the port with 30,000 continuous hours of backup power.

“Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our personnel, JAXPORT was well-prepared to meet the needs of our customers during the storm,” says Dave Barber, Talleyrand marine terminal equipment manager and leader of the rebuild project.

This emergency power project is part of the port’s long-term Contingency of Operations Plan, which calls for additional permanent standby generators at key locations. Construction of the power generation unit included a total rebuild of a surplus crane engine, reconditioning of a 40-year-old crane generator and the installation of a new electrical control system.