Associated Terminals christened two new Liebherr CBG 500 E cranes yesterday, the D. Lopez and the Bill S., during a ceremony held along the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park in New Orleans. Set against the New Orleans riverfront, the ceremony welcomed industry leaders and maritime stakeholders to mark a defining investment in the future of cargo movement on the Lower Mississippi River.

Mounted on newly designed crane barges purpose-built for efficiency, longevity, and performance, the cranes are engineered to support high-capacity bulk cargo operations in demanding inland river conditions.  Each crane is engineered for high-volume bulk handling, offering maximum grab capacities of up to 90 tons. Integrated LiCAtronic energy recovery systems enhance efficiency by capturing braking and lowering energy, while remote diagnostics and ergonomically designed operator cabins support safe, reliable, and continuous operations.

The two CBG 500 E cranes are installed on Associated Terminals’ next-generation crane barges, constructed at LAD Services and designed to set new standards in efficiency and sustainability. The barges incorporate hybrid-ready power systems provided by Caterpillar and Louisiana CAT coupled with intelligent load management to optimize engine runtime and reduce fuel consumption, and keel-cooling technology that minimizes maintenance demands while reducing environmental impact. The cranes were assembled and integrated on the crane barge at Boh Bros.

“The christening of the D. Lopez and the Bill S. represents far more than the addition of new equipment,” said Todd Fuller, President of Associated Terminals. “It reflects how we lead this company—by investing deliberately, planning for the long term, and setting a high standard for how cargo moves on the river. These cranes strengthen our capabilities today while reinforcing our responsibility to operate safely, efficiently, and with purpose for decades to come.”

“Investments like the D. Lopez and the Bill S. are about readiness and evolution,” said Gary Poirrier, Chairman of Associated Terminals. “By modernizing our river infrastructure with advanced crane and barge systems, we’re building smarter, more enduring operations and positioning the Mississippi River to meet the next generation of cargo demand while remaining a competitive gateway for global trade.”

“The christening reflects what can be achieved through collaboration and forward thinking,” said Gregor Hillen, Sales Manager for Port- and Transshipment Solutions at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. “We are proud to stand alongside Associated Terminals in shaping the future of river cargo handling.”

Honoring the People of Associated Terminals

In keeping with company tradition, Associated Terminals named the cranes in honor of individuals whose leadership and dedication have helped shape the organization.

The Bill S. is named for Bill Sullivan, Vice President of Sales. Sullivan joined Associated Terminals in 2001 and has played a central role in building customer relationships and supporting the company’s growth across the Lower Mississippi River.

“I’m truly humbled by this honor,” Sullivan said. “This company has always placed the highest value on the people doing the work every day. Having my name on one of these cranes is a reminder that success on the river is built by teams working together with pride and professionalism.”

The D. Lopez is named for Dawn Lopez, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Associated Terminals and Turn Services.

“This crane represents generations of people who have built and sustained this work on the river,” Lopez said. “It reflects the leadership, discipline, and pride of the teams who plan the work and move cargo safely every day. I’m proud to be part of a company that invests in enduring operations by honoring its people and holding itself to a consistent, high standard—today and for those who come next.”

As the D. Lopez and the Bill S. officially entered service, the ceremony marked a defining milestone in Associated Terminals’ continued investment in modern, enduring river infrastructure.

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Associated Terminals proudly announces the commissioning of two Liebherr CBG 500 E cranes, customized with advanced hybrid power systems, to be mounted on newly designed crane barges purpose-built for efficiency, longevity, and environmental performance. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation in cargo handling along the Lower Mississippi River.

In keeping with the company’s principle that people are the driving force behind its success, Associated Terminals continues its tradition of naming its cranes after team members. As a tribute to individuals who have helped shape the company’s culture and growth, one crane will be named the “Bill S.” in honor of Bill Sullivan, Vice President of Sales, and the other will be named the “D. Lopez” after Dawn Lopez, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Associated Terminals and Turn Services.

The “D. Lopez” crane and crane barge will be sent to Boh Bros. for assembly this month and is scheduled to enter service in August. Following factory-acceptance testing at the Liebherr facility in Germany in August, the second crane is projected to arrive in the United States in September, where assembly of the crane barge, “Bill S.”, will occur at Boh Bros. The date of the official christening will be announced at a later time.

Advanced Crane Technology for River Operations

Built on modified 250′ x 72′ platforms, the newly commissioned crane barges are engineered for high-capacity bulk handling in the demanding conditions of inland waterways. Their hybrid-capable power systems supplied by Louisiana Cat blends diesel and battery technologies to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, featuring four Caterpillar C18 generators (565 ekW each), a Caterpillar C4.4 generator (118 ekW), and a CAT XES120 127kWh Battery System. The systems incorporate intelligent load sensing logic with automated power scaling switch gears. This setup supports flexible energy management and redundancy, delivering up to 1,435 kW of peak crane power while minimizing engine wear and balancing runtime across all engines. A keel cooling system eliminates the need for raw water intake or cumbersome radiator maintenance, further enhancing environmental performance and long-term reliability.

Each crane barge is outfitted with a Liebherr CBG 500 E crane—an advanced model representing a major step forward in marine cargo handling. With boom lengths of up to 50 meters, these cranes can lift 90 tons in sheltered waters and 65 tons in open water. A hybrid energy recovery system captures and reuses power from dynamic braking and load lowering to improve efficiency. Operator-focused features include climate-controlled, ergonomic cabins, secure staircases, and remote diagnostics and control systems.

The system also offers a maximum bucket capacity of 83.7 cubic yards and can reach throughput rates of up to 2,460 tons per hour with optimized cycle times. Designed for continuous service, each crane is configured for approximately 5,200 operating hours per year to maximize productivity and uptime.

“Our engineering team, led by Curtis Blank and Ethan Palma, worked closely with Liebherr and LAD Shipyard to customize the cranes and barges to meet the unique demands of round-the-clock operations on the Mississippi River,” said Chief Operating Officer Zeljko Franks. “The result is a powerful, flexible, and future-ready system built for long-term performance.”

Todd Fuller, President of Associated Terminals, shared his perspective on this milestone: “These Liebherr cranes are more than just equipment—they represent our commitment to continuous improvement, environmental responsibility, and employing advanced technology in marine cargo handling. The level of innovation in these systems aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy for operational excellence. It’s also an outstanding opportunity for our organization to recognize two of our most valued leaders, Bill Sullivan and Dawn Lopez. Their names on these cranes symbolize decades of hard work, integrity, and dedication that have helped make Associated Terminals the industry leader it is today.”

About Bill Sullivan
William “Bill” Sullivan, Vice President of Sales, joined Associated Terminals in 2001 and quickly rose through the ranks. A native of Lexington, Kentucky and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bill attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, but compelled by a sense of duty, enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman prior to the commencement of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Known for his deep respect for field teams, he’s often quoted as saying, “Sales may get us the opportunity, but it’s your hard work and professionalism that brings return business.”

Reflecting on the honor, Bill said:

“I am humbled by the recognition. Ownership has always placed the highest value on the men and women of the various companies within the organization. It is a great honor to be able to continue to represent their dedicated commitment to excellence.”

About Dawn Lopez
Dawn Lopez, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Associated Terminals and Turn Services, joined the company in 2012. A Louisiana native and LSU Law graduate, she has led strategic communications efforts that spotlight the company’s growth, partnerships, and people. Known for her advocacy of the maritime workforce and involvement in regional economic development, Dawn is dedicated to telling the stories of the Associated Terminals and Turn Services team members — celebrating their contributions and strengthening the company’s presence in the communities it serves.

Grateful for the distinction, Dawn shared:

“I’m deeply honored to have my name on one of these new cranes — not as a personal accolade, but as a tribute to the incredible teams who make our success possible. From the operations team who execute with precision and pride, to the leadership and partners who drive innovation, this moment is a shared achievement. Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River, I witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and purpose of this industry. It is a privilege to help share that story every day.”

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Associated Terminals, a leading provider of stevedoring and marine services, is proud to announce that its management group has purchased S.H. Bell Company and its subsidiaries.

S.H. Bell will continue to operate independently in its existing trade and under its well-recognized name, and the existing management team will remain in place to manage day-to-day operations under the terms of the agreement. S.H. Bell is a well-respected name in the global supply chain that provides handling, storage, processing, packaging and record-keeping services for a diverse customer base, including logistics services such as drayage and truck transportation. This strategic move will create greater synergies and service offerings for Associated Terminals and S.H. Bell, by connecting and expanding operations, locations, and destinations.

Todd Fuller, President of Associated Terminals, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome S.H. Bell into our existing group of companies. This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to growth and excellence in serving our customers, with a dedication to efficiency and streamlining the movement of cargo to its final destination. John Bell and Adam Bell, and their team members, have always had our admiration. We share cultures where we believe that every team member plays a pivotal role in our organization and our customers deserve the highest level of customer service. This acquisition allows us to optimize our operations and provide end-to-end solutions for our customers.”

John Bell, President of S.H. Bell, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Joining forces with Associated Terminals management presents exciting opportunities. We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise and cultural alignment to deliver unparalleled service and value.”

About Associated Terminals:

Associated Terminals is a leading provider of stevedoring, marine, and logistics services, specializing in bulk cargo handling across the Gulf Coast and beyond. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Associated Terminals delivers customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Their comprehensive capabilities enable seamless cargo transfers and efficient supply chain management.

About S.H. Bell:

S.H. Bell is a renowned name in the warehousing and transportation industry, offering a wide range of cargo handling services in the upper Ohio River Valley, Chicago, and Baltimore regions. Founded in 1933, with a 91-year history of excellence and a commitment to service quality, S.H. Bell has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for handling and storage of various metals, minerals, and semi-finished industrial materials. Fairmount Partners served as the financial advisors to S.H. Bell pursuant to this transaction.

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