U.S. ports will require an estimated $6.7 billion in cargo handling equipment investments over the next five years to maintain operational efficiency and remain globally competitive, according to a new survey released by the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE).

The survey gathered input from 25 senior port and terminal executives, who outlined significant upcoming spending needs tied to equipment modernization, repairs and terminal upgrades. NAWE said the findings point to growing infrastructure demands as ports accommodate larger vessels, rising cargo volumes and aging equipment fleets.

According to the survey, projected investments include:

• $2.74 billion for new ship-to-shore crane purchases
• $2.4 billion for large yard cargo handling equipment and additional cranes
• $917 million for rail-mounted large yard cargo handling equipment
• $790 million for repairs to existing cranes and cargo handling equipment

NAWE said respondents also identified demand for more than 100 new or replacement ship-to-shore cranes over the next several years.

“These findings underscore the scale and urgency of the investment challenge facing U.S. ports,” NAWE President Carl Bentzel said in the release. He added that modern cargo handling equipment is essential for terminal productivity, supply chain resilience and port competitiveness.

The association also said tariff uncertainty surrounding Chinese-manufactured cranes and cargo handling equipment is complicating investment planning. NAWE recently requested clarification from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding tariff policies affecting ship-to-shore cranes and related equipment.

NAWE noted that its members collectively handle more than 90% of U.S. containerized trade and said uncertainty around equipment tariffs and sourcing could delay critical modernization projects at marine terminals.