Congress Warns of Security Risks from Chinese Cranes

A joint congressional investigation has revealed significant national security vulnerabilities at U.S. ports due to the dominance of Chinese-made container cranes, particularly those manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC). The report indicates that these cranes, which account for nearly 80% of ship-to-shore cranes in U.S. ports, are equipped with unauthorized cellular modems that could enable the Chinese government to access sensitive data and disrupt port operations. Lawmakers expressed concern that ZPMC's requests for remote access, often pressured upon port operators, could compromise U.S. maritime security, as these modems were sometimes installed without proper knowledge or consent. The findings highlight the urgent need for the U.S. to reduce reliance on foreign technology and bolster cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure. In response, the Biden administration has proposed replacing foreign cranes with American-made alternatives and imposed tariffs on Chinese cranes to mitigate these risks. This situation underscores the broader implications of China's maritime strategy and its potential threat to U.S. economic and homeland security.