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CHARLESTON, SC – MAY 14, 2026 – Four of South Carolina Ports’ ship-to-shore cranes are now boasting new names, thanks to Lowcountry students’ creativity in the Name the Cranes contest. More than 450 students in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties submitted names, and the winners were selected by SC Ports’ crane operators.
The winning names are: Coastal Claw, The Pain Crane, Holy City Hoister and The Dockfather (tie). Winners represented five schools in Charleston County and Dorchester County 2 school districts.
“Winning this contest gives students the opportunity to see the cranes up close, gain a better understanding of how a port works and learn why having a port in their backyard makes a big difference to South Carolina,” said Chadwick Swan, SC Ports’ Director of Container Operations. “Having these awesome names on our cranes gives them personality, and everyone who works on the docks and visits our port loves to see it.”
The cranes, which sit 155-feet above the wharf at Wando Welch Terminal, are responsible for moving containers on and off vessels at the port’s busiest container terminal. Crane operators undergo rigorous training and mentorship to become highly skilled at their jobs, averaging 35 containers moved per hour.
Students were joined by their families, teachers, principals and port teammates on terminal today to be recognized for their creativity.
“We love giving students the opportunity to come out on terminal and see firsthand how a top 10 U.S. container port works,” said Micah Mallace, SC Ports President and CEO. “You never know what might spark a lifelong interest in a student, and we are grateful to connect with these innovative thinkers who leave an imprint on our port.”
Students received a plaque, a photo in front of their named crane, a private port tour and $500 to support their schools.
“We try to make the connection for students that every one of these containers is filled with items that make up their daily lives,” Mallace said. “From the shoes and clothes they wear, the food they eat, the furniture and TVs in their homes, to the toys they play with. All of these goods and more come through the Port of Charleston every day, generating economic growth for South Carolina.”
Winners:
Kyndal Chisolm, 4th Grade, North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary
Crane Name: Coastal Claw
Grant Sturgis, 2nd Grade, Memminger Elementary
Crane Name: The Pain Crane
William Walts, 1st Grade, Mount Pleasant Academy
Crane Name: Holy City Hoister
Jack Zapiecki, Kindergarten, Harbor View Elementary
Crane Name: The Dockfather (tie)
Vivian Lovin, 4th Grade, Spann Elementary School
Crane Name: The Dockfather (tie)
Source: South Carolina Ports
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