After more than 1,500 suggestions
from 65 schools and months of anticipation, the South Carolina
State Ports Authority and the South Carolina Aquarium announced
the winners of their "Name the Crane" contest on Wednesday,
June 27.

The cranes on the dock at Columbus
Street Terminal have become quite a hit with visitors to the Aquarium,
which offers close-up views of port operations.

With the help of the Ports Authority
Maintenance Department, the winners climbed ladders and peeled
off stickers unveiling their winning names. The names will remain
on the base of the port’s most expensive hardware. The massive
cranes, which are used to lift shipping containers on and off
of vessels, cost $6 million each.

The lucky winners were children who
participated in the Aquarium’s 2000-2001 Structured School
Program. Students were asked to observe the cranes and see how
they look and work. Each student earned $25 and tickets to the
Aquarium, while each school received $100 for their science programs.

Winning Entries: