BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) announced today that since January 1, 2007, 17 vessels that called at Seagirt Marine Terminal attained an overall production average of over 40 container moves per hour. Container moves refer to the loading or unloading of containerized cargo to or from a ship. Seagirt Marine Terminal normally averages between 35 and 36 containers per hour. One of the ships during this time period saw a move count of 55.5 containers per hour. The national average for container handling productivity range from the mid to upper 20's to mid 30's.
"These numbers demonstrate why the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is among the top ports in the nation," said John D. Porcari, Acting Secretary for the Maryland Department of Transportation. "They validate the fact that we have a great labor force and excellent facilities. With these fundamentals in place, we will continue to draw business to Baltimore and maintain the positive momentum now underway." Currently, the Port of Baltimore is ranked 13th for overall tonnage and 12th for value of cargo out of 361 ports in America. In 2005, the Port's foreign cargo increased for the fourth consecutive year with a total of 32.4 million tons.
"Last year's average vessel container moves per hour was approximately 35," said David Thomas, MPA Director of Operations. "This positive trend line is just another testament to the outstanding team of professionals who operate our terminals, including the ILA work-force, our MPA crane maintenance personnel and P&O Ports NA who are responsible for managing the ship side operation." Activities at the Port of Baltimore generate over 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is the number one port on the East Coast for handling roll-on/roll-off cargo; it is also and number one for importing trucks and forest products.
CONTACT:
Richard Scher
JB Hanson
MPA Communications
410 385-4480 |
