Port of Baltimore Number One In U.S. For Productivity

Journal of Commerce Study Measured Container Berth Efficiencies

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore ranked number one among U.S. ports for container berth productivity, according to a recently released analysis by the Journal of Commerce (JOC). Based on 2014 data, the Port of Baltimore averaged a U.S. port-leading 84 container moves per hour per berth, ahead of all major U.S. ports. The JOC port productivity numbers are compiled by international shipping lines not by individual ports or marine terminals.

“Being recognized as the most productive port in the nation clearly puts us in a very good position for continued growth and success,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The international shipping industry has taken notice with the Port now home to the four largest container shipping companies in the world – Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM and Evergreen. When the Port of Baltimore succeeds, Maryland succeeds.”

The JOC’s port productivity rankings factored in elements such as a ship’s arrival time at a berth, the number of container moves per hour at that berth and a ship’s departure time from that berth. The Seagirt Marine Terminal, the Port of Baltimore’s primary container facility, includes 11 cranes, four of which are super Post-Panamax cranes capable of reaching 22 containers across a ship. 

Combining both the public and private marine terminals, the Port of Baltimore had a record year in 2014 and saw 29.5 million tons of international cargo cross its docks last year at a value of nearly $53 billion. Baltimore is ranked as the top port among all U.S. ports for handling autos and light trucks, farm and construction machinery, imported forest products, imported sugar and imported aluminum. Overall, Baltimore is ranked ninth for the total dollar value of cargo and 13th for cargo tonnage for all U.S. ports.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 14,630 direct jobs, while about 108,000 jobs in Maryland are linked to Port activities. The Port is responsible for $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than
$300 million in state and local taxes.