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Issue 6 2019 - Freight Business Journal


///US EAST COAST


Coming to America


All along the eastern seaboard of the US, ports are gearing up for the latest generation of megaships.


New York looks to the future


The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has unveiled its Port Master Plan 2050 for its growth and development over the next three decades. It is described as a flexible


roadmap for the next generation of land-use and infrastructure development projects, allowing it to remain among the nation’s leading maritime gateways, while continuing to contribute jobs and economic activity. The new 30-year plan


follows a 2½-year review of more than 3,000 acres of


port property and included more than 45 presentations to regional stakeholders and community groups, more than 50 planning workshops and interaction with nearly 500 stakeholders. The document takes a holistic look at the port, including container facilities, automobile terminals, dry and liquid bulk cargo operations, cruise terminals and ferry terminals. It will build on earlier


planning work in the 1990s that ultimately led to the deepening of port channels to 50 feet,


Commemorating 230 years of US Customs


Standing in for the two-masted sailing ship Persis, which arrived at the Port of New York in 1789 with cargo from Italy, the 6,200teu US- flagged Maersk Kinloss was the focal point for a ceremony honouring 230 years of service by US Customs at America’s seaports on 5 August. During the ceremony, the


Captain of the Maersk Kinloss, Christopher Murray, presented in person the Application for Unlading for the vessel to Customs and Border Protection director of field operations Troy Miller, and acting port director Dylan DeFrancisci.


The Customs document was


duly signed and stamped, formally executing the permit in accordance with the procedures of the late 18th Century. Maersk Americas head of


corporate security and regulatory, Mark Tierney, noted: “As we


the raising of the Bayonne Bridge, container terminal expansion, realignment of and capacity enhancements to port roadways and the completion of the port’s $600 million ExpressRail network. Port Authority chairman


Kevin O’Toole said: “Our predecessors had the foresight to clearly understand the value of the port to regional jobs and economic activity and made substantial investments that today are paying huge dividends. This plan will continue the momentum we


commemorate the very first vessel cleared by US Customs at the Port of New York two centuries and three decades ago, we must also recognize that each year, this port alone receives and processes approximately 17,000 commercial vessel calls now annually - and the CBP is doing an outstanding job in meeting the challenges of expanding global trade volumes and increasing vessel size and cargo capacities.”


have built and drive this port to new heights that two decades ago would have seemed impossible to achieve.” Executive director Rick


Cotton added: “This port is committed to maintaining its leadership position among the nation’s ports. This plan lays out a clearly defined roadmap for the future, one that integrates new technology into port operations, provides for more efficient movement of cargo and makes strategic decisions about the future composition of port property. The new


master plan “provides a vision that we believe will drive future cargo growth and the jobs and economic benefits it provides for the region. It also ensures sustainability and resiliency as key goals and commits the port to enduring partnerships with our host communities.” The primary objectives


of the master plan are to provide opportunities for growth through stakeholder engagement; improve the port’s commercial value by investigating opportunities to maximize lease revenue; to continue to serve as an economic engine for the region; and to promote safe, resilient and environmentally


sustainable operations in partnership with its tenants. The Port Authority will


continue to drive down diesel emissions, and minimise noise, congestion and environmental impact at its facilities using the latest technologies and by adopting electric and low-energy operations, and by enhancing collaboration with tenants and operators to incorporate performance goals and incentives into lease agreements. The Port Authority will now


begin implementing the key findings and recommendations including a series of further studies, analysis and design work.


South Carolina Ports Authority handled record cargo volumes at Charleston in the 2019 fiscal year 2019 - nearly 2.4 million teu from July 2018 to June 2019, an 8.8% increase in annual volume. This included 200,406teu across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals in June 2019 alone. Inland Port Greer, now in its


sixth year of operation, reported its busiest fiscal year yet with 143,204 rail moves in 2019, up nearly 22% from the prior year. In its first full year of business, Inland Port Dillon handled 29,580


rail moves. SCPA president and chief


executive Jim Newsome said: “SCPA’s container business had a record-setting fiscal year and our inland ports in Greer and Dillon continue to see record growth year- over-year. This accomplishment is the result of the entire South Carolina maritime community’s dedication to providing a great product to our customers.” SCPA reported more than


330,000 rail moves in the 2019 fiscal year through its RapidRail program, to speed up connection between rail yards and marine


terminals. The port now handles 24% of its containerized volumes by rail — the highest annual percentage in its history. The port meanwhile handled


18,307 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in June for a total of 194,771 vehicles in the 2019 fiscal year. Newsome added:


“The


Southeast remains the best place to be in the port business with a growing population to support imports and a strong manufacturing and automotive presence to boost exports. While we expect more modest growth in fiscal 2020, we are optimistic about the future and continue


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