Business, Freight News, Sea

Port of Baltimore 2024 Results Reflect Rebound

[ February 28, 2025   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The Port of Baltimore’s state-owned public and private marine terminals handled 45.9 million tons of cargo in 2024, its best year since 2023 when the port handled a record 52.3 million tons.
More than 25.5 million of the nearly 46 million tons of cargo were handled during the last six months of 2024. The total cargo was valued at US$62.2 billion, third-most in the port’s history.
The Port of Baltimore handled 848,628 tons of roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery, which again was No. 1 among all U.S. ports. Baltimore also handled more imports of forest products and gypsum than other ports. The port’s 749,799 cars and light trucks handled in 2024 ranking second nationally. The port also ranked second for salt and exported coal. Overall, the port finished 10th nationally for total cargo and 11th for dollar value among U.S. ports.
“We had a solid year in 2024 and are now fully focused on making 2025 even better,” said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels. “Our terminal operators, private facilities, outstanding International Longshoremen’s Association labor and incredible supply chain partners are primed and ready to make 2025 a very successful year.”
Also in 2024 the Port of Baltimore launched double-stacked containers on rail to and from the port as part of the Howard Street Tunnel Project. A temporary route allowing double-stacked containers became operational in October along the CSX network in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and onto the Midwest.
When reconstruction work on the tunnel is completed in 2026, the permanent and more efficient route would go from Baltimore through the tunnel and onward into the Midwest. The Howard Street Tunnel project benefits from investment from the federal government, the State of Maryland, CSX and others.
• A new five-year contract with Carnival Cruise Line, effective Jan. 1, that keeps the world’s largest cruise provider serving the port. The agreement includes a five-year renewal option. Carnival offers five to 14-day cruises from Baltimore to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and New England/Canada.
• The port received a top U.S. Coast Guard security assessment for the 15th consecutive year, on its six state-owned marine terminals. In recent years, the port administration has installed high-mast lighting and fencing, stronger gate and fence line conditions, additional signage, and other physical security equipment. Heightened cyber security and access control initiatives coupled with the MPA’s closed-circuit television network have enhanced its security program.
The Port of Baltimore attained these achievements despite interruptions in service at the port caused by the allision of the Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and resulting collapse of the bridge (see related story).

Tags: Port of Baltimore