Freight News, Sea

Ports America to Operate Intermodal Transfer Service at Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal

[ January 11, 2016   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Ports America Chesapeake and CSX Intermodal Terminals agreed on January 6 to immediately enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore and position it to capture additional freight business through more efficient service. The new agreement transfers operational responsibility for the intermodal container service at the port from CSX Intermodal Terminals to Ports America Chesapeake, consolidating management of the operation and enhancing service through Ports America’s on-dock handling and operational expertise.
“With the expansion of the Panama Canal, we see tremendous growth opportunities at the Port of Baltimore,” said Ports America CEO and President Michael Hassing. “Having direct on-dock access to rail service is a significant competitive differentiator for the Port of Baltimore, enhancing its attractiveness as one of only three East Coast ports equipped to handle super-post-Panamax ships, which will expand our ability to attract new freight.”
Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration Jim White sees the agreement as the first step in creating a business model that will work long term. “It provides the frequency needed and its on-dock where it belongs,” White said. “This also will help us become more competitive with attracting discretionary cargo destined for the Midwest.”
CSX executives emphasize that the railroad remains committed to working with the port, the state and the city to support the continued growth of intermodal freight movements and to connect Maryland businesses and consumers to new markets in the Midwest and the south via CSX’s extensive rail network. “Our agreement with Ports America will ensure that the port’s needs are continually met today and in the future,” said CSX Intermodal Terminals President Wilby Whitt.
In 2010, Ports America Chesapeake assumed operational control of the Seagirt Marine Terminal through a public-private partnership and began an aggressive $500 million investment program to make the Port of Baltimore one of the most efficient East Coast ports. The Seagirt Marine Terminal is a 284-acre facility featuring berthing with a 50-foot draft that is serviced by four super-post-Panamax cranes; seven post-Panamax cranes (including three dual-hoist cranes); and 16 rubber-tired gantry cranes. The facility boasts an average of 38 container moves per hour at this terminal, the fastest and most efficient in the United States.

Tags: Port of Baltimore, Ports America