Page 10 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2019

[8] The Port of Baltimore ■ May/June 2019
The Happenings In and Around the Port — Send us your news for a possible item in the Soundings section in the Port of Baltimore Magazine. Email todd.karpovich@todaymediacustom.com.
EVENT
Local Workers Showcase Their Skills at the
DONOVAN EATON PHOTOGRAPHY ANNUAL RO/RO RODEO PHOTOGRAPHS BY
More than 240 newly hired longshore workers at the
Port of Baltimore operated the latest gigantic, multi-ton pieces of farm and construction equipment during training exercises for the 23nd annual Ro/Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Rodeo in May.
The rodeo featured more than 10 manufacturers with approximately 30 new models for workers to learn how
to operate. Ro/ro is cargo that can be driven on and off a ship. The Port of Baltimore is ranked as the No. 1 port in the U.S. for the amount of ro/ro cargo handled. During the rodeo, men and women receive hands-on instruction from ro/ro manufacturers on the finer points of maneuvering
and operating this cargo. The workers
handle specialized controls in each piece
of farm and construction equipment to be able to move this equipment safely.
The two-day event, which began in 1996, is aimed
at training longshoremen on the correct operation of the vehicles that cross the piers at the Port. It was developed by the Quality Cargo Handling Action Team, part of the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA). It is put together by the International Longshoremen’s Association, the Steamship Trade Association and the MDOT MPA. 􏰀