Page 8 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2019

PORT MESSAGES
GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE
Port Is Economic Engine for Job Growth
The Port of Baltimore is a great example of how Maryland is “Open for Business.”
Coming off a record year in 2018 when the Port handled more cargo than any other year in its long history, it has started 2019 in an impressive
fashion, ahead of its 2018 record pace. While that is certainly something to celebrate, I was equally happy to learn that jobs at the Port have increased during my administration.
In a recent economic analysis commissioned by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration, direct jobs at the Port had risen from 13,650 in 2014 to 15,330 in 2017. These include jobs with terminal operators, railroads and companies that specialize in cargo handling, manufacturing and security. The total number of
EXECUTIVE VIEW
jobs in Maryland linked to the Port increased from 127,600 to 139,170.
The total personal income for Port workers increased from $2.9 million to $3.3 million. Business revenues and monies generated by tax revenues from the Port also rose.
The Port is a driver for our state’s economic climate. When the Port succeeds, it means more than record amounts of cargo, it means job growth.
I know how important the Port is to Maryland and I will continue to do everything I can to support this great economic engine.
Larry Hogan, Governor
New Records Pave Way for Brighter Future
As we move into the second half of 2019, we reflect on a successful first six months at the Port of Baltimore. We have already established new cargo records, welcomed the largest ship we have ever handled
and been recognized for having an outstanding security program for the 10th consecutive year.
Under Governor Hogan’s leadership and “Open for Business” policies, we saw the Port establish new records for general cargo, containers and cars last year. So far in 2019, we are ahead of our record pace for each of those commodities.
In May, the 14,424-TEU Evergreen Triton arrived in Maryland and became the largest container ship to ever dock at the Port. We are one of only a few U.S. East Coast ports with a 50-foot-deep channel that is necessary
to accommodate ships of this size.
Working with our partner Ports America Chesapeake,
we recently announced that we would develop a second 50-foot-deep berth at our Seagirt Marine Terminal. This would give us the opportunity to handle two supersized ships simultaneously needing deep drafts.
A strong security program is necessary for any port today. Each year for the last decade, we have received the highest evaluation possible from an annual Coast Guard inspection. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Coast Guard and achieving great things for our Port.
James J. White, Executive Director Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration
[6] The Port of Baltimore ■ May/June 2019