North Carolina Ports reports a boost in container volumes at the Port of Wilmington continues a recent growth trend at the port, where box volumes are currently up 31 percent in fiscal year 2018 and year to date volume in January and February is up 58 percent.
“We are seeing unprecedented growth due to two factors: the return of the business that was temporarily effected by the Hanjin bankruptcy and new growth relating to our ability to offer fast and efficient terminal operations,” explained NC Ports Executive Director Paul J. Cozza.
“With the high demand on trucking capacity and efficient terminal operations, NC Ports’ model of best in class gate truck turntimes coupled with the fastest ship to shore crane productivity on the East Coast, carriers, BCOs and truckers are taking notice,” Cozza said.
Throughput capacity at the Port of Wilmington is up at more than 200,000 TEUs during the first eight months of the port’s FY18, which began in July. To maintain this record setting growth, North Carolina Ports said it will pump more than $200 million in infrastructure improvement projects including the order of three new neo-Panamax cranes, berth renovations and container yard and turning basin expansion.
The recent investments along with the authority’s operational efficiencies have led, in part, to the addition of four new container service lines and seven ocean carriers. NC Ports has further opened itself to the global market by joining the USDA’s Southeast In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot program and embarking on a year-long commitment to receive weekly banana imports.
“Wilmington’s recent growth is a strong indication of customers taking advantage of new options to service this significant market and optimize their supply chains – with better costs, more predictable delivery and reduced risk,” said Hans Bean, Vice President Trade Development, NC Ports. “While there is more to do in realizing Wilmington’s full potential as a South-Atlantic gateway, these increases demonstrate substantial customer desire to expand with user-friendly ports focused on performance, value and solutions.”