Only a couple of years after America’s ports took a significant hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Baltimore experienced an unthinkable additional setback: the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, whose wreckage blocked the only path in and out of the port.
The Unified Command leading the cleanup and removal of the M/V Dali, which struck the bridge, opened makeshift, smaller channels while they worked to fully reopen the port’s deep-water channel by the end of May 2024.
New numbers from the state show that despite that major setback on the Patapsco River, the Port of Baltimore’s public and private marine terminals had their second-best year in port history for total cargo in 2024. Together, the terminals handled 45.9 million tons of cargo for a total value of $62.2 billion. More than 55% of the cargo was handled during the second half of the year.
Another setback that could have threatened the port’s success in 2024: a coastwide strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association because of contract disputes over pay increases and job protections. It lasted from Oct. 1-4, when a contract extension agreement was reached.
The Port of Baltimore remained number one in the nation for roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery. It gave up the title of first for cars and light trucks, coming in second for the first time in 13 years. It was also second for salt and exported coal. Overall, Baltimore was tenth in the nation for total cargo among U.S. ports. The port says its cars and trucks go on to destinations as far away as Maine and Colorado. Farm equipment reaches homes all the way in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore touted the newly released statistics as a milestone in Baltimore’s recovery from the bridge disaster. “These numbers reveal the hard work happening at the Port to finish the year strong, despite a challenging start. We are especially grateful to our Port’s workers, whose indomitable spirit and dedication brought us to this moment,” he says.
Maryland Port Administration (MPA) Executive Director Jonathan Daniels also praises port workers for their achievements: “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.”
Last year also marked the start of transporting double-stacked containers to and from the port for the first time, thanks to the Howard Street Tunnel Project. And the port signed a new five-year contract (with additional five-year extension) with Carnival Cruise Line. As of January 1, 2025, Carnival will continue to use Baltimore as the launch spot for cruises between five and 14 days to destinations like Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, among others.
