The Port of Baltimore will soon be able to handle not one, but two ultra large container ships at a time.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded more than $6.5 million in federal funding for the Maryland Port Authority. It will be used to create a second 50-foot-deep berth at Seagirt Marine Terminal, in the current Berth 3. The plan is part of the terminal’s modernization project, which will increase Baltimore’s shipping and trade capacity significantly.
In October, the port welcomed its largest container ship ever, at just over 1,200 feet long, thanks to its 50-feet-deep berth. Read Bay Bulletin’s story and see video here.
The funding was announced by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny H. Hoyer, Elijah E. Cummings, John P. Sarbanes, Andy P. Harris, M.D., John K. Delaney, Anthony G. Brown and Jamie B. Raskin.
In a statement, the lawmakers said, ““These federal funds are an investment in Maryland and all our working families, who deserve a stable job market and a healthy local economy. This grant will keep the Port of Baltimore competitive among deep-berth ports and will provide continuing economic dividends for Baltimore’s workforce and across the state.”
According to a letter from the Maryland lawmakers to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao, the Port of Baltimore supports nearly 34,000 jobs and generates $2.2 billion in business revenue.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
