North Carolina Ports Container Volume Grows at Record-setting Pace

March 23, 2018

Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports continues to build on a recent trend of growth after a big boost in container volume at the Port of Wilmington. Container volume is currently up 31% in fiscal year 2018 and year to date volume in January and February is up 58%.

“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,” said 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.”

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 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.”

About North Carolina Ports

North Carolina’s ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and in Greensboro, link the state’s consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry to the State of North Carolina. Port activities contribute statewide to 76,000 jobs and $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues.