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Port Performance: Massport, Mexico, Philadelphia

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Public and private marine terminal activity in the Port of Boston generated economic impacts totaling $4.6 billion and supported more than 50,000 jobs in 2012, according to a newly released report commissioned by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). Mexico’s port system processed just over 141.9 million metric tons of cargo during first half 2014, an increase of 2.0 percent from a year ago, according to "preliminary" data compiled and reported by the federal port agency, Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante. The trade boom continues at the Port of Philadelphia, with cargos handled at PRPA terminals totaling 2,853,362 metric tons, an increase of 13.2 percent from 2,519,967 tons in January-May 2013.

Boston’s Seaport $4.6 Billion Economic Impact in 2012 

Public and private marine terminal activity in the Port of Boston generated economic impacts totaling $4.6 billion and supported more than 50,000 jobs in 2012, according to a newly released report commissioned by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). That was up from just $1 billion in 2005, thanks largely to the port’s growing containerized cargo, cruise, and seafood processing businesses.

The study’s findings indicated that Massport’s facilities alone accounted for 2,885 of the 7,091 direct jobs and $1.2 billion of economic impact resulting from Boston area maritime activity in 2012.

"This study confirms that the Port of Boston continues to be a job generator and economic engine for the New England region," said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. "The most significant contribution comes from activity at Conley Terminal. With the expansion of the Panama Canal and approval of federal funds for the Boston Harbor Dredging Project through the WRRDA bill, the Port of Boston has the unique opportunity to capture additional business that the larger ships coming thorough the Canal will bring to East Coast ports, allowing job growth and economic impact to continue."

Cargo operations imparted the greatest economic impact, $2.7 billion and 4,574 direct jobs (including 1,000 positions held by U.S. Coast Guard employees).

Seafood processing operations showed the next largest revenue impact. Fish and seafood processing tenants of Massport facilities supported 868 total jobs, 412 of which are direct jobs. Additionally, these operations generated $196.9 million of annual business revenue and $47.9 million of total personal income and local consumption expenditures. Compare this to the $90.5 million in business revenue and $34.8 million in total personal income and consumption expenditures reported in the 2005 survey.

Cruiseport Boston saw an increase in cruise passengers, larger ships, and more ships that began and ended itineraries in Boston versus visiting as a port of call. In the seven-year interval between studies, cruise passenger numbers nearly doubled, from 199,453 to 380,054, while cruise vessel sailings grew from 95 in 2005 to 117. Massport cruise operations created 971 direct jobs, and supported about 990 jobs, up from 418 direct jobs and 287 indirect jobs in 2005. Cruise-related income and consumption expenditures totaled $79.5 million, a nearly $12 million increase from 2005 levels.

The report was based on telephone surveys of port tenants and firms providing services to the marine terminals, cruise vessels and their associated passengers, and seafood processors. The telephone interviews achieved a more than 95-percent response rate. A total 315 firms and 1,010 passengers and crew contributed data to the study.

"It’s very important that we continue to invest in the port," said Port Director Deborah Hadden. "Even during the recession, the number of jobs and the economic impact increased by nearly 50-percent, which is astounding. We need to continue this upward climb while we have momentum."

Mexico: First Half 2014 Bulk Cargo Up, Cruise Tourism Rebounds 

Mexico’s port system processed just over 141.9 million metric tons of cargo during first half 2014, an increase of 2.0 percent from a year ago, according to "preliminary" data compiled and reported by the federal port agency, Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante. Imports accounted for 43.2 million tons ( 6.2 percent), exports for 61.9 million tons (-3.1 percent) and domestic shipments for 36.8 million tons ( 3.1 percent).

The first half was marked by strongly positive performances by dry and non-petroleum liquid bulks, static containerized and breakbulk cargo markets, and dips in petroleum tonnage, ship arrivals and the nation’s waterborne auto trade. Mexico’s cruise industry continued its rebound from last year’s lows, especially on the Pacific coast where passenger volumes skyrocketed 62.5 percent and cruise ship calls jumped 53.5 percent from prior year levels.

The attachment provides additional detail.

Philadelphia Double Digit Cargo Growth Continues Through First Half 2014

The trade boom continues at the Port of Philadelphia, with indicators pointing to a fifth consecutive year of double-digit cargo growth.

As reported by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA), the numbers for the first six months of 2014 show tonnage increases of 19.4 percent for containerized cargo, 12.6 percent for break bulk, nearly 5 percent for ro/ro, and 3.8 for liquid bulk. Overall, cargos handled at PRPA terminals totaled 2,853,362 metric tons, an increase of 13.2 percent from 2,519,967 tons in January-June 2013. Click here for details.

The container sector experienced increases of 29 percent in TEUs (to 219,060) and 19.4 percent in cargo (to 1,414,220 tons).

Among breakbulk cargoes, the reported data include: steel – 194,519 tons ( 67.3 percent) and forest products, including lumber, wood pulp, and paper – 240,183 tons ( 14.5 percent). Fruit and cocoa bean volumes were essentially unchanged at 118,861 and 72,747 tons, respectively.

Autos remained the port’s dominant ro/ro cargo, with traffic for the year through June amounting to 72,722 units ( 5.9 percent) weighing 100,967 tons ( 4.9 percent).

"As I commented this past spring when preliminary cargo figures began rolling in, we’re really entering a great period here at the Port of Philadelphia," said PRPA Chairman Charles G. Kopp. "Between our aggressive terminal operators, our expert labor force, PRPA’s dedicated professional staff, the excitement created by the Delaware River Channel Deepening Project, and the excellent support we’ve received from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and his administration, the Port of Philadelphia has a formula in place for continued high performance, and I don’t think that is going to change."

 

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