As the Port of Philadelphia’s $392 million Main Channel Deepening Project reaches completion and cargo volumes are surging, the port expects next month the first two of the four super post-Panamax cranes due at the Port’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal (PAMT).
In 2017, the port saw container cargoes growing by 19%. The growth is especially significant since the Port is busy implementing its $300 million capital improvement plan.
“We have a lot of exciting developments all occurring at the same time, record cargo growth, preparation for the deepened channel and the arrival of our new cranes,” said Jeff Theobald PhilaPort CEO and Executive Director. “It’s all very good news and we want to make sure we support the surge in cargo with proper training and landside and infrastructure improvements.”
Ocean carriers are already supporting the growth by scheduling Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV) to call the Port. In mid-January, the 11,000-TEU ‘MSC Avni’, arrived at the port of Philadelphia, becoming the largest cargo vessel to ever call the Port.
Several 11,000 TEU vessels started calling PAMT and 12,200 TEU vessels are expected in the coming days. Recently, the Board of Directors of the Port granted funds to the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware to train for these new class of vessels 12,000–14,000 TEUs.
“Our investment in this vital infrastructure asset continues to yield significant economic returns across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “The near completion of the channel deepening project combined with record-breaking activity at PhilaPort means more jobs and an economic advantage allowing Pennsylvania to compete globally.”
