SHIPPERS seeking uncongested gateways to service key markets in the northern United States has led to the port of Mobile in Alabama witnessing outstanding growth in containerised cargo volumes from the beginning of the year until August.
The port has handled 327,003 TEU during the first eight months of the year, which translates to an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year, reports Container News of Jacksonville
'If this pace holds, the port's year-end volume could top 500,000 TEU,' said the Alabama port authority, which believes the success is driven by the 37 per cent increase in refrigerated containers, due to nearly US$74 million investment in refrigerated facilities to support cold cargo supply chains.
Furthermore, the Mobile Port's new container intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) also saw increased volume as shippers opt to utilise the port for rail service into Midwest and Canadian markets.
The ICTF, operated by APM Terminals Mobile, had its highest throughput ever in August, bringing year-to-date volume to 13,662 box moves, completing a spike of 200 per cent over the corresponding period last year.
APM Terminals Mobile added two additional rubber-tyre gantry cranes earlier this month to support throughput demand and maintain efficiencies at the ICTF.
Brian Harold, managing director of APM Terminals Mobile, said 'volume through Mobile is growing at an accelerated pace as customers take advantage of consistent service and ample capacity.'
The added vessel calls to support Asia trade combined with retail consumption and congestion through traditional west coast gateways, contributed to shifts in supply chains as shippers seek both capacity and faster service into Memphis and Chicago, said the port authority.
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The port has handled 327,003 TEU during the first eight months of the year, which translates to an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year, reports Container News of Jacksonville
'If this pace holds, the port's year-end volume could top 500,000 TEU,' said the Alabama port authority, which believes the success is driven by the 37 per cent increase in refrigerated containers, due to nearly US$74 million investment in refrigerated facilities to support cold cargo supply chains.
Furthermore, the Mobile Port's new container intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) also saw increased volume as shippers opt to utilise the port for rail service into Midwest and Canadian markets.
The ICTF, operated by APM Terminals Mobile, had its highest throughput ever in August, bringing year-to-date volume to 13,662 box moves, completing a spike of 200 per cent over the corresponding period last year.
APM Terminals Mobile added two additional rubber-tyre gantry cranes earlier this month to support throughput demand and maintain efficiencies at the ICTF.
Brian Harold, managing director of APM Terminals Mobile, said 'volume through Mobile is growing at an accelerated pace as customers take advantage of consistent service and ample capacity.'
The added vessel calls to support Asia trade combined with retail consumption and congestion through traditional west coast gateways, contributed to shifts in supply chains as shippers seek both capacity and faster service into Memphis and Chicago, said the port authority.
SeaNews Turkey
