Performance Metrics: Long Beach, Oakland, Saint John, Virginia
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The Port of Long Beach recovered from systemic congestion and cargo diversion in the first quarter to deliver one of its strongest year-end results on record, topping 7.0 million TEUs for just the third time in its 105-year history.
"We’re gratified to see the business growth — we worked diligently over these past 12 months to recover from a very challenging start to the year, resulting in record volume and productivity gains and the strong and steady return of diverted cargo," said Long Beach Port CEO Jon Slangerup. "We credit terminal operators, labor, shipping lines, cargo owners and our local community with pulling together to turn things around."
The December data show increases from December 2014 of 7 percent for inbound loads, 9.5 percent for empty containers, a 4.1 drop for outloads, and a 5.1 increase in volume overall.
The calendar year total of 7,192,066 TEUs reflects gains by inbound loads and empty containers amounting to 3.1 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively, and a 4.9 percent in outbound loads. As the port explains, the strong dollar continues to favor imports and discourage exports, resulting in more empties being sent back overseas to be refilled with goods.
For further detail, go to www.polb.com/stats.
Port of Oakland import volume held steady in 2015
Containerized import volume at the Port of Oakland in 2015 was essentially unchanged from 2014, down just 0.2 percent after dropping nearly 40 percent last January and February, according to data newly released by the port.
"The import recovery indicates that cargo diverted during a waterfront labor impasse last winter has returned," said Port Maritime Director John Driscoll. "This was no small achievement given the way the year started."
Oakland import volume plummeted in early 2015 during the West Coast contract dispute between dockworkers and waterfront employers. Thereafter, Oakland import volume posted year-on-year increases in eight of the past 10 months.
Container volume overall decreased 4.9 percent in 2015, largely because of an 11.5 percent drop in containerized exports caused mainly by the strong U.S. dollar.
View complete 2015 cargo statistics.
Saint John Cargo Tonnage Up 10 percent in 2015
Some 26.4 million metric tons of cargo moved through private and public marine terminals at Port Saint John, an increase of 10 percent compared to 2014.
The 2.0 million tons handled at the port authority’s Rodney Container Terminal and Courtenay Bay dry bulk facility was up 53 percent compared to 2011. Containerized cargo alone jumped 137 percent. In that same four-year period, cargo handled at the port’s private terminals rose 11 percent to 24.4 million tons. View details.
"Our strategic direction is set each year by our board of directors and underpinned by an inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement," noted Jim Quinn, president & CEO of Port Saint John (and AAPA chairman of the board). "This approach to work collectively on shared priorities continues to bear fruit for the entire port community."
"Activity that happens here is an important contributor to local economies across our Province. Products from all corners of the Province are shipped to the Port using New Brunswick truckers, rail and roads. The port opens the global marketplace to New Brunswick producers," said Port Authority Chair Peter Gaulton.
Virginia Sets New Annual Mark for TEU, Truck and Rail Volume
Port of Virginia container traffic reached a record total of more than 2.5 million TEUs in calendar year 2015, an increase of 6.5 percent from 2014. Year-on-year increases were also posted for truck and rail volumes, total containers, and general cargo tonnage.
Container volumes through December for the fiscal year that began July 1 were up 3 percent from first half FY 2014-15 to 1,295,554 TEUs. Fiscal-year-to- date records were also set for total containers, total truck containers, and total rail containers, Container throughput also hit all-time highs at both the Virginia Inland Port and Richmond Marine Terminal.
"We handled significant volume and did so by focusing on efficiency, delivering a high-level of service to our port users, customers and stakeholders and being accountable," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "We will continue to examine our operational practices, reinvest in the facilities and equipment and overall, look for ways to continue to improve service and velocity."
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