By Erica Thomas, Managing Editor
The Alabama State Port Authority announced a record increase in volume this year through the Port of Mobile.
The Authority said in a press release that shippers searching for uncongested gateways into North America recognized the opportunity in the south Alabama port. Part of the shift to the Mobile port is also due to support of Asia trade, as well as more consumer consumption. As for the other congested ports, shippers have been able to make quicker shipments to Memphis and Chicago via the Port of Mobile.
This year, the port is expected to top 500,000 20 ft. containers.
“In August, container volume through the Port of Mobile increased 34 percent over August 2020 volume, while year-to-date volume posted 27 percent over the same period last year,” Judith Adams, Vice President of Internal/External Affairs said in the release. “Part of that success is tied to a 37 percent increase in refrigerated containers due to nearly $74 million in refrigerated facilities investment at the Port to support cold cargo supply chains.”
“Mobile has steadily invested in its container terminals to provide growth-oriented capacity, streamline operations and enhance services,” said Beth Branch, Chief Commercial Officer for the Alabama State Port Authority. “The Port expects growth will remain constant primarily due to shipper confidence in Mobile’s ability to service these markets.”
“The Port’s new container intermodal container transfer facility also saw increased volume as shippers opt to utilize Mobile for rail service into Midwest and Canadian markets,” Adams added. “The ICTF had its highest throughput ever in August bringing year-to-date volume to 13,662 container moves – reaching a 200 percent gain over the same period last year.
Brian Harold, Managing Director of APM Terminals Mobile, noted, “volume through Mobile is growing at an accelerated pace as customers take advantage of consistent service and ample capacity.”
The Alabama State Port Authority oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile.
