Double-digit cargo volume growth and record-breaking gate moves in the Port of Boston were reflected in recent reports released by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). From January through September 2004, overall cargo volumes rose 15% to 101,869 TEUs (twenty- foot equivalent units) from 87, 892 as reported during the same period in 2003. Overall container tonnage rose 16% to 1,001,516 tons from 866,028 during this same time.
A new record was set when the number of trucks processed through Conley Container Terminal averaged 753 per day during the week of October 18-22, 2004, surpassing the previous record of 740 per day reported during the week of October 19-23, 1998, with turn around time averaging less than 50 minutes.
Contributing to the increase in cargo volumes in Boston are the expanded vessel calls in port. Since Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) doubled its Boston service last year to two weekly calls from Europe, and since direct Far East service from the alliance of Cosco, K-Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin (CKYH) began more than two years ago, shippers have more options to reach global markets through the Port of Boston. The Port of Boston also provides weekly barge service to and from New York via Columbia Coastal Transport. In total, nearly twenty ocean carriers serve the Port of Boston.
Boston, like many other ports in the United States is experiencing a rise in cargo volumes due to overall increased global trade with Asia, said Mike Leone, port director. We are pleased that we can serve global transportation needs of the New England trade community with a variety of water services calling in Boston.
Terminal enhancements have also contributed to the port's growth, improving overall efficiencies and resulting in higher productivity rates. Massport's Conley Terminal boasts a 45 ft depth at its berth, four post-panamax cranes, modern yard equipment including several rubber tire gantry cranes, a fleet of bomb carts and a high-tech gate system as well as a skilled labor force. Container moves in Boston consistently register in the high twenties on average, making it one of the most efficient terminals on the East coast.
As Boston nears the completion of its massive public works project known as the Big Dig, travelers are experiencing efficient connections from Conley Terminal to the interstate highway system and its nearby rail facility.