MASSPORT: Ports: About the Port: Value Added Services

Value Added Services

Boston Harbor Channel Dredging
In 1999, the Boston Harbor Navigation Improvement Project deepened key portions of Boston’s Inner Harbor, its tributary channels, and berth areas to 40’, while the berths at Conley Terminal were deepened to 45’. As Boston has a 9’ tidal range, post-Panamax vessels may enter the harbor and berth safely. This project greatly enhanced the Port of Boston’s competitive position and provided a significant economic benefit to the New England region.

Following are the depths at various points in Boston Harbor at mean low water:

Reserved Channel - 40 feet
Inner Confluence - 40 feet
Mystic River Channel - 40 feet
Chelsea Creek - 38 feet

Investment in the Port
In the last decade, Massport invested over $100 million in port infrastructure improvements. And in the coming decade, another $100 million will be invested in additional terminal equipment and facilities, Massport and the US Army Corps of Engineers are developing a plan to dredge the harbor Channels to at least 45’ from the pilot station to the Conley Terminal.

Overweight Containers
Massport, in cooperation with The Massachusetts Highway Department and the City of Boston, has developed a permitted overweight container route between Conley Terminal, near-dock sites in Boston, and the CSX rail transfer facility six miles to the west. This allows up to 99,000 lbs in gross weight of a container, chassis and tractor to move within the port district subject to permits.

The Harbor Maintenance Tax Credit
Companies that pay the federal Harbor Maintenance Tax for goods moving through Massachusetts ports are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against Massachusetts corporate excise (income) tax. Massachusetts is the only East Coast state to offer this tax credit. The Harbor Maintenance Tax credit applies to containerized cargo, break bulk cargo, and road vehicles.

Warehouse/Logistical Services
Multiple off-dock transloading facilities including warehouse space, refrigerated and freezer facilities for perishables, and several trucking operations are available close to Massport maritime facilities. More facilities are in the planning stage at the new Massachusetts Marine Terminal in South Boston.

Labor
Waterfront Labor is an integral part of the Port’s growth in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. New cranes and terminal equipment operated by skilled International Longshoremens’ Association personnel with an eye toward productivity and customer satisfaction.