Maersk Returns To Port Of Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The most prominent shipping company, Maersk, is now at the Port of Baltimore, resuming operations after leaving nearly two decades ago.

WJZ's Tracey Leong explains.

The Port of Baltimore is already one of the most successful ports in the country. With the addition of Maersek, it is now home to the four largest shipping companies in the world.

Partnering up for success, the dominant shipping company Maersk returns to the Port of Baltimore.

"We're creating more jobs and opportunities for our citizens," said Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford.

More than 100,000 jobs are already linked to the port, paying out nearly $3 billion in wages.

"It's great to be able to talk about new services, about growth, about opportunities," David Zimmeramaan, VP of North American Sales for Maersk, said.

Maersk plans to bring in 31,000 containers a year, boosting record numbers the Port of Baltimore already pulls in.

The port set two performance records several months ago -- a 14 percent increase in general cargo and 53 percent jump in containers compared to 2014.

And as one of the fastest and most efficient ports on the East Coast, it's leading the nation for handling cars, construction machinery and sugar.

"A great post is a critical economical asset for Maryland," the lieutenant governor said.

A desirable choice worldwide, the return of industry leader Maersk promises a bright future for Maryland's economy.

"We are going to work together to create opportunities, we are going to work together to continue this economic engine that is Baltimore," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.

Last year, the Port of Baltimore set a record for international cargo, handling nearly 30 million tons valued around $53 billion.

More than 100,000 jobs are linked to the Port of Baltimore.