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Port Of Baltimore Record-Setting Growth Continues

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Healthy growth for one of Maryland's biggest businesses.

Alex DeMetrick reports, records continue to be set at the Port of Baltimore.

Millions of tons and billions of dollars cargo move through the Port of Baltimore and 2015 saw more than ever.

"Great year last year for the post of Baltimore's public terminal," said Richard Scher, Port Authority spokesman.

Most of the cargo coming in and going out either in the form of shipping containers or automobiles rolling off giant floating garages.

Last year, over half a million containers, an eight percent increase.

And three-quarters of a million cars -- most of any U.S. port.

"We have a real unique geographic advantage as the closest East Coast port to the Midwest," said Scher.

And handling all that cargo builds another advantage, and experienced work force that's increased efficiency.

Future business could also be big, literally big, with an expansion of the Panama Canal ushering in the age of super-sized ships.

"There are only three ports right now that are ready to accommodate those super-sized ships; one of them is Baltimore," he added.

With tens of millions invested in Deep Water berths and some of the biggest cranes on the planet.

All that cargo also generates livelihoods with the port employing over 13,000 workers.

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