Port Of Baltimore Sets 2 New Performance Records

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Governor Larry Hogan is in South Korea working to strengthen Maryland's economic ties to the region.

This--as the Port of Baltimore sets two new performance records for general cargo and containers being handled.

Tracey Leong explains why this is vital for economic growth.

Both of these records were set in March, proving the Port of Baltimore is one of the most successful ports in the country.

A major accomplishment for the Port of Baltimore--setting not one, but two new records--moving 913,139 tons of general cargo and 49,971 containers in March.

That's a 14 percent increase in general cargo and 53 percent increase in containers compared to 2014.

"Really a great sign, not only for a productive port, but obviously for jobs," said Richard Scher, Maryland Port Administration.

The port is generating thousands of jobs and paying out more than $3 billion in wages.

The port's success due to several factors--one of those being the big ticket items like autos and heavy machinery crossing the docks--and the other—location--it's the closest East Coast port to the Midwest.

"Those manufacturers can get their equipment to the Port of Baltimore quicker and cheaper than going to another port that's not close to the Midwest," Scher said.

The Port of Baltimore is one of the largest economic generators in the state--Governor Larry Hogan saying: "When the Port succeeds, Maryland succeeds."

In 2014, the Port of Baltimore handled 29.5 tons of international cargo with a value of $52.5 billion, ranking ninth in the United States for foreign cargo value.

"Some really good built-in benefits that really put us head and shoulder with other ports," said Scher.

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

Last year, the Port set an annual record--9.7 million tons of general cargo and 484,410 containers.