Governor Martin O’Malley announced that the Port of Baltimore rebounded from a down 2009 calendar year caused by the economic downturn with a strong performance in calendar year 2010. In recently released maritime cargo statistics, the amount of foreign commerce through the Port’s public and private terminals was 33 million tons, a 47 percent increase over last year, and the total dollar value of cargo coming through the Port of Baltimore was $41.5 billion, a 37 percent jump from 2009.

“The Port of Baltimore’s impressive economic performance from a down year in 2009 is excellent news as we work to protect thousands of jobs for our hardworking families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Thanks to forward-thinking business partnerships that create jobs, wise infrastructure investments, and long-term contracts with major shipping lines, the Port has been able to weather a global economic downturn and is now on track toward recovery.”

Public and Private Marine Terminals
In 2010, the Port of Baltimore’s public and private terminals handled 33 million tons of foreign commerce, an increase from 22 million tons in 2009. Baltimore’s growth was aided by strong gains in exported coal and imported iron ore and salt.

Bulk cargos like sugar, salt, coal, and gypsum that are handled primarily by the private terminals reached 24 million tons, a 61 percent increase from 2009.

Imported cargo to the public and private terminals in 2010 was 15 million tons, up 26 percent from the preceding year. Exported cargo leaving the public and private berths was 18 million tons, a 72 percent jump from 2009.

Public Marine Terminals
In 2010, the amount of general cargo at the Port’s public marine terminals reached 8.1 million tons, which was up 11 percent from 7.3 million tons in 2009. General cargo is defined as non-bulk cargos. At the Port of Baltimore, the majority of general cargo includes containerized goods, autos, forest products, and roll on/roll off cargo (farm and construction equipment). The number of containers handled was up 17 percent; Auto units increased 44 percent; Pulp, which is used to produce paper towels, tissues, and other paper products was up 11 percent; Rolled paper, which is used to produce magazines and glossies was up 11 percent; and Roll on/roll off tonnage was up four percent.

Imported cargo headed to Baltimore’s public terminals reached 5.2 million tons, a 19 percent increase from 2009. Exported cargo leaving the public terminals for worldwide destinations was flat, at about 3 million tons.

Current Port Rankings
Out of about 360 U.S. ports, Baltimore remains number one for handling roll on/roll off, imported forest products, imported sugar, and imported gypsum. The Port is ranked second for exported autos and imported iron ore. Baltimore is ranked third nationally for imported autos, imported aluminum, and exported coal. Overall, Baltimore is ranked 12th for the total dollar value of cargo and 15th for cargo tonnage.