The slowdown in the global economy in the previous two years has had a tremendous negative impact on the maritime industry around the world. Despite the challenges the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport handled over 2.15 million tons of cargo in 2010. The 2010 figure exceeded 2009 by nearly 6%. “There was also noted improvement in container activity as compared to the previous twelve months,” said Don Allee, Mississippi State Port Executive Director. “Gulfport handled over 208,000 TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2010, which represents an increase of nearly 5% as compared to 2009,” Allee added. Cargo growth, in 2010 is attributed to an increase, in general containerized cargo and non-containerized bulk activity.

Throughput at the Port of Gulfport in 2011 will depend greatly on the recovery of the global economy, the continued development of port infrastructure and the marketing of restored port facilities and enhanced services. The State Port’s Revitalization Program continues to advance rapidly and its progress is already capturing the attention of carriers and cargo owners throughout the world. Thanks to the efforts of the entire port community, the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport continues to strongly maintain its position as the third busiest container port in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.