North Carolina has deepwater ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus an inland port in Charlotte, and intermodal rail access through CSX’s Carolina Connector (CCX) in Rocky Mount. The North Carolina ports also operate with a dual focus, serving both containerized and general cargo. With solid volume growth, the Ports are investing in infrastructure, technology, and equipment to drive operational efficiency for all customers.
Expanded Container Yard Boosts Rail and Refrigerated Capacity
The Port of Wilmington is expanding its container yard to increase capacity and support growth.
Work continues on the Port of Wilmington’s Refrigerated Container Yard, adding capacity to serve the port’s growing refrigerated business. The six-canopy-covered service lanes and three empty wash stations, located directly next to the Refrigerated Container Yard, are intended to streamline traffic patterns and staging for truck drivers, while improving turn times.
The port states that it is making progress on the Port of Wilmington’s new Intermodal Rail Yard. Once complete, phase one of this project will add 5,000 linear feet of working track on the terminal and expand the Port of Wilmington’s intermodal rail throughput capacity to more than 150,000 TEUs.
“This added capacity is essential to support continued growth following three consecutive years of record intermodal rail volume,” said a Port representative.
The port operates a consolidated rail system with direct connections, allowing intermodal transport of cargo to destinations across 22 states. According to port representatives, “The Port of Wilmington’s intermodal rail is served by CSX, and the Port of Morehead City is served by Norfolk Southern.”
Technology Provides Customers with Greater Visibility
The Port of Wilmington also invests in technology like its web-based Navis N4 Terminal Operating System. “This ensures that the port-user community is well-informed about the status and availability of their cargo,” explained a port representative. The port also offers a Customer Access Portal (CAP) that provides visibility directly into the port’s system, making it possible for trucking companies and drivers to pre-advise truck transactions to ensure there are no issues with an intended visit before arriving at the terminal. This improves gate operation efficiency and reduces dray times for truck drivers.
“With the Navis N 4.0 Terminal Operating System, which links the Port of Wilmington’s container and CFS operations on one platform, we leverage one Terminal Operating System to cover operations across all port facilities handling different cargo types,” said a Port representative.
Equipment and Warehouse Investments Drive Efficiency
The Port has also invested in a new gate system that features RFID technology, weigh-in motion scales, and optical character recognition portals.
“Future improvements will focus heavily on the general cargo side of the business, including a new gate for users of the Port of Wilmington’s general cargo terminal,” said a Port representative. “The new North Gate project will eliminate truck delays and bring the port entrance closer to the designated truck route and interstate network.”
To keep pace with the growing demand for general cargo services in Wilmington and Morehead City, the Port has ordered new gantry cranes for both terminals. The new cranes are expected to be delivered and in service by the first quarter of 2026.
The Port handles a wide range of cargo, including bulk, breakbulk, and roll-off, roll-on (Ro/Ro) cargo. The large, refrigerated container capacity and its cold storage hub make the Port of Wilmington a hub for agricultural and food-related industries.
“Our warehouse facilities allow us to serve multiple business sectors and support various modes of transport, from rail to truck to intermodal,” said a Port representative. The Port of Wilmington has one million square feet of covered storage with rail access to berths, transit sheds, warehouses, and open storage.
The Port of Wilmington’s general cargo terminal is equipped with covered dry bulk facilities with import conveyor systems for grain and other bulk cargo, with warehouses dedicated to on-dock container stripping and stuffing.
In December 2024, a new warehouse was completed to provide the Port of Morehead City with expanded capacity for bulk and breakbulk cargoes. Morehead City, like the Port of Wilmington, features covered dry bulk facilities and export conveyor systems.
Dual Focus is a Strategic Choice
The Port has a dual focus and is committed to ongoing investments to serve both containerized cargo and general cargo, including bulk and roll-on, roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo. The port views its commitment to diversified cargo as a strategic advantage.
“Remaining diversified continues to serve us well,” said a Port representative. “Regardless of evolving trade dynamics, our mission is unchanged: to enhance the economy of North Carolina by supporting and improving the state’s logistics network.”
Location Supports Continued Economic Growth
According to a Port representative, “The Greater Wilmington Region has become a leader in commerce and industry. From fiber optics and aircraft engines to pharmaceutical testing and plastics, this region offers an industrial base that is diverse and geared for the future.”
The Ports are a key factor in attracting new businesses and industries to the area. “An extensive highway system and mainline railroads complement the Port of Wilmington in connecting companies to buyers, suppliers, and 21st-century opportunities,” said a Port representative.
