The ‘E’ Award was created in 1961 to recognise persons, firms or organisations that contribute significantly towards increasing US exports. The MPA was awarded this special distinction for its increased export business over the past few years. The MPA, which also won the ‘E’ award in 1964, is only the 23rd port organisation out of 361 in the US to win the highly acclaimed recognition, and only the fourth port to win the award twice.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the MPA, labour and the entire port community,” said Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “From 2002 through 2006, general cargo exported from the Port’s public marine terminals grew by 42%. Some specific export categories increased over 100%.”
From 2002 to 2006, general cargo exported from the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals grew from 1.8m tonnes to 2.5m tonnes. In the same period, ro-ro export cargo (farm and construction equipment) went from 128,204 tons to 306,498 tons, a 139% increase. Auto exports increased from 28,804 units to 77,525 units, a jump of 169%.
Founded in 1706, the Port of Baltimore today generates $2bn annually in business revenues. It employs around 19,000 people directly, and supports another 80,000 at import/export companies. It is ranked number one in the US for ro-ro cargo, and is a leading handler of vehicles and woodpulp. In the most recent national cargo rankings, it was ranked 14th for total cargo tonnage and 12th in terms of total value of cargo.
