The Port of Mobile in Alabama has seen outstanding growth in containerised cargo volumes from the beginning of the year until August as shippers seek uncongested gateways servicing key markets in the northern United States.
Particularly, the Port of Mobile has handled 327,003TEU during the first eight months of the year, which translates to an increase of 27% compared to the same period of the previous year.
"If this pace holds, the port’s yearend volume could top 500,000TEU," pointed out the US port, which believes the success is driven by the 37% increase in refrigerated containers, due to nearly US$74 million investment in refrigerated facilities to support cold cargo supply chains.
Furthermore, the Mobile Port’s new container intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF) also saw increased volume as shippers opt to utilise the port for rail service into Midwest and Canadian markets.
Therefore, the ICTF, operated by APM Terminals Mobile, had its highest throughput ever in August, bringing year-to-date volume to 13,662 box moves, completing a spike of 200% over the corresponding period last year.
APM Terminals Mobile added two additional rubber-tire gantry cranes earlier this month to support throughput demand and maintain efficiencies at the ICTF. Brian Harold, Managing Director of APM Terminals Mobile, noted, “volume through Mobile is growing at an accelerated pace as customers take advantage of consistent service and ample capacity.”
The added vessel calls to support Asia trade combined with retail consumption and congestion through traditional west coast gateways, contributed to shifts in supply chains as shippers seek both capacity and faster service into Memphis and Chicago, said the Port Authority.
"Mobile has steadily invested in its container terminals to provide growth-oriented capacity, streamline operations and enhance services," said Beth Branch, Chief Commercial Officer for the Alabama State Port Authority, who added that "the Port expects growth will remain constant primarily due to shipper confidence in Mobile’s ability to service these markets."
