MassPort to Increase Cargo

Interesting story. Here is part or the full story:



The Massachusetts Port Authority will develop a new port plan that outlines additional facilities, land and transportation infrastructure needed to support the growth of Boston’s cargo and cruise ship operations through 2025. The agency is looking for a consultant to help assess further expansion possibilities and financing sources for its South Boston maritime facilities. “We’re looking for a strategic plan that will look at global economics regarding world trade,” said port director Michael Leone said. “It’s imperative that we develop the infrastructure, water depth, roadway system and container handling space to meet this increase in trade.”

Massport has seen 6 percent to 9 percent annual growth in container cargo operations for the last three years. “We expect that growth to continue, and we expect some of the growth to be coming from trade that will be moving into South China and the Indian subcontinent and into the U.S. East Coast through the Suez Canal,” Leone said.

Massport is increasing the cargo-handling capacity at the Conley Container Terminal by 50 percent under a two-year project that will be finished this summer, but more capacity will be needed to handle future growth. The Massport Marine Terminal also is being redeveloped as a cargo warehouse and bulk cargo facility.