The Expected Scramble - Parts

Gina Hagler
May 7, 2024
2 min read

The Port of Baltimore is still not operating at anywhere near capacity after the collapse of the Key Bridge. That Baltimore would be severely constrained was clear from the start. The extent of those constraints on the ports and transportation network about the collapse is as expected. But just because the scramble was expected, it isn't any easier.

Why Does the Port of Baltimore Matter?

The Port of Baltimore offers the deepest harbor in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Closer to the Midwest than any other East Coast port, the Port in Baltimore City also is within an overnight drive of one-third of the nation's population.

What Is the Port Traffic?

Cargo. In 2023, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 1.3 million tons of imported roll-on/roll-off cargo (ro/ro), high and heavy farm and construction equipment. The Port is the top U.S. port for roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Containers. In 2023, the Port handled a record-setting 1.1 million TEU containers.

Cruise Lines. In 2023, cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the Port of Baltimore's cruise terminal. The Port of Baltimore's cruise industry supports over 400 jobs and brings in over $63 million to Maryland's economy.

How Many Terminals Are There?

Terminals. Handling Port traffic are five public and twelve private terminals. Public terminals include Dundalk, Fairfield, North Locust Point, Seagirt, and South Locust Point. Opened in 1990, the Seagirt Marine Terminal provides a 275-acre center for automated cargo-handling, as well as two 50-foot container berths to handle two supersized container ships at the same time. Four post-Panamax cranes, four super-post-Panamax cranes, and four Neo-Panamax cranes unload the container ships. Three post-Panamax cranes were removed in March 2023 and sent to Tampa in order for the Port of Baltimore to upgrade its infrastructure and to improve its efficiency. Additional cranes are scheduled to be added later.

What Does it Contribute to the Economy?

In Maryland's economy, the Port of Baltimore generates nearly $3.3 billion in total personal income and supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs connected to Port work. The Port also generates more than $395 million in taxes and $2.6 billion in business income. It serves over 50 ocean carriers making nearly 1,800 annual visits.

What's the Work-Around?

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali, sailing from the Port of Baltimore, struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers and blocking the Port's main channel. While the Port is closed to marine traffic, it remains open for truck transactions.