Proactive infrastructure investment and a wave of direct cargo calls continue to increase truck driving opportunities at the Port of Philly.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was far ahead of the supply chain disruption curve when he called for a $300 million capital investment in the port back in 2016. Doubling down on shipping growth, Gov. Wolf added another $246 million to the Port of Philly in February 2022.
“The port is an economic driver, not only in Philadelphia, but across the commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf reportedly said. “The port supports jobs, encourages trade, and builds connections that help businesses and communities across Pennsylvania thrive.”
That foresight proved true when the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) pulled the trigger on direct routes from India, Italy, and Portugal, calling the service “Indus 2.” On Wednesday, April 27, the Port of Philly welcomed the maiden call of the ocean liner MSC Michaela, which transports upwards of 6,730 TEUs.
“Shippers want more efficient options, and this new India/Med service fits perfectly into our wheelhouse,” PhilaPort CEO Jeff Theobald reportedly said.
The service comes on the heels of MSC and others utilizing shipping lines with direct connections to Bremerhaven (Germany), Gothenburg (Sweden), and Klaipeda (Lithuania). Stops on the rotation also position Port of Philly with Gdynia (Poland), Goteborg (Sweden), New York, and Norfolk, Virginia.
“A weekly Baltic call fits perfectly into our portfolio of services,” Theobald reportedly said. “MSC is the largest container shipping company in the world. It is also the Number 1 carrier in The Port of Philadelphia. Cargoes to and from Germany are important. However, we are also excited that Scan Baltic gives us access to all the other Baltic countries for cargoes such as forest products and seafood.”
The Port of Philly posted a 15 percent increase in 2021 TEUs at 739,323. Tonnage also swelled by 10 percent, reaching 7,062,523. Those figures shattered the peak volume record of 6,868,747 metric tons set in 2017.
The U.S. Department of Transportation selected the port to receive a $49 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant from the $1.2 trillion federal spending package. These investments continue to expand the port’s ability to service more cargo vessels as truck drivers gain wage-earning opportunities.
“PhilaPort is the fastest growing port in the United States, serving as a crucial point of connection between our country and the rest of the world, and providing our region with good, family-sustaining jobs,” said state Senator Nikil Saval reportedly said. “This investment in PhilaPort will help solidify Pennsylvania’s preeminence along the Eastern Seaboard in ensuring the smooth transit of essential supplies.”
Sources: scmp.com, porttechnology.org, ajot.com
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