Wilmington port is on track for a record year in container volume, due in part to a slew of new services connecting North Carolina to Asian markets and some diversions from the U.S. West Coast.Port congestion on the East Coast the kind seen in Virginia, for example, over the past two months could also be playing a hand, driving traffic to the port in southeast North Carolina.
In the third quarter, from January to March this year, Wilmington’s container volume rose 16.8 percent increase year-over-year to 72,142 TEUs. In March alone, the port handled 27,606 TEUs, a 34 percent increase year-over-year.Asia imports are driving that growth, according to data from PIERS, a sister company of JOC.com within IHS Maritime & Trade. Imports from the Far East were up 89 percent in March year-over-year, and 49 percent higher than in February.
This fiscal year the port has already handled 223,332 TEUs, just 67,000 TEUs shy of the port’s 2011 record.Despite surging volumes, the port said has also managed to remain congestion free. That could make it an attractive alternative to some shippers frustrated with delays at Virginia, where harbor truckers have reported hour-long waits at gates.
The average time it takes a truck to drop-off or pick-up a load at the Port of Wilmington is 17.4 minutes per turn, equating to a roughly 35 minute turn for a double move, according to the port authority.
“Ports on the U.S. West Coast, as well as many right here on the U.S. East Coast, are dealing with major congestion,” port CEO Paul J. Cozza said in a statement. “Shippers are beginning to look for alternatives. Our lack of congestion and unrivaled customer service make us a viable option for carriers and beneficial cargo owners alike.”
Container volume at North Carolina ports statewide — including terminals in Wilmington, Morehead City and two inland terminals — increased 20 percent in the third quarter year-over-year, according to the port authority.
