NC Stale Ports - Stem to Stern July 2009
New services benefit NC State Ports Authority
Container shipping companies contribute to business
performance
The two new container shipping companies that began
service to the Port of Wilmington in March, Independent
Container Line and Maersk Line, plus steady volumes from
Wilmington's two weekly CKYH transpacific container
services, helped bring total fiscal year 2009 container moves
through the North Carolina port to within 4% of the
container moves recorded in fiscal year 2008. The prolonged
and deep economic recession, however, continued to erode
general cargo tonnage volumes at Wilmington and the Port
of Morehead City, with lumber, woodpulp, rubber and
cement recording the largest declines.
"Since cargo handling at the Ports of Wilmington and
Morehead City mirrors the State's economy, it is no surprise
that the prolonged economic recession affecting virtually
every business continues to impact our Ports," said NC State Ports Authority Board
Chairman Carl J. Stewart, J r. at the Authority's Board of Directors meeting today.
"In addition to securing the new container lines, the Ports Authority's work this year
with the CKYH Alliance allowed the shipping lines to realize significant inland
transportation cost savings by rerouting cargo through Wilmington that is destined for
North Carolina, away from ports to the north and south," said Thomas J. Eagar, CEO,
NC State Ports Authority.
General cargo volumes for fiscal year 2009 at North Carolina's Ports fell 8% over fiscal
year 2008, continuing the downward trend first seen in early 2007 with the softening
of the housing market. The declines in general cargo commodities largely account for
the Authority's fiscal 2009 year end loss of $4.3 million. Broad cost containment
initiatives initiated in 2007 that remain in effect helped to reduce expenses by
$700,000 in fiscal year 2009, and are projected to realize an additional cost reduction
of $700,000 in fiscal year 2010.
"While there are no signs of recovery any time soon and many experts are now saying
it will come several years beyond 2010, the Ports Authority is demonstrating that it
can operate efficiently and effectively in response to fluctuating cargo volumes, and
that it can control costs while delivering unparalleled customer service," Eagar said.
"During these uncertain economic times, the NC State Ports Authority continues its
mission to enhance the economy of the State of North Carolina," Stewart said.
Cert J. Stewart, Jr.
Chairman, NCSPA Board
July 2009
Featured Articles:
Ports Authority Board Executive
Committee approves biodiesel
storage tanks, sinkhole repairs
Two U.S. flagged vessels docked at
Port of Morehead City
Railroad finds alternative wav to
move cargo for customers
Ports Authority Board Executive Committee approves
biodiesel storage tanks, sinkhole repairs
With contract approval by the NC State Ports Authority Board of Directors' Executive
Committee, a Raleigh- based company will provide the NC State Ports Authority with
three biodiesel storage tanks and fuel systems for operating equipment at the Ports of
Wilmington and Morehead City.
The Ports Authority has been working for several years to reduce its environmental
footprint. In July 2007, the Authority adopted ultra low sulfur diesel (USLD) as its
primary off-road diesel fuel - over three years in advance of federal requirements.
Transitioning to a blend of 20% bio-product/80% USLD in port operating equipment
http://www.ncports.com/stem2stei-n_read.htm ?i=8[l/25/201 1 9:23:49 AM]