Corey Heim, NC World Trade Cape Fear Chapter President, left, and Tom Eagar, NC State Ports Authority CEO at the annual "State of the Port" address held in Wilmington Nov. 17, 2009. Photo by Susan Pridgen.

WILMINGTON, NC – Although global shipping industry experts are not predicting significant recovery for another 12 to 18 months, the North Carolina State Ports Authority is experiencing double digit growth in its container shipping volumes and is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring economic development and jobs to the State of North Carolina.

During the annual “State of the Ports” address on November 17 to over 100 people at the Cape Fear Chapter, NC World Trade Association luncheon meeting in Wilmington, Ports Authority CEO Thomas J. Eagar reported a 28% increase in container moves for the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 over the same period last year. 

Mr. Eagar attributed the growth to the increases realized by two new container shipping services that began in March 2009: Maersk Shipping’s weekly calls between the Port of Wilmington and Central America, and Independent Container Line’s weekly calls between Wilmington, northern Europe and the United Kingdom. Mr. Eagar also said that Wilmington’s two weekly transpacific services are experiencing good volumes as they divert North Carolina-destined cargo from competing ports to take advantage of the lower costs and superior service available at Wilmington.

The Ports general cargo volumes, particularly as related to the housing, construction and automotive industries, have continued to decline as demand remains slow for goods and housing. Mr. Eagar reported that lumber volumes, for example have dropped 90% among all U.S. East Coast Ports, and 56% at North Carolina’s Ports. To address these fluctuating cargo volumes, the Ports Authority has continued aggressive cost containment measures that have been in place for nearly three years, while delivering award-winning service to its customers.

The Ports Authority’s focus on port infrastructure development includes seeking grant funding to resume the reconstruction of one of the Port of Wilmington’s container berths to extend the capabilities of the 100-foot gauge container cranes. Mr. Eagar also said that preliminary plans are progressing for development of the new container terminal, the NC International Terminal in Brunswick County, approximately 20 miles south of the Port of Wilmington and four miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun the reconnaissance study for the deepening of the navigation channel to the NCIT, while the NC Department of Transportation is conducting a feasibility study for highway transportation to serve the new terminal.

In addressing port infrastructure development, Mr. Eagar reminded the audience that North Carolina Ports have been committed to sustainable, environmentally responsible operations for several years, and to continually seek cleaner, greener alternatives. The Authority recently began converting its on-port operating equipment to a 20% blend biodiesel fuel, which will be used in combination with the ultra low sulfur diesel that the Authority has been using for over two years. The Authority also uses a completely biodegradable lubricant in its operating equipment and is refitting the equipment with diesel emission control devices and particulate matter filters. The Authority is also retrofitting warehouse lighting with high efficiency florescent light fixtures.

While the global economic recession has been deeper and more prolonged than predicted a year ago, Mr. Eagar said he is confident that the NC State Ports Authority has taken the steps necessary to be successful as the economy progresses towards recovery and to ensure robust growth when international trade and global shipping have responded.

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