Port Manatee has reported a 36% year-on-year increase in containerised cargo in the first half of the fiscal year.
During the six-month period from October 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016, Port Manatee docks saw moves of more than 12,600 TEU, up from more than 9,300 TEU in H1, in the year prior.
Imported TEUs increased 40%, to more than 7,300 TEUs from more than 5,200 TEU.
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Carlos Buqueras, Executive Director at Port Manatee, said: “With World Direct Shipping increasing imports of refrigerated produce in its weekly service from Mexico, as well as consistent inbound shipments by longtime tenant Fresh Del Monte Produce, Port Manatee is extending a positive trend in the container sector.
“Furthermore, as we successfully advance our economy-energizing diversification strategy, we are seeing meaningful gains in overall tonnage moving through the port.”
Technical Paper: Port Manatee Car Terminal Development
In the six month period from October 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016, Port Manatee handled more than three million tonnes of cargo, which was up 5.7% from the more than 2.8 million tonnes in the comparable year-earlier fiscal half.
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Fact file: Port Manatee is the closest US deep-water seaport to the expanding Panama Canal, with ten 40-foot draft berths serving container, bulk, breakbulk, heavylift, project and general cargo customers.