The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore delivered a record performance in 2025, with its state-owned public and private marine terminals setting new highs for cargo vessel calls and container throughput.
The results reflect the port’s return to full operations following the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, after the Fort McHenry shipping channel was cleared and commercial access restored.
For terminal operators and supply chain stakeholders, the performance points to the role of deep-water access, terminal capacity and intermodal connectivity in supporting port operations.
Gov. Wes Moore said: “The Port of Baltimore is a cornerstone of Maryland’s economy and one of the most important ports in the country.
“We are grateful to the workers whose unwavering commitment and resilience made this progress possible. Our administration will continue to promote our port’s infrastructure to strengthen our supply chains, drive economic growth in our state, and create more good-paying jobs for our people.”
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In 2025, Baltimore’s public and private cargo terminals handled 2,223 vessel calls, surpassing the previous record of 2,137 set in 2023 and representing a 21 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY).
The increase coincided with the return of liner services and higher cargo volumes following the restoration of channel access and terminal operations.
Maryland Acting Secretary of Transportation, Katie Thomson, stated: “Making certain the right investments are made to continue to grow and expand the Port of Baltimore is critical.
“The commitments we’re making now and in future years will continue to advance our multimodal freight network and further accelerate the port’s growth and generate additional jobs.”
Container operations at the Seagirt Marine Terminal reached a new benchmark, with 1.11 million TEUs handled in 2025 — more than 5,000 TEUs above the previous record set in 2023.
The terminal also recorded 689 vessel calls, nearly 100 more than the prior high. These gains were supported by an increase in weekly scheduled container services, which rose from 12 in 2024 to 15 in 2025, strengthening network connectivity and service reliability.
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Maryland Port Administration Executive Director, Jonathan Daniels, stated: “Our incredible terminal operators, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) labour force, truckers, freight forwarders, and our other valued business and supply chain partners deserve full credit for a successful 2025 for the Port of Baltimore. We have exciting things on tap for 2026 and look forward to an even more productive year.”
Looking ahead, further capacity gains are expected with the 2026 completion of the CSX Howard Street Tunnel Project.
The $518 million modernisation of the 130-year-old freight tunnel will enable double-stack container rail operations, enhancing hinterland reach, improving rail efficiency, and strengthening Baltimore’s competitive position among East Coast container gateways.
The project is forecast to add approximately 160,000 containers annually and support nearly 14,000 jobs.
