CSX buys bulk export terminal in Tampa

   CSX Corp. said Wednesday that it purchased a phosphate export terminal in Tampa, Fla., from the Ingram Barge Co.
   The Eastern Associated Terminal is adjacent to CSX’s Rockport terminal on Tampa Bay and the two facilities will be merged into one operation.
   The terminals are used to ship phosphate from Central Florida’s Bone Valley mining region. Together, they sit on more than 300 acres with more than 25 miles of track, warehousing and loading systems. The footprint of the combined terminals allows for expansion and capacity for 1 million additional export tons.
   The Jacksonville-based railroad said it will seek additional commodity export opportunities and add import bulk business in the future.
   The new Rockport Terminals operation will be led by Shantel Johnson-Davis, who was promoted to assistant vice president and general manager for phosphates and fertilizers after leading CSX’s phosphates sales and marketing efforts in Tampa. CSX said it is adding 12 new positions to its current staff of 25. – Eric Kulisch