Horizon chief calls for port spending prioritization

Horizon chief calls for port spending prioritization Horizon Lines' Charles G. 'Chuck' Raymond called for the creation of a national port plan would prioritize federal funding of port projects, such as dredging and inland infrastructure construction.
   Raymond, chief executive of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Jones Act carrier, said “a strategic approach to port development within a national freight transportation funding framework will play a key role in creating a viable Marine Highway system.”
   He made his remarks at the North America’s Marine Highways Conference.
   “Gateway ports with deep water will serve the large containerships and the primary metropolitan consumer markets. Regional ports will provide the intermodal safety valve served by a network of smaller container vessels and ro/ro (roll-on/roll-off) ships, offering fast connections and efficient service to local markets. Inland ports will develop efficient highway alternatives, supporting barge and ferry networks,” Raymond predicted.