Port Manatee’s container volumes surge 36%

The gulf coast port handled 12,653 TEUs during the first half of its fiscal year 2016, which ended March 31, a 36 percent year-over-year increase.    Port Manatee, situated in the eastern Gulf of Mexico at the entrance of Tampa Bay, handled 12,653 TEUs during the first half of its fiscal year 2016, which ended March 31, a 36 percent year-over-year increase, the port said.
   Imported container volumes alone surged 40 percent from the corresponding period a year earlier to 7,398 TEUs.
   In terms of overall tonnage, Port Manatee handled 3.3 million tons of cargo in the first half of FY 2016, a 5.7 percent year-over-year increase driven by the handling of additional project cargo and gains in the liquid bulk sector.
   “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,” Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras said. “Furthermore, as we successfully advance our economy-energizing diversification strategy, we are seeing meaningful gains in overall tonnage moving through the port.”