Ports America gearing up to take over intermodal transfer service in Baltimore

Under an agreement reached earlier this year, Ports America Chesapeake will assume operational responsibility for the Seagirt Container Transfer Facility at the Port of Baltimore on Oct. 31, the port terminal operator said in a statement.    Ports America Chesapeake is preparing to take over the operations of CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (CSXIT) at Seagirt Container Transfer Facility in the Port of Baltimore, the company said in a statement.
   Under an agreement reached earlier this year, the Jersey City, N.J.-based port terminal operator’s Chesapeake unit will assume operational responsibility for CSXIT services at the Seagirt facility on Oct. 31.
   Ports America Chesapeake in 2010 assumed operational control of the Seagirt Marine Terminal through a public-private partnership and began a $500 million investment program to improve efficiency at the Port of Baltimore. The 284-acre terminal features a 50-foot draft, meaning it can handle so-called ultra-large containerships with more than 15,000 TEUs of capacity, serviced by four super-post-Panamax cranes, seven post-Panamax cranes, and 16 rubber-tired gantry cranes.
   The facility will continue to serve CSX Transportation’s domestic and international intermodal rail service, connecting Maryland to Midwest and southern markets via the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Class I’s extensive rail network.
   “This seamless transition is designed to immediately enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore and position it to capture additional freight business through more efficient service, consolidating management of the operation, and enhancing service through Ports America’s on-dock handling and operational expertise,” the company said.
   “With the newly expanded Panama Canal, the Port of Baltimore is well positioned to handle increased volumes and ultra-large neo-Panamax container vessels,” added Bayard Hogans, general manager of Ports America Chesapeake. “Our four super-post-Panamax cranes and on-dock rail service gives us a higher level of competitiveness to attract new freight to the region.”