NC ports posted volume gains in 2011

   Container volume grew 11.2 percent to 287,467 TEUs at the Port of Wilmington, the North Carolina State Ports Authority said last week.
   Bulk and breakbulk tonnage increased 16 percent in Wilmington over 2010 to 1.7 million tons, while in Morehead City those categories recorded a 2 percent increase to 1.9 million tons. Breakbulk cargo increased 8 percent at that two state ports.
   The Port of Wilmington experienced significant gains in animal feed and grain imports for livestock producers in southeastern North Carolina, according to the port authority.
   The growth of container volumes was strong considering the overall flat market for TEUs at U.S. ports. East Coast ports experienced modest growth compared to West Coast ports. North Carolina’s performance was better than most ports, but was off a much smaller base than large ports with a million TEUs or more. 
   Officials said Morehead City benefited from the return of wood chip export operations after a 10-year hiatus. The operation currently exports soft wood chips to Turkey for the manufacture of medium density fiberboard. Since July, more than 133,000 tons have been exported from the port.