PORT OF BOSTON POSTS 30% RISE IN EXPORT CONTAINERS

PORT OF BOSTON POSTS 30% RISE IN EXPORT CONTAINERS    The Massachusetts Port Authority said Thursday that containers volume through Boston’s port increased 9.7 percent in 2002, including a 30-percent gain in export containers.
   The port’s Conley Maritime Terminal handled 145,474 TEUs in 2002, compared to 132,665 TEUs in 2001.
   “Much of this is new growth, attributable to increased trade with Asia,” said Mike Leone, Massport’s director of the port.
   Direct ship calls from China Ocean Shipping Company, 'K' Line, Yang Ming, and Hanjin have had “a huge impact on container operations here,” Leone said.
   “Mediterranean Shipping Co. also increased its weekly service to Boston from Europe, he said.
   Export TEUs increased to 38,879 from 29,810 in 2001, while export tons rose last year to 346,654 from 266,203 in 2001.
   Imported containers increased 7.3 percent to 70,128 TEUs.
   The Conley Terminal’s gate facility where trucks are processed recorded 136,725 gate moves in 2002, up 4.4 percent.
   The port of Boston’s ranking imported products in 2002 included alcoholic beverages, frozen fish, footwear and furniture. Top exported products included hides, logs and lumber, paper and paper ware.