NY/NJ Port sets volume record

Port of New York/New Jersey set a new record in 2000. The Port Authority begins a five-year, $1.8 billion redevelopment of facilities, according to statistics released by Port Commerce Director

The port's market share in the US North Atlantic also grew to 57.9% in 2000, up from 57.4% in 1999. The Port of New York/New Jersey handled more cargo than its top four competitors combined.

"These numbers reflect the improved competitiveness of the New York and New Jersey port that has resulted from investments we have undertaken, such as enhanced rail and road access and channel and berth deepening projects," says Port Authority chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg.

Total container volumes measured in 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) surpassed the 3 million mark for the first time in the port's history, a 6% increase over the 2.8 million TEUs handled in 1999. Loaded TEUs reported by the Port Import-Export Reporting System (PIERS) were 2.2 million in 2000, a 10.8% increase over 1999.

Total bulk cargo volumes grew from more than 42 million metric tons in 1999, to more than 46 million metric tons in 2000, an 8.8% increase. Total cargo volumes (bulk and general cargo combined) grew by 9.7% in 2000, from 59 million metric tons in 1999 to 64.8 million metric tons in 2000.

The port retained its position as the number one automobile handler in the nation, handling 564,718 units in 2000, compared with 519,214 in 1999 an 8.8% increase. While automobile exports were down more than 25%, from 49,348 units in 1999 to 36,896 units in 2000, imports were up 12.3 percent from 469,866 in 1999 to 527,822 in 2000.

Port rail traffic also grew. ExpressRail volume for the year 2000 reached 178,002 containers-a 12.1 % increase over the 158,761 containers handled in 1999.