State Port officials report stronger cargo volume last year

GULFPORT — The Port of Gulfport reports stronger cargo volume in 2011, handling in excess of 216,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units), which represents an increase of 3.6 percent compared to 2010.

Overall, more than 2.2 million tons of cargo moved through Gulfport, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.2 percent.

“We experienced solid growth in both container and dry bulk volumes compared to the previous year,” said Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport executive director and CEO Don Allee. “Our continued growth will depend greatly on a global economic recovery, continuing development of Port infrastructure and the effective marketing of our strategic location and long-term plans. We’ve begun the construction phase of our port restoration program, and as it progresses, expect it to capture the interest of carriers and cargo owners.”