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RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

SHIFTS IN GLOBAL TRADE BRING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
SUBTITLE
The year 2021 was a transformational one for the A few of the many highlights from 2021 include
Port, characterized by our response to the rapid shipments of “torque tubes” (used in commercial
and unprecedented changes in global supply solar power projects as far away as
chains. Increased demand for goods, Massachusetts), various animal feeds and grains
compounded with the COVID pandemic, severely formerly shipped in containers, geothermal
a ected West Coast container ports, forcing energy cargo, and new cargoes such as bulk
shippers to look for alternatives. The Port, along mineral sands, bagged sugar, and palletized auto
with other West Coast general cargo ports, were parts. Other highlights include significant
quickly identified by shippers and shipping lines increases in cement, steel, bulk fertilizer, coal,
as alternatives to more congested container ports. food oils, and bagged rice tonnages.
The shift to general cargo ports has resulted in
previously containerized cargo now shipping as The Port also acquired two Liebherr 550 Mobile
break bulk – bags of animal feed and fertilizer, Harbor Cranes in 2021. These flexible cranes
pallets of auto parts, solar project components, to are themselves victims of supply chain
name a few, all crossing the Port’s docks in 2021. constraints, as the arrival of necessary parts was
delayed for months. It seems these cranes will
The Port was quick to react to the increased be very busy in 2022!
demand, developing creative and innovative
solutions for shippers seeking relief from While 2021 was a year of change in the global
unprecedented supply chain challenges. The supply chain, it also presented opportunities for
result was a record year – in terms of tonnage and the Port to serve a broader customer base and
the number of vessel calls. The prospects for generate greater impact as a driver of regional
another strong year in 2022 are encouraging, as economic development and job creation. 2022
shippers are becoming more aware of the Port’s promises to be another strong year, one full of
capabilities and are eager to make their supply challenges and opportunities for the Port.
chains more resilient.

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