May container volumes remained robust at the Port of Mobile posting 225,883 TEUs or an 11.6% gain over volumes handled during the same period last year. May 2022 container volumes at the Port of Mobile were down 6%, handling 41,232 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) versus 43,865 TEUs handled in May 2021. May’s dip in container terminal volumes reflected the volatility of Trans-Pacific trade associated with prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in China.  

The Port’s intermodal rail growth in May exceeded expectations, with 208% growth compared to May in 2021. Year-to-date 2022 intermodal rail volumes remained in triple digits with 130% growth over the same time-period in 2021. Refrigerated cargoes in May also saw a 43% increase over May 2021.  

The Port of Mobile’s 225,883 TEUs handled puts the port on track to post another record-breaking year as the container carriers move into the peak season and China begins to open up. In calendar year 2021, the Port of Mobile posted a record 502,623 TEUs. If container volumes hold their pattern, the port could surpass 542,000 TEUs lifts.

“The Port of Mobile is enjoying rapid pace growth, and while there are a lot of numbers here, the bottom line is that shippers are finding our gateway efficient and service oriented,” said director and chief executive officer, John Driscoll.  

In keeping ahead of the growth and shipper demand, the Alabama Port Authority, and its partner, APM Terminals, are investing to ensure fluidity and capacity for business. Newly announced investments include the phase four container terminal expansion, and an on-dock intermodal rail solution adding capacity and efficiencies through the gateway. The $104 million expansion program with APM Terminals adds 32 acres to the existing 134-acre marine terminal and increases annual throughput capacity to 1 million TEUs. The Port Authority will also invest an additional $38 million in an inter-terminal connector between the container terminal and the intermodal rail facility and adjacent logistics park, along with some at-grade improvements to support warehouse and distribution facilities.  

The Alabama Port Authority oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile. The Port Authority’s container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems, five Class 1 railroads, nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways and air cargo connections.