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More Container Cargo Coming To Tampa Port

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By TED JACKOVICS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2007

Updated: 12/12/2007 08:45 pm

TAMPA - The Port of Tampa will continue its commitment to diversified operations in 2008, including an expansion of container cargo services, as it wraps up a successful year in 2007, port Director Richard Wainio said Wednesday in his annual state of the port address.

"We expect another container carrier to serve the port in the near future," Wainio said, without providing specifics.

The port plans a $40 million expansion to its container terminal between 2008 and 2013, he said.

Wainio, the port's chief executive, made good on a similar promise at a public gathering in March 2006 regarding the port's first direct trans-Pacific container cargo service, which started service about five months later.

Tampa's growth in container cargo, which generally carries consumer goods from the Far East to the United States, is helping offset declines in the port's traditional mainstay of bulk cargo. In particular, phosphate shipments have suffered from international competition.

In addition, the port expects to increase cargo operations for building materials that support growth in Central Florida, Wainio said.

The 2007 port highlights included a new $6.3 million cement terminal at Berth 26, a $20 million dredging project and new and extended leases with eight firms that will result in the port handling 8 million tons of building materials, Wainio said.

Titan Metals Service plans to open a new facility at the port in early 2008 that will have the capacity for 50,000 to 60,000 tons of steel coils annually.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 or tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

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