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No Changes At Tampa Port Despite Cargo Tonnage Decline

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2009

TAMPA - No changes in Tampa Port Authority staffing or operations are expected in 2009 despite an 8.4 percent decline in cargo tonnage last year and a gloomy outlook for an economic recovery this year, port director Richard Wainio said this morning.

Wainio predicted 2009 could be difficult for many in the port community.

"But our decline is not as severe as others," he said at the monthly port authority meeting.

The port authority reported $39.2 million in operating revenue in 2008, compared with $36.9 million in 2007.

Container cargo in Tampa rose contrary to the nationwide trend, up 11.6 percent to 44,265 20-foot equivalent containers in fiscal 2008. That compares with a 7 percent decline nationwide.

Container cargo shipments of high-value consumer goods provide the port a higher proportion of jobs and revenue compared with bulk shipments of liquid and dry bulk cargo because more handling is required, from crane operators to truck drivers.

"You no longer can simply measure a port's performance by tonnage or ship movements," Wainio said.

"It really is a good snapshot of our economy when you look at the commodities going through our port," Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said. "It shows the slowdown in construction. Steel is down. Cement is down."

Wainio said passengers generally make cruise bookings six to 12 months in advance so the poor economy could affect bookings late this year and early next year.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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