The US government is committing almost half a billion dollars to improve port infrastructure, strengthen cargo-handling capabilities and enhance supply chain performance across the country. The funding will support container terminals, heavy-lift equipment, refrigerated cargo facilities and technologies designed to improve operational visibility.
The investment forms part of a $498 million funding package awarded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), administered by the US Department of Transportation in coordination with the Maritime Administration. The latest allocation covers 35 projects across 19 states.
Announcing the awards, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the strategic importance of port infrastructure to the national economy. He said the investment would finance essential improvements at ports across the United States, with the aim of strengthening supply chains, reducing shipping costs and supporting the creation of well-paid jobs.
Massive investment in container terminal infrastructure
Major funding is to go to several projects that will improve berth capacity, accommodate heavier equipment and extend cargo-handling capabilities.
Jaxport has secured $40 million for phase one of the Blount Island Marine Terminal Berth Modernization plan in Jacksonville, Florida. Work will include reconstruction of about 900 linear feet of berth including heavy-duty crane rails and increasing the load bearing capacity of the structure.
The Port of Vancouver, Washington is getting $18 million to reinforce Berth 8 with fiber-reinforced polymer materials. Also included in the project is the installation of a rotating container handler and the adaptation of mobile harbor cranes for the handling of heavy cargo.
A $11.38 million grant will pay for upgrades to mooring bollards at Washington United Terminals in Tacoma so larger container vessels can be accommodated. Also included in the project is the construction of concrete runways for rubber-tire gantry cranes.
Portage, Indiana’s Burns Harbor has picked up $11.2 million to purchase mobile harbor cranes, reach stackers and other heavy cargo handling equipment further inland. The investment is aimed at facilitating the launch of a new container service on the Great Lakes.
Penn Terminals of Eddystone, Pa., will receive $11.25 million to modernize and consolidate its cold-chain operations. The infrastructure will comprise 840 refrigerated container plugs and reefer rack systems, all of them being directly connected to shore power to support handling of temperature sensitive cargo.
Funding also aimed at liquid bulk security
The federal program is not only for container terminals. There are also funds for projects in other cargo segments and port operations.
Slip 1 at Port Everglades, Florida is being relocated and widened by a $30.75 million project funded by the government. The initiative is part of a broader plan for the improvement of port infrastructure and the upgrade of facilities catering to liquid bulk operations.
Technology investment for improved supply chain visibility
The program also focuses on digital infrastructure and surveillance capabilities.
Texas’ Port of Corpus Christi will receive $7.15 million to buy SONAR equipment, high-definition cameras and transponders. These technologies will provide continuous situational awareness across connected pipeline, rail, road and waterway networks.
The project aims to improve visibility across a number of transport modes, allowing for improved monitoring of supply chain activity and awareness of operational conditions across the port’s logistics network.
As part of a $498 million funding round, the US Department of Transportation will steer federal investment toward a wide range of port infrastructure needs, such as physical terminal upgrades, cold-chain capacity, liquid bulk facilities and technology to enhance supply chain visibility.
