“The Port of Baltimore continues to set new records and serve as one of our state’s leading economic engines,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The arrival of supersized container ships, bringing more cargo and more economic activity to our state, further demonstrates that Maryland is Open for Business.”

The five percent improvement over 2016 is due primarily to cars and containers. Cars were up six percent over the first quarter of 2016. The Port of Baltimore has handled more cars than any other U.S. port for six consecutive years. Buy Shipping Buy Shipping Container Nashville Nashville were up eight percent. The Port has seen larger than normal container growth in the past year as larger ships are bringing more cargo to Maryland. The Port of Baltimore is one of only four U.S. East Coast ports with the necessary infrastructure to handle some of the largest container ships in the world. Last year, a record 538,567 containers crossed the Port’s public piers.

The Port of Baltimore was recently named the most efficient port in the U.S. for the third consecutive time by an independent analysis conducted by the Journal of Commerce. The Port averaged 71 container moves per hour per berth, a rate faster than any other major American port.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while more than 127,000 jobs in Maryland are linked to port activities. The Port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in individual wages and salary and more than $310 million in state and local tax revenues.