Advertiser Spotlight Breakbulk & Project Cargo
Port of Baltimore
After many decades, earlier this year the Port of Baltimore leaped over a longtime hurdle and began operating doublestacked containers on rail following an expansion of the city’ s 131-year-old Howard Street Tunnel. With the ability to double stack, Baltimore becomes the quickest, most efficient route to Chicago and the Midwest.
Double stacking will increase the Port of Baltimore’ s container volumes, add approximately 13,000 new jobs, and complement the expansion of the Seagirt Marine Terminal, operated by Ports America Chesapeake. Since 2010, Ports America has invested over $ 600 million in infrastructure, equipment and technology improvements that have helped to make Seagirt one of the most efficient container ports in the nation.
The double-stack news follows a record year for container handling at the Port of Baltimore. In 2025, the port handled 1.1 million TEUs and increased its weekly container ship calls to 15, up from 12 in 2024. In August, Baltimore welcomed its newest container business, MSC’ s Dragon service, opening another Asia and Mediterranean string for the port.
Baltimore is known in the maritime shipping industry as being one of the most cargo-diverse ports in the US, and roll-on / roll-off high-and-heavy cargo is another key focus for the port. In 2025, Baltimore again finished first among all US ports for that commodity and was tracking ahead of last year’ s volumes in the first half of 2026.
Another key targeted commodity in Baltimore’ s profile is autos. Last year, the port finished second among all US ports in auto handling with over 726,000 cars and light trucks. With six on-dock auto processors, experienced and skilled labor, and Baltimore’ s geographic location as the closest East Coast port to the Midwest, there is no better port for handling autos.
Breakbulk and project cargo is another specialty for Baltimore. From power generation machinery to subway cars to military equipment, Baltimore’ s direct-to-rail capabilities make it the best choice for any breakbulk cargo.
No matter the cargo, Baltimore can handle it!
In September, Ports America Chesapeake will open a new, on-dock grain transload facility at Seagirt to allow farmers to bring their grains directly into the Port of Baltimore for export.
22 Journal of Commerce | September 2026 www. joc. com