Portland retains status as No. 1 port

PORTLAND – Imports and exports were up 16 percent last year in Portland Harbor, helping retain its status as the nation’s No. 1 port when measured by tonnage of foreign goods continuing to other destinations.

Imports and exports increased from 29.1 million tons in 2003 to 33.8 million tons in 2004, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Petroleum products made up 99 percent of the overall tonnage, holding Portland’s position as the No. 1 oil port on the Eastern Seaboard, said Jeffrey Monroe, the city’s director of ports and transportation.

About 90 percent of the petroleum was crude oil destined for the Portland pipeline, which feeds central and western Canada.

Tonnage grew even though overall ship movement was down 11 percent, from 610 vessels in 2003 to 545 vessels last year. Monroe noted that vessels are bigger than ever, with the average tanker carrying 170 tons of oil.

The growth in tonnage over the past year comes despite recent declines in the city’s cargo and cruise ship industries.

“We have managed to maintain all of these diverse maritime industries,” Monroe said. “There are bound to be some burps to contend with. That’s the nature of the business. Our greatest strength is our diversity. It’s why we continue to thrive.”