Jon Nass, Chief Executive Officer of the Maine Port Authority (MPA) gave Portland Rotary an inside look at the history and development of the Port of Portland and the benefits to Maine of international trade, specifically ocean-based trade through our International Marine Terminal here in Portland.
Responding to John Thompson’s introduction about the Red Jacket, built in Rockland ME, which set the US clipper ship record for an Atlantic crossing, Jon Ness mentioned that Maine’s sea dominance is evident in all the stately sea captain homes up the coast of Maine. Last year, with the Port of Portland grossing $460 million, we are returning to an important leadership position.
The mission of the Maine Port Authority is economic development based on rail, but mostly on the sea. The statewide agency made a critical $64 million investment in the crane for Portland, which was required to secure Eimskip moving here. Eimskip exports products from 12 counties in Maine, including scented candles, blueberries, lobster, and fish. Eimskip imports over $30 million in fish annually, and Portland is on the cutting edge of the resurgence of small ports.
Investments in the port included the crane in 2013, acquisition and cleanup of the adjacent property, building a new yard and rail link, moving the maintenance building and purchase of a second crane. These were key to Eimskip committing to weekly calls. In 2013 the port moved 7500 twenty-foot container units (TCUs) and in 2019 the total jumped to 28,000 TCUs. 30% are fish destined for commercial, grocery, retail, and restaurants.
Looking at the Icelandic route map, we were walked through key routes, the CGM partnership, critical shipments to Halifax and reasons for each stop, but the important message is that Portland is growing. To support this, workforce development is a long-term priority for the Port Authority and Eimskip and starts with a 5th grade program where the Maine Learning Standards are integrated through an exposure to port logistics, culminating in a visit to the port. The Maine Port Authority and Eimskip are partnering with the Maine Ocean School, UNE North and USM to create an enhanced connection to this Nordic country. There are also associations with Cruise Maine, Maine Beer Box, Iceland, England, and multiple alliances with industry, local/state/federal governments, and numerous other regional groups.
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(Photo: Jon Nass)