Joseph R. Hughes: Baltimore ranks No. 1 on East Coast for importation of forest products

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has continually ranked high in cargo volumes. Last year was no exception. Baltimore ranked No. 1 in automobiles-project cargo, and No. 16 in container cargo.

Bulk cargo, specifically forest products, has realized tremendous growth. Baltimore ranks No. 1 on the East Coast in imported forest products, according to Maryland Port Administration statistics. In fact, said Rick Schiappacasse, director of Latin America, Caribbean and forest products for the MPA, “The port has seen double-digit increases in forest products for the fifth year in a row.”

Nearly 1 million tons of wood pulp-based products, such as tissue for paper towels and napkins, arrived in Baltimore last year from eucalyptus trees in Brazil, according to Schiappacasse. Chile will be the next big player in wood pulp shipments.

“Baltimore recently won the bid for an estimated 600,000 tons of cargo next year,” Schiappacasse said. Finland also favors Baltimore. Last year, 500,000 tons of high-end paper used in magazines and other publications arrived at the Locust Point terminals. North and South Locust Point have been dedicated terminals for forest products for the past six years, Schiappacasse says. Both terminals accommodate long- and short-term warehousing and distribution.

Dundalk Marine Terminal conveys a large share of the imported commodity. “More than 5,500 square feet of dedicated space is reserved for Brazilian forest products,” Jock Menzies, chairman of the Terminal Corp., said during remarks at the Taste of Brazil in May. “The private sector is working with the Maryland Port Administration to provide heavy infrastructure to meet the demands.”

Most forest products leave the port by rail through a virtually seamless method. Cargo comes off the ship and into the warehouse — then leaves the warehouse through the back door on rail; less handling, less chance of paper cargo damage.

Natural demands must also be met. Conservation of the forests is necessary. In Brazil, 50 percent of the country is covered by forest. Environmental stability for a population of 185 million people is essential. “There is tremendous interest in forest conservation in Brazil,” Schiappacasse said. “Replanting is an important activity, including sparing natural patches of forest.” Chile has formed similar plans for forest conservation.

Enabled by tangible conservation, the trade continues to grow. The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, aligned with its partners, is vested in this important business.