The Port of Wilmington in Delaware, the US, marks its 90th anniversary today (2 May) after becoming a world-class marine terminal encompassing 308 acres (125ha) and offering ten operating deep-water berths, over 1,000,000ft2 of temperature controlled and dry warehouse space and sophisticated cargo handling equipment.
The facility was opened for commerce on 2 May 1923 by the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the City of Wilmington, according to a press release from the port.
At that time, the facility comprised just 100 acres with three berths, a 25ft depth of water at its berths and two storage sheds.
The vision was to promote exciting international trade opportunities that would support the export and manufacturing requirements of the local ship building, railroad car construction and carriage making industries as well as those of an industrial area encompassing 5m people in five states.
Today, the Port of Wilmington claims to enjoy an impressive worldwide reputation, with an import volume higher than its export cargo as manufacturing activity along the Delaware River and its hinterlands has diminished.
By adapting to the changing realities, 90 years later the Port of Wilmington is the leading facility in the US for perishable cargo imports and the top banana port for North America.
With 5m tonnes handled annually, the port is also the top cargo terminal on the Delaware River, the press release explained.
The Port of Wilmington is now responsible for over 4,300 family sustaining regional jobs, US$363m in business revenue, US$340m in annual personal income, and US$34m in annual regional tax revenue.
“Since its founding in 1923, the Port of Wilmington continues to generate tremendous employment opportunity and regional economic activity for Delaware,” said Governor Jack Markell.
“Its strategic location, coupled with its meticulous operation as the ‘Port of Personal Service’ has served as a tool to attract new business to Delaware.
“The vast amount of imports and exports successfully travelling through the Port over the past 90 years will continue to lead to future business opportunities for our state.”
The State of Delaware purchased the Port from the City of Wilmington in 1995, and established the Diamond State Port Corp. (DSPC), a state entity, to manage the port.
Since 1995, the State has invested over US$187m in port development and expansion, and it is estimated by independent economists that port activities have produced more than US$403m in local and regional tax revenue.
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