Port of Hueneme Sees Another Record Year
Port of Hueneme, California (PRWEB) September 23, 2014 -- The Port of Hueneme realized its highest international trade year in its 77 year history and its second highest year for domestic and international freight combined. The benchmark year included a 30% increase in auto exports. The total tonnage for FY 2013-2014 came in at a strong 1,438,596 metric tons representing a less than 1% decrease from last year's all-time high. This represents a continuing path to economic recovery keeping the Port at strong trade levels.
Referring to the hearty trade figures, Port Commission President Mary Anne Rooney said, "The success of the Port ties directly to our community and strategic partners at the Port. Together we are creating jobs and building a better future for the citizens of the Port, the community and the region."
Strong growth in freight activity was seen in the Port's niche markets of automobiles, high and heavy cargos, fresh produce, fertilizer, and domestic commodities. Automobile imports boasted a robust 7.1% increase over last fiscal year while exports exploded by 31% over 2013 scoring the second best year on record. A large percentage of the export increase was driven by more foreign manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Acura operating from new facilities within the United States and sending their U.S. manufactured autos to the Asian market.
Hyundai/Kia lead the import arena with a strong 10% growth. According to Michael Wynn, Senior Executive Vice President at GAPS, "the Hyundai family's overall processing volume through the Port of Hueneme's Vehicle Distribution Center has increased over the same period last year and this trend is expected to continue for the remainder of this year."
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) is the leading shipper handling agricultural and heavy equipment cargo at the port, and provides shipping and technical processing for automobiles. According to Rich Heintzelman, EVP and Head of Commercial for the Americas at Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, "WWL's import and export volumes at the Port of Hueneme have experienced a slight increase in 2014, as compared to the year before." Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) handles the bulk of the High and Heavy cargo as well as the transport and processing of automobiles.
On the fruit side of the Port's business portfolio banana imports remained strong at 655,589 metric tons. Other fresh fruits and vegetables handled by Port customers grew by 1.6%. According to Del Monte's Port manager Chuck Caulkins, "Del Monte continues to perform strongly for the Port and with the uptick in the economy we remain hopeful that the business climate in California will recognize the importance of international trade for job creation and economic development."
Other customers of the Port includes Yara North America Inc, who manages the liquid bulk fertilizer and Air1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) through the Port and across North America. The Air1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a high purity solution of urea in water (32.5%), used to chemically reduce NOx emissions from trucks, buses and other units powered by diesel engines. Yara is the world's largest producer and supplier of this product and the Port of Hueneme is a key supply point for the company's western United States customer base.
Shallow draft cargo (fish, lube oil, and vessel fuel) was down marginally for the year and the offshore domestic oil trade held steady.
Port Director Kristin Decas remarked on some of the core reasons for the Port's steady growth, "This year's cargo performance sets a new milestone for the Port. This achievement is driven by our customers and business development team. We're committed to continuing our partnerships and strategic planning to maximize the social and economic benefit the Port brings to our community and industries."
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by 5 locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $8 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $1.1 billion in economic activity and creating 10,226 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $69 million in annual state and local taxes which funds vital community services.
Will Berg, Port of Hueneme, http://www.portofhueneme.org, +1 (805) 377-1500 Ext: 2234, [email protected]
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