Author : Dennis Culnan

SJPC announced the approval of a $6 million Rail Freight Assistance Grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) earlier this year\ to go towards improvements to facilitate and expand rail cargo transportation at the Joseph A. Balzano Marine Terminal in Camden by increasing the efficiency of load times and nearly tripling the capacity of moving rail cargo. 

The improvements provide an opportunity to expand the local economy as crucial products like steel, cocoa beans, wood, and project cargo will get to businesses and consumers in the region more easily while also providing job opportunities for residents.

“This grant is a big win for South Jersey residents and is aligned with our mission of expanding the economy in South Jersey and providing job opportunities by increasing cargo and maritime activity,” said Executive Director & CEO of SJPC, Andrew Saporito.  “We are grateful to NJDOT for recognizing the potential and providing the funding to increase our rail capacity at Balzano Marine Terminal.”

SJPC facilities play a significant role within the Delaware River complex – a transportation node with proximity to the federal shipping channel and three Class 1A railways. SJPC facilities are open to the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean and receive ships moving four million tons of breakbulk, bulk, and containerized cargo annually. 

“This improvement to the rail system will support and promote economic activity within New Jersey, as well as increasing the number of businesses served. It will also increase employment both directly on-site and indirectly through freight carriers associated with the port,” says Saporito.

The projects covered by the grant include expanding the port’s ability to facilitate rail cargo transportation by completely removing and replacing 7,200 feet of obsolete rail and installing three turnouts, as well as other efficiency adjustments, which allow cargo transportation access to the interior of the port. Because of the increase in efficiency of load times, it is estimated that allowing Conrail access to the inside of the port would nearly triple the capacity of rail cargo transportation.

SJPC is linked to the Port of Philadelphia – a designated strategic military port – through common waterways, economic contributions to the region, and a network of bridges, roads, rails, and waterfront attractions. The Balzano Marine Terminal, one of SJPC’s facilities, is a major gateway of commerce and trade to the Northeast US as well as the Delaware Valley Region. While the facility features both rail and highway connections, there are critical improvements needed for the infrastructure of the rail connections in particular.

“The rail lines at the terminal require repair and expansion as present conditions are inadequate to service the needs of the port,” said Richard A. Alaimo, Chairman of SJPC. “Three leading rail freight operators – CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Conrail – have rail connections that service this terminal. These carriers are no longer willing to enter the terminal because of these conditions and are relegated to track along the very fringes of the property. As a result, the infrastructure used to quickly and efficiently move cargo is compromised.” 

As the terminal is located within a Federal Opportunity Zone, the increased labor demand can provide opportunities for residents. Higher employment in this area will have a positive impact on the community and will help to drive local investment projects for other Opportunity Zone investors and increase indirect jobs associated with both the port and the community. Additionally, this project will increase throughput which will have a significant regional impact in that it creates an incentive to move more cargo through New Jersey.

The economy is changing and consumers are shopping differently. But while the pandemic is plunging the global economy into a recession, the South Jersey Port Corporation’s cocoa bean imports soared 15 to 20 percent as house-bound, virus-weary Americans comfort themselves with rich, delicious, soothing chocolate.  

“Chocolate is recession-proof and the future forecast for chocolate and cocoa imports look even more promising,” said Jeff Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer of Camden International Commodities Terminals (CICT), which imports its cocoa beans through the SJPC terminals, the bedrock of the Port of Philadelphia’s cocoa bean business.

U.S. imports of cocoa beans increased 6.7% through the first six months of 2020 when compared to the same period the previous year, according to WorldCity analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.

SJPC’s soaring cocoa bean imports contribute in large part to the total Philadelphia Ports increase which rose 13.9% to $502.8 million, solidifying the ports’ status as the nation’s top cocoa bean importer.  

The success of the SJPC’s cocoa bean business is the result of decades-long experience and expert handling of a sensitive cargo and a strong partnership with Camden International Commodities Terminals.

“The virus and the recession have turned up the stress levels and chocolate has always been a great, medication-free, inexpensive stress reliever,” Wheeler added. “But we’re looking beyond the pandemic to when the economy bounces back and we are planning for far greater growth and greater opportunities for CICT and SJPC.”

Andy Saporito took the helm of the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC) last year and brought with him nearly 40 years of experience. He jumped right into ensuring the Port can serve business needs with top-notch facilities and creating a team that can execute the Port’s mission to attract cargo and maritime-related activity to foster economic development and create jobs. In his short time at SJPC, he’s surveyed the port’s facilities, equipment, and business model to ensure quality customer service for current tenants and customers. He’s also developed a clear vision to retain customers and develop a growth strategy that leverages relationships with stakeholders, the port’s team, and current and recently expanded facilities.

Expanding and improved capacity and facilities
The Paulsboro Marine Terminal (PMT) is key to South Jersey’s economy and growth at the port. PMT is the first new marine port on the Delaware River in the last 50 years. Since its opening in 2017, more than four million tons of imported steel slabs have moved through PMT, creating jobs and opportunities for the region. The second phase of construction of PMT is scheduled for completion in 2021. At full build-out, it will have three berths on the Delaware River and a barge berth on Mantua Creek. Currently, 45 acres are tenant occupied, with 140 acres of available space. The potential to develop that space is high with markets for wind energy farms expanding on the East Coast and the flexibility to service diverse cargo and other business needs.

SJPC is also prioritizing infrastructure needs across all of their terminals including Balzano and Broadway Marine Terminals in Camden and Salem Marine Terminal in Salem. The plans include rehabilitation of existing buildings and replacement of older buildings- incorporating modern facilities that can handle more cargo. The port is also looking at the use of solar energy to help attract new clients looking to boost sustainable practices in their operations.

Easy access and highway connections to the entire eastern seaboard of the United States is a major asset in attracting business to the port. This proximity to every major city in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states allows companies to move goods both quickly and economically. The port’s rail freight network also provides clients with the infrastructure they need to transport their products more efficiently. SJPC recently announced a $6 million grant to implement improvements to the rail system at the Joseph A. Balzano Marine Terminal to provide seamless dock to rail capacity. These improvements will expand the capability to easily move products like steel, cocoa beans, wood, and project cargo.

A team poised to gain new customers and service current ones
The employees at the port play a critical role in the everyday operations and success of the port. They are the stewards that drive customer satisfaction. SJPC’s team on the docks, in the warehouses, in the offices, and in transit sheds deliver 24/7, 365 days a year– in all sorts of weather– with a commitment to customers, tenants, and partners of the port.

“The SJPC has a long tradition of hard-working employees who go the extra mile for customers. Supporting our team and providing them with the tools they need is a critical part of our strategy,” said Saporito. “We’ve implemented several new hires earlier this year and a restructuring of internal operations to accomplish our goals.”

SJPC recently announced key additions to its executive team. Kevin Duffy is the new chief operating officer responsible for the overall management of the operations of the terminals, warehouse, vessels, and security. Duffy has 34 years of experience in marine terminal operations, having most recently worked at APM in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Brendan Dugan, newly-appointed director of business development, is a 40-year veteran of the maritime industry who has held senior-level positions with Ports America and the Port of Tacoma; he will head up efforts to add to the 4 million tons of cargo the port handles. Jonathan Atwood joined the team as chief of staff and external affairs, responsible for facilitating decisions of the executive team, implementing a centralized human resource function, and developing a more formal system of processes and procedures. Atwood was the chief of staff for New Jersey’s First Legislative District, where he managed three offices across two counties. Along with Executive Director & CEO Saporito and Chief Financial Officer Bruno Cellucci, SJPC has a team and organizational structure to continue to grow jobs and the economy of the region.

Businesses who have shipping or space needs can contact the port for a one-stop-shop of marine terminal services. Click here to learn how the SJPC advantage can help your business.

Executive Director Andy Saporito in the news highlighting the need for federal aid to allow seaports to maintain a “state of readiness,” keep the supply chain moving, and support the recovery from the Covid-19 recession. 

Click here for the article.

***UPDATE 6/9/2020 All phone system service is restored, thank you for your patience***

The phone system outage is related to damaged fiber lines from the June 3rd storm.  Utility crews must finish clearing downed power lines before fiber restoration crews are permitted to access the site.  Please contact us via email or mobile phone in the interim. Click here for the staff directory. Thank you for your continued patience. 

Please be aware that we are experiencing problems with our phone system due to yesterday’s storms.  We are working diligently along with the phone company to resolve the issue. Please use emails or mobile phones in the interim. Click here for the staff directory. Thank you for your patience. 

The health and safety of our staff, tenants, customers, and visitors is paramount while we confront the threats associated with the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. As an essential part of the regional supply chain, South Jersey Port has maintained operations unabated to ensure the transportation of critical raw materials, including those that are used to manufacture metal for canned foods, disinfectant sprays, and other vital commodities.

We have implemented new check-in procedures for truck drivers and visitors ensuring that our business operations continue while limiting direct contact between our staff and outside personnel. We have converted all in-person meetings to teleconferences and enabled SJPC staff, who have the capability to work remotely to do so, thus sustaining Port business while ensuring proper social distancing.

To ensure the safety of our staff, customers, and visitors, while adhering to CDC guidelines, SJPC has provided all staff with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, gloves, and Level 1 surgical masks. All SJPC employees and visitors (including truck drivers) are required to wear masks while in SJPC facilities. Hand sanitizer pumps have been placed in each building for people to use when entering and exiting our facilities. We have also purchased several UV phone sanitizers, which have been strategically deployed throughout our facilities. Machine operators have been equipped with packs for disinfecting equipment. Our team in the Maintenance and Facilities’ Department has prioritized the daily cleaning of workspaces, while an outside cleaning company has been performing sanitization cleanings four times a week at both terminals. Finally, in collaboration with DRS, we have set up a centralized location at Balzano Terminal where we check everybody’s temperature using scanners. Even those staff members and visitors going to the Broadway Terminal must first come to Balzano Terminal to be scanned. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4º or above, or refusing a temperature scan, will not be permitted into our facilities.

SJPC is currently utilizing our Continuity of Operations Plan to define the actions needed for our operations to continue during emergencies. This plan provides guidance to agencies, tenants, and SJPC personnel with an overview of potential roles and assignments preceding, during, and following disruptive events. We have developed informational bulletins outlining the safety steps SJPC personnel need to take to keep themselves and their workplaces free from the spread of the virus.

Safety measures and protocols will continue to be updated as per guidance from federal, state, and local health officials. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of SJPC staff and keep everybody updated as new information becomes available. This information will also be shared on our website and via social media.

We hope everyone stays safe during this unfortunate and historic crisis. The staff at SJPC will continue to work safely to deliver essential cargo to our customers and keep the supply chain moving.

Be Well, Stay Safe