Port Manatee’s containerized cargo trade grew nearly 55 percent in the just-ended fiscal year, according to figures reported Tuesday, Oct. 13. In the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, an all-time-high 88,466 20-foot-equivalent container units crossed Port Manatee docks, up 54.6 percent from the preceding 12-month period and 49.2 percent over fiscal 2018. The port also reported a 24.9 percent rise in containerized cargo tons and a 9.3 percent rise in general cargo. However, the port’s total cargo tonnage for fiscal 2020 was down 7.5 percent, with liquid bulk tonnage slipping 8.6 percent and dry bulk tonnage falling 16.7 percent.

Currently, the container yard expansion is adding 9.3 acres to the existing 10-acre paved facility adjoining Port Manatee’s Berth 12 and 14 docks.