Posted on February 4, 2026
The Port of Baltimore handled a record 2,223 cargo vessel calls in 2025, marking a 21 percent surge over 2024 and capping a dramatic rebound just over a year after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse paralyzed one of the East Coast’s most vital trade hubs.
Market and operational impact
The port’s rapid recovery follows the successful reopening of the Fort McHenry shipping channel, which allowed operations to resume after the March 2024 disaster. Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the port’s role as a cornerstone of the state’s economy, crediting the resilience of workers for the turnaround. Seagirt Marine Terminal set new benchmarks, moving 1,113,309 TEUs in 2025, surpassing the 2023 record by over 5,000 containers. Ship calls at the terminal climbed to 689, nearly 100 more than in 2023, while weekly container services expanded from 12 in 2024 to 15 last year.
The port’s container business is poised for further growth with the anticipated 2026 completion of the CSX Howard Street Tunnel Project. The $518 million modernization will enable double stack container trains to move in and out of Baltimore, enhancing rail connectivity and competitiveness with neighboring ports. State officials estimate the project will add roughly 160,000 containers annually and support nearly 14,000 jobs.
Stakeholder reactions and next steps
Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration, praised the collaborative efforts of terminal operators, the ILA workforce, truckers, freight forwarders, and supply chain partners. He noted that the port expects an even stronger year in 2026, building on the momentum of 2025.
Meanwhile, federal investigators continue to analyze the bridge collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded in November 2025 that a single loose wire, obstructed by an improperly installed label band, caused the electrical blackout aboard the containership Dali. The loss of power disabled propulsion and steering, leading to the fatal collision with the bridge’s southern pier. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy compared the investigation to searching for a loose rivet on the Eiffel Tower, underscoring the complexity of identifying the root cause.
The disaster has prompted a nationwide review of bridge safety, with the NTSB urging 30 owners of major spans over navigable waterways to conduct vulnerability assessments. Replacement of the Key Bridge is expected to cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, with completion projected for late 2030.
Wider context and industry outlook
The Port of Baltimore supports about 20,300 direct jobs and more than 273,000 jobs statewide, generating over $70 billion in annual economic impact. In 2024, it ranked 10th among U.S. ports by cargo value and 11th by total tonnage. The port’s recovery and growth reflect broader resilience in the maritime sector, where infrastructure investments and strategic partnerships are driving operational efficiency and economic recovery.
Additional milestones in 2025 included a five year contract extension with Carnival Cruise Line, securing year round cruise service, and the arrival of the Evergreen Ever Model, the second largest vessel ever to call at the port. The port also secured $72 million in funding for the Mid Chesapeake Bay Environmental Restoration Project.
Mark Schmidt, President and CEO of Ports America Chesapeake, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long term growth at Seagirt, signaling continued investments to bolster the port’s competitiveness.
