LNG heat exchangers boost Port Manatee

Port Manatee believes that its exports are poised to grow when Air Products begins exporting LNG heat exchangers from the port next year.

The value of Port Manatee’s trade with the world totalled US$ 257.57 million through the first four months of 2014 (up 17.15% over the comparable period in 2013), according to figures recently released by WorldCity Trade Numbers. Exports increased by 25.68%, while imports rose 14.34%.

Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee’s Executive Director, said: “Port Manatee’s trade growth thus far this year is impressive indeed […] Even more encouraging is the fact that Port Manatee’s export figures are poised to begin to increase exponentially next year, when shipment begins of LNG heat exchangers made at the Air Products Port Manatee facility. In fact, we expect to be the fastest-growing export port in Florida.”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott was on hand in January 2014 when Air Products - a leader in LNG technology and equipment - dedicated its new 300 000 ft² facility on 32 acres immediately across US 41 from Port Manatee’s gates.

Port Manatee is taking numerous steps to ensure its readiness to accommodate burgeoning volumes. It has opened its 40 ft-draft Berth 14, which, combined with Berth 12, offers 1600 ft of contiguous berthing area adjacent to its 52-acre South Port property, where 10 acres already are developed and where a roll-on/roll-off terminal and vehicle-processing facility are targeted for development under a memorandum of understanding with The Pasha Group. Most recently, port officials announced June 10 plans for an international trade hub at the Port Manatee Intermodal Center.

Port Manatee is a multipurpose deepwater seaport at the entrance to Tampa Bay that serves bulk, breakbulk, container, heavylift, project and general cargo customers.

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/02072014/lng_heat_exchangers_boost_port_manatee_899/