In January, SJPC was officially notified that our Camden facilities have been added to the Mid-Atlantic Marine Highway by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). The marine highway links the ports of Norfolk, Baltimore, and Philadelphia via a container barge service operated by Columbia Coastal Transport. Over the past year, SJPC has identified import and export business opportunities for the barge service and works with customers and other partners to identify container lines to utilize the service.

“This designation will allow us to expand our service possibilities for both current and new customers,” said Brendan Dugan, Assistant Executive Director/Director of Business Development for South Jersey Port Corporation.

Discussions with MARAD representatives detailed upcoming funding opportunities for Camden and Salem terminals. SJPC, in conjunction with TRIAD Associates, Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant for the Port of Salem. The grants team is currently preparing a FEMA Port Security grant submission for new CCTV camera systems at Camden Terminals. They are also working with TRIAD on potential submissions to MARAD for additional Marine Highway funding and the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants.

Inclusion in the MARAD marine highway program allows SJPC to apply for grant funding for equipment and infrastructure to accommodate the container barge business. Commercial agreements are still required for importers and exporters to book enough container cargo for Camden.

The federal government finances the marine highway to remove truck traffic from congested U.S. roads and reduce pollution. It is an efficient and cost-effective option for moving cargo.