Rochford Lauds Decision to Move Ahead on Channel Deepening Project

Governors Ed Rendell and Jon Corzine are to be commended for reaching an agreement to move forward on the Delaware River Main Channel (45-ft.) Deepening Project. This accomplishment is expected to propel regional port development and allow all Delaware River port facilities to competitively attract the emerging class of larger cargo vessels. Because of growing congestion problems experienced by West Coast ports, the reality today is that ocean carriers operating in the trans-pacific route are diverting larger cargo vessels through the Suez Canal to East Coast ports.

The proposed Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Southport Project, the new South Jersey Port Corporation general cargo facility planned for Paulsboro, and the expansion opportunities at the Port of Wilmington validate the economic justification to complete this project and enhance our competitive position among other East Coast ports. Deepening the main channel to 45 feet will guarantee our fair share of the rapidly expanding global economy – and that means good paying jobs, jobs and more jobs for our regional economy. The Maritime Exchange is a non-profit trade association representing almost 300 port and related businesses throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Since its establishment in 1872, the Maritime Exchange has served as the primary port advocate on behalf of these businesses, working closely with federal, state and local governmental agencies as well as the tri-state federal congressional delegation to promote commerce along the Delaware River and Bay.