Maryland Port Administration

By JaMiya Thompson

Edited by Morgan White

Port of Baltimore Logo (MPA)

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) runs the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest shipping hubs on the East Coast. Its job is to keep goods moving smoothly through the port while boosting Maryland’s economy. The agency focuses on creating jobs, increasing cargo throughput, and keeping Baltimore competitive in global trade. Every shipment the port handles—from cars to timber—helps businesses, workers, and families in Maryland.

Main Public Terminals Under MPA Authority: 1) Dundalk 2) Seagirt 3) Fairfield 4) N Locust Point 5) S Locust Point (Google Maps)

The MPA has managed the port since 1971, succeeding the Maryland Port Authority, which had operated it since 1956. Today, the agency employs around 200 people and oversees roughly 3,400 acres of waterfront. That includes six public marine terminals that handle a variety of cargo, from containers to vehicles.

The Port of Baltimore isn’t just a collection of docks—it’s a huge economic engine. In 2023, it supported more than 51,000 jobs, added $5.3 billion in personal income, and generated $3.9 billion in business revenue. On top of that, the port brought in nearly $650 million in state and local tax revenue. Why is this important? Every job at the port and every dollar earned fuels local businesses, schools, and services.

The MPA runs six state-owned terminals and coordinates with private operators to keep cargo moving efficiently. That means trucks, trains, and ships all work together smoothly, so products arrive where they need to go on time.

MPA's Dundalk Marine Terminal. Primarily a RO/RO terminal, it is operated by Ports America Chesapeake. (MPA)

The MPA has had some big wins over its fifty years. The Port of Baltimore was once named the most efficient port in the United States. It can now handle mega-container ships that come through the expanded Panama Canal, accommodating two of the world’s largest container ships at once. Why does that matter? Bigger ships mean more cargo—millions of pounds of goods like cars, electronics, and forest products can reach Maryland faster.

The port has also expanded its roll-on/roll-off vehicle market and remains a top U.S. hub for timber and other forest products. This keeps Maryland competitive and makes shipping faster and more cost-effective for American businesses.

Seagirt Terminal (Photo courtesy of Port of Baltimore)

The MPA works closely with the Maryland Port Commission, which sets policies to keep Baltimore competitive in global trade. While the Port Commission focuses on strategy, the MPA handles day-to-day operations, keeping the docks running and shipments on schedule.

The agency also partners with unions, truckers, rail providers, tug companies, pilots, and freight forwarders. They even run programs at Masonville Cove where students and residents can learn about the environment and the port. Why does this matter? Strong partnerships enable the port to operate efficiently while benefiting the community.

In 2022, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. The MPA was, and still is, a key partner in the port's recovery. Quick action by multiple agencies kept millions of pounds of cargo moving and prevented massive delays for businesses relying on the port. It demonstrated the port's resilience during a crisis.

Looking ahead, the MPA has big plans. Projects include upgrading the Dundalk Marine Terminal for vehicle traffic, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding container capacity at the Seagirt Marine Terminal.

MPA operates the Maryland Cruise Terminal at South Locust Point (MPA)

The CSX Howard Street Tunnel project will allow double-stacked container trains to move in and out of the port, potentially adding 160,000 containers a year and generating over 13,000 jobs. A new five-year cruise contract with Carnival Cruise Lines ensures year-round tourism, bringing travelers from across the Mid-Atlantic. These projects mean more jobs, more business, and stronger economic growth for Maryland.

The Maryland Port Administration keeps Maryland’s economy moving. Through smart planning, modern infrastructure, and community partnerships, the Port of Baltimore continues to efficiently handle millions of pounds of cargo, create thousands of jobs, and grow trade. For Marylanders, that’s more than just ships in the harbor—it’s jobs, revenue, and economic resilience that affect everyone.

Photo: The MPA is headquartered in Baltimore's World Trade Center building located at the Inner Harbor. (Wikipedia)