Port Construction

By: Sean Dwyer

Edited by: Morgan White

The Seagirt Marine Terminal is one of the most important parts of the Port of Baltimore. Located along the Patapsco River, it keeps container cargo moving smoothly in and out of the city. With deep-water berths, large cranes, and direct access to rail and truck routes, it serves as a major East Coast gateway. 

Seagirt's 50-foot-deep berths allow it to handle post-Panamax ships, which are among the largest container vessels in the world. A partnership among the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), and Ports America Chesapeake has helped the terminal compete with ports such as New York and Norfolk. This partnership has supported rapid growth and increased the number of well-paying jobs in the area. 

McLean Contracting Company, based in Glen Burnie, helps build and maintain Seagirt's berths. During a site visit to McLean, it became clear how important their work is. The company handles berth repairs, pile driving, and dredging, which keep dock structures strong enough for heavy operations. 

McLean marine construction equipment at its Curtis Bay yard in Baltimore. (Photo by Glenn T Johnston)

Seagirt covers about 320 acres and has four deep-water berths, two of which can handle vessels with up to 50-foot drafts. With twelve ship-to-shore cranes, including eight super post-Panamax cranes, in 2024, the terminal moved 740,000 TEUs (20 ft container equivalents). It can handle ships carrying over 14,000 TEUs, and it plays a major role in Maryland’s economy.

McLean Contracting keeps the port operating safely through dredging, pile reinforcement, and heavy-duty marine construction. Without constant maintenance, the berths could weaken, leading to delays, safety risks, and expensive repairs. 

McLean dredging Colgate Creek between Dundalk and Seagirt Marine Terminals in the Port of Baltimore. (Photo by Glenn T. Johnston)

 If Seagirt lost access to its berths or if McLean stopped maintaining them, shipping would slow down immediately. Large cargo ships might have to use other ports like New York or Norfolk. This would increase costs, cause delays, and hurt Baltimore's competitiveness.

Businesses across Maryland rely on the port. Losing berth capacity would raise transportation costs, disrupt supply chains, and reduce state revenue. The port also supports national defense logistics, so the impact would stretch beyond the state.

Seagirt Marine Terminal remains a major economic engine for Maryland. With companies like McLean Contracting providing steady maintenance, the port can keep up with the global shipping demands. Continued investment in berth construction and repair ensures Baltimore remains a top US shipping hub well into the future.