Port of Pensacola today announced its participation in Western Hemisphere Ports Day on April 5, a day of recognition acknowledging the industry’s role in job creation and economic prosperity, and its commitment to education, training and environmental stewardship initiatives on behalf of the communities they serve across the Americas.
Led by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) under the banner “United for the Future,” Port of Pensacola joins hundreds of ports in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean to highlight and celebrate the value of ports.
“We’re pleased to recognize Ports Day as part of our ongoing commitment to remind our community and its leaders about the important role we play in the Southeastern United States and as a vital link to the global economy,” said Amy Miller, Port Director. “Like ports worldwide, our work continues to support a strong workforce, a vibrant community and a growing economy.”
“As one of the City’s economic drivers, join us as we recognize the major economic contributions of the Port of Pensacola,” said Mayor Ashton Hayward. “We are excited to celebrate the value of our historic port to our area during Western Hemisphere Ports Day.”
According to IHS World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2014 totaled 3.48 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.75 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.68 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.36 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.39 trillion.
However, the economic worth of all cargo in terms of jobs and business activity is much greater than its market value. According to Martin Associates of Lancaster, Pa., the total economic value of port activity in the U.S. alone in 2014 was $4.6 trillion.
“We’re proud to recognize members like Port of Pensacola in celebration of Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle. “On behalf of workers, farmers, employers, manufacturers and consumers everywhere, our ports are truly united for the future.”