South Jersey Port Corp. experiences significant growth, looks to the future

The three primary Delaware River ports in South New Jersey continue to churn out strong cargo numbers while making future infrastructure investments.

And although the uncertain status of the U.S. offshore wind industry delays a potential source of significant business, the operator of marine shipping terminals in Camden, Paulsboro and Salem isn’t waiting idly around.

Forest products, steel and cement will provide a solid cargo foundation for South Jersey Ports regardless of which way the wind blows.

“Our commitment to continuous improvement and investment in infrastructure is essential to maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect,” said Andy Saporito, Executive Director and CEO of South Jersey Port Corp (SJPC). “The record rail volumes and strong demand we’ve experienced so far this year are a testament to the hard work of our team and the strategic vision we have for the future. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain dedicated to supporting our clients’ needs through innovation and expansion.”

Rail Volumes Key Driver

The SJPC said a key driver of its growth is record-breaking rail volume at the Camden terminals, emphasizing the crucial role of rail connectivity.

South Jersey ports moved over 3 million short tons through its four marine terminals in 2024. The Camden Marine Terminals posted a 7.8% increase for 2024 fueled by strong demand for wood products and steel.

In response, the SJPC has made strategic investments totaling more than $8 million in new infrastructure and equipment to ensure added operational efficiency while bolstering rail services, with additional major capital improvements planned for the near future. SPJC said its rail network, particularly the four-rail line system at the Broadway and Balzano marine terminals in Camden, offers critical surface transportation.

A tremendous jump in wood product cargo, which saw close to a 300% increase in 2024 to 91,000 tons. SJPC attributed the immense growth to the addition of a new shipping line in Camden dedicated almost exclusively to the importation of wood products. The SJPC said the shift emphasizes Camden’s role as a key forest products entry point.

SJPC’s steel cargo volumes also saw a significant increase with a 29.3% year-over-year rise in 2024 from 503,979 tons to 651,425 tons with the winter months being particularly strong. Importers seeking alternatives to the St. Lawrence Seaway have found Camden to be an attractive option, making the steel business a year-round operation at the port.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Consequently, SJPC has committed more than $8 million in infrastructure investment at Camden Marine Terminals. These improvements focus on upgrading rail capabilities.

The steady growth in its bulk and break-bulk business is good news to the SJPC in the wake of the collapse of offshore wind projects that were slated to provide a big boost to Paulsboro and Salem.

In anticipation the SJPC had orchestrated the construction of a monopile manufacturing facility in Paulsboro and has a vision to develop the port of Salem as a manufacturing center for wind parts.

Then Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind-farm developer, abandoned two projects and earlier this year Shell backed out of the Atlantic Shores project, another large-scale plan. The South Jersey Port Corp. remains bullish on offshore wind energy. “Offshore wind is part of the country’s sustainable energy future, and the Port of Paulsboro is built to be at the center of it all, said Brendan Dugan, assistant executive director of SJPC. “While the United States wind industry grows, the Paulsboro Port continues to be a premier location for project cargo and other commodities like steel due to its location, direct access to the interstate and onsite rail connections to Class I railroads.”

Regardless, the SJPC is actively exploring ways to expand both indoor and outdoor storage capacity at Camden Marine Terminals. The added capacity expansion is especially important for handling the growing volumes of steel and forest products.

“As we continue to expand, it’s essential that we have the right infrastructure in place to support both current and future demand,” said Saporito. “The investments we’ve made in rail and terminal infrastructure are directly aligned with our commitment to providing the best possible service for our customers.”