Ports America makes new agreement with State Port

An extended agreement at the state Port of Gulfport that will bring an economic boost to the area, perhaps even more jobs.

The Mississippi State Port Authority has entered into a long-term lease and operating agreement with Ports America, a company that’s already been working with the Port of Gulfport since 2006.

The agreement includes a 20-year term with the option for two additional ten-year terms, but the most exciting part of the deal is a $43 million investment from Ports America to develop a vacant 38-acre terminal at the port.

Terminal 4 will become a cargo-handling terminal including a new ship-to-shore crane.

According to Ports America, the addition of new business at the Port of Gulfport is expected to result in more longshoreman hours and new job opportunities for the community.

The partnership will also increase ship traffic and provide a basis for the port’s ongoing efforts to deepen and widen the shipping channel.