The Maryland Department of Agriculture joined the groundbreaking on April 10 for a new grain transloading facility at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal. The project is a partnership between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey Commodities, and aims to streamline how Maryland farmers export products such as soybeans, corn, and wheat. The facility will cover four acres and is expected to be operational by August.
The new development matters because it is intended to make the supply chain more efficient for regional farmers, lower costs, reduce environmental impact from trucking, and improve access to international markets. According to the official website, the Maryland Department of Agriculture contributes to public welfare by ensuring food safety and supporting local agriculture according to the official website.
Mark Schmidt, president of Ports America Chesapeake, said: “This new partnership with Frey adds transloading capabilities at the Port of Baltimore and creates a more efficient, streamlined supply chain for farmers while strengthening the region’s competitive position. Direct delivery to Seagirt reduces complexity and cost for producers and allows the Port to expand agricultural exports.”
Currently there is no direct way for trucks carrying grain or soybeans to load containers at the port; instead they must use offsite locations before bringing goods in. The new system will allow farm trucks direct entry into Seagirt terminal where their cargo can be deposited onto a conveyor system feeding directly into silos. Ports America Chesapeake will then move grain from these silos into containers ready for export.
Samantha Biddle, Maryland Deputy Transportation Secretary said: “This is a significant achievement for Maryland farming, agricultural logistics, and the Port of Baltimore. Thanks to the unique partnership between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey, we will soon have a much more efficient, as well as cleaner and greener way of moving different Maryland produced grains into international markets.”
Jonathan Daniels from Maryland Port Administration added: “As the nation’s top port in the country for handling farm machinery, farms across the nation have long depended on the Port of Baltimore. This new transloading facility will be another way that our Port separates from the pack in being the best agricultural port in the U.S.”
Mike Adamchak from Frey said: “This project will be a major win for grain producers in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania by providing a more efficient supply-chain model that connects them to growing overseas demand. It also strengthens our ability to connect producers across North America with global markets.”
Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks stated: “Maryland agriculture benefits significantly from expanded export opportunities, and this new transloading facility is a critical step in connecting our grain and soybean producers with global marketplace… By streamlining supply chain… we are reducing costs… ensuring they remain competitive.”
Once operational later this year or next summer (August), it will function as full-service elevator loading over 200 containers per week; its three silos can hold up 60 thousand bushels combined while supporting both truck-rail shipments—including short line rail connections with CSX/Norfolk Southern—which could help Midwest producers reach global buyers through Baltimore.
According to its official website, The Maryland Department of Agriculture promotes agricultural products locally/globally while supporting farmers/educating public about farming’s economic role; offers services including animal health monitoring/food safety inspections/farmer education; extends operations statewide; focuses on oversight/support; operates out 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis.
