Melody Countess

The agenda for this meeting includes the Executive Director's Update, the presentation of the Annual Safety Report, a Legislative Update, and a review of the 2025 Cargo Update. Additionally, the commission is scheduled to discuss Contracts.

The Executive Director provided an update, highlighting a strong rebound in cargo for 2025, with container volumes surpassing 2023 records. Key accomplishments included Carnival Cruise Line extending its contract, the public terminals achieving a 16th consecutive year of top security grading from the USCG, and the completion of the Howard Street Tunnel clearance project's first phase, which is expected to increase annual container capacity significantly upon full completion in April 2026. The Commission also secured $72 million in federal funding for the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Environmental Restoration Project. The Director of the Office of Government Relations and External Affairs gave an overview of governmental engagement, detailing efforts with elected officials and updates on federal legislation, including the Water Resources and Development Act of 2024 funding allocations. A closed session was held to discuss MPA revenues and a proposal regarding business location or expansion within the State.

The meeting served as the 2025 Annual Meeting for the Dredge Material Management Program (DMMP). Key discussions included a review of accomplishments during the past year (2025) and outlining priorities for 2026 and beyond. The session highlighted the DMMP's role in developing sustainable, climate-resilient solutions for a 50-ft deep channel system. Achievements noted were the expansion of the Cox Creek and Masonville dredge material containment facilities and progress on the Midbay project. Challenges discussed involved state funding constraints and limited federal grant availability, emphasizing the need for adaptive resource strategies. The importance of collaboration, scientific innovation, and stewardship in maintaining port capacity and supporting future vessel sizes, such as the 16,000 TEU vessels, was underscored.

The Executive Director provided an update, noting that the Port of Baltimore's 2025 cargo statistics are projected to surpass the 2023 record, despite ongoing tariff impacts. Discussions included efforts to secure a new cruise line to fill a service gap starting in 2027 and the need to accommodate larger future cruise vessels. The Dredged Material Management Plan annual meeting successes were highlighted, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining the 50-foot channel depth for sustained operations. Ports America Chesapeake provided an overview of the Seagirt Marine Terminal (SMT) improvements, including berth upgrades, new Super Post-Panamax cranes, and projections for increased intermodal volumes following the anticipated completion of the Howard Street Tunnel expansion in Q2 2026. PAC is also pursuing ICTF Modernization and a Densification/Optimization project, including expanding reefer rack capacity and replacing diesel tractors with electric models. The MPA Operations Department overview detailed responsibilities across Terminal and Rail Operations, Cruise coordination, Fleet and Crane Maintenance, and Trade Operations. The Commission unanimously approved Contract #523010 for $7,249,146 for service life extension and structural improvements to the Inter-connector Bridge spanning between Dundalk Marine Terminal and Seagirt Marine Terminal.

The agenda for this meeting, which is being held in person with a public call-in option, includes the Executive Director's Update provided by Jonathan Daniels and an overview of the Office of Government Relations presented by Jennifer Guthrie. The meeting is scheduled to conclude with an adjournment.