Eliminate the port of MHC? - The Hull Truth

nccoaster · 03-13-2006, 01:27 PM

Was down this weekend and got to thinking about the port of MHC. What would happened if the port just closed? A lot of money is spent on that port.

I don't know much about the shipping business, but it seems that the port of MHC is a VERY small player in the shipping business. Larger and larger vessels are being built in the name of efficiency. The state of NC is planning a huge port near Wilmington. The two main items shipped out of MHC are wood chips and phosphates. What would happen to the area if shipping was moved to other ports?

First thing would be the end of dredging the turning basin and main channel to a 45 foot depth. Would sand flow back in from the Ocean front to fill in the TB?

Some serious condos might be built on site.

Expanded marina area.

MHC would not need that railroad running through town.

The smell of phosphate would go away.

On the flip side:

Some people would lose their jobs?

Shippers would have to adjust?

Eviromental impact to the fishery?

Discuss

(BTW, good to be back on top

)

Drifter · 03-13-2006, 06:18 PM

NC port business has grown 20%+ each of the last two years, with plans to expand the MHC port and add a terminal on Radio Island, even with the new port planned for the Southport area.

I posted the following on another thread:

Quote:

Drifter - 3/1/2006 6:05 PM

According to NCboatinglifestyle magazine, two more condo developments (w/ boat slips) are planned for Radio Island:

http://www.tidelinesnc.com/

http://www.morgancreeklandings.com/

Apparently, condo developments are not the only plans for Radio Island. I noticed a sign on the island that mentions Radio Island Port Facility to expand in 2007. An internet search confirms expected port expansion plans for the island:

Quote:

The Port of Morehead City and Radio Island are ideally situated to handle the bulk/breakbulk market growth and cargo displacement by other ports. The Authority is planning a new warehouse to accommodate a new lumber account in Morehead City, and moving forward to develop a new terminal across the Newport River on Radio Island. The design contract for the first phase of development will be finalized soon, and calls for two 1,000-foot berths, 300,000 square feet of warehouse space, 31 acres of paved open storage, and supporting infrastructure and utilities

source: http://www.ncports.com/web/ncports.n...State+of+Ports

Quote:

Work continues to expand facilities at the Port and a new terminal on Radio Island. At the Dec. 29 meeting, the Board also:

moved forward on a lease agreement for a new 177,000 square foot warehouse at the Port of Morehead City

awarded a $962,260 design contract initial engineering and environmental design for the development of the port terminal on Radio Island.

source: http://www.ncports.com/web/ncports.n...s/060103-Offer

scoffshore · 03-14-2006, 07:31 AM

Almost all of the lumber that I use in my construction business comes through Morehead.

b04747 · 03-14-2006, 09:27 AM

The ports ,unlike other state agencies, I believe are self funding. For the last several years they have been profitable with growing revenue. The one in MC has even been more profitable than the one in Wilmington. Wood for the furniture industry in our state,urea for fertilizer,and petroleum byproduct for the asphalt plant that has been on site for decades are also significant income generators. It's also extensively used by the Navy and Marines. Additionally the railroad has already said they are looking to move the tracks off of Arendell St. Closing the port is a "dog that won't hunt", it ain't gonna happen. Now do we really need another site for condos?

dryblls · 03-14-2006, 02:06 PM

b04747 is right ----the port is needed for the Marines to load their stuff on to the navy's ships. It is the most important reason why the port will remain open. In a post 9-11 time the gov't ain't going to close it.

robbiedon · 03-14-2006, 02:23 PM

I'm not sure we need more condo's in the Morehead area. All of the small motels and piers are being sold now to build condo's. Sooner rather than later use of this part of the coast is going to be restricted to those that can afford to own property their. I'm all for property ownership but not at the expense of access for the rest of us.

nccoaster · 03-14-2006, 06:25 PM

I was trying to spark a little debate and learned a few things about the port. I appreciate the information.