MSPA-Ports America partner up

The Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) has entered into a long-term lease/operating agreement with Ports America, the largest terminal operator and stevedore in America. The two entities have had a long-standing relationship, with Ports America acting as a licensed stevedore at the Port since 2006. In September 2022, the Port of Gulfport and Ports America entered into a Letter of Intent (LoI) outlining a mutual intent to work together to increase commerce at the Port. Based on that LoI, the resulting lease and operating agreement includes a 20-year term with the option for two additional 10-year terms available. Ports America (PA) will be making a $43M investment to develop the 38 acres of land within vacant Terminal 4 and turning it into a cargo-handling terminal. The investment will include a ship-to-shore crane and surface improvements. In addition, Ports America's recent acquisition of new cargo-handling equipment will come from Mississippi-based manufacturers. PA’s investment will drive an economic boost. New businesses at the Port are expected to result in more longshoreman hours, increases in throughput and new jobs. The partnership should also result in increased ship traffic and provide a basis for the Port’s ongoing project to deepen and widen the channel. The terms of the agreement became effective at the MSPA board's meeting March 23. (MSPA 03/23/23) Mississippi State Port Authority Enters Into Operating Agreement with Ports America | Port of Gulfport, Mississippi (shipmspa.com)