Mercator was tasked with analyzing container and non-container cargoes handled at the Port of Baltimore and competitor ports in a study area reaching from New Haven, CT to Norfolk, VA to identify and prioritize target commodities for the Sparrows Point Terminal. Mercator was also tasked with identifying and evaluating additional non-container commodities that are not currently moving in high volumes through the study area, but could potentially provide significant volumes in the future.
Mercator identified RoRo as a key priority, as Baltimore has competitive advantage for RoRo traffic, and the Sparrows Point facility has ample acreage to accommodate a state-of-the art RoRo terminal. A deal was inked with a major vehicle processor who began receiving and processing vehicles in 2016.