Philly port to resume hosting Iraq cargo ships - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Philly port to resume hosting Iraq cargo ships

PHILADELPHIA — After a two-year hiatus, the Port of Philadelphia will be getting military cargo ships going to and returning from Iraq.

In 2004, Philadelphia was the fourth-busiest U.S. port and a key supply channel for Iraq. In 2007, the shipments dried up and went instead to Charleston, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Beaumont and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Pennsylvania’s elected officials and port advocates have lobbied hard to get that military business back.

Rep. Bob Brady, D-Pa., estimates the economic impact to the region at $1.4 million for each military ship that loads and unloads trucks, Humvees, bulldozers, helicopters, and scores of containers with tents and supplies.

The first ship will arrive next month.