Hampton Roads pushes 50 million-ton mark, falls just short as fourth quarter slips

摘要

Hampton Roads terminals combined to handle 48.43 million tons of export coal during 2012, up 13 percent from 42.27 million tons in 2011. Exporters did not reach the 50 million tons it appeared was possible earlier in the year, but they came close. While exports did fall off in the fourth quarter, the decline was not as pronounced as perceived by many. In fact, December saw both the Norfolk Southern-owned Lamberts Point terminal and the CSX-served DTA facility rally for their best performances in several months. As expected, CSX-served Pier IX took a substantial hit in December, but the story should improve in Q1.