North Carolina ports report record traffic in FY18

[Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. CDT.]

During its 2018 fiscal year, North Carolina's Port of Wilmington moved a record number of containers while logging a 38 percent year-over-year increase in container traffic.

The port has also tripled its refrigerated container business since FY14, North Carolina State Ports Authority officials said in a press release. The authority's fiscal year ended June 30.

"Wilmington is strategically positioned for growth in both the fresh and frozen refrigerated markets," said NC Ports Chief Commercial Officer Greg Fennell. "With on- dock cold storage, Phase II Cold Treatment Certification, increased refrigerated container plug capacity, and the support from customers interested in an alternative gateway into the global marketplace, we are excited about NC Ports' future in the evolving cold supply chain."

Meanwhile, North Carolina's Port of Morehead City in FY18 reported a 20 percent increase in general cargo over the previous fiscal year.

In addition, both the Wilmington and Morehead City ports logged 4 percent growth in operating revenue.

To maintain its growth, the North Carolina State Ports Authority has committed more than $200 million in infrastructure improvement projects, including a purchase of three new neo-Panamax cranes, two of which arrived at the Port of Wilmington in March.

CSX provides intermodal rail service at the Wilmington port, while Norfolk Southern Railway serves the Port of Morehead City.