A panel discussed the economic impact of the Port of Boston at a breakfast in the seaport district Thursday. (Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massport released its annual economic report during a breakfast in Boston's seaport district Thursday morning, and the Port of Boston enjoyed a record year in 2018.
Lisa Wieland, the Port Director at Massport, told WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama the waterfront is generating $8.2 billion in economic activity each year. That's up from $4.6 billion and nearly doubled since 2012, meaning more jobs in shipping, the seafood industry, cruise ships, and cargo.
"That translates into 9,000 direct jobs in the port," Wieland said. "That's up from 7,000 jobs."
The port reached all-time highs in freight shipments and passenger services. That's why the word "tariffs" and phrase "trade talks" have John Regan worried. Regan is the President of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, which lobbies for economic growth and opportunity.
"There's a fear on a number of different fronts, I think," Regan said. "Anything that impedes the free flow of goods and services across borders is a challenge and problem for our members, and the customers here at Massport, so to continue to make people aware of the downsides to that type of policy is critical."
Massport also has an eye on the future with a new dredging project that will allow larger ships to navigate Boston Harbor, bringing more goods, jobs, and cash. That project is 40 percent finished.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports