In a significant development for the Port of Wilmington, Delaware, the terminal management underwent a pivotal shift in July 2023 when Enstructure, a marine terminal management company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, took over operations. This transition marked a new chapter for the port, previously managed by GT USA Wilmington, a division of the UAE-headquartered Gulftainer. The change came under the auspices of the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), signaling a strategic move towards enhancing the port’s capabilities and service offerings.
A New Era Under Enstructure
The handover to Enstructure was not entirely unexpected but represented a considerable change, given GT’s 50-year management agreement. Enstructure’s acquisition reflects its aggressive strategy in expanding its portfolio of marine terminals and logistics assets across the East and Gulf Coasts. With a strong core business in perishables and significant expansion potential, the Port of Wilmington emerged as an ideal addition to Enstructure’s growing logistics empire.
Co-CEOs of Enstructure, Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny, expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership with DSPC and the operational commencement at the Port of Wilmington. They emphasized their commitment to leveraging their experience in national and local markets to deliver best-in-class service and comprehensive terminal and logistics solutions. The collaboration aims to revitalize port facilities and infrastructure, maximize economic development, and enhance union job growth opportunities, all while improving the service experience for the port’s longstanding customers.
Boosting Business with Dole’s Second Weekly Service
The transition to Enstructure’s management received a significant boost when Dole Food announced the addition of a second weekly service call to the port, starting December 31, 2023. This service, utilizing a 1,200 FEU container vessel, will operate in rotation between Port Wilmington and South America, specifically targeting Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala. Nelson Montoya, President of Dole Fresh Fruit North America, highlighted Enstructure’s support as a pivotal factor in expanding the service to Port Wilmington.
This expansion is set to increase the capacity for tropical fresh fruits, including Dole-branded products, and general cargo imported to the Mid-Atlantic region. It underscores the strategic importance of the Port of Wilmington as a key hub for perishable goods and its role in facilitating trade between the United States and South America.
Implications and Future Prospects
The addition of a second weekly Dole service at the Port of Wilmington is more than just an operational enhancement; it’s a testament to the port’s growing significance in the global supply chain. This development not only strengthens the port’s position as a critical entry point for perishables into the United States but also highlights the potential for further growth and diversification of services under Enstructure’s management.
As the Port of Wilmington embarks on this new phase, the focus will be on expanding its capabilities, attracting more business, and ensuring that it continues to serve as a vital link in the international trade network. The partnership with Enstructure, coupled with strategic initiatives like the second weekly Dole service, sets the stage for a promising future, promising economic growth, and enhanced service offerings for the port’s customers.
