[Editor’s Note: We need to preserve the maritime nature of our harbor and the jobs it sustains. Not everything can be housing and open space, important as those two elements are. Next year, EastBoston.com will explore ways to maintain a port that preserves the many industries that the region’s economy depends upon. Here we link to a compelling editorial by Kelly Strong.]
Kelly Strong of the Boston Shipping Association
The Port of Boston has a long and well-known history of supporting the New England economy through its working waterfront and a reputation as a home to well-paid marine industrial jobs. The modern working port of Boston remains vibrant as growth in containerized cargo volumes, seafood-processing production, cruise ship passenger visits and other maritime-related businesses has been trending upward over the past decade. These maritime industries are well-positioned for continued growth and significant expansion when given the chance.
In 2018, a Massport study found that 66,091 jobs and $8.2 billion of economic value was derived from the Port of Boston. Given that Boston’s working port is an economic engine, the question for our next mayor and future city leaders is how will they make certain that the needs and opportunities of the working waterfront will be a priority?
Read more at the Boston Business Journal
