Saipan harbor posts $25M in revenues

The Commonwealth government generated more than $25 million in revenues from active businesses at the Saipan International Harbor since the completion of its multi-million improvement project in 1999.

Based on the Saipan Seaport FY2000 Summary of Revenue Tonnage, the harbor division made more than $9 million from inbound, outbound, transshipment, and cement throughput alone.

Saipan Seaport Manager Tony Cabrera said the harbor generated more that 483,069.427 revenue tons and 190,299.446 revenue tons for both inbound and outbound cargoes from October 1999 to September 2000.

Wharfage rate for inbound cargo amounts to $4.25 per ton while transshipment is pegged at .514 per ton. Transshipment cargoes on the other hand cost, $1.08 per ton.

Seaport Assistant Manager Mitch K. Aaron disclosed there were about 57 military ships that visited CNMI since 1997 and two are set to arrive today for a 10-day rest and recreation stopover.

The $43 million Saipan Harbor is expected to give the CNMI a competitive edge for transshipment of cargoes in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Citing the active participation of the seaport to revive the ailing economy of the Commonwealth, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio endorsed April 22-28 as CNMI Ports Week.

All ports and port operators and tenants of Saipan, Tinian and Rota play a central role in the commerce of the NMI through the import and export of cargo, passenger, and delivery of goods and services.

The Association of Seaport Tenants and Operators of Saipan decided to hold the Ports Week this month to coincide with the grand opening of the Saipan Harbor in April 1999.

ASTOSI Finance Chairman Alex Sablan said the seaport improvement and expansion have made regular business and scheduled military visit to go on simultaneously.

The seaport has made tremendous effect on the tourism industry and has improved the overall economy of the CNMI, said Mr. Sablan.

The CNMI Ports Week will gather all key personalities supporting the CPA on its relentless efforts to improve the economy of the Commonwealth through various significant programs.

The public is encouraged to participate in the slated tour of military vessels and port facilities on April 23 at 12pm and on April 27 at 10am.

Seaport tenants and port officials will also join hand in hand on its clean up ports day on April 25 and the student tour of military vessels and port facilities day on April 26.

On April 28, CPA will hold a military appreciation celebration where vendors and exhibitors will be participating. Mr. Coffman said there will also be live bands and appreciation banquet at the Saipan Stevedore Warehouse. (EGA)