3 min read May 2023 — Carlos Buqueras, president & CEO of SeaPort Manatee spoke with Invest: about how e-commerce has changed traditional retailing methods and its positive effect on several industries. He also discussed how inflation and labor challenges impact the port, while also touching on the rise of nearshoring.
What have been some major highlights over the last year for SeaPort Manatee?
Tampa Bay is experiencing an explosion in trade and commerce, which is largely due to the expanding population and the role that the ports play in serving consumers. Last year’s volume of containers set a record, reflecting the growth in the population. In fact, we are now the fastest-growing container port in Florida thanks to the products we supply to consumers. We bring in perishables and hard goods that are so routine to people’s everyday lives. Last year, we imported more than 1 billion bananas, which are often overlooked but are essential products for most supermarkets. The port is also responsible for providing gasoline, which is increasingly important as people rely on fuel to live their daily lives. Fuel resilience is critical for all ports, and we are working hard to ensure we remain open through storms and natural disasters.
What role does the port play in the surrounding area and for the larger Florida community?
During the pandemic, we never closed, demonstrating our commitment to continuing to serve consumers. We even continued to bring in wood pulp from Brazil, which is used to make products like toilet paper and paper towels. Just about all the wood pulp that comes from Brazil is for the West Coast and it all comes in through here before going up north to Georgia to the manufacturers of those commodities, so our role is critical for domestic supply. We also play a critical role in supplying appliances to outlets like Home Depot and Lowe’s. With the expanding population, people are building more houses, and therefore need more appliances like air conditioners, stoves and refrigerators. All these products need to be transported to their final destination, and ports like ours are responsible for making that happen.
The economic impact that ports like ours have on the region has increased exponentially, resulting in a growth in the number of jobs that we are responsible for. Ports are also responsible for bringing in essential commodities like lumber, cement, steel rods and aluminum that are used in building homes. So, the broad overview of this all is that the port touches everyone in the region every day. We don’t create markets but supply them, which is why all Florida ports play a crucial role in ensuring that essential goods and commodities are transported to their final destination.
What is the state of the supply chain from your perspective?
As we saw during the pandemic, the supply chain provides critical components that allow us to live our everyday life. Prior to 2020, we were accustomed to having just the right product available at the right place and time for the consumer. Since the disruption, there has been a shift towards near-shoring supply chains, bringing them closer to consumers, but there has not been a significant slowdown in international supply chains. All the products brought in from various parts of the world were able to be discharged and delivered to their respective destinations. While the interruption of the supply chain could have serious consequences, the Florida ports have not been negatively affected. In recent times, the West Coast ports have reported more problems but Florida ports as a whole have managed to keep things moving without any major issues.
How much progress has Seaport Manatee made in mitigating labor challenges?
Labor is still a concern across statewide facilities. We have been collaborating with employment agencies and last year we hosted a job fair to promote the advantages of maritime careers with ports as well as our business partners. Many employers have also adjusted salaries and offered more flexible working arrangements. These tweaks have been made across all ports and regions to address the shortage of workers and recognize the changing views of the people. However, remote work may not be feasible for all staff as the port industry requires physical labor. Staff needs to be present at the site to load and unload cargo. It’s a physical job. Despite these challenges, the ports have been able to retain their employees due to their love for the job and the region.
How has the rise of e-commerce impacted the port?
E-commerce has become an integral part of the retail industry, allowing consumers to purchase goods online without physically going to a store. For the shipping industry, e-commerce has accelerated the volume of goods being transported as it provides an easy and convenient way for consumers to purchase products. After all, if consumers can buy from their chair instead of physically going to the store, then they can buy more. Also, e-commerce is an essential component of the retail supply chain. Products purchased online go through distribution centers before arriving at the customer’s doorstep. So, whether a consumer buys a washing machine, air conditioner or any other product, it must go through the shipping industry. Consequently, e-commerce has led to a higher demand for shipping services. Retail outlets like Home Depot have adopted an e-commerce platform, allowing consumers to buy products from a physical store or online. It is possible that e-commerce is contributing significantly to their sales as consumers find online purchases more convenient.
What are some of the initiatives and projects that you are excited to push forward for the port?
We want to grow in every direction that’s water- or maritime-related. The agenda includes cruise and container yard development, with additional paving. The plan also calls for building warehouses and maintaining the board’s depth and draft to meet Tampa Bay standards to accommodate the growth and demand of the port.
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