After Record Flooding, Shipping Normalizes For Port Of Little Rock

Following record flooding in the region, economic activity has returned to normal at the Port of Little Rock, Ark. Local business and government, partnered with state and federal government entities, are working together to strengthen the area’s navigation system.

Despite the significant flood event, the port’s docks have worked only 1 percent fewer barges and tonnage during the same period in 2018 (308 barges versus 312 and 471,324 tons versus 477,365).

June saw a return to strong barge activity on the port’s docks. A total of 47 barges were loaded or unloaded during the month, with 21 worked at the river dock and 26 worked at the slackwater harbor dock.

In dock tonnage, more than 73,000 tons of cargo were handled, including aluminum sows and tees, DAP, potash, rock and sand, steel coils, wetcake and wire rod coils. Year-to-date, the port has handled 308 barges carrying more than 471,000 tons of cargo.

“I expect August to be a strong month across all operations, and we are optimistic about the 2019 fiscal year,” said Bryan Day, executive director of the Little Rock Port Authority. “Following the flooding, we are very appreciative of everyone’s efforts to repair and improve the [McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System], including the levee task force organized by Gov. Hutchinson, Army Corps of Engineers, and our local and federal leadership. I am thankful for their support and partnership.”