Maryland Department of Agriculture Joins Ground-Breaking of New Grain Transloading Facility at Port of Baltimore

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 10, 2026) ~ The Port of Baltimore welcomed a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new grain transloading facility at the Seagirt Marine Terminal. The event was attended by representatives from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Ports America Chesapeake, Frey Commodities, and other officials.

The partnership between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey Commodities will make it easier for Maryland farmers to export their products worldwide. The four-acre facility will include three grain silos and is expected to be operational by August 2026.

Mark Schmidt, president of Ports America Chesapeake, expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating that it will create a more efficient and streamlined supply chain for farmers while also strengthening the region's competitive position. He also highlighted the benefits of direct delivery to Seagirt, which will reduce complexity and costs for producers.

Currently, there is no direct transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore for moving grain and soybeans from trucks into containers for export shipping operations. This means that farmers have to place their grain into empty shipping containers located offsite, which are then brought into the Port. However, with the new system in place, farm trucks will be able to directly deposit their grain onto a conveyor system that will transport it into a silo at Seagirt. This eliminates the need for offsite loading and additional truck transfers.

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Maryland Deputy Transportation Secretary Samantha Biddle praised the unique partnership between Ports America Chesapeake and Frey Commodities, stating that it will provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of moving Maryland-produced grains into international markets.

Jonathan Daniels, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration, emphasized that this new transloading facility sets the Port of Baltimore apart as the best agricultural port in the country. He also noted that container transloading directly at the port will reduce emissions from offsite loading and significantly lower transportation costs.

Mike Adamchak, chief commercial officer at Frey Commodities, highlighted how this project will benefit grain producers in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania by providing a more efficient supply chain that connects them to growing overseas demand. He also mentioned that the facility will strengthen their ability to connect producers across North America with global markets.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks emphasized the importance of this new facility in connecting Maryland's agricultural industry with the global marketplace. He stated that by streamlining the supply chain and providing direct access to the Port of Baltimore, costs for farm families will be reduced, ensuring their competitiveness.

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Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. also highlighted the economic benefits of this project, stating that it will lower the cost of doing business for agricultural producers in Maryland and draw more business to the state.

Once operational, the facility will function as a full-service grain elevator with a capacity to load over 200 containers per week. The three silos will have a combined capacity of 60,000 bushels and support inbound shipments from both truck and rail. The facility's high-resolution images and project renderings are available for viewing online.

This new grain transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore is set to revolutionize agricultural logistics in Maryland and strengthen its position as a top agricultural port in the country. With its efficient and environmentally friendly operations, it is expected to bring significant economic benefits to both farmers and the state as a whole.

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