The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) has approved a concession agreement with Alabama Steel Terminals, LLC (AST) to develop a new $36 million steel coil handling facility at the Alabama State Port Authority's main docks complex. The new rail, truck and barge served facility will be constructed behind ASPA's Pier D2 berth located on a 40-foot deep channel. Alabama Steel Terminals, LLC is a joint venture between TriState Maritime Services, Inc., and the Richardson Group of Companies. Alabama Steel Terminals will operate and manage the terminal.
"Alabama Steel Terminals, through its integrated service with ASPA, will complement the port's existing portfolio of steel terminal facilities," said James K. Lyons, director and chief executive of the Port Authority. Lyons said the project is strategic to expanding the port's steel handling capabilities. "This state-of-the-art terminal will not only provide benefits to our existing customers, but will attract new shippers through the port."
The new facility will comprise of both covered and open storage areas for steel coil throughput handling. Alabama Steel Terminals, LLC will construct a 372,600 square foot warehouse in two phases. Under Phase I, AST will construct 178,200 square feet of covered bay area equipped with three (50) ton capacity overhead bridge cranes and 168,000 square feet of open storage yard handling an estimated 650,000 tons of steel annually. Phase II development will add 194,400 square foot bay area equipped with three additional (50) ton capacity overhead bridge cranes.