Gantrex Wins Contract for Sparrows Point Terminal

The company will supply critical rail fastening systems for the new $1.2 billion container terminal in Baltimore.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Transportation

Isometric editorial illustration of heavy industrial steel rail fastening components, including plates and clips, representing infrastructure for a shipping terminal. — Gantrex has secured a contract to supply specialized rail fastening systems for the new $1.2 billion container terminal in Baltimore. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Gantrex has secured a contract to provide rail fastening systems for the massive new container terminal under construction at Sparrows Point. The terminal project, which began in May 2026, is a $1.2 billion investment aimed at significantly boosting Baltimore's shipping capacity.

Why it matters

The terminal is projected to increase the Port of Baltimore's container-handling capacity by approximately 70 percent once completed. This expansion serves as a critical infrastructure development to handle projected throughput of 499,000 TEU in 2028 alone.

The 330-acre site will eventually handle 2 million TEU annually and feature 3,000 feet of quay. The facility will be equipped with nine STS cranes, 30 RTGs, and five RMG cranes.

The players

Gantrex

This global company specializes in rail fastening systems and crane runway solutions for ports and heavy industry.

Tradepoint Atlantic

This developer operates the redevelopment project at the former Bethlehem Steel site in Baltimore.

Terminal Investment Limited

This company is a major global port operator and investor in terminal infrastructure projects.

Liebherr

This international equipment manufacturer produces heavy machinery, including the STS cranes ordered for the site.

The details

Gantrex is set to supply an array of infrastructure components, including sole plates, RailLok W25 rail clips, RailLok C220 pads, anchor bolts, and specialized grout. The terminal is designed to utilize electric-powered cranes while relying on diesel power for initial yard operations.

Construction on the terminal officially began in May 2026.
Liebherr secured an order for seven STS cranes in June 2026.
The North Yard, Intermodal Yard, and Berth 1 are slated for completion in 2028.
Berth 2 is expected to become operational in 2029.

Market Landscape

The Sparrows Point expansion marks a significant 70% increase in the Port of Baltimore's container-handling capacity. This move positions the terminal to compete for larger volumes of international shipping traffic as East Coast port demands shift.

The massive project is expected to create new industrial activity at the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant. Local residents and stakeholders may see increased logistics-related job opportunities as the terminal nears its 2028 operational milestone.

The takeaway

The Sparrows Point project highlights the ongoing transition of former heavy-manufacturing sites into modern logistics hubs. Readers should monitor regional economic reports for updates on how this infrastructure affects local shipping costs and supply chain efficiency.