The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration is awarding $4.1 million to improve the International Marine Terminal in Portland Harbor, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Friday.

The grant is being provided to the Maine Port Authority for improvements to the terminal used by companies including L.L. Bean and Sappi, and potato and blueberry growers, said Collins, chair of transportation appropriations subcommittee.

“This major seaport is northern New England’s only container terminal and is utilized daily by businesses and customers across our state,” Collins said.

Since attracting Eimskip, the International Marine Terminal has seen container volume grow by 20 percent to 30 percent year over year. Even during the pandemic and economic crisis, this year’s total volume is projected to match the previous calendar year.

The money will be used to link Merrill’s Marine Terminal and the International Marine Terminal, consolidate cross-docking activities, renovate a vacant warehouse and add capacity for container operations.

Jon Nass, CEO of the Maine Port Authority, said he was grateful for the federal money.

“This grant, along with others that Senator Collins has assisted the MPA in securing, will help two Maine terminals continue to grow, create jobs, and provide critical logistical infrastructure to help grow Maine’s economy,” Nass said.

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