Just about any direction you steer in Portland seaport you’re likely to meet MMA alumni. We talked to a sampling of academy-trained professionals and learned that the port has taken on new energy and growth with shipping and investment on a steady uptick.

In recent weeks, a second mobile harbor crane was installed to handle growing freight volume at the International Marine Terminal, part of more than $15.7 million directed toward doubling cargo capacity and a promising trade connection to Canada, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Other projects include construction of a new operations building, enlarging the pier and improving rail service to the port.

“The potential for growth here in Maine is significant,” says Matthew Burns ’04, acting executive director of the Maine Port Authority. “We have already experienced major success in the recent developments and hope to see that business continues to grow.”