Mayor Gerald D. Jennings announced that the Port of Albany has received two prestigious awards form the Railway Industrial Clearance Association. The first award was given for outstanding customer satisfaction, and the second, recognized Albany as the most improved port in the nation for handling heavy lift cargo.

The Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), a 650-member international association dedicated to heavy lift and project cargo transportation, conferred the awards upon Albany at its 40th annual meeting in San Francisco, CA this past weekend.

The organization, with members from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe, cited the Albany Port District Commission members “for the vision in ongoing investment in infrastructure,” as a major reason for the award. In addition, the Port Commission staff was complemented for its efforts to ensure that customers are satisfied with its performance, services and dedication to detail.

Federal Marine Terminals and Port of Albany longshore labor was praised by the organization for performing their jobs with “professionalism, efficiency, experience, knowledge and care.” Longshore labor hours have continued to climb at the Port over the past several years as a variety of larger cargo is being handled, including transformers, generators, project cargo, and wind energy products.

“I am honored that such an important organization has recognized the superb reputation of the Port of Albany,” Mayor Jennings stated. “And I continue to be very proud of the fine work being done by our Port Commission, its staff, and longshore labor. Albany is now a major player on the world stage of international commerce.