[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1272-E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING CAPTAIN E. LORENZO DiCASAGRANDE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
the life of Captain E. Lorenzo DiCasagrande, a shipping executive who 
helped transform Baltimore into a nationally recognized container port 
and thus contributed to the economic vitality of Maryland communities.
  Captain DiCasagrande, who passed away May 21, 2010, was vice 
president of the Mediterranean Shipping Company for more than 20 years 
and was an early advocate of the Port of Baltimore. Within one year of 
joining the company, he had established weekly service for the line 
from East Coast ports, including Baltimore's South Locust Point Marine 
Terminal, which had previously been served by one ship once every two 
weeks. The company brought 8,000 containers each year to the South 
Locust Point shipping berth.
  Captain DiCasagrande then paved the way for the success of the 
Seagirt Marine Terminal in 1990 by being the first container line to 
commit to the then-new terminal. Today, the company is committed to 
150,000 containers a year and is still growing, with five ship calls 
every week to the Seagirt terminal. In fact, the Mediterranean Shipping 
Company is Baltimore's top container customer.
  Earlier this year, Captain DiCasagrande celebrated with Maryland port 
officials as they broke ground on a new 50-foot berth for the Port, a 
long-time vision for him. The project will support 5,700 jobs and, when 
completed, accommodate larger ships and attract more cargo to 
Baltimore. It will help Baltimore maintain its current customers and 
attract new ones that will come aboard the larger ships of the future.
  A native of Italy, Captain DiCasagrande adopted Baltimore as his 
second home, fiercely defending the city in business negotiations. He 
worked hard to win customers and built a strong relationship with the 
port community, elected officials and his employees. His friends and 
business associates alike described him as a great leader, well-
respected and well-liked. He was also a dedicated husband, father and 
grandfather.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor the life of 
Captain Lorenzo E. DiCasagrande. His dedication as a tireless advocate 
for the Port of Baltimore is deserving of the utmost gratitude. He 
deserves credit for helping bring more cargo to Baltimore's piers and 
creating thousands of jobs for Maryland families.

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