I agree with yout overall point.
As long as there are no American companies willing to bid on these operating contracts, the ports are left with two choices for their terminals: close them down or allow foreign companies to run them.
If we bar competitive foreign companies from bidding, the result will certianly be higher operating costs, making us less competitive in world markets.
You pay your money and make your choice.
Now, if this is so profitable, why are American companies running for the gates?
Did this just miss Warren Buffett et al? You might think that if it was just profitability you would find a diversity of ownership.. but instead we find the whole class of companies owned by foreign companies. So what are possible explanations for this odd situation?
I think this is the real story behind the story.