Pacific Maritime Association

substantially deepen the Blair Waterway in Tacoma and the West Waterway in Seattle to accommodate larger vessels. Authorized by Congress, these initiatives are moving forward with the goal of ensuring the region's ports can consistently support international trade and the associated jobs vital to the local economy. New Federal Funding Will Expand Terminal's Capabilities In a historic milestone, the Port of Tacoma secured over $54 million in federal funding for the first phase of the Husky Terminal expansion through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program. This substantial grant will double the terminal's capacity for ultra-large ships and triple its capacity for refrigerated containers, addressing Washington state's unmet handling demand for key exports. These enhancements support Washington state's economic activity, promote competitiveness in global trade and align with environmental goals by upgrading power infrastructure. The total project cost is estimated at $125.9 million, with an additional $69.3 million in nonfederal funding. Port of Seattle's Cruise Season Continues Recovery The Port of Seattle welcomed 291 cruise ships over the course of its 2023 season, maintaining the significant level of cruise ships which visited the Port in 2022's landmark year (295 vessels). The continued recovery of the cruise business, which comprises a significant portion of the Port of Seattle's maritime activity, is especially important following the negative impact to the industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ILWU workers assist cruise ships with shoreside business, including securing the vessels to the docks and loading and unloading food, beverages, and passenger luggage. New Container Business at the Port of Portland The Port of Portland is expanding its maritime services by adding two new ocean container carriers and extending service into Japan The Carnival Luminosa sets sail from the Port of Seattle. through an existing carrier. PMA member company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp has entered the Portland market on a weekly basis through a space-chartering alliance with "K" Line. In addition, a consortium including PMA member company NYK Line, PMA member company Hapag-Lloyd, Neptune Orient Lines Ltd. (NOL) and P&O Containers Ltd has entered into a vessel sharing agreement and will also be calling at the Port of Portland and at three Japanese ports—Kobe, Nagoya and Tokyo. An aerial view of Husky Terminal during sunrise with Mount Rainier in the background. PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 31 2 0 2 3 | A Y E A R I N R E V I E W

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