Pacific Maritime Association

PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 19 2 0 2 5 | A Y E A R I N R E V I E W Pacific Northwest Pacific Northwest terminals invested in sustainable infrastructure, and a new shipping line strengthened trade links with Southeast Asia. It was a record year for the Port of Seattle's cruise industry, and a major expansion is set to boost Tacoma's auto and breakbulk cargo-handling capacity. R E G I O N A L R E P O R T Husky Terminal Installs Shore Power The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) installed the first shore power system at Husky Terminal at the Port of Tacoma. PMA member Hapag-Lloyd marked the milestone when its vessel, the Kuala Lumpur Express, became the first ship to plug in on June 15. Shore power allows visiting ships to connect to the local electrical grid and shut down diesel engines, thus eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while at berth. The project supports the NWSA's goal to install shore power at all international terminals by 2030. More than half of vessels calling at the Puget Sound are shore- power capable, as carriers continue transitioning their fleets to meet zero-emissions targets. Oregon Container Terminal Agreement Signed Harbor Industrial Services, a PMA member company, took over operations of Terminal 6 at the Port of Portland. Renamed Oregon Container Terminal, it features five berths and an on-dock rail yard. As the state's only international container terminal, it plays a critical role in connecting the regional economy with international markets while supporting 1,500 jobs and generating roughly $20 million in annual state and local tax revenue. Seattle Welcomes Emirates Shipping Line to U.S. Market The Port of Seattle welcomed the M/V Bright on August 16, marking the inauguration of Emirates Shipping Line's (ESL) service to the United States. Dubai-based ESL has assumed operations of the Sun Chief Express service – the fastest maritime route from Vietnam and South China to the PNW. The NWSA has sought to deepen trade connections with Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and ESL announced it will expand from fortnightly to weekly sailings by mid-2026. The upgraded Sun Chief Express service from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Shekou, China, will support regional trade growth, broaden market coverage, and enhance supply chain reliability. Vancouver Builds Soda Ash Gateway Vancouver Bulk Terminals broke ground in May on a state-of-the- art soda ash export facility at the Port of Vancouver USA's Terminal 2. Soda ash – sodium carbonate – is used in glass manufacturing, solar panels, and other sustainable technologies. The cutting-edge terminal will be capable of handling more than 3 million tons annually and positions Vancouver as a premier gateway for critical minerals. PMA member company Metro Ports will serve as the preferred stevedore for soda ash operations. Tacoma to Double Terminal Capacity for Auto Imports The Port of Tacoma will more than double the size of its ro-ro and breakbulk cargo terminal facilities in a $200 million expansion announced by the NWSA in March. The new 22-acre, two- berth terminal will be jointly developed by the NWSA and the Native American Puyallup Tribe and located next to the East Blair 1 Terminal. Auto volumes grew 136% between 2020 and 2024, according to NWSA data, and the expansion will strengthen the Puget Sound as an international gateway for autos. Seattle Cruise Business Reaches New Heights The Port of Seattle recorded a historic cruise season in 2025, handling 298 vessel calls and 1.9 million passengers. This record-breaking season delivered an estimated $1.2 billion in economic benefit to the region and supported more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. For the first time, shore power was available at all three cruise berths at the port, with 65% of ships plugging in – up from 42% in 2024. Investments by the ports and shipping companies in shore power continue to reduce harmful emissions.

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