Pacific Maritime Association

27 T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W Infrastructure Projects The Port of Tacoma recently moved breakbulk operations to the near-rail, deep-water East Blair One terminal, which already had the infrastructure needed for heavy cargo. An existing "heavy-lift pad" enables the transfer of large objects such as agricultural and military equipment. In the future, the port plans to add 300 feet of rail to support the terminal. Also underway is an effort to strengthen a pier and install 100-gauge crane rail at Husky Terminal to accommodate larger cranes – and, therefore, ships – in the future. The port also partnered with the City of Tacoma to obtain grant money to cover nearly 90 percent of the $496,000 design cost to rebuild Port of Tacoma Road, the main arterial into the port industrial area. Efforts are underway to secure construction money to replace about 7,800 feet of asphalt road with the concrete more suitable for a heavy-haul corridor. The Port of Seattle continues to improve shore-side access for freight mobility between marine terminals and rail and road transportation networks. It began construction of the deep-bore tunnel for SR 99 for better movement of traffic near port facilities, rail access improvements at the north end of the Union Pacific ARGO yard, and grade separations throughout industrial traffic routes near port terminals. In August of 2013, the Port of Seattle Commission approved $267.7 million for the $3.1 billion SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program, including contributions to several state transportation projects such as the East Marginal Way Overpass, Spokane St. Viaduct and the second phase of the SR 519 Intermodal Access Project. Port of Tacoma Experiences Double-Digit Growth The Port of Tacoma handled nearly 1.5 million loaded TEUs in 2013, an increase of 13.5 percent from the previous year. Both imports and exports rose, along with total vessel calls. Growth in 2013 container volumes continues to reflect the 2012 shift of the Grand Alliance shipping consortium of Hapag-Lloyd, OOCL and NYK Lines from Seattle to Tacoma. Auto imports and log exports also performed well in 2013, improving 13 percent and 4 percent respectively. Although breakbulk cargo volumes finished the year down 11 percent, the decline was expected, as cargo volumes moderated following two record-breaking years. Grain exports also declined 40 percent in 2013, impacted by increased competition from South America and severe weather conditions in the Midwest that negatively impacted harvests. Grain exports through Tacoma improved significantly through the fourth quarter of 2013, hinting at a potential rebound leading into 2014. Oregon Sees Auto Milestones, Growth in Forest Trade In 2013, the Port of Portland was chosen as the primary gateway for Ford exports to China, with 30,000 vehicles planned to be shipped through the port in the coming year. These exports complement a robust import business, as Portland is the fourth largest auto import gateway on the West Coast. In July, the port celebrated the arrival of its two millionth Hyundai. 2013 also saw forest products begin to make a strong comeback. This trade has helped to strengthen some smaller ports such as Coos Bay and Astoria, with the expectation that Newport will also begin to see new vessel calls exporting logs in 2014. 27 P A C I F I C M A R I T I M E A S S O C I A T I O N Regional Developments: Pacific Northwest A s the region continues its incremental recovery from the recession, Pacific Northwest ports showed the expectation of future growth by investing in infrastructure. These crucial projects – including channel deepening, crane readiness and terminal upgrades – will increase port capacity and allow for the movement of larger volume and more diverse cargo through the area. The Port of Tacoma is Puget Sound's busiest container port

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