More than US$300m in infrastructure improvements is being considered as part of a drive to grow international marine cargo to the Port of Seattle.
To prepare for ever-larger container vessels, the port commissions of Seattle and Tacoma met at the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) managing member meeting to discuss recommendations for significant new investments, which also include a new tenant at Seattle’s Terminal 5.
“With the largest marine cargo vessels entering the trans-Pacific trade, our Terminal 5 investments are critical for Washington state exports to Asian markets, in addition to growing cargo volumes and maritime jobs in the Puget Sound region,” said the NWSA.
Terminal 5 growth
Seattle’s Terminal 5 is marked for development because of its naturally deep berth, wide footprint, and the availability of an on-dock rail yard, which allows containers to be directly loaded from the ship onto rail lines.
“The new ultra-large container ships, however, require larger, heavier cranes with a longer reach, which in turn requires strengthening the dock and upgrading utilities,” stressed the NWSA.
Seattle and Tacoma port commissioners have also directed staff to bring forward environmental investments to enhance water and air quality for the community. These investments include updating stormwater treatment systems and installing shore power infrastructure to cut air emissions.
The plan also includes technology improvements to manage truck flow around the terminal and a railroad “quiet zone” to reduce noise impacts for the surrounding community.
Source:portstrategy
