A unanimous vote has been passed by members of the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) that will enable the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to merge its management, planning and marketing activities in 2015.
The green light is one of two needed to make the alliance official, allowing both ports to expand on their container market, according to the Journal of Commerce.
On March 31, 2015, the commissions of both ports will cast their final votes for an agreement that will contain details relating to finance and staffing.
The FMC will then have 45 days to review this final agreement and decide on the future of the port alliance.
Tacoma Commissioner Clare Petrich said: “Together we believe the two ports can be stronger in dealing with our legislators, faster in response to our customer needs and more cost-effective than we would be separately.”
Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe is anticipated to be the leading figure for the conjoined ports should they receive final approval from the FMC.
The alliance could gain a better footing under new management as it will enable more competitive intermodal services to the hinterland.
