The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has approved lease agreements and construction on the ‘Terminal 5 Modernization Program’, a project that will reposition the US facility as a “premier international container terminal”.
According to a statement, public and private investment in the Seattle terminal totals approximately US$500 million and will create 6,600 new jobs, as well as resulting in a further US$2 billion worth of business activity.
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In addition to this, modernizing Terminal 5 is expected to boost its cargo-handling operations, increase competitiveness, and allow the trade hub to accommodate the growing number of ultra large container vessels (UCLVs) visiting West Coast ports.
This trend is reflected by the rising capacity of container ships calling at the terminal, from as high as 4,800 TEU in 1997 to 14,000 today.
Commissioners want to make clear their will that intermodal (rail) capacities on T-18 and T-5 be as fully utilized as possible. This important infrastructure provides opportunities for tragic congestion relief as well as reduced emissions.
— The Northwest Seaport Alliance (@SeaportNW) April 2, 2019
Stephanie Bowman, Port of Seattle commission president and co-chair of the NWSA, commented: “The modernization of Terminal 5 represents a transformative investment in our region to support our state’s economy.
“These actions will ensure robust and competitive marine cargo and maritime industrial activities in our harbor for the next 30 years, sustaining and creating family-wage jobs and economic opportunity for the region.”
Managing Members approved, 8-2, today to transform @PortofSeattle's T-5 into one of the premier container terminals in the US. They also approved an interlocal agreement to allow Port of Seattle to use a portion of T-46 for a new cruise berth. https://t.co/opr83eUrMr pic.twitter.com/cgoOs5CFj2
— The Northwest Seaport Alliance (@SeaportNW) April 2, 2019
Details of the lease agreements reveal that SSA Terminals, LLC will begin operating the facility once the first phase of construction is completed in 2021.
In order to maximize efficiency across the Seattle harbour, the movement of international cargo through NSWA’s container and bulk terminals will also be realigned.
Ed DeNike, President of SSA Containers, said: “The potential for growth through Puget Sound’s gateway is tremendous. Investments like this one are both timely and strategic for us.”
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