Seattle and Tacoma information sharing permitted

The two ports are now free to collect, share and discuss a wide range of issues regarding container terminal operations including information on container facility planning and development, management, and operational efficiencies.

The ports, located 30 miles apart in Washington State, are separate port districts governed by locally elected port commissioners.

In announcing the decision, FMC Commissioner William F Doyle said: “Competition is stiff between ports on the US West Coast and the ports in Canada and Mexico. Our ports need to compete on an international level and keep providing good paying jobs – I hope this agreement helps the ports of Seattle and Tacoma figure out their best options for the future.”