Northwest alliance keeps ports competitive

The FMC says the ‘Port of Seattle/Port of Tacoma Alliance Agreement’, which will become effective on 23 July 2015, will help the ports overcome recent regional business development challenges by jointly coordinating capital investments to enhance facilities in order to attract ever larger vessels. The Alliance will focus on upgrading terminal facilities and rail connection – key to furthering the competitive position of the ports.

“I would like to express my support for the Northwest Seaport Alliance which brings together neighbouring ports to co-ordinate their import and export functions that provide a foundation for our nation’s foreign ocean borne trade,” said FMC Chairman Mario Cordero.

As part of the agreement, a Port Development Authority (PDA) will be set up to promote and assist economic development of the Alliance’s marine cargo operations.

“This Alliance would become the third-largest trade gateway in North America, behind the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the Port of New York/New Jersey. The Pacific Northwest is a key region for inbound and outbound United States cargo, moving cargo not only for the regional trade, but also cargo headed to destinations throughout the entire US Midwest, and this Alliance will help the region remain competitive into the future,” Mr Cordero concluded.