SEATTLE’S TERMINAL 5 COMMENCES OPERATIONS

The north berth of the two-berth upgraded terminal is the first to open with the south-berth expected to commence operations in mid-2023. In its original format the terminal was only capable of handling vessels of up to 6000TEU capacity but with the upgrade to both berths vessels of 18,000TEU capacity will be able to be handled.

Modernisation work includes berth deepening, strengthening and power upgrades to support the four new ZPMC ship-to-shore cranes installed. Shore power will also be supplied to vessels when alongside, 1500 reefer plugs installed, arrangements in place to facilitate noise management, faster truck processing and greater use of on-dock rail. Facilitating the movement of Asian cargo to the large, high consumption, US Midwest hinterlands is a key objective.

On full completion Terminal 5 will comprise a modern twoberth 185-acre terminal able to serve the largest vessels in operation in Trans-Pacific trade.

SSA Terminals is the terminal’s operator its lease agreement for Terminal 5 commencing with the completion of the first-phase construction.

Total project cost is put at US$500m with the North West Seaport Alliance providing US$340m and SSA Terminals US$160m. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma comprise the managing members of The Northwest Seaport Alliance.

The 4782TEU capacity MSC Monterey recently made the first call at the upgraded terminal – larger vessels are expected to follow.

Overall container volume moving through Seattle is on an upward curve, rebounding after a dip in 2020, the addition of major new capacity is thus seen as most timely.