Two ports tackle challenges, opportunities in changing competitive landscape
SEATTLE – During a joint commission study session today, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma broadened their joint efforts to promote Puget Sound as a global gateway between Asia and North America. Ports in British Columbia are competing for U.S.-bound cargo, and expansion of the Panama and Suez canals offers new possibilities for shippers. Puget Sound’s two major seaports are implementing long-term competitive strategies to ensure our state remains an efficient, green gateway for shippers worldwide.
“Tens of thousands of our jobs in King and Pierce counties depend upon strong Puget Sound ports, and strong ports need an efficient freight transportation system,” noted Seattle Commission President Bill Bryant. That’s why Seattle and Tacoma are working together and identifying the investments our state must make now if we’re to keep those jobs in the years ahead.”
“The competition our West Coast container ports face is a clear call to action to address our transportation system holistically and seek news ways to promote our region’s environmental advantages,” said Tacoma Commission President Clare Petrich. “It is increasingly important for us to work with others beyond our region for a national strategy to keep goods moving efficiently.”
Newly-focused collaborative efforts between the six major West Coast ports are also bearing fruit. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma have joined with the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Portland, the BNSF Railway Company and Union Pacific Railroad to promote the West Coast as the greenest and most efficient gateway for Asian cargo. Chief executives from the six ports and the two railroads will travel to the World Shipping Summit in China next month to showcase the benefits of West Coast ports to shippers across the globe.
Contact: Tara Mattina, Port of Tacoma, (253) 428-8674, or Charla Skaggs, Port of Seattle, (206) 787.3235