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THE Port of Tacoma handled a record 2,067,186 TEU in 2006, an increase of about 4,000 TEU over the previous year.
The volume of non-container cargo rose 22 per cent in terms of auto imports to amount to a total of 166,087 units, while break/bulk cargo registered 11 per cent growth last year to reach 129,259 tons. Total tonnage amounted to 18.9 million tons.
Port of Tacoma executive director Timothy Farrell said authorities last year focused on increasing system-wide capacity to handle growth after expanding the port's international TEU volume by more than 20 per cent in 2005.
"Over the past year, our port commission authorised the investment of US$132 million in capital projects to lay the foundation for the future of the port of Tacoma," he said. "These projects will allow our customers to continue to grow and be successful in Tacoma."
Major 2006 cargo capacity-enhancing projects included completion of $10.5 million in major, near-terminal rail expansion projects; groundbreaking for a 22-acre expansion at Washington United Terminals (Hyundai Merchant Marine); completion of the Husky Terminal ("K" Line) redevelopment and expansion; widening of the Blair Waterway; and the demolition and cleanup of the 96-acre former Kaiser Smelter which will in future be devoted to new marine terminal development.
"Our five year capital plan calls for an investment of $336 million with the long-term objective of reaching 10 million TEU by 2025," said Mr Farrell.
Looking ahead, the Port of Tacoma forecasts modest container growth in 2007. This is expected be followed by a total expansion of 51 per cent by 2011 with volumes forecast to surpass three million TEU in 2010, a statement from port authorities said.
The port expects to handle 2.2 million TEU in 2007 and 19.1 million tons of general cargo.
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