PUGET Sound container volumes fell less than one per cent in 2014 to 3.4 million TEU in the first instance of Tacoma and Seattle reporting jointly since their October merger in the Seaport Alliance joint venture.
"Reporting our combined cargo volumes demonstrates our commitment to the Seaport Alliance," said Seattle port co-president Stephanie Bowman.
Last year marked the second consecutive year of decline, underscoring the competitive pressures reshaping the global shipping industry, reported the American Journal of Transportation.
Larger vessels and shipping line alliances mean fewer vessels are calling at fewer ports, and their share of the west coast market has been falling over the past decade.
But together they claim to be the third biggest container port in North America.
"The industry is changing and the competition from other North American ports is fierce," said Tacoma port president Don Johnson. "We must adapt and work together to maintain and grow our share of the west coast market to benefit the economic health of Washington state."
Container export volumes through the two ports dipped 1.6 per cent last year to 1.2 million TEU while imports fell 4.1 per cent to 1.4 million TEUs. Meanwhile, domestic container volumes grew 6.1 per cent to 870,733 TEU on the strength of the Alaska trade.
The combined marine cargo operations at both ports support more than 48,000 jobs across the region and provide a critical gateway for the export of Washington state products to Asia.
WORLD SHIPPING
25 January 2015 - 22:35
Puget Sound 'Seaport Alliance's falls to 3.4 million TEU in 2014
PUGET Sound container volumes fell less than one per cent in 2014 to 3.4 million TEU in the first instance of Tacoma and Seattle reporting jointly since their October merger in the Seaport Alliance joint venture.
WORLD SHIPPING
25 January 2015 - 22:35
Puget Sound 'Seaport Alliance's falls to 3.4 million TEU in 2014
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