SSA Terminals (Seattle Terminals), LLC (SSAT/ST), a collaboration between SSA Terminals and Terminal Investment (TiL), and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) have completed the second phase of the Terminal 5 Modernization Program.
This expansion initiative has resulted in a state-of-the-art international container facility with two berths, which is now ready to serve vessels with MSC Lily marking the inaugural vessel to dock at the fully modernized Terminal.
Commencing construction in July 2019, this project received substantial investment exceeding half a billion dollars from NWSA, SSAT/ST, and other partners. This strategic modernization project will enhance cargo capacity and generate employment opportunities in the Puget Sound region.
“The modernized and upgraded Terminal 5 facility will become one of the key assets in the Pacific Northwest, being one of the few facilities that can handle 24,000 TEU vessels and offering a second-to-none on-dock rail service. Capitalizing on a strong local consumer market, Terminal 5 will allow us to offer also an attractive gateway for intermodal cargo,” stated Tom Van Eynde, managing director of North America at TiL.
In January 2022, the North berth was reconfigured, marking the opening for cargo ships as Phase One of the Modernization Project was completed. After the completion of the second phase, the entire terminal spans 750,000 m² of cargo capacity.
Highlighted aspects of the Terminal 5 renovations include the installation of two reconfigured berths equipped with six advanced super-post Panamax cranes, aimed at improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the on-dock rail facilities and expanded refrigerated plug-ins will provide enhanced advantages to agricultural exporters, while simultaneously diminishing truck traffic in the vicinity of Terminal 5.
“Terminal 5 offers on-dock rail and expanded refrigerated plugs that support imports and exports moving to local markets and U.S. Midwest locations. The Northwest Seaport Alliance recognizes that investing in strategic infrastructure is critical to remaining competitive along the West Coast and driving economic opportunities across the Pacific Northwest region,” commented Kristin Ang, port of Tacoma commission president and NWSA co-chair.
Notably, Terminal 5 stands out as the premier international container terminal to offer shore power capability across two berths. Equipped with shore power, both berths enable vessels to connect to the City of Seattle’s clean electric grid, bypassing the need for their diesel engines. This advancement is poised to curtail vessel emissions during berthing periods, aligning with NWSA’s sustainability objectives.
Further contributing to environmental stewardship, SSAT/ST has procured three hybrid rubber tyre gantry (RTG) cranes.
