NWSA (Northwest Seaport Alliance) container volume was negatively impacted by reduced vessel calls in June.
The reasons for the above are both the congestion in other ports and the ongoing service suspensions.
Full imports in June 2021 were above average, making year-over-year comparisons unfavorable.
In more detail, June volumes fell 10.3% to 309,123 TEU, with full imports down 15.4% and full exports down 8.8% year-on-year.
Year-to-date volumes were down 4% to 1,806,732 TEU, with full imports and exports down 6.9% and 24.2%, respectively.
On a positive note, however, the carriers have announced the return of suspended services in the third quarter to support the peak season.
The additional capacity is expected to improve volumes, including export activity. At the same time, the additional capacity is also supported by the ongoing ad-hoc vessel call activity at the gateway.
Domestic volumes increased 1% compared to YTD in June 2021. Alaska volumes increased 2.2% while Hawaii volumes decreased 3.4%.
NWSA managing members approved a new three-year lease — with three two-year extension options — and operating agreement with BNSF Railway to begin operating domestic intermodal operations in the Tacoma Harbor.
The terminal will be operated by Pacific Rail Services and will be used for intermodal container storage and related operations.
Operations are expected to begin on August 1.
