The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), comprising the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, has moved more than 3,736,200 TEU in 2021, representing a year-on-year growth of 12.5%.
During this period imports reached 1,554,671 TEU and exports completed 1,437,449 TEU, which translates to increases of 14.4% and 12.6%, respectively, compared to 2020.
Full imports grew 16.8%, driven by strong consumer demand, according to the US port, while full exports declined 12.5% due to a shortage of equipment and space.
Meanwhile, domestic volumes totalled 744,086 TEU, recording a rise of 8.7% compared to 2020, with Alaska volumes increasing 5.6% and Hawaii volumes growing 22.8% year-on-year.
In December 2021, NWSA handled 254,102 TEU, a 15.8% decrease from the same month of the previous year, which can be partially attributed to weather-related terminal closures.
Terminal 5 (T5), in the Seattle Harbor, reopened for business this month with the arrival of the MSC Monterey.
Completion of Phase One of the T5 Modernisation Project is projected to add berth and terminal capacity to the gateway while it is expected to expand the port's big-ship handling capabilities.
The newly modernised terminal features on-dock rail, shore power, a reconfigured berth, four new super-post Panamax cranes, and additional reefer plugs, according to NWSA.
