US Port Everett Kicks Off Modernization Project to Handle Larger Ships

In an effort to be able to handle next-generation ships and heavier cargoes, the US Port of Everett has embarked on the largest capital project in its history by dollar value.

Image Courtesy: Port of Everett

On August 15, the port hosted a groundbreaking to commemorate the start of construction on the South Terminal Modernization Project which is said to be the largest maritime construction project on the West Coast today.

As explained, the USD 36 million project will ensure the port’s facilities are ready to support the next generation of over-dimensional cargo, including aerospace parts for the new 777X.

“Completing critical infrastructure upgrades like this will better position the port and its facilities to handle the larger vessels and heavier cargoes now calling Everett, including aerospace parts for the new 777X and other opportunities on the horizon,” Glen Bachman, Port of Everett Commission President, commented.

“Since 2015, the port has invested millions of dollars to adapt its facilities to support the next generation of shipping, and this major infrastructure investment is a continuation of that effort,” Lisa Lefeber, Port of Everett Acting CEO, said.

The South Terminal facility is a key piece of the port’s overall seaport modernization efforts as it is the largest of the port’s docks by land footprint. However, the dock was originally built in the 1970s to support log operations, and in its current state, can only accommodate 500 pounds per square foot (psf). Modern cargo operations require a minimum of 1,000 psf.

The South Terminal Modernization Project (Phase II) strengthens the remaining 560-feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure (140-feet was strengthened as part of Phase I in 2015) and makes electrical upgrades at the wharf. Upon completion, the dock will be strong enough to accommodate two, 100-foot gauge rail-mounted container cranes and provide vaults for ships to plug into shorepower while at the dock.

In 2017, the port completed two rail upgrade projects totaling more than USD 8 million. With the help of the port’s 2-percent for public access policy, the project is also generating USD 586,000 to the city of Everett to improve public access along the waterfront that doesn’t conflict with a vibrant working waterfront.

The seaport modernization also received nearly USD 22 million in federal loans from the TIGER grant program and FAST Lane grant program as well as the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program.

The Port of Everett, located 25 miles north of Seattle, is a strategic self-operating seaport that supports nearly USD 30 billion worth of US exports annually, the second largest export customs district in Washington state.