Over three decades as a Port of Tacoma Commissioner, Jack Fabulich has witnessed containerized cargo grow from 85,000 to nearly 2.1 million teus (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

"There have been huge growth years like 2005 and there have been short periods when we took a small step back, but the underlying long-term trend has always been growth," said Fabulich.

In 2006, the Port of Tacoma set a new container record with 2,067,186 teus ' a modest increase of about 4,000 teus over 2005's record volume. The Port also recorded a banner year in non-containerized cargo, with 22% growth in auto imports and 11% growth in breakbulk cargo.

The Port of Tacoma's 2006 cargo volumes were:

  • Total tonnage: 18.9 million short tons
  • Containerized cargo: 2.07 million teus
  • Breakbulk cargo: 129,259 short tons
  • Autos: 166,087 units
  • Intermodal rail lifts: 591,407
  • Grain: 6.06 million short tons
Containerized Cargo

A year ago, the Port of Tacoma closed 2005 by expanding its international teu volume by more than 20%. According to Port of Tacoma Executive Director Timothy J. Farrell, 2006 provided time for the Port to "catch its breath" and focus on increasing system-wide capacity to handle future growth.

"Over the past year, our Port Commission authorized the investment of $132 million in capital projects to lay the foundation for the future of the Port of Tacoma," said Farrell. "These projects will allow our customers to continue to grow and be successful in Tacoma."

According to Farrell, major 2006 cargo capacity-enhancing projects included:

  • Completion of $10.5 million in major, near-terminal rail expansion projects
  • Groundbreaking for a 22-acre expansion at Washington United Terminals (Hyundai Merchant Marine)
  • Completion of the Husky Terminal ("K" Line) redevelopment and expansion
  • Widening the Blair Waterway
  • Demolition and cleanup the 96-acre former Kaiser Smelter ' future site for new marine terminal development.

Farrell noted that the Port's top priority is to remain ahead of customer growth by expanding on- and near-terminal cargo capacity. "Our five-year capital plan calls for an investment of $336 million with the long-term objective of reaching 10 million teus by 2025," he said.

Breakbulk, Autos and Grain

At 129,259 short tons, the Port recorded its best breakbulk cargo performance since 1998. Handled at Port-operated Terminal 7, this business includes machinery, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, windmills, steel, military equipment and all types of heavy-lift and specialty cargoes.

"We have a newly renovated breakbulk terminal, long-standing synergy with nearby Fort Lewis for military shipments, and a dedicated and customer-oriented staff," said John Bush, the Port's Senior Director of Operations.

The Port's auto business also experienced a strong year, recording more than 166,000 vehicles ' a 22% increase over 2005. "The Port of Tacoma is the largest auto port in Washington state, and each of our auto customers is recording strong US sales," said Andre Elmaleh, Director of the Port's Auto Line of Business.

Port auto customers include Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki, as well as a new customer announced in 2006, Mitsubishi Fuso medium-duty trucks.

Following a record volume of nearly seven million short tons in 2005, the Port's grain volume eased by 13%. In 2006, terminal operator, TEMCO, invested in a roof that shelters vessels, allowing grain loading during inclement weather.

Environmental Stewardship

The Port of Tacoma expanded its focus on long-term environmental protection, development of wildlife habitat and environmental sustainability.

Each of the Port's international container terminal customers switched to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) or a blend of ULSD and biodiesel. "These changes are voluntary and reflect our customers' desire to safeguard the local environment," said Farrell.

2007