ECL, which is based in Japan, will transport Boeing's empty aerospace containers from the Port of Everett to Nagoya and Hiroshima, Japan. ECL's regular vessel calls at Hiroshima mark the first regularly scheduled direct service between North America and Hiroshima. On July 25, Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO) announced it was making the Port of Everett its Pacific Northwest shipping hub for Russian cargoes.
In addition to aerospace parts, ECL will also transport heavy equipment including construction machineries, steel products and project cargo through the port. ECL will visit the Port of Everett about 36 times within the next year.
"We are honored that ECL has chosen Everett as their Pacific Northwest hub, and look forward to building our relationship and fostering mutual growth in the years ahead," said Carl Wollebek, director of marine terminals for the Port of Everett. "The Port is working hard to upgrade its facilities and improve its equipment to keep up with the impressive growth we have seen over the last few months."
Within the last two months, the Port of Everett has welcomed commitments by FESCO and Westwood Shipping Lines to bring its ships through Everett. With all three companies fully-committed to the Port of Everett, the Port is guaranteed at least 100 ship calls in the next year, which is up from a total of 13 ships last year. These ship calls are in addition to the Port's regular business of forest and agricultural products, alumina ore and barge calls.
"Everett is more effective in providing service to the aerospace industry, and consolidating general cargo to one port is efficient for the ship's operation," said Masaru "Mark" Nakagawa, ECL Americas' Pacific Northwest Regional Vice President. "In order for us to provide niche service, we are confident that Port of Everett can provide us with enough ability and facility corresponding to the expectation of ECL and ultimately its customers."
ECL has participated in one trial shipment to the Port of Everett, and with today's announcement, the Port now has firm commitments to transport aerospace parts eastbound and westbound.
All this activity means one thing to me'jobs for our community," said Ken Hudson, business agent with ILWU local 32. "People have been coming to the union hall looking for jobs for years, but now we actually have jobs to provide."
ECL's shipments are expected to generate more than $200,000 annually in port fees. The main ports ECL services on the West Coast are Long Beach, Calif., Vancouver, British Columbia and now Everett. ECL also regularly provides service to US East Coast ports.
