Port of Portland considers turning disused terminal 6 into a multi-use terminal
Port of Portland considers turning disused terminal 6 into a multi-use terminal

A STUDY to identify a sustainable business model for container shipping at the port of Portland, Oregon's terminal six has concluded that its best use would be as a multi-use terminal.

The study by a consulting firm acknowledged that Portland's geography as a river port and marine industry consolidation pose challenges to the recovery of weekly transpacific container service, reported American Shipper.

"Having enough container volumes to sustain a weekly transpacific service will be key to success," the port said in a statement. "We're focused on giving shippers a variety of choices to move their cargo. Direct container service is only one option - others include a new BNSF rail shuttle to Seattle/Tacoma ports, barging and air cargo."

Swire Shipping will start call at terminal six this month. The terminal has been without a container service since May 2016 and without an operator since ICTSI Oregon ended its 25-year lease of the facility in February 2016 in the wake of experiencing difficulties with union labour.

The study also found that elements for success include: maintaining competitive terminal rates, keeping labour productivity levels at or above US west coast standards, reducing costs and securing container volume support from the shipping community.

Shippers agree that terminal six is the region's link to world markets and their continued support is needed to attract carriers, the port added.