Cargo Business Newswire

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Northwest Seaport Alliance receives federal approval

The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which unites some of the business operations of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is one step closer to reality after receiving approval from the Federal Maritime Commission last week. The last hurdle will be the final votes by both the two ports on Aug. 4.

The FMC voted unanimously for the alliance to become effective, allowing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to unify their marine cargo terminal investments, operations, planning and marketing. The goal is to collectively compete more effectively as larger container ships are built, the widened Panama Canal opens, and rival West Coast ports,

such as British Columbia and Southern California, up their games.

"The Pacific Northwest is a key region for inbound and outbound United States cargo, moving cargo not only for the regional trade, but also cargo headed to destinations throughout the entire U.S. Midwest," FMC chairman Mario Cordero said in a statement. "This Alliance will help the region remain competitive into the future."

For more of The Seattle Times story: www.seattletimes.com