Port Tacoma terminal operator invests in capacity improvements
Washington United Terminals Inc. (WUT), a subsidiary of ocean carrier HMM, has contracted HD Hyundai Samho to supply four new cranes for its location at the Port of Tacoma, Washington.
WUT opened at the port in 1999 and spans 126 acres with a 793-meter berth and an on-dock rail system. WUT currently operates eight quay cranes and six yard cranes. The investment will replace two aging quay cranes and add two new yard cranes. This will allow WUT to accommodate larger container vessels and increase its annual cargo-handling capacity from 590,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 880,000 TEUs. HD Hyundai Samho will design, manufacture, transport, install and commission the cranes by 2028, HMM officials said in a press release. "As ports across North America compete for cargo and vessel calls, investments like this demonstrate confidence in the Seattle-Tacoma gateway," said Dick Marzano, co-chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Tacoma commission president, in a separate press release. "HMM's commitment to Washington United Terminals strengthens Tacoma Harbor's role in global trade while creating the infrastructure needed to support future growth, larger vessels, and reliable service for our customers." BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and the Tacoma Municipal Belt Line serve WUT.