The NWSA gateway: boosting the supply chain

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is boosting its role in the supply chain and taking a prominent role in helping shipping lines reduce emissions. 

The NWSA says, “The shipping industry is dynamic, influenced by macroeconomic factors that impact cargo volumes. This presents both opportunities and challenges as we navigate fluctuating demand. To address these challenges, the NWSA continues to invest in infrastructure, technology and fostering strong partnerships across our supply chain.”

It singles out that the port complex has been recognised as the top West Coast port for Ease of Doing Business, Value and Intermodal Network. “We work closely with our supply chain partners to meet the needs of the market and provide best-in-class service for our customers. Additionally, we are leveraging recent federal and state grant awards to enhance efficiency at Husky Terminal, expand shore power infrastructure, and promote zero-emissions drayage trucks in our gateway.”

Earlier this year, the Alliance launched a cargo and service incentive programme to increase intermodal cargo volumes, promote vessel schedule reliability, and expand marine terminal operations in the NWSA gateway. The NWSA says, “The incentives have been strategically designed in response to market demand and allocated to support specific points in the supply chain including a Voyage Consistency and On-Time Arrival Award Program, the International Container Rail Cargo Incentive, and a Gate Operations Incentive. The incentive programme is underway and receiving positive feedback from the market. End-of-year results will be reviewed for potential expansion into 2025.”

The Northwest Seaport Alliance has made a voluntary commitment to reduce maritime emissions to zero by 2050 or sooner. As part of its decarbonisation efforts, it is installing shore power infrastructure in all major cargo terminals. It currently has shore power capability at two berths on Terminal 5, infrastructure construction is set to be complete at Husky Terminal this year, and shore power design is underway at several other terminals. 

“Additionally, we are actively working to establish a green corridor between the NWSA and South Korea, collaborating with partners to explore zero-emissions shipping routes for containerised and breakbulk cargo,” says the NWSA.