Governor Inslee tours wind blades at Port of Vancouver USA

The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday for a tour of the port’s marine facilities and a shipment of wind blades. The governor met with port staff and a representative from the International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU), local 4.

“The year 2020 was a remarkable year for the port in terms of moving wind energy and we are thrilled to showcase the port’s capabilities to Governor Inslee,” said Julianna Marler, CEO, Port of Vancouver USA. “We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, customers and ILWU to keep cargo moving across port docks and bring economic activity to our region.”

The 69 Vestas wind blades featured on the tour measure 74 meters (242 feet) in length. Fifty-four more blades are expected over the next few months and all of the blades will be transported by truck to a wind project in Oregon.

After a brief rain shower, the Governor and port staff walked around the Vestas blades and met briefly with two of the port’s Liebherr crane mechanics, where he learned about the intricacies of unloading the delicate but large blades from cargo ships.

“I am so delighted to come to the Port of Vancouver today to see these wind blades,” said Governor Inslee. “It’s good to meet the skilled men and women at the port, who are the heart, blood, soul and backbone of the clean energy economy that we are building in the state of Washington. The port is on the cutting edge of creating good paying jobs for a clean energy future.”