NWSA handles record-breaking May volumes in its history

The Northwest Seaport Alliance handled record-breaking volumes for the month of May, handling a total of 333,026 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), growing 38.4% compared to May 2020. Full imports, which also set a record for the month, increased 54.1%, while full exports increased 4.9%.

Year-to-date volumes improved 18.7% to 1,515,894 TEUs, with full imports growing 31.7% and full exports declining 9.6%.

SSA Marine and the NWSA received four ZPMC super-post Panamax cranes to Terminal 5 in the Seattle Harbor. Standing 316 feet tall with a 240-foot outreach, the cranes are among the largest on the West Coast. Phase one of the two-phase modernization project will be completed in early 2022. At full completion, the 185-acre terminal will service the largest vessels in the transpacific trade and increase opportunities for international import and export volumes through the gateway.

Domestic volumes grew 9.9% vs. YTD 2020. Alaska volumes saw a 7.3% increase while Hawaii volumes grew 21.4%.

Other cargo stats:

• Breakbulk YTD May 2021 cargo volumes grew 17.7% for 138,904 metric tons.
• Auto volumes were 76,233 units, up 27% over YTD May 2020.