NWSA, Husky Terminal prove speed advantage with first port of call

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and Husky Terminal welcomed the inaugural vessel under a revised port rotation of the FP2 service to Tacoma on May 9th, marking a significant opportunity for increased discretionary cargo for the gateway and faster inland service for customers.

The debut call of the shifted FP2 service – now calling Tacoma first instead of Vancouver – provided clear proof that the NWSA gateway is delivering on the speed, reliability, and inland reach it has committed to customers.

During the weekend operation, cargo discharged from the ONE Owl was transferred quickly to rail at the NWSA-operated North Intermodal Yard. The first train was loaded within hours of vessel arrival and all import rail cargo was loaded within 48 hours of discharge. This timetable was fast enough to put imports on track to reach Chicago before the vessel arrived at it’s second port of call, Vancouver.

Coordination with Husky Terminal, both Class I Railroads, ILWU Locals 22, 23, and 98 led to the successful vessel call where initial lift performance was also strong, highlighting the speed-to-market advantage the NWSA gateway has.

The change to the FP2 service positions the NWSA gateway as an earlier U.S. entry point for transpacific cargo which increases the amount of discretionary cargo handled at Husky Terminal. Earlier discharge enables more inland volume to move via U.S. networks, supporting jobs across the supply chain while improving transit times to Midwest markets.

“This operation shows what a fully aligned first port of call can deliver,” said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commission President and NWSA Co‑Chair. “We’re reducing unnecessary dwell and putting cargo on rail only hours after arrival, which is exactly what customers need in a tighter, more time-sensitive supply chain environment.”

“This isn’t just a successful first call - it’s validation that the NWSA gateway is delivering on what we said we would,” said Dick Marzano, Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Co‑Chair. “With Tacoma as the first port of entry, we’re not only expediting cargo through the supply chain but increasing the discretionary cargo handled by our gateway which creates real economic impact through additional cargo and jobs.”

“When cargo flows seamlessly from ship to rail, it enables us to provide more consistent, predictable service into inland markets like Chicago,” stated Dustin Stoker, CEO of Husky Terminal. “We’re proud to partner on an operation like this that delivers real value to customers.”

“This level of performance is only possible through strong collaboration across all partners, stated Brandon Unterbrink, VP International Marketing at BNSF Railway. “By working together to position cargo for immediate rail movement, we’re able to deliver better service outcomes and create a clear advantage for shippers moving cargo through Tacoma.”