The Northwest Seaport Alliance is open and operating, developing continuity plans with stakeholders

Keeping the health, safety, and well-being of the public and our workforce is the top priority for The Northwest Seaport Alliance. Each of our terminals has modified its business continuity plan in response to the rapidly evolving nature of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The NWSA and our supply chain partners are also focused on mitigation efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

“Together, as The Northwest Seaport Alliance, we are committed to serving our communities and working with our partners. During this time of crisis, our regional and national economy depends on our gateway to provide emergency supplies, daily necessities and boost our larger economic recovery, while ensuring the safety and health of our workers,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck and Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy, co-chairs of The Northwest Seaport Alliance.

“During these unpredictable times, we stand ready and united with all our partners to deliver operational excellence,” said NWSA CEO John Wolfe. “Our gateway is a critical part of the supply chain, supporting customers in the Northwest and the Midwest. I reassure you that we are open for business and willing to explore all avenues to maintain an efficient and highly functional gateway.”

Our international and domestic terminals have adopted mitigation plans, which include the implementation of social distancing measures, a reduction in access to terminals for nonessential personnel and minimizing in-person contact between workers and customers. Terminals have enhanced and increased their cleaning and disinfecting services and are providing extra cleaning supplies, including hand cleaning stations. The NWSA’s labor partners have also taken similar precautions. 

The NWSA is working in close coordination with our International Longshore and Warehouse Union partners and terminal operators to ensure our gateway’s critical services continue to operate in a safe manner.

The NWSA and its partners are also developing contingency plans should port operations be disrupted. We will continue to prepare for the potential impacts, which at this time are difficult to predict, with responses dependent on each situation. The organization impacted — whether it be a terminal operator, the longshore hall, or the NWSA — will continue to work with local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine what steps need to be taken to mitigate the impact and ensure the virus is not spread.

Steps taken so far include:

• Terminals have on-call contractors in place for a complete terminal cleaning in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.
  
• ILWU also has an on-call contractor is in place for emergency cleaning of the dispatch hall and have identified alternative locations for dispatch services should the hall be temporarily shut-down for emergency cleaning.
  
• The NWSA has developed a contingency plan to support rebounding cargo and further boost the larger economic recovery. This plan includes near-dock container yards in Seattle and Tacoma that will serve container and chassis storage and enhance terminal operations.  
  

All container terminals within the gateway are operating under normal business hours with very few exceptions. For the latest terminal schedule, visit the Terminals page on the NWSA website. For specific questions regarding terminal operations, please contact the terminals directly.