business backgrounder | economy
Global Gains
The new Seaport Alliance
positions Washington for growth.
Malia Jacobson
Competitive pressure is reshaping the global shipping industry. As larger ships
make fewer port calls and necessitate infrastructure upgrades at ports, competition
between ports has driven down prices, impeding investment in equipment and
infrastructure. The newly assembled Seaport Alliance unites marine cargo operations
at the region’s two major seaports, positioning Puget Sound ports to compete in the
changing global shipping market.
Puget Sound is more than a picturesque backdrop for our region; its chilly shores house vital
marine cargo gateways in Seattle and Tacoma that tie Washington residents to global trade.
Whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, you can’t escape a connection to international trade, says Eric Johnson, executive director of Washington Public Ports Association.
“People are surprised to learn how connected they are. When the shipping industry doesn’t
work well, business doesn’t work well.”
Washington businesses were reminded of that earlier this year when a slowdown at West
Coast port operations cast ripples throughout the economy, impacting everything from
Christmas tree and hay farming to exports of french fries and specialty batteries.
That’s why businesses and consumers alike are enthusiastic about the proposed Seaport
Alliance, a combining of assets of the region’s two major ports in Seattle and Tacoma. The
Seaport Alliance will create more local jobs, encourage infrastructure improvements, and
help our region maintain a leading role in international trade, says Port of Tacoma CEO John
Wolfe. “The marine cargo operations in Tacoma and Seattle support 48,000 local jobs and
generate nearly $4.3 billion in economic activity.”
at a glance
The marine gateways in Tacoma
and Seattle support 48,000 local
jobs and generate nearly $4.3 billion
in economic activity.
Together, the ports form the
third-largest container gateway in
North America.
Both ports face increasing
global competition.
Market share has dropped 5 percent
since 2000 and is down 9 percent
YTD for 2015.
By combining assets and presenting
a united front to customers, the
Seaport Alliance helps position the
region for future growth.
spring 2015
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