Port of Tacoma
| Port of Tacoma | |
|---|---|
|
Port of Tacoma with Commencement Bay (lower right) and Puyallup River (above center) | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Tacoma, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°15′37″N 122°24′30″W / 47.26028°N 122.40833°WCoordinates: 47°15′37″N 122°24′30″W / 47.26028°N 122.40833°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1918 |
| Operated by | Port of Tacoma Commission |
|
Website http://www.portoftacoma.com/ | |
The Port of Tacoma is an independent seaport located in Tacoma, Washington. The port was created by a vote of Pierce County citizens on November 5, 1918. The Edmore was the first ship to call at the port in 1921.
History
The port started out on 240 acres (0.97 km2) of land, and now owns more than 2,400 acres (972 hectares) of land that are used for shipping terminal activity, warehousing, distributing, and manufacturing.
Prior to the establishment of the Port of Tacoma, much of Tacoma's shipping activity took place along Ruston Way and along the mouth of the Thea Foss Waterway, which opens into Commencement Bay and the larger Puget Sound. Tacoma's role as a shipping center dates to 1853, when the first cargo of lumber was shipped to San Francisco.[1] Tacoma's status as a major trading hub was greatly strengthened by the 1873 decision by the Northern Pacific Railroad to establish its western terminus at Commencement Bay. Tacoma was chosen over other nearby cities such as Seattle for several reasons: Commencement Bay could dock more than 50 ships at a time, the harbor was deep enough for vessels of any draft, and there were miles of tideland waterfront available for expanded port facilities.[1]
On October 7, 2014, the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma announced an agreement to "jointly market and operate the marine terminals of both ports as a single entity," though they were not merging.[2]
Operations
The port plays a large international trade role in the Pacific Northwest, and is a municipal corporation that operates under state-enabling legislation.
Each year, the port handles between about 9 and 13 million tons of cargo,[3] and more than $25 billion of commerce.[4] Major imports include automobiles, electronics, and toys, while major exports include grain, forest products, and agricultural products. Based on tonnage, the port's largest export is grain (corn and soybeans) that come into the port by rail from the Midwest.
In 2010, the Port of Tacoma's top trading partner, based on two-way trade value, was China/Hong Kong. China/Hong Kong was also the top partner ranked by volume imported and value imported. Japan was the top partner ranked by volume exported and value exported. The top commodities exported, by value, were cereals and grains. The top commodities imported, by value, were vehicles and parts, followed by industrial machinery and electronics.[1]
The port is among the top ten largest container port in North America.[4] Containers hold everything from computers and lawn furniture to apples and frozen meat. Based on container volumes, China is the port's largest trading partner.
More than 70 percent of the containers imported through the port move by rail to markets in the Midwest and East Coast. The port is served by the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific railroads. Shortline rail service is provided by Tacoma Rail, which is owned by the City of Tacoma.
U.S. Oil and Refining operates an oil refinery in the Port of Tacoma. Oil tankers bring crude oil, which is refined into a variety of products, including JP-8 jet fuel for McChord Field Air Force base. The refinery and airbase are connected by a dedicated pipeline, McChord Pipeline.[5][6]
Pollution
The port is part of one of the largest superfund federal environmental remediation sites in Washington, the Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats Site. The Port of Tacoma has been working with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington Department of Ecology on cleanup efforts at various sites within the larger superfund area.[7][8]
Facts
- Port activities are related to more than 43,000 jobs in Pierce County, and 113,000 jobs in Washington state.[9]
- There are more than 70 public ports in the state of Washington.
- The port is sometimes called the "Gateway to Alaska", handling more than 70 percent of all waterborne commerce moving from the Lower 48 to Alaska by water.
- Over the last 20 years, the port has invested more than $160 million in projects designed to improve the environment in and around Commencement Bay.
See also
- List of North American ports
- List of ports in the United States
- List of world's busiest container ports
- Port Militarization Resistance
- Seattle tugboats
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Port of Tacoma - 1800-1900". Port of Tacoma. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "Ports of Tacoma, Seattle announce alliance". The News-Tribune. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
- ↑ "Port of Tacoma Cargo Volumes". Port of Tacoma. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Port of Tacoma - About Us". Port of Tacoma. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "McChord Pipeline Co.". McChord Pipeline Company. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "Pipelines" (PDF). Pierce County. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "Commencement Bay, Nearshore/Tideflats". EPA. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "Commencement Bay Success Stories". Washington Department of Ecology. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
- ↑ "Port of Tacoma - Economic Impact". Port of Tacoma. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
External links
Archives
- Phil Lelli Papers. 1933-2004. 10.45 cubic feet (11 boxes and 1 vertical file). At the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. Contains records Lelli collected about the Port of Tacoma from 1967-1995.