The Port of Portland and Harbor Industrial have reached a framework agreement that will ultimately lead to Harbor becoming the long-term operator of Terminal 6, Oregon’s only international container terminal.
This is the latest development in the Port’s focused efforts to rebuild and grow container service at Terminal 6, a critical resource for businesses in every part of the state that imports and exports products ranging from seafood and animal feed to building supplies. Currently, T6 is operated by the Port and Harbor Industrial, which serves as stevedore, an intermediary between the Port and labor.
The new framework agreement establishes a timeline and basic terms that will be solidified over the next six months. Operations will continue seamlessly during the transition.
The agreement assumes the Port will receive $5 million in support from the state to stem ongoing losses from container operations and is contingent on receiving a $20 million state investment toward capital improvements at the terminal. The Governor’s Recommended Budget includes this capital funding, as well as funding toward maintenance of the Columbia River navigation channel, which benefits all Oregon ports and communities who rely on marine shipping.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of Governor Kotek and other elected leaders to secure funding for container operations, and for the strong signal their commitment sends to international shippers and Pacific Northwest businesses about the reliability of T6,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.
“Our team is excited and thankful for the commitments made by the Port and the State Leadership. We believe this milestone is a fundamental positive shift in support of the Oregon importers and exporters, to ensure an ongoing, reliable and efficient gateway for Oregon businesses,” said Tim McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Harbor Industrial.
“Container shipping is a critical component of Oregon’s economy. I’m encouraged by this framework agreement and hope the parties can continue negotiating toward a long-term agreement,” said Senate President Rob Wagner, of Lake Oswego.
A final agreement is slated to be concluded by the summer of 2025.
Container operations at T6 support more than 1,500 family-wage jobs, both at the terminal and in related industries, generating annual local and state tax revenue estimated at $20 million. The port’s initial target is to double its present volume to 120,000 containers annually by 2032.
(Photo of Terminal 6 at Port of Portland)