SSA Terminals has launched the second phase of its Terminal 5 modernisation programme, marking a significant milestone in its development, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
SSA Terminals, a joint venture between SSA Terminals and Terminal Investment Ltd (TiL) and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), has expanded the terminal to feature a two-berth international container facility.
MSC Lily was The inaugural vessel to call at this expanded facility.
Construction on this phase began in July 2019, backed by a substantial joint investment exceeding $500 million from NWSA, SSAT/ST, and their partners.
Terminal 5's modernisation includes two reconfigured berths equipped with six Super Post Panamax cranes, which aim to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.
"The opening of Phase 2 of Terminal 5 marks an important milestone for economic expansion and increased sustainable operations at the gateway to the NWSA," said Port of Seattle Commission chairman Hamdi Mohamed.
Said SSA Marine's container division president Ed DeNike: "Investing in the development of Terminal 5's capabilities is a tremendous opportunity to meet the growing needs of our customers in the Puget Sound region, drive increased cargo volumes, and add jobs, all of which will help support the growth of the NWSA gateway into the future."