Marine Terminal activity at a record pace halfway through 2024

Press Release:

July 12, 2024

Contact:  Kayla Dunlap, Director of Government & Public Affairs

kdunlap@portgrays.org or 360-581-4776

ABERDEEN, WASH.  –  After a record setting year for cargo handled in 2023 at the Port of Grays Harbor’s 4 deep-water terminals, the first 6 months of activity at the docks in 2024 are on pace for yet another record year.     

As part of his Vessel Activity Report at Tuesday’s regular meeting, Marine Terminal Superintendent Nolan Wyatt updated the Commission that through the end of June, the Port has seen 55 deep-water ships and 20 barges call its docks, handling more than 2 million metric tons of cargo including wood chips, liquid bulks, logs, ag products and autos.  Year-to-date records were broken for ag products, liquid bulks, wood chips, import autos, as well as total cargo handled. 

“This is very exciting and encouraging as every vessel call means jobs and cargo moving,” explained Executive Director Leonard Barnes.  “Our busy and diverse shipping activities continue to result in strong employment for local longshore workers, as well as rail, tug and other trade related jobs.” 

“Our Port staff has seen a lot of transition recently and is doing an excellent job of keeping all of the balls in the air,” stated Commission President Phil Papac.  “We also commend our local ILWU workforce who makes sure all of this cargo is moving safely and efficiently for our customers.” 

True to its mission, the Port aims to continue utilizing its public infrastructure to attract private investment to create jobs and opportunities in Grays Harbor as the Terminal 4 Expansion & Redevelopment Project gets ready to go break ground in a few short months.   The Port’s Project will support AGP’s second commodity export facility to be constructed at Terminal 4B resulting in increased ag exports generating additional vessel calls and more than 80 full-time, family-wage jobs.  

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean.  The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor Pilotage Services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, and industrial and business parks throughout the County.  The addition of Satsop Business Park increased the Port’s properties to more than 1,000 acres of industrial properties and an additional 1,200 acres of sustainably managed forestland.   Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and less than 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com or satsop.com

Ag exports through Terminal 2 continue to lead cargo volumes as the MV Ocean Faith is loaded with soymeal on her maiden voyage to the Port of Grays Harbor.  A record amount of cargo was handled at the Port of Grays Harbor’s 4 deep-water terminals through the first half of 2024, putting in on pace for another record year.  Photo Credit:   Adventure Photography.