Port finishes 2016 strong thanks in part to record dry bulk exports

Westport Marina once again number one among state seafood landings

By The Daily World • March 6, 2017 10:00 pm
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Westport Marina has once again come in first among Washington’s seafood landings, according to the most recent numbers available from NOAA. More than 84 million pounds of seafood made its way to the marina in 2015, valued at $65 million.
Westport Marina has once again come in first among Washington’s seafood landings, according to the most recent numbers available from NOAA. More than 84 million pounds of seafood made its way to the marina in 2015, valued at $65 million.

The Port of Grays Harbor reported a record volume of agricultural products exported through their Terminal 2 in 2016.

According to the Port’s February newsletter, the Port saw 98 vessels at their four terminals, which equated to more than 154,000 hours worked by longshoremen at the docks, the equivalent of 86 full time dock workers. Ag Processing Inc., or AGP, which operates an agricultural products storage and shipping facility at Terminal 2, saw record volume in 2016, which helped bring the Port’s total tonnage handled to more than 2.4 million metric tons.

“Grays Harbor plays a vital role in connecting our products with buyers around the Pacific Rim,” Cal Meyer, Group Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at AGP, said at the Port’s annual business report at the Log Pavilion Feb. 15. “Whether it’s longshoremen loading product at the terminal or Port staff hosting buyer groups from abroad, the partnership with the team here at the Port has been critical.”

The Port is working on maintaining the level of economic activity set a couple years ago when shipping activity at its four terminals boomed dramatically. “We have focused on sustaining and managing this level across our major lines of business,” explained Director of Finance and Administration Mary Nelson. “Our quick response to market conditions and strong fourth quarter results contributed to our stable financial position, or what we see as our new normal.”

Activity levels at the Satsop Business Park and Bowerman airport remained stable in 2016, according to the Port. With the additions of a modern, large-scale cannabis cultivation facility and Overstock.com’s call center set to open early this year, the Port should see an additional 225 employees coming to their Satsop Business Park property.

Westport topped the state’s seafood landing statistics again in 2015, according to the most recent statistics from NOAA. More than 84 million pounds of seafood was landed at the marina, valued at $65 million. The Port still plans to dredge the Westport Marina for the first time in more than 30 years, critical to maintaining the landing’s status and contingent on state funds, which the Port is attempting to secure this legislative session.

Friends Landing, the Port’s recreation facility on the Chehalis River near Montesano, is now accepting reservations for the 2017 camping season. For more information visit friendslanding.org; for reservations call (360) 249-5117.

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