Construction
Updates
Terminal 5 to Open Q1 2022, Revising Earlier Estimates
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Terminal 5 Modernization Project is a critical component to expanding our cargo-handling capabilities. This facility will allow our region to remain globally competitive and grow our local economy. Due to the complex nature of this large infrastructure construction project, combined with unforeseen circumstances, this project is now seeing schedule impacts. To ensure project quality and a robust facility that will last for decades, the NWSA now expects Phase 1 of the project to be targeted for completion by the end of Q4, 2021, rather than the expected Q2 of 2021.
The NWSA will be providing a full project update during the Managing Members meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 2 at 11:30 a.m. This project remains a top priority and alongside our tenant, SSAT, we are committed to delivering the modernized Terminal 5 facility as soon as possible. We continue to believe this project is critical to maintaining economic and industrial diversity in our region and providing living-wage jobs that are key to building an equitable and resilient economy.
At the February 2 meeting of the Managing Members, commissioners approved three items relating to Terminal 5 construction: the South Reefers Repair, the Clean Truck Program, and Radiation Portal Monitors/U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Booth Power Infrastructure.
Piling and other construction work continues on the project.
Milestones
August 2020 Project awarded $5 million stormwater grant
The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded the Terminal 5 Modernization project a $5 million grant for its terminal-wide stormwater treatment system, critical for protection of the West Waterway of the Duwamish River. The system will treat over 10 million gallons per year. Funds will be used for the subsurface infrastructure, such as lift station vaults and conveyance, in four consolidated stormwater basins.
July 2019 Phase 1 construction begins
The first phase of construction begins in July 2019, with demolition of the north section of the dock, installation of new electrical infrastructure, pile driving and construction of the north segment of the dock. The completed north berth will include new crane rails, fendering, bollards and an underwater toe wall. A new primary substation will be constructed to supply power to the new cranes and provide shore power to vessels.
Phase 2 construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021 and will include delivery of new cranes to the north dock and demolition and construction of the south portion of the dock. The completed south berth will include new crane rails, fendering, bollards and an underwater toe wall. Phase 2 will be followed by dredging of the north and south berths to a depth of minus 57 feet (current depth is minus 45 to 50 feet).
News
May 2019 Award of Construction Contract
The schedule calls for a construction contract to be awarded in May 2019. The groundbreaking will occur in July.
April 2019 Matson operations begin at Terminal 5 and lease approved by commissioners
In April, Matson Navigation, a domestic ocean carrier, will relocate from Terminal 25/30 to Terminal 5 (T5). Matson will remain at T5 during construction and will move to another terminal in 2021, before the new operators take occupancy of T5. Matson will handle less than 20 percent of the cargo volume that the previous operator handled at T5.
On April 2, 2019, Tacoma and Seattle port commissioners approved a lease agreement for Terminal 5 with SSA Marine and TIL, who will partner to operate the facility. The ocean carriers that will call at the terminal include Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
