The Port of Everett yesterday hosted a groundbreaking to commemorate the start of construction on the Port’s South Terminal Modernization project – the largest capital project in Port history by dollar value, and the largest maritime construction project on the West Coast today.
According to the officials, this $36 million South Terminal Modernization project will ensure the Port’s facilities are ready to support the next generation of over-dimensional cargo, including aerospace parts for the new 777X.
“ I find it fitting that as we celebrate the Port of Everett’s centennial year in 2018, we continue to be forward-thinking, preparing the Port’s infrastructure to carry us into our next 100 years ,” said Glen Bachman, Port of Everett Commission President during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“ Here we celebrate the kick-off the much-anticipated South Terminal Modernization project that will bring more JOBS, PROSPERITY AND COMMERCE to the waterfron t,” said Lisa Lefeber, Port of Everett Acting CEO .
“ Since 2015, the Port has invested millions of dollars to adapt its facilities to support the next generation of shipping, and this major infrastructure investment is a continuation of that effort. This project has come to fruition thanks to the strong, reliable and forward-thinking leadership of our Port Commission and the continuous support of our project partners at the local, state, federal and tribal levels, ” added Lisa Lefeber.
The South Terminal facility is a key piece of the Port’s overall Seaport Modernization efforts. It’s the largest of the Port’s docks by land footprint; however, the dock was originally built in the 1970s to support log operations, and in its current state, can only accommodate 500 pounds per square foot (psf). Modern cargo operations require a minimum of 1,000 psf.
The South Terminal Modernization Project (Phase II) strengthens the remaining 560-feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure (140-feet was strengthened as part of Phase I in 2015). Upon completion, the dock will be strong enough to accommodate two, 100-foot gauge rail-mounted container cranes and provide vaults for ships to plug into shorepower while at the dock.