The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) saw a 49.4% year-on-year increase in full international imports for August, marking the highest level for the month since 2010. The surge was attributed to heightened vessel calls and intermodal volume, alongside a significant amount of diverted cargo.

NWSA did not disclose further details on where the cargo was diverted from; however, recent rail strike threats in Canada and potential strikes on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast are the most likely candidates.

NWSA further reported that total breakbulk volume decreased by 3.8% year-to-date, amounting to 298,394 metric tons. In contrast, auto volumes increased by 10.2% year-to-date, reaching 237,713 units.

At the beginning of September, Husky Terminal welcomed the 16,592 TEU Maersk Alette, marking the largest vessel to call NWSA’s South Harbour. Maersk Alette is the first dual-fuel vessel capable of sailing on green methanol to have called at the gateway. The ship is the fifth vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on green methanol and is part of the global transition towards decarbonising shipping. The vessel bunkered the alternative fuel in South Korea before transiting to Los Angeles, CA, then to Tacoma, WA.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) saw a 49.4% year-on-year increase in full international imports for August, marking the highest level for the month since 2010. The surge was attributed to heightened vessel calls and intermodal volume, alongside a significant amount of diverted cargo.

NWSA did not disclose further details on where the cargo was diverted from; however, recent rail strike threats in Canada and potential strikes on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast are the most likely candidates.

NWSA further reported that total breakbulk volume decreased by 3.8% year-to-date, amounting to 298,394 metric tons. In contrast, auto volumes increased by 10.2% year-to-date, reaching 237,713 units.

At the beginning of September, Husky Terminal welcomed the 16,592 TEU Maersk Alette, marking the largest vessel to call NWSA’s South Harbour. Maersk Alette is the first dual-fuel vessel capable of sailing on green methanol to have called at the gateway. The ship is the fifth vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on green methanol and is part of the global transition towards decarbonising shipping. The vessel bunkered the alternative fuel in South Korea before transiting to Los Angeles, CA, then to Tacoma, WA.