Apr 14--THE US Pacific coast port of Vancouver in Washington State set a new tonnage record in 2016 handling for the first time in its 105-year history, a record 7.49 million metric tonnes of cargo, up 8 per cent from the 2015 record of 6.95 million metric tonnes.
Exports in 2016 rose to 6.32 million metric tonnes, up from 5.54 million metric tonnes in 2015. Grain was the largest export by volume, which increased 17.8 per cent over 2015 volumes.
Imports such as wind energy components increased in 2016, but overall, imports were down 17 per cent last year.
Despite the overall tonnage increase, the port's operating revenues decreased from US$38.2 million to $35.9 million.
However, by leveraging revenues, federal and state grant funds, and tax dollars, the port invested in critical infrastructure such as rail, buildings, dock improvement and skilled staff.
Port of Vancouver CEO Julianna Marler said: "These are the types of improvements that attract businesses to the port and help create jobs for the residents of Southwest Washington. We continue to find cost-effective ways to invest in your public port, planning for the future and working with our customers and partners to make sure those jobs and economic benefit are here for the long-term."
This year, the port is looking forward to grain, wind energy and copper cargo increases, American Shipper reported.