Portland, OR (December 6, 2024) — The Port of Portland and Harbor Industrial have reached a framework agreement that will ultimately lead to Harbor becoming the long-term operator of Terminal 6, Oregon’s only international container terminal.
This is the latest development in the Port’s focused efforts to rebuild and grow container service at Terminal 6, a critical resource for businesses in every part of the state that imports and exports products ranging from seafood and animal feed to building supplies. Currently, T6 is operated by the Port and Harbor Industrial, which serves as stevedore, an intermediary between the Port and labor.
The new framework agreement establishes a timeline and basic terms that will be solidified over the next six months. Operations will continue seamlessly during the transition.
The agreement assumes the Port will receive $5 million in support from the state to stem ongoing losses from container operations and is contingent on receiving a $20 million state investment toward capital improvements at the terminal. The Governor’s Recommended Budget includes this capital funding, as well as funding toward maintenance of the Columbia River navigation channel, which benefits all Oregon ports and communities who rely on marine shipping.
"We’re grateful for the continued support of Governor Kotek and other elected leaders to secure funding for container operations, and for the strong signal their commitment sends to international shippers and Pacific Northwest businesses about the reliability of T6," said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. "We’re confident that with Harbor on board as a long-term operator, increasing container volumes and adequate state investment to keep marine trade moving, Terminal 6 will continue providing widespread benefits for Oregon for many years to come."
"Our team is excited and thankful for the commitments made by the Port and the State Leadership. We believe this milestone is a fundamental positive shift in support of the Oregon importers and exporters, to ensure an ongoing, reliable and efficient gateway for Oregon businesses," said Tim McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Harbor Industrial. "This progress will help the Oregon shippers secure a more cost-effective path for their goods while providing job growth for the local communities."
"Scores of businesses throughout Oregon rely on Terminal 6 to ship their goods and Oregon communities rely on the quality jobs it supports," Governor Kotek said. "My recommended budget reflects my commitment to resources to facilitate the continuation of container service, and I intend to advocate for these funds in the Legislature."
"Container shipping is a critical component of Oregon’s economy. I’m encouraged by this framework agreement and hope the parties can continue negotiating toward a long-term agreement," said Senate President Rob Wagner, of Lake Oswego. "I look forward to partnering with all parties during the 2025 legislative session to support these efforts."
Container operations at T6 support more than 1,500 family-wage jobs, both at the terminal and in related industries, generating annual local and state tax revenue estimated at $20 million.
"Terminal 6 connects Oregon with the world and supports businesses from every corner of our state," said Sen. Lew Frederick, of North/Northeast Portland. "Importantly, Terminal 6 also connects our neighborhoods and people of north and northeast Portland with jobs, from the terminal itself to the many related industries. This is great news."
The Port and Harbor Industrial are committed to maintaining the significant benefits of shipping Oregon goods through Oregon ports and look forward to continued operations and growth of the container terminal.
Container ports are commonly operated by third parties due to the unique, and sometimes financially volatile, nature of the industry – an approach that keeps the service intact while keeping costs to the public manageable.
Additional details about the terms of the Port and Harbor’s agreement will be shared when the Port Commission votes on a lease, which is anticipated in summer 2025.
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