In mid-October this year, the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners entered into an agreement with International Raw Materials (IRM) to lease the Port’s Bridgeview Terminal. IRM previously operated at the port from 1981–2001.

IRM, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, proposes maximizing throughput of existing terminal infrastructure — focusing primarily on the export of bulk minerals, fertilizers and grains. While it operates several West Coast facilities, IRM plans to make Longview its flagship location for dry-bulk cargo exports.

“IRM appreciates the opportunity to return to a Port and a community that played a significant role in our company’s history and intends to grow and sustain commodity volumes through the facility and increase job frequency and revenue,” said IRM Vice President Tim Mahoney. “We have immediate intentions to improve existing components of the bulk loadout facility, while working to expand the on-site rail footprint.”

In April of 2016, the Board of Commissioners adopted the Strategic Business Plan as a roadmap to generate jobs and economic growth for our region. By signing with IRM, the port is working in fulfillment of its goal to maximize use of under-utilized assets, as identified in the Plan.

“Based on their previous operating record at the Port, I’m confident IRM will successfully operate Bridgeview Terminal,” said Commission President Doug Averett. “I’m looking forward to a long-term partnership that will bring additional economic vitality to our region.”

The port sought a new operating tenant for Bridgeview following the expiration of its contract with Kinder Morgan. This included issuing both a Request for Interest and for Proposal to ensure maximized use of the terminal.