AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS DRIVE TONNAGE INCREASE FOR 2016
In a record breaking cargo handling year, the Port of Longview moved more than 8.3mt (million metric tonnes) of cargo across the dock in 2016 — the most cargo handled annually in the last three decades. The year 2016 saw a nearly 30% increase over the 6.4mt handled in 2015.
Pushing the port over the 8mt mark was grain terminal EGT, LLC, which alone moved over 6mt of primarily wheat, soybeans and corn. This marks EGT’s best year since coming on-line in 2012.
“This is precisely the tonnage outcome we were aiming for when EGT signed on at the Port of Longview,” said Chief Executive Officer Norm Krehbiel. “EGT utilizes key infrastructure, such as the Port’s dedicated Industrial Rail Corridor and our position on the deep-draft navigation channel, designed to efficiently move bulk commodities for the benefit of the entire region.”
Although dry bulks made up the majority of the tonnage in 2016, the port had a strong year in breakbulk as well. The resurgence of wind energy cargo, coupled with oversized project cargo made for a well-rounded year and demonstrated the port’s flexibility in cargo handling.
With a new year under way, cargo prospects for 2017 predict another successful year at the Port of Longview.
The Port of Longview is the first full-service operating port with strategic transportation connections on the deep-draught Columbia River shipping channel in southwest Washington State. The port is located just 66 river miles from the Pacific Ocean, 120 driving miles from Seattle,Washington, and 40 driving miles from Portland, Oregon. Port facilities include eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property with direct connections to main-line rail and interstate highway. Cargo handling specialties include bulk cargoes and breakbulk commodities.