Seattle handles over 2 million TEUs in 2011

Over 2 million containers move through Seattle for the third consecutive year.

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Updated on 19 Jan 2012 08:28 GMT

The Port of Seattle once again handled over 2 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in 2011, with 2.03 million containers moving through its harbour last year. The 2 million TEUs record was broken in 2010 with 2.1 million TEUs. 2011 is the third year the harbor has exceeded 2 million TEUs. Commenting on the results, Linda Styrk, Managing Director of the Port of Seattle’s Seaport said: "The Port of Seattle will continue to work for its competitive advantages. We have the capacity and the facilities to handle 10,000 or more TEU container ships, we have excellent intermodal infrastructure and regional distribution facilities, and we continue to work with our customers collaboratively to keep the business here.” Several factors contributed to the increase in container volume. Exports continued to increase in 2011, the port also saw the addition of new shipping lines, services, and trade lanes, while empty container positioning also remained strong. The Port of Seattle maintains four container terminals, with 27 cranes, 11 container berths up to 50 feet deep, along with close proximity to two major national rail hubs, and two major interstate highways within minutes of all terminals for efficient truck access. The size of the bunker market in Seattle is currently estimated to be between 1.5 - 2.0 million tonnes per year.