Port Basic Information
1. Port Code: USSEA
2. City: Seattle, WA
3. Country/Region: Washington State, USA
4. Port Type: Major City Port
5. Shipping Route: US West Coast Route
Geographical Location
The Port of Seattle serves as a crucial transportation hub in Washington State, strategically located on the eastern shore of Puget Sound. This deep-water port benefits from naturally protected waters and safe berthing conditions, making it one of the most important freight ports in the Pacific Northwest.
The port's entrance through the majestic Juan de Fuca Strait, connecting the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island, ensures smooth vessel access. Its proximity to major cities enhances its regional importance:
- Tacoma: 27 nautical miles south
- Vancouver: 126 nautical miles north
- Anchorage, Alaska: 1,420 nautical miles
- San Francisco: 801 nautical miles
- Shanghai, China: approximately 5,050 nautical miles
This strategic position establishes Seattle as a vital maritime link between North America and the Far East, facilitating robust trade growth.
Port Zone Division
The Port of Seattle is divided into two main operational areas: the Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor, each with distinct functions and resource allocations.
The Outer Harbor, surrounding Elliott Bay with water on three sides, handles most ocean-going trade and accommodates large cargo vessels. Meanwhile, the Inner Harbor adjacent to the Washington Lake Canal and lake area manages general cargo lightering and distribution.
The Outer Harbor's comprehensive facilities include 26 piers and wharves designed for efficient bulk cargo handling and container management, supporting diverse transportation needs.
Terminal Facilities and Services
The Outer Harbor features seven primary container terminals:
- Terminal 5: 3 berths with excellent loading/unloading capabilities
- Terminals 18-20: 8 berths dedicated to container operations
- Terminals 25 & 30: 2 berths each serving as backup facilities
Additional terminals undergoing modifications allow for operational flexibility to meet market demands.
The port also maintains specialized facilities including:
- Breakbulk and refrigerated cargo terminals (primarily at Piers 90-91)
- Grain handling at Pier 86 with 150,000-ton storage capacity
- Alaska trade-dedicated terminals
- Oil handling terminals (Piers 11, 15, 32, and 34) with complete tank farm facilities
With approximately 50 deep-water berths ranging from 9.5 to 22.5 meters in depth, the port accommodates large vessels of all types. Annual throughput exceeds 20 million tons of cargo, including over 1.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), ranking it among the world's top 20 container ports.
Terminal 5 Specifications
Terminal 5 plays a pivotal role in the port's development, spanning 133.5 hectares with 69.6 hectares currently leased. Its three berths total 884 meters with 14-15 meter depths, ensuring efficient operations regardless of tidal conditions.
The terminal offers:
- 600 refrigerated container plugs
- Advanced handling equipment
- Multimodal connections to Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads
These features enhance cargo transfer efficiency and strengthen the port's overall service capabilities.
Value-Added Services
The Port of Seattle provides comprehensive support services including:
- Customs clearance
- Cargo warehousing
- Freight forwarding
- Drayage services
- Cargo tracking
Experienced personnel ensure smooth operations throughout the logistics chain. The port's extensive road and rail networks connect seamlessly with other US ports and cities, reinforcing its position as a key Asia-Pacific trade hub.
Sustainability and Future Development
As global logistics evolve, the Port of Seattle actively implements sustainable development strategies to minimize environmental impact. Current initiatives include:
- Clean energy equipment adoption
- Logistics process optimization
- Transportation energy efficiency improvements
Future plans focus on technological innovation and green development to establish more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly operations. The port aims to enhance its international profile and expand its global trade influence, positioning itself as a premier modern logistics and trade gateway adaptable to evolving economic demands.
