Basic Port Information
The Port of Seattle (five-letter code: USSEA), located in Washington State, serves as a crucial commercial hub on the U.S. West Coast. Situated on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, vessels access the port through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Its strategic position makes it the closest North American port to the Far East, with key distances including:
- 27 nautical miles south to Tacoma
- 126 nautical miles north to Vancouver
- 1,420 nautical miles to Anchorage
- 801 nautical miles to San Francisco
- 5,050 nautical miles to Shanghai
Port Structure and Distribution
The port comprises two main areas: the Outer Harbor along the southern, eastern, and northern shorelines of Elliott Bay, and the Inner Harbor located along the Washington Lake Canal and lake area.
The Outer Harbor features 26 piers and wharves, including seven container terminals. Notable facilities include:
- Pier 5 with three berths
- Piers 18-20 with eight berths
- Multipurpose terminals at Piers 25, 30, 37, 42, and 46
- Breakbulk and refrigerated cargo facilities at Piers 90-91 on the northern shore
- Grain facilities at Pier 86 with 150,000-ton storage capacity
Terminal Facilities and Operations
With approximately 50 berths ranging from 9.5 to 22.5 meters in depth, the Port of Seattle handles about 20 million tons of cargo annually, including over 1.1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container traffic. This volume ranks it among the world's top 20 container ports, primarily serving transshipment needs.
Container Terminals
The port's container terminals include Terminal 5, operated by Eagle Marine Services, featuring an 884-meter (2,900-foot) berth with 600 refrigerated plug points for efficient cargo handling. Terminals 18 and 30 similarly offer comprehensive service capabilities.
Bulk and Breakbulk Terminals
Specialized facilities like Terminals 115 and 91 support diverse bulk cargo operations while providing services for commercial fishing vessels and workboats.
Cruise Terminals
Bell Street Pier serves as the primary cruise terminal, while the newer Smith Cove Terminal offers convenient access to Seattle's shopping districts and tourist attractions for cruise passengers.
Port Services and Facilities
The Fishermen's Terminal provides 853 meters of berthing space with equipment including forklifts and cranes for commercial and recreational vessels. The port's Foreign Trade Zone offers tax advantages and streamlined customs procedures, enhancing its international trade competitiveness.
Climate and Environment
Seattle's temperate maritime climate features abundant rainfall (particularly November through March) and mild summers (April through October). While the stable temperatures (averaging 4°C to 22°C annually) support year-round operations, occasional snowfall may cause minor shipping disruptions.
The port's eco-conscious approach benefits from this climate, balancing operational efficiency with environmental protection.
Conclusion: The Port of Seattle's strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and diversified services establish it as a vital North American logistics hub. As globalization progresses, its role as a bridge between East-West trade is expected to grow significantly.
