The Oregon Container Terminal (OCT) marked its officials launch Jan. 6 at Terminal 6 at the Port of Portland, after the facility transferred from the port to Harbor Industrial. The opening “sustains a competitive option for supply chains in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Idaho,” OCT operators said in announcing the move.
“Global connections like these give Oregon a competitive edge and help secure our economic future,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “They ensure that cranberries grown along the coast, hay harvested in the Willamette Valley, wheat from Eastern Oregon, and products made in the Portland metro area can reach global markets efficiently, competitively and sustainably.”
OCT president Tim McCarthy said the terminal “is about reliability, growth and partnership…This terminal gives shippers from Oregon and inland locations a stable, efficient and competitive gateway, backed by 210 acres of already developed infrastructure, experienced operators and a skilled workforce with a proven record of productivity.”
“This transition ensures a reliable, cost-effective connection to international markets for Oregon businesses,” said Curtis Robinhold, the Port of Portland executive director.
“Securing a long-term operator for container service at Terminal 6 means exporters and importers across the state and region can keep moving their goods efficiently, competitively and closer to home while supporting thousands of family-wage jobs and our state’s economy,” said Robinhold. “We’re grateful to Governor Kotek and state legislators for their efforts to sustain container operations and invest in Oregon’s future.”
At the launch ceremony, McCarthy and Robinhold praised Kotek and Oregon state Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, for securing state funding for improvements at the terminal that sustain container operations and invest in Oregon’s future.
“After years of uncertainty for Oregon importers and exporters, the Oregon Container Terminal flips the script,” said Boshart Davis. “The promise of growth by Harbor Industrial at this terminal means more orders, more shifts and more family-friendly jobs up and down the supply chain – from the farm and factory floor to the warehouse and dock. For Oregon businesses that have been riding the wave of turbulence, OCT is more than infrastructure; it is a glimmer of hope that we can compete, grow and win right here from home.”
"This is one of the good outcomes that can be achieved when government, business and labor work together for the benefit of Oregonians," said Stuart Strader, speaking on behalf of ILWU Local 8.
OCT, Oregon’s only international container gateway, will be operated by Harbor Industrial Services under a long-term lease with the Port of Portland. OCT offers direct vessel services, dual-rail connectivity via BSNF and Union Pacific and future barge services connecting with inland locations. The terminal will support agriculture, manufacturing, technology and retail shippers. Weekly container service has already begun.
The launch also featured the debut of Harbor Industrial’s Ship Oregon initiative aimed at encouraging businesses to move their cargo through Oregon ports as a way to reduce overall transportation costs, reduce roadway emissions and congestion and support Oregon-centric supply chains.
