Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) recorded a decline in cargo volumes, while Terminal 5 continued to strengthen its capabilities by expanding refrigerated-container capacity.
The cargo performance comes amid changing trade patterns and shifts in container volumes across the US Pacific Northwest gateway. NWSA handles international containerised trade through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, serving importers and exporters across the region.
At the same time, Terminal 5 is expanding its ability to handle temperature-sensitive cargo. Additional reefer capacity is expected to support commodities such as food, agricultural products and other goods requiring controlled temperatures during transport.
The expansion is part of ongoing investment at Terminal 5 to improve cargo-handling capabilities and accommodate evolving customer requirements. Increased reefer infrastructure can provide exporters with additional options for moving perishable products through the Pacific Northwest.
The facility’s growing reefer capability also supports the region’s agricultural and food-export industries, which rely on reliable temperature-controlled logistics for international shipments.
Despite the recent cargo decline, continued infrastructure investment reflects efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the NWSA gateway. Terminal upgrades are intended to improve operational flexibility and support future cargo growth.
The development comes as ports and terminal operators across North America continue investing in specialised equipment and capacity to respond to changes in cargo composition and international trade flows.