b'NOVEMBER 2024BREAKBULK QUARTERLY 45(COMEBACKcontinued from page 42) Theporthasexperiencedsofteningintraditionalif manufacturers build wind turbines in the U.S. While volume last year was 356,062 metric tons, compared tosteel imports since 2019, due to U.S. policies that favorthe law does not impact Canada, there have been some 246,412 in 2019. domestic sourcing of steel. However, they have seen apermitting issues up North, but Strogen does not see this 2024 is still going to be about 340,000 tons, whichsignificant rise in wind energy break bulkoriginating inobstacle as long term. I think thats a temporary blip on isgreatvolume,headds,alsoforecastingupto3%India, Indonesia and Chinaover the same period. Windthe overall picture, he says. I think once those permit-growth for 2025. Northwest Seaport Alliance values theequipment, including blades and parts of the towers, rep- ting issues get worked through up in the Canadian prov-break bulk business, and we intend to provide a growthresents more than 50% of Port of Vancouver USAs breakinces, well see a return back to some of our historic wind path to meet Wallenius Wilhelmsens and other custom- bulk volume.energy volumes.ers needs. Almost all of our wind energy break bulk is des- Strogencontinues,So,whilewerelookingata Wallenius Wilhelmsen handles about 80% of Port oftined for Alberta and Saskatchewan, in Canada, says Alexpretty quiet 2025 as well, we have indication that into Tacoma break bulk business Elmaleh confirms, addingStrogen, Chief Commercial Officer at Port of Vancouver2026 and beyond, we will see an upturn in our wind Wallenius Wilhelmsen makes break bulk happen for us. energy business going into Canada.Washingtonportsareideallysituatedtoserve W elcOmet Ot erminAl46 Canada, another reason for expected break bulk growth in InMarch2024,NWSAopenedTerminal46inthe regional ports. For example, wind components from Seattle Harbor, specifically built for break bulk and autoAsia can pass through Port of Vancouver USA on the way cargo. This re-purposed container terminal offers aboutto Canada. The port operates a customs bonded facility, 50 acres of cargo lay-down space for shippers. Pacificso the break bulk cargo can avoid duties and tariffs while Terminal Services Company (PTSC) operates the termi- still delivering economic benefits to the region. From nalalongsideInternationalLongshoreandWarehouseourperspective,itgeneratesagreateconomicreturn Union (ILWU) Local 19, who will unload cargo fromeven though ultimately the product is not destined for the vessels at berth alongside the terminal. U.S., says Strogen.We are very satisfied with the performance of our breakbulkbusinessthrough Tacomaandwanttosees iZem Attersbreak bulk grow in Seattle as well, Elmaleh says, clari- Break bulk is all about over-size cargo, but the wind fying that NWSA is not trying to reposition Tacoma cargoblades shipped through Port of Vancouver USA are put-to Seattle, but rather build new business that can taketing that challenge to the test. Strogen says 15 years ago advantage of the new terminal. theyhandledwindbladesunder50metersinlength. Were looking for greater opportunities in the breakToday, wind blades coming through the port are close to bulk market through that gateway, he explains, noting80 meters. Understandably, the port had to make some that Port of Seattle offers plenty of space, outstandingchanges to accommodate this large cargo.interstateandrailaccess,andlift-on/lift-offcapabili- Inside the port we had to remove fences and light posts ties. We are committed to break bulk, willing to tailorWallenius Wilhelmsen handles about 80% of the Port ofin order to clear the way so these massive wind blades can the Seattle experience to whatever the customer desires,Tacomas break bulk business. transit through without being damaged, Strogen explains. and weve got a motivated workforce to support it. OurAs we look ahead to 2026, we are already having to re-partners, ILW Local 19, have been terrific to work with,USA. We have found a niche role in supplying those windexamine our infrastructure, knowing that the next generation they understand break bulk cargo, and theyre hungry forenergy shipments into Canadian provinces, even thoughof wind blades are going to be 85 meters long. additional work. you would typically expect they would go through BritishStrogen says the rail clearances on the West Coast are Columbia ports. Weve done about 20 wind energy vessels,no longer compatible with the size of these wind compo-W indF rOm theW est and 1000-wind components, this year. nents, so they must be moved by truck or barge.As we Port of Vancouver USA on the Columbia River justPort of Vancouver USA was seeing as many as 2,000get ever larger components, were going to see this trend north of Portland, is also seeing growing break bulk busi- units during 2022 and 2023. Strogen attributes the soften- where we eventually reach the limit of the roadways, and ness,includingwindenergycomponents,datacentering to the Inflation Reduction Act, which came into lawthen were going to need to use the barge solution more transformers, steel and aluminum. in summer of 2022, providing significant tax incentivesaggressively going forward, Strogen adds.FLORIDAS BREAKBULKDISTRIBUTION HUBClosest port to Floridas largest and fastest growing market Expanding lumber, perishable, container, project cargo, and Nearly 500,000 SF of on-dock warehouse space and 7,000heavy-lift businesslinear feet of berth New and expanded container services with Central Floridas largest steel port America, South America, Mexico and AsiaFive post-Panamax gantry cranesWWW.PORTTB.COM'