Terminal 46 marked a significant milestone on Friday, February 2nd, as it welcomed the arrival of the GLOVIS vessel Silver Sky transporting automobiles destined for Canada.

More than 2,500 automobiles discharged at Terminal 46, in The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) gateway, where they will await transport to Canadian KIA and Hyundai dealerships later this month. As the first automobile vessel in more than 20 years to call the terminal, this new automobile business will further increase automobile volumes in the NWSA gateway which were up 96% year-over-year in December 2023.

Over the past several years, Terminal 46 has played a critical role in providing available capacity for various cargo needs throughout the gateway. In response to post-pandemic containerized cargo surges, Terminal 46 evolved into a crucial near-dock storage facility, facilitating the seamless movement of containerized cargo. Today, Terminal 46 stands ready to handle this increased Canadian-bound cargo opportunity.

"The NWSA works hard to ensure we can accommodate the needs of our customers and we are glad to have strategic properties like Terminal 46 to help facilitate more cargo movement in our region," stated Kristin Ang, Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair.

"Terminal 46 is a key marine cargo property, and we are glad to work together with International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19, GLOVIS, Customs and Border Protection, and the stevedore Pacific Terminal Services Company to expand cargo volumes in our gateway," noted Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair.

Collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, and meeting the needs of the NWSA’s customer, GLOVIS. The NWSA recognizes the extra effort extended by the local U.S. Customs and Border Protection team and full collaboration from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Terminal Services Company.

"The skilled women and men of Longshore Local 19 are ready to meet your cargo needs whatever they may be: containers, autos, general cargo, etc. Seattle is ready to be shippers' port of call,” stated Rich Austin, President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 19.