NWSA, Puyallup Tribe forge partnership for new terminal construction

Puyallup Tribe and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the region’s shipping capacity.

The agreement paves the way for the construction of a new berth on the East Blair Waterway, increasing the Seattle/Tacoma gateway’s ability to accommodate the world’s largest shipping lines and boosting economic activity in the region.

Under the MoU, Puyallup Tribe will develop a new pier adjacent to the existing East Blair Terminal 1 (EB1) on approximately 22,000 m² of Tribal land. The new facility, tentatively named the “Puyallup Tribal Terminal”, will be jointly marketed and operated alongside EB1.

NWSA, a marine cargo partnership between the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and the seventh-largest gateway in North America, will provide technical support to ensure seamless integration and efficiency between the two piers.

Currently, EB1 specializes in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and breakbulk cargo, handling automobiles and heavy equipment that are offloaded, prepared for transport, and distributed across North America. The new terminal will feature similar capabilities, including on-dock rail access, and will incorporate carbon reduction technology to minimize local environmental impacts and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

The expanded two-berth facility will enhance both Puyallup Tribe’s and NWSA’s competitive position in the global marketplace by attracting new business, creating job opportunities, and supporting existing customers.

“Puyallup Tribe owns more than 120,000 m² of prime land along the Blair Waterway,” pointed out Matt Wadhwani, CEO of Puyallup Tribal Enterprises and the Tribe’s Financial Officer. “This partnership will fully realize the value of the property and position both the Tribe and the surrounding community for long-term economic growth.”

NWSA has experienced significant growth in breakbulk and RoRo cargo in recent years, making additional berth capacity essential for future expansion. Increasing capacity at EB1 and the Puyallup Tribal Terminal will allow Tacoma Harbor to accommodate new cargo services, further stimulating employment across the supply chain.

The Port of Tacoma and Puyallup Tribe have already taken significant preparatory steps for the new terminal, including conceptual design work, waterway depth analysis, and ship simulation studies. These efforts, in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers, will ensure unobstructed vessel navigation to the piers. The US Port complex and Tribe will continue working together to finalize design, permitting, and construction plans.

With a deep-rooted maritime heritage, Puyallup Tribe aims to ensure long-term economic benefits for its members. As part of this partnership, a Tribal Employment and Development Program will provide training and skills development for tribal members seeking careers in the maritime industry. Revenue generated from terminal operations will be shared between Puyallup Tribe and NWSA.

Under the agreement, Puyallup Tribe will finance, construct, and maintain the Puyallup Tribal Terminal and associated facilities, while NWSA will continue overseeing cargo operations at EB1. Together, they will offer a unified service to customers, co-marketing the strengths and capabilities of both terminals to expand shipping opportunities in the region.

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