- The Port of Portland has announced that it will continue marine container shipping services at Terminal 6, thanks to renewed financial support from the state.
- Governor Tina Kotek has committed to including terminal development costs and reduced Columbia River channel maintenance costs in the 2025-27 biennial budget, along with operational stop-gap financing from the Oregon Emergency Board.
- This support aims to ensure the long-term viability of container operations at Terminal 6, providing significant benefits for Oregon businesses and communities.
The Port of Portland will continue container shipping services at Terminal 6 with new state support. Governor Tina Kotek has pledged to include critical financial support in the 2025-27 biennial budget and operational stop-gap financing from the Oregon Emergency Board. This funding will help maintain container operations while ensuring long-term financial stability. The renewed commitment follows significant lobbying from local businesses and lawmakers, emphasizing the terminal’s importance for jobs and economic benefits in Oregon. The plan includes a $40 million investment to secure the future of container shipping at Terminal 6.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has pledged to include two critical items in the 2025-27 biennial budget that will directly impact marine cargo operations at Terminal 6. These include terminal development costs and reduced maintenance costs for the Columbia River channel. Additionally, the Oregon Emergency Board will provide operational stop-gap financing this autumn to support the terminal.
Ensuring Financial Viability
With this increased state financing, container operations at Terminal 6 will continue while the port works on establishing long-term financial viability. Port of Portland Executive Director, Curtis Robinhold, emphasized the importance of this support: “With the support of the Oregon Legislature, container shipping at Terminal 6 will continue, along with the benefits it provides for Oregon businesses and the quality jobs it provides for our community. This level of government and community support is something Oregonians should be proud of.”
Overcoming Past Challenges
Since taking over operations in 2018, the Port of Portland has been striving to resume container services after a brief halt under the previous operator, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI). However, container operations have proved unsustainable without direct governmental backing or a financially viable third-party lease. In April, the port declared that container service would end in October, while vehicle and breakbulk shipping activities at Terminal 6 would continue.
Renewed State Commitment
The April announcement prompted significant lobbying from local companies, lawmakers, and Oregonians, leading the state to renew its commitment to maintaining the service at Terminal 6. Governor Kotek expressed her support for the long-term availability of the service, highlighting the jobs, tax revenue, and public benefits it provides for Oregon.
Governor’s Strategic Investment
Governor Kotek stated: “Having represented the Port’s home district in the Oregon Legislature for many years, I understand that the terminal’s location makes container operations at Terminal 6 economically challenging. In response, I am proposing to invest $40 million in state funds to allow container service to continue and communicate my expectations for reliable and sustainable service moving forward.”
The $40 million proposal reportedly includes $35 million in the governor’s 2025-27 recommended budget and $5 million in operational support from the Oregon Emergency Board in September.
Economic Stability and Growth
This strategic investment aims to ensure the continuity of container shipping services at Terminal 6, providing economic stability and growth for the region while supporting local businesses and communities.
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Source: Port Technology
