Year-to-date import volumes are tracking ahead of pre-Covid-19 levels, while laden exports continue to struggle from reduced service capacity, reports London's Port Technology.

Year-to-date volumes declined four per cent to 1,806,732 TEU, with full imports and exports declining 6.9 per cent and 24.2 per cent, respectively.

Notably, the NWSA reported a record 365,088 TEU of laden international imports moved through the gateway during Q1 2022.

Latest data from McCown Container Volume Observer showed that Seattle/Tacoma has suffered the heaviest impact of inbound container shifts across the US, with inbound volume down 14.1 per cent compared to last year.

NWSA has noted however that ocean carriers have announced the return of suspended services in Q3 to support the peak season and the additional capacity is expected to improve volumes, including export activity.

Additional capacity is also supported by continued ad-hoc vessel call activity in the gateway.

Domestic volumes increased one per cent year on year. Alaska volumes increased 2.2 per cent while Hawaii volumes declined 3.4 per cent.

NWSA Managing Members recently approved a new three-year lease - with three two-year extension options - and operating agreement with the BNSF Railway to begin handling domestic intermodal business in the Tacoma Harbour.

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