"The GLOVIS America consolidation expands upon a longstanding partnership between GLOVIS America and NWSA at the Port of Tacoma," said Northwest Seaport Alliance managing member John McCarthy.

"In addition to Kias, many thousands of Hyundais will be imported and processed at the WWS facility in Tacoma, increasing automobile volumes and job opportunities in our gateway."

GLOVIS undertook a selection process to identify a single gateway as a point of entry for Kia and Hyundai automobiles, creating capacity to grow with additional automotive customers.

"GLOVIS America sought out a strategic gateway that could provide superior customer service as well as the resources to handle both the Kia and Hyundai automobile business now and into the future. The Tacoma harbour was the clear choice," said GLOVIS Americas president Jason Woo.

Said GLOVIS America CEO Scott Cornell: "GLOVIS America appreciates our partnership with the NWSA and is already actively pursuing additional growth in automobile and break-bulk volumes as part of our commitment to the Port of Tacoma as our mega port in the PNW."

The initial shipment of 2,000 vehicles with Grand Mercury is the beginning of a substantial increase in autos through the gateway.

"In coming years, the agreement with GLOVIS America has the potential to more than double current auto volumes," said Mr Cornell.