The Port of Portland announced it would continue providing marine container shipping services at Terminal 6, keeping Oregon’s only international container terminal available for shippers, along with the workers and local businesses that rely on them statewide.
The move came after the announcement of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek that she will include two critical items in her 2025-27 biennial budget that directly affect marine cargo service at T6: capital investments at the terminal, and channel maintenance costs in the lower Columbia River.
The Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is proposing a $40m state investment to allow container service to continue at Port of Portland’s Terminal 6.
Kotek also announced support for operational stop-gap funding from the Oregon Emergency Board this fall.
The $40m proposal includes $35m in the governor’s 2025-27 recommended budget and $5m in operational support from the Oregon Emergency Board in September.
“After the Port of Portland’s April announcement that container service would end this October, I heard from scores of producers throughout Oregon that relied on Terminal 6 to ship their goods,” Governor Kotek said.
“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 Governor has also requested a report from the Port of Portland about ongoing Terminal 6 operations and progress by August 23, 2024.
“We’re grateful for Governor Kotek’s declaration of support, and her commitment to maintaining this important piece of our economy,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.
“We are also extremely grateful for the strong backing from a bipartisan group of legislators who recognize the value of trade to businesses and communities throughout our state. 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,” Robinhold added.
