Port of Portland Seeks State Support to Maintain Critical Container Service

The Port of Portland has presented a comprehensive business plan to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, outlining strategies to maintain container service at Terminal 6, the state’s sole international container terminal.

The plan emphasizes the critical role of marine container shipping in Oregon’s economy and calls for public investment to sustain operations.

“This is a critical piece of Oregon’s economy, and it urgently needs financial assistance from the state to continue to serve shippers across all of Oregon,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold, stressing the urgency of financial assistance.

The report, backed by an advisory council of industry experts and stakeholders, highlights the economic impact of keeping container service at the port, and its wider economic benefits for the state. It creates 1,500 family-wage jobs and generates $20 million in annual state and local tax revenue.

“Container service provides hundreds of local jobs, along with many more in connected industries and communities. The people who work these jobs spend their money locally, and they’re supporting shippers and industries from all over the state,” said Leal Sundet, secretary of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 8.

To address financial challenges, the Port has negotiated new rates with shipping companies, labor efficiencies, and fee reductions, and it is also developing strategies to double container volumes over the next five to seven years.

Governor Kotek, meanwhile, has proposed a $40 million state investment for Terminal 6, including $5 million in immediate operational support and $35 million in her 2025-27 budget for capital improvements and channel maintenance. The funding requires legislative approval in September and during the 2025 Legislative Session.

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