ICTSI Oregon remains committed to Portland

International Container Services Inc. will seek other customers for Portland, Oregon container terminal, but says “strong-arm” tactics by ILWU must end.    The operator of the container terminal in Portland, Oregon says it remains committed to the port.
   ICTSI Oregon, Inc., a subsidiary of Philippines-based International Container Services Inc., said in a statement it is “very disappointed to hear the news of Hapag-Lloyd’s decision to cease its direct MPS service calling Portland. Hapag-Lloyd has been very supportive and loyal to the Portland market. Coupled with Hanjin’s recent announcement to leave Portland and discontinue its Asia service, Hapag-Lloyd’s departure will adversely affect regional businesses that rely on Terminal 6.”
   “Despite these challenges, ICTSI Oregon is committed to this region and will forge ahead to seek new direct container service to Asia and Europe,” said Chief Executive Officer Elvis J. Ganda. “Retaining and attracting new carriers to Terminal 6 is our highest priority. We are reviewing all options and taking prompt action to generate new business. There is substantial market demand for exporting and importing goods to and from Asia and Europe through Terminal 6. As a result, we are taking calculated steps, in conjunction with the Port of Portland, toward seeking new carriers that can capitalize on the opportunities to serve this valuable market created by Hanjin’s and Hapag-Lloyd’s departure.”
   Ganda added that “attracting new business will be a challenging task,” again blaming the International Longshore and Warehouse Union for the recent carrier departures.
   “For Terminal 6 to be successful, the ILWU must signal to potential container shipping lines that its almost three-year campaign of work stoppages, slowdowns, and safety gimmicks at Terminal 6 has come to an end,” he said. “While ICTSI Oregon will continue efforts to attract new customers, no carrier will want to make a long-term commitment to the terminal so long as ILWU workers delay cargo and vessels as a strong-arm tactic to get what they want. We hold the ILWU fully accountable for its actions; therefore, it is imperative that the ILWU leadership in San Francisco publicly commit that its efforts to interfere with productivity in Portland are over.”
   In February, after ICTSI blamed the ILWU for Hanjin departing the port, the union responded that the departure of the Korean carrier “rests solely on ICTSI’s inherent refusal and failure to nurture customer relations. ICTSI’s only interest is to leverage its regional monopoly for maximum short term and unit company profit. Its customers are secondary.”