MSC to move to Seattle

MSC to move to Seattle    The world’s second-largest container line, Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Co., will begin calling at the SSA Terminals-operated Terminal 18 at the Port of Seattle from next year.
   The Port of Seattle said it expects MSC to move 221,000 TEUs in its first year at the port, helping to generate more than 300 jobs.
   “Those figures are expected to grow as MSC increases its presence here,” said Mic Dinsmore, chief executive officer of the Port of Seattle. “Bringing MSC to our community will enhance our already robust maritime economy and strengthen our position as one of the nation’s premier trading regions.”
   “Beginning direct service to Seattle will help us continue to grow and provide better service to our customers,” said Matt Wypyski, owner’s representative for MSC.
   MSC also has a tentative plan to move to Seattle’s Terminal 30 in 2008, pending approval of a project to return it to container use. Terminal 30, located between East Marginal Way South and the East Duwamish Waterway, has been used as a cruise ship facility since May 2004 after containerships stopped using it June 2002.
   In 2005 the Port of Seattle handled 2.09 million TEUs, making it's the leading container port in the Pacific Northwest region and the fifth-largest in North America overall.