Port of Portland anticipates record container volume for 2003

Port of Portland anticipates record container volume for 2003    The Port of Portland said it expects next week to break its annual record for number of shipping containers handled at its marine Terminal 6.
   The port's current record for 20- 40- and 45-foot ocean shipping containers handled is 183,958, set in 1994.
   Sam Ruda, port marine director, said the increase was due to several factors, including increased demand for U.S. exports due to the weak dollar, shippers using Portland as an alternative to congested West Coast ports, and Portland's rail capabilities have drawn ocean carriers trying to return empty containers to Asia.
   Ruda also noted increased imports and the addition of container lines, such as CCNI and Maruba sca.
   The port plans improvements for Terminal 6 in 2004, including security and technology updates, and purchasing several reach stackers.