Port of Vancouver, Wash. sets new tonnage record in 2016

The U.S. Pacific coast port handled over 7 million metric tons last year, an eight percent increase from 2015.    The Port of Vancouver in Washington state set a new tonnage record in 2016, the port said.
   For the first time in the port’s 105-year history, a record 7.49 million metric tons of cargo was handled in 2016, up 8 percent from the 2015 record of 6.95 million metric tons.
   Exports in 2016 rose to 6.32 million metric tons, up from 5.54 million metric tons in 2015. Grain was the largest export by volume, which increased 17.8 percent over 2015 volumes.
   Imports such as wind energy components increased in 2016, but overall, imports were down 17 percent last year.
   Despite the overall tonnage increase, the port’s operating revenues decreased from $38.2 million to $35.9 million.
   However, by leveraging revenues, federal and state grant funds, and tax dollars, the port invested in critical infrastructure such as rail, buildings, dock improvement and skilled staff.
   Port of Vancouver CEO Julianna Marler said, “These are the types of improvements that attract businesses to the port and help create jobs for the residents of Southwest Washington. We continue to find cost-effective ways to invest in your public port, planning for the future and working with our customers and partners to make sure those jobs and economic benefit are here for the long-term.”
   This year, the port is looking forward to grain, wind energy and copper cargo increases.