ICTSI Oregon, Inc., a subsidiary of global port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), said its number one priority now is retaining and attracting new carriers to Terminal 6 of the Port of Portland on the U.S. West Coast.
“We know that there is substantial market demand in this region for exporting and importing goods to and from Asia through the Port of Portland,” ICTSI Oregon said in a statement.
“As a result, we will be taking calculated steps, in conjunction with the Port of Portland, toward seeking new carriers that can capitalize on the opportunities to serve this market created by Hanjin’s departure,” the port operator added.
Korea’s Hanjin Shipping, which handles nearly 80% of Terminal 6’s volume, will terminate its services in March. Hanjin has been present in the terminal since 1993 but was unhappy with the pace of work among longshore workers and announced its plan to pull out two years ago. However, the carrier decided to stay then but said it would review productivity and costs.
ICTSI, in an earlier statement, said it was disappointed with Hanjin’s decision but added it would stay committed to its operations.
ICTSI Oregon said it will be a “difficult task, given that the situation at Terminal 6 goes much deeper and has been going on much longer than the current labor dispute at other West Coast ports.”
“We are hopeful, however, that the ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) will cease its work stoppages and slowdowns and work with us in a cooperative venture to provide a thriving and productive container terminal for the good of the Columbia River region,” it added.
The port operator also noted it is willing to work with the ILWU “to that important end.”
