This investment aligns with HMM’s strategic initiative to reinforce its global terminal infrastructure and enhance the readiness of the Seattle–Tacoma gateway for next-generation container vessels and rising cargo volumes.
The project comprises the replacement of two existing quay cranes and the installation of two additional yard cranes. Upon completion, WUT’s annual container throughput capacity will increase from 590,000 TEUs to 880,000 TEUs—a growth of nearly 50%.
According to the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), this commitment underscores HMM’s long-term investment in the Seattle–Tacoma gateway. The port authority notes that the modernization will streamline cargo flow, elevate terminal productivity, and ensure compatibility with ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
Washington United Terminals anticipates that the upgrade will strengthen end-to-end supply chain performance and improve operational efficiency for its customers. The four cranes are scheduled for delivery and commissioning in 2028.
Located in Washington State, WUT spans approximately 510,000 square metres and features a 793-metre deep-water berth. Its integrated on-dock rail facility supports simultaneous handling of up to 26 rail cars, facilitating seamless inland connectivity for HMM’s U.S. West Coast services.
Under the turnkey agreement, HD Hyundai Samho is responsible for the full project lifecycle—including engineering design, manufacturing, logistics, on-site installation, and commissioning—of all four cranes.
This initiative forms part of HMM’s broader global infrastructure strategy. Recent parallel developments include a cooperation agreement with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to support the development of Vadhvan Port in India, as well as the ongoing expansion of HMM’s Terminal de Transporte Intermodal de Algeciras (TTIA) in Algeciras, Spain.
An HMM senior executive emphasized that the crane upgrade will enhance service reliability and responsiveness for customers, while supporting the carrier’s fleet expansion and sustained operational scalability.
Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/X7DcK4OX6HFpBEm6sklVCw