Grant to Allow Port of Everett To Go After World’s Largest Ro/Ro Ships

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photo courtesy Port of Everett

Got a press release today from Lisa Lefeber about big doings down at the Port…The Port of Everett received a $1.5 million grant from Washington state to help complete the second phase of its roll-on/roll-off cargo (Ro/Ro) facility, a project which will allow the Port to accommodate the largest Ro/Ro ships in the world.

Ro/Ro capabilities are critical to maintaining the Port of Everett’s ability to meet the shipping needs of the local aerospace industry and nearby military installation. Just recently, Governor Jay Inslee rolled out a strategy to ensure the 777X is assembled in Washington state. Among the list of strategies was the investment in the Port’s Ro/Ro dock.

Gov. Inslee wrote “Invest in the Port of Everett roll on/roll off cargo berth. This will boost efficiency and add capacity at the main point of entry for airplane parts manufactured in Asia, and help ensure the 777X and future Boeing airplane programs are built in Washington.”

The first phase of the project enhanced the existing dolphin berth to handle larger ships. With the additional funding, the Port will be able to begin the second phase of the project that further strengthens the dock for loading and unloading cargo. The port is also rebuilding the rail spur on the terminal with the help of a state rail bank loan.

“Our ability to support the aerospace logistics chain will be greatly enhanced with state funding for this project,” Port of Everett Executive Director John Mohr said. “I want to specifically thank Governor Inslee, Senators Harper and Hobbs and Representatives Dunshee, Sells and McCoy for their efforts to secure project funding.”

The key seaport project was also identified as a priority in Snohomish County’s Regional Priorities, as well as the Governor’s Working Washington Plan.

About the 777 and Port of Everett Partnership
The Port of Everett has been a critical piece of the 777 logistics chain since its birth in 1992. According to a Seattle Times article on Oct. 9, 1992, the Port of Everett Commissioners signed a multi-year agreement with the Boeing Company for use of its deep-water shipping facilities to transport the 777 parts from Japan to the manufacturing facility at Paine Field. This agreement was critical, as the 777 pieces were too large to travel by highway or rail for any distance. Since inking this deal, the Port of Everett has moved every oversized part for more than 1,000 777 airplanes that have been delivered to date.

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