Log Shipment Leaves Port of Everett For 1st Time In A Decade

Great economic news from the Port of Everett as the first shipment of logs in a decade recently headed for Japan. Just got that news from Lisa Lefeber at the Port…

Last month, a log ship loaded with local timber departed the Port of Everett Seaport bound for Matsunaga, Japan; the first log shipment from Everett to Japan in nearly a decade.

The Port of Everett worked in partnership with Everett-based lumber supplier, Forest Marketing Enterprises, Inc. (FORMARK), to secure the log shipment that totaled 2.2 million board feet (or 11,000 tons) of locally logged Douglas fir.

“This log delivery from Everett to Japan represents more than just a shipment; it’s a symbol of jobs and commerce flowing in Snohomish County,” said Carl Wollebek, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Everett.  “The Port is very fortunate to have industry partners such as Miller Shingle, Dunlap Towing, Stevedoring Services of America and the ILWU to be able to support the local log industry spearheaded by Formark.  Japan is a very quality conscious market and the return is a very positive step.”

The vessel, Andalucian Zephyr, loaded waterside at the Port’s Pier 3 North, supplying a steady stream of work for industry laborers for three days and supporting dozens of jobs in the region.

“After being absent from the Japanese market for 10 years, we are hopeful that we have planted a seed that will grow into a good opportunity not only for us, but for the suppliers, labor force and the Port,” said Eric  Warren , President of Forest Marketing Enterprises. “Our vessel was off loaded by Toa where they will evaluate the cargo. We are hopeful that by third quarter we can return to this business on a steady basis. We appreciate Sojitz and Weyco for bringing this project to us, as well as the groundwork the Port did on their many Japanese visits to the offices of Sojitz.”

The Port of Everett Seaport is a natural choice for exporting forest products due to its close proximity to large timber producers in east Snohomish County, and its multiple berth and waterside storage capacity.  In 2014, FORMARK exported nearly 32 million board feet of logs through the Port of Everett with seven ship calls from Everett to Asia.