Tacoma Breakbulk Volume Grew 68% in 2011

The West Coast port of Tacoma in Washington ended the year with a 68 percent increase in breakbulk cargoes, representing 154,378 tons. Overall, tonnage rose 5 percent in 2011 to reach 17.27 tons compared with 2010.

Auto units at the port also experienced signficant growth. The port handled 162,434 autos, an increase of 34 percent in year-over-year results.

Log exports increased 45 percent, from 403,225 tons in 2010 to 584,529, driven by the construction boom in China. Port officials say that 2012 log and lumber volumes will depend largely on the strength of the Chinese economy and its real estate market.

Vessel calls at Tacoma fell slightly from 1,019 in 2010 to 1,006 in 2011.

Photo shows Duncan Bay vessel calling Tacoma for shipment of logs. Courtesy of the Port of Tacoma.