EVERETT — FESCO Transportation Group, which has made the Port of Everett its Pacific Northwest shipping hub for Russian cargoes, will expand its export service in Everett to include roll-on roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels.
Currently, the Port of Everett supports FESCO in the transportation, forestry, oil, gas and gold mining industries, marine terminals director Dave Madill said. These shipments include mining machinery, oil extracting equipment, trucks, heavy equipment and food products. The majority of this cargo has been handled by crane.
“This is tremendous news for our workforce, and the overall economic vitality of the community,” Madill said. “FESCO’s confidence in the Port of Everett is a true testament to our skilled workforce, quick turnaround times and excellent customer service. Adding Ro/Ro capabilities to the port’s portfolio, coupled with our new rail line, will allow us to focus on cargo segments we have not been able to target in the past.”
In the seven years since signing the port-of-call agreement with FESCO, the port has invested more than $20 million in terminal improvements to better support the needs of customers, he said.
Some of the infrastructure improvements include installing two 40-ton gantry cranes, upgrading the terminal pavement and lighting, investing in diverse cargo handling equipment and installing a new 2,500-foot rail spur on the terminals. Soon, the Port will enhance one of its existing berths to better accommodate Ro/Ro ships.
“We are very excited about expanding our service offerings from the Port of Everett and look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnerships,” said Mike Evans, president of FESCO Transportation Group in Seattle.
The new business will support numerous of full- and part-time jobs on the waterfront. The first FESCO Ro/Ro ship is expected to arrive in port on May 26 and is destined for Vladivostok, Russia’s largest port city on the Pacific Ocean.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
