The Port of Portland has declared that it will continue to provide marine container shipping services at Terminal 6.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek will include two critical items in the 2025-27 biennial budget that will directly impact marine cargo operations at T6, including terminal development costs and reduced Columbia River channel maintenance costs.
Kotek also stated that the Oregon Emergency Board will provide operational stop-gap financing this autumn.
With the increased state financing, container operations at T6 will continue while the port lays the groundwork for long-term financial viability.
Port of Portland Executive Director, Curtis Robinhold, said: “With the support of the Oregon Legislature, container shipping at Terminal 6 will continue, along with the benefits it provides for Oregon businesses and the quality jobs it provides for our community. This level of government and community support is something Oregonians should be proud of.”
Since taking over operations in 2018, the port has been attempting to resume container service after a short halt under the prior operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
Container operations have proved unsustainable without direct governmental backing or a financially viable third-party lease; in April, the Port declared that container service would end in October, while vehicle and breakbulk shipping activities at T6 would continue.
The April announcement sparked a flood of lobbying from local companies, lawmakers, and Oregonians, inspiring the state to renew interest in maintaining the service at T6.
In a letter to the port, Gov. Kotek expressed her support for the service’s long-term availability, including jobs, tax money, and public benefits for Oregon.
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Gov. Kotek said: “Having represented the Port’s home district in the Oregon Legislature for many years, I understand that the terminal’s location makes container operations at Terminal 6 economically challenging. In response, I am proposing to invest $40 million in state funds to allow container service to continue and communicate my expectations for reliable and sustainable service moving forward.”
The $40 million proposal reportedly includes $35 million in the governor’s 2025-27 recommended budget and $5 million in operational support from the Oregon Emergency Board in September.
