The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and terminal operator partner SSA Terminals have officially completed two major infrastructure upgrades at Terminal 5 in Seattle.
The rollout of a modernized truck gate complex and a massive expansion of refrigerated container capacity mark the final stages of the multi-year Terminal 5 Modernisation Programme.
To improve cargo handling efficiency and reduce street-level congestion, the NWSA invested $14.6 million to replace an older queuing area. The new gate complex effectively doubles the facility’s on-terminal truck stacking capacity.
Key operational improvements include:
- Weigh-In-Motion Scales: Trucks can now process through the gate without coming to a full static stop, accelerating terminal turn times.
- Deeper Terminal Layout: Relocating the gate further inside the facility prevents truck backups from spilling onto SW Spokane Street, a critical freight and commuter corridor serving West Seattle and the Duwamish industrial area.
Alongside the gate overhaul, Terminal 5 has expanded its refrigerated container capacity to more than 1,500 reefer plugs. These connections supply essential electrical power to chilled containers, ensuring perishable cargo stays within strict temperature ranges while awaiting vessel loading or rail transport.
This cold chain expansion is a strategic win for Washington state’s agricultural exporters, who rely heavily on the Pacific Northwest gateway to ship temperature sensitive commodities such as apples, cherries, and potatoes to major consumer markets across Asia.
Ryan Calkins, Co-Chair of the NWSA and Port of Seattle Commission President, highlighted the dual benefits of the project. “The completion of the Terminal 5 Gate Complex and the expansion of our refrigerated container capacity eliminate critical bottlenecks that impact local traffic and commuters while dramatically expanding our ability to serve Washington’s agricultural exporters,” Calkins stated.