The terminal included acres of auto off-loading space, auto processing building and offices. In November 2001, Nissan decided to move its operations to southern California, which was a significant setback for the port.

In addition, the Terminal 91 facilities were used for cold storage, to keep fruit shipments fresh as they waited to be off-loaded to containers. In recent years, fruit shippers have switched from refrigerated break-bulk vessels to refrigerated containers, which are more efficient to off-load directly onto trucks, bypassing the need for storage at the terminal.

With the Terminal 91 facilities mainly dormant, the port is looking for new uses of the property. Redeveloping the Terminal 91 facilities with future growth industries in mind is key in the port’s efforts to foster regional economic development.

When Nissan left, the port considered Terminal 91 as a cruise ship facility. Currently, there is speculation that the 57-acre area upland of the terminal will be developed as a research park for biotech firms. Whatever route is chosen for the terminal’s future, the port wants to ensure it is a key factor in the economic development of the Puget Sound region.

The port is in the process of providing the terminal with all the amenities needed to attract new business. The first stages of this development call for reconstruction of the timber berths at Pier 90. Berths 1, 3, 5 and 7, which are made of aging timber, will be given a complete overhaul and electrical upgrade.

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

Contractor: Manson Construction Co., 5209 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA 98134, (206) 762-0850

Other Participants
RW Rhine	Elcon Electric	Rainier Steel
JP Francis	Lakeside Asphalt