NWSA TEU Volumes Increase 15.5% in September

NWSA Auto Units Up 123.5% YTD

September 2023 container volumes were the highest monthly total so far this year at the NWSA. Consistent vessel arrivals along with increased intact intermodal rail volumes led to the strong performance. Improved vessel schedules also contributed to the increase in export volumes.

September 2023 container volumes reached 329,609 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with total container volume increasing 15.5% over September 2022. Full imports for the month increased 31.8% while full exports increased 33.6%.

The September performance improved year-over-year volume comparisons though low-import demand market conditions are expected to continue in the near-term. Total TEUs declined 16.3% YTD to 2,203,757 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 19.1% and 0.8%, respectively.

NWSA Managing Members approved $9 million in funding for the final design phase of the future shore power installation at Terminal 18 in the Seattle Harbor. This includes $1 million of grant funding through the Washington State Department of Ecology. Design is expected to be complete next year. This appropriation is a step forward in furthering our efforts toward decarbonizing our gateway and reaching our commitment to zero-emissions from maritime activities by 2050 or earlier.

Domestic container volume decreased 0.8% YTD 2023 compared to YTD 2022. Alaska volumes increased 1.9%, and Hawaii volumes declined 12.7%.

Other cargo stats:

  • Total breakbulk volume decreased 4.8% for 338,790 metric tons YTD. However, breakbulk handled at NWSA-operated breakbulk terminals have grown almost 5,800 metric tons YTD.
  • Auto volumes were 249,216 units, up 123.5%. New General Motors business coupled with GLOVIS America’s consolidation of its KIA and Hyundai business in our gateway from September of last year will make for favorable month-over-month comparisons in 2023. Additionally, with manufacturing returning to pre-pandemic levels coupled with and pent-up demand for auto sales, we are experiencing stronger than forecast volumes through our gateway.

View the September 2023 cargo reports: