Oregon port finally lines up operator for state's only container terminal
10/3/2025
By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor
A major problem an Oregon port has been dealing with for a long time finally was resolved in early September.
The Port of Portland approved an operator contract with Harbor Industrial Services Corp. that will maintain container shipping at Terminal 6, Oregon’s only active international container terminal. The port had been preparing to cease container operations in October at the 419-acre terminal, which features five ship berths and an on-dock rail yard with eight tracks.
Port leaders previously were unable to work out a financially sustainable and long-term solution for maintaining international container operations. The port has been trying to rebuild container service at Terminal 6 since 2018 and working to secure a private operating partner for over a year.
Finalized on Sept. 8, the contract with Harbor Industrial keeps container service intact while ensuring costs to the public are manageable and predictable, port officials say. Annual container volume at Terminal 6 now is projected to double over time.
“This is great news for the workers and businesses who rely on access to global shipping,” said Kimberly Branam, the port’s chief trade and economic development officer, when announcing the contract.
The seven-year contract includes four options to extend it in five-year increments, said Kara Hansen, the port’s trade and economic development communications manager, in an email.
This is the first time that Harbor Industrial Services will serve as the operator of a container terminal. The company offers stevedoring equipment maintenance/repair and other services.
The port now expects the terminal’s annual container volume to double over time. Port of Portland“We’re pleased to see them take on this expanded role,” said Hansen. “Harbor Industrial has a lot of experience in the industry and deep experience at Terminal 6.”
The company will assume container and breakbulk operations at Terminal 6 by year’s end. Operations will continue seamlessly during the transition, port officials say.
“With this agreement now in place, we are in a stronger position to provide regional shippers with the stability they need to grow their businesses, which in turn will drive economic growth and strengthen the local economy,” said Harbor Industrial Chief Operating Officer Tim McCarthy in a press release.
Container operations at Terminal 6 support 1,500 jobs as well as countless businesses in the state, according to the port. One of just 11 states with a trade surplus, Oregon exports $42 billion worth of goods each year. At least one in eight jobs are tied to international trade.
Terminal 6’s container operations support 1,500 jobs as well as countless businesses in the state, according to the port.Port of PortlandIn June, the state approved $20 million for necessary capital improvements at the terminal, which handles autos, containers and breakbulk cargo. The port manages four marine terminals, five industrial parks and three airports.
