Port of Everett begins South Terminal project

The Port of Everett last week hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the South Terminal modernization project.

The $36 million effort is the largest capital project in the port's history. It is designed to ensure the port is ready to support the next generation of over-dimensional cargo, such as aerospace parts for Boeing Co.'s new 777X, port officials said in a press release.

Based in Everett, Washington, the port is served by BNSF Railway Co.

The project calls for strengthening the remaining 560 feet of the 700-foot South Terminal dock structure and upgrading the wharf's electrical system. The first 140 feet of the dock's structure were strengthened in 2015.

Upon the project's completion, the dock will be strong enough to accommodate two, 100-foot gauge rail-mounted container cranes and provide vaults for ships to plug into shorepower while docked.

"Since 2015, the port has invested millions of dollars to adapt its facilities to support the next generation of shipping, and this major infrastructure investment is a continuation of that effort," said Lisa Lefeber, the port's acting chief executive officer.

In 2017, the port completed two rail upgrade projects totaling more than $8 million.