Port of Vancouver logged record tonnage in 2016

The Port of Vancouver USA recorded 7.49 million metric tons of cargo in 2016, a nearly 8 percent increase from 2015's record of 6.95 million metric tons, port officials announced last week.

Last year marked the first time the port recorded more than 7 million metric tons of cargo across its docks, according to a Port of Vancouver press release.

"It's a testament to the investments we and our partners have made to provide world-class rail and marine services, access to efficient transportation and excellent customer service," said the port's Chief Executive Officer Julianna Marler.

Exports in 2016 climbed to 6.32 million metric tons from 5.54 million metric tons in 2015 – a 14 percent increase. Grain continued to be the largest export at the port by volume. Last year, grain cargoes rose 17.8 percent over 2015.

Some imports, such as wind energy components increased in 2016, but overall imports were down 17 percent in 2016.

Despite the increase in overall tonnage, currency and global economic fluctuations affected the port's 2016 operating revenue, which declined to $35.9 million from $38.2 million in 2015.

Leveraging revenue, federal and state grant funds and tax dollars, the port continues to invest in critical infrastructure and assets, said Marler.

The port has logged record tonnage for the past three years.