Record cargo volumes and a rising number of air travelers in and out of Portland International Airport are driving expansion projects by the Port of Portland, which is trying to keep pace with growth and remain competitive.

Within the port’s marine operations, several expansions are under way to handle existing customers and attract new ones, says Sebastian Degens, marine planning and development manager. “If we’re going to stay competitive, we need to continually invest and modify our facilities to meet changing designs and larger ships,” he says.
A $16-million expansion at Portland Bulk Terminal’s potash facility at Terminal 5 will allow the tenant’s annual exports to grow from 2.5 million metric tons to 3.5 million. The expansion includes a $12-million, 97,000-sq.-ft. addition to an existing storage building. It also involves a $4-million rail loop, the facility’s third, which is designed to increase Portland Bulk’s receiving capacity.