Grading logs before shipment at the Port of Olympia
U.S. West Coast ports experienced an average decline of 19 percent for longshoremen hours, but the Port of Olympia increased its hours by 109 percent compared to 2008, according to the Pacific Maritime Association. The main reason for the marine terminal’s dramatic increase in revenue and longshoremen hours can be attributed to Weyerhaeuser beginning full operation at the port during March.
The Port of Olympia had 11 log vessels in 2009, most of them from Weyerhaeuser. For each vessel, the company adds two additional employees to its 23 regular employees, and the port will have four people assigned. The vessels also usually require between 35 and 37 longshoremen per shift.