The Port Commission has authorized a Harbor Land Lease with GrandCamp International, LLC (GrandCamp) for 5 acres of property and up to 7 acres of aquatic lands near the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to support timber related activities including the export of round logs from North Puget Sound to Asia.
“Reactivating the Shipping Terminal in support of working waterfront jobs has been a high priority for the Port of Bellingham” said Port Commission President Dan Robbins. “The Port has made significant investments to modernize this facility and it is terrific to see renewed interest from the maritime community in shipping cargo from the Shipping Terminal.”
One of GrandCamp’s initial activities will focus on the export of round logs from North Puget Sound to Asia. GrandCamp will debark and stage logs near the Shipping Terminal until there are enough logs to fill a Handymax break-bulk cargo vessel, providing longshoremen with some welcome work. Three twelve-man longshoremen gangs will spend about seven days loading round logs onto the cargo vessel. The frequency of cargo ships calling on the Shipping Terminal will be dependent on local supply and demand from customers.
“Our company is excited about the opportunity to be involved with the Port of Bellingham and have access to international and domestic markets for the distribution and receipt of forest products” said GrandCamp Managing Member Steve Grandorff. “With the Shipping Terminal’s well-developed infrastructure, access to resources via rail, barge, rafts, trucks, containers and ocean-going vessels; we believe the synergies between our company and the Port will encourage growth, a new outlet for fiber to the local and regional community, and open a gateway for international products.”
The Port has made significant improvements to the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to encourage new business. Recent upgrades include a new bulkhead, renovation of the stormwater and power systems, and improvements to both of the warehouse roofs.
“The Port is modernizing the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to meet the needs of today’s break-bulk cargo operators” said Port Director of Maritime Dan Stahl. “With 1250 feet of dock space on the deep water pier, a 550 foot barge pier, 40 acres of surrounding upland property and restored navigation depth, the Bellingham Shipping Terminal is ready to go to work.”
The Lease Agreement with GrandCamp is for five years, with a five year renewal option.