Port of Everett, Brusco Tug and Barge Celebrate 1,000th Aerospace Barge Delivery to Mount Baker Terminal
Date: Nov 8, 2019
Everett, Wash. – Last month, the Port of Everett and shipping partner, Brusco Tug and Barge, completed the 1,000th direct container-on-barge transport of aerospace cargo between the Port’s Pacific Terminal and its satellite shipping facility, Mount Baker Terminal, in South Everett.
This milestone marks the just-in-time delivery of more than 10,000 oversized airplane parts in support of the 747, 767, 777 and 777X airplane production lines. “I’m proud of this strong partnership and the major impact it has had, and will continue to have, on our local and regional economies,” said Carl Wollebek, Chief Operating Officer for the Port of Everett. “This logistics accomplishment, paired with the Port’s continued facility investments, represents our long-standing commitment to support the aerospace industry and job growth.”
The Port of Everett’s Mount Baker Terminal – a facility of statewide significance – opened in 2008 to streamline the now weekly aerospace cargo operations and reduce BNSF Railways mainline shutdowns when oversized parts are transported from the Port’s shipping terminals to the nearby manufacturing plant.
The inaugural trip shuttling cargo by barge as opposed to rail was completed in May 2008. Just over a decade later, the short-sea voyage at approximately three miles each way, is now nearing the equivalent of pushing the barge from Everett, Washington to Orlando, Florida and back again.
“We at Brusco Tug and Barge are excited to reach completion of the 1,000th shuttle barge trip, and we recognize what a great opportunity it is to support Boeing and the Port of Everett,” said John Juker, Operations Manager for Brusco Tug and Barge. “Great teamwork has allowed us to support the building of many airplanes, and along the way, the building of many friendships and strong ties.”
Brusco tugs Ellis Brusco, Mary Rose Brusco, Roland Brusco, Bo Brusco, along with tugs Spartan and Saturn have all been utilized in this critical supply chain logistics; tug Spartan having the distinction of completing the 1,000th trip.
Each trip begins at Mount Baker Terminal, loading empty containers from Paine Field for transport to the Port’s Pacific Terminal or Pier 1 North. The specialized containers are then discharged and prepared for return trip to Japan. Based on manufacturing need, longshoremen load containers to the barge for Brusco to shuttle back to Mount Baker Terminal, completing one full barge trip. The containers are then loaded to rail for the short trek up to Paine Field.“I am very proud of our crew and the professionalism and enthusiasm they bring to work every day,” Juker said. “I commend Captains Jordan Stauffer and Andrew Campbell and Deck Engineers Cole Plummer and Hunter Fritz for the pride they take in safety and the success of each aspect of our projects here in the Port of Everett. Thanks also to Captain Lyle Petke and Deckhand Amy Tores for supporting these projects.”
Key aerospace logistics partners include The Boeing Company, Brusco Tug and Barge, BNSF, Foss Maritime, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals 32, 98 and 52, Port of Everett, SSA Marine, Eastern Car Liner and Westwood Shipping lines.
For more information, please contact Catherine Soper, Public Affairs Manager at 425.388.0680 or catherines@portofeverett.com.