Annual handling capacity to increase from 590,000 TEU to 880,000 TEU
HMM is accelerating the modernization of its U.S. West Coast logistics hub as part of its strategy to strengthen global supply chain resilience and enhance port competitiveness.
The company announced on July 26 that Washington United Terminals (WUT), its terminal located at the Port of Tacoma in Washington State, has signed a contract with HD Hyundai Samho for the supply of four container cranes.
Opened in 1999, WUT occupies approximately 510,000 square meters and features a 793-meter berth. The terminal is equipped with an on-dock rail system capable of accommodating 26 railcars simultaneously, providing efficient connections to inland transportation networks and serving as a key gateway for HMM's U.S. West Coast services.
Under the agreement, two aging ship-to-shore cranes will be replaced with new equipment, while two additional yard cranes will be installed to improve cargo-handling efficiency. The investment is expected to expand the terminal's capacity to accommodate larger container vessels and increase annual throughput from 590,000 TEU to 880,000 TEU.
HD Hyundai Samho will undertake the entire project on a turnkey basis, covering engineering, manufacturing, transportation, installation, and commissioning. Completion is scheduled for 2028.
The investment is part of HMM's broader strategy to strengthen its global logistics infrastructure beyond fleet expansion. The company has continued investing in strategic port assets to improve supply chain stability and enhance service competitiveness.
Last year, HMM signed a memorandum of understanding with India's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for cooperation on the development of Vadhvan Port. It is also expanding TTIA, its terminal at the Port of Algeciras in Spain, to reinforce its European logistics network.
Industry observers note that as competition in the global container shipping market increasingly extends beyond vessel capacity to port infrastructure and terminal operations, strategic investments in logistics hubs have become a key differentiator for major carriers.
"HMM will continue to enhance port infrastructure alongside fleet expansion to provide more efficient and reliable logistics services to customers worldwide," a company spokesperson said. "The modernization of WUT represents another important step in strengthening our global logistics network."
