After nearly a decade of challenges and uncertainty, Oregon's only international container terminal is once again fully operational. On January 7, 2026, the Oregon Container Terminal (OCT) officially started operations at the Port of Portland's Terminal 6. This marks the successful conclusion of a long-term lease transfer from the Port of Portland to Harbor Industrial Services.

The restart brings renewed hope to exporters and importers throughout Oregon, southwest Washington, and Idaho. The facility supports the movement of diverse cargoes, including agricultural products such as wheat from Eastern Oregon, hay from the Willamette Valley, cranberries from the coast, as well as manufactured goods from the Portland area.

Governor Tina Kotek highlighted the terminal's importance during the opening ceremony, stating that strong global connections provide Oregon with a competitive advantage and help safeguard the state's economic future.

Terminal 6 features 210 acres of developed yard space, direct vessel access, dual-rail connections to BNSF and Union Pacific railroads, and planned future barge links to inland destinations. Weekly container services are already running, offering reliable transport options for sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and retail.

Tim McCarthy, president of Oregon Container Terminal, described the facility as a stable, efficient, and competitive gateway for shippers. The operation benefits from experienced management, modern infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.

The path to this revival was not easy. In 2024, the Port of Portland announced plans to end container handling due to ongoing financial losses, the departure of major shipping lines, labor disputes, and operational difficulties. That decision threatened to force Oregon shippers to use distant ports in neighboring states.

The turnaround began when Oregon lawmakers, encouraged by Governor Kotek, approved $20 million in state funding for essential infrastructure upgrades. This investment reversed the closure plan and paved the way for a sustainable solution. By September 2025, Harbor Industrial Services was selected as the long-term operator, moving from its previous role as stevedore to full terminal management. This operator model is standard at many container ports around the world.

Port Executive Director Curtis Robinhold emphasized that the new arrangement allows cargo to move efficiently, competitively, and closer to home while preserving thousands of family-supporting jobs across the state.

Terminal 6 plays a vital role in Oregon's economy. It supports approximately 1,500 jobs and contributes to a trade sector where one in eight jobs is linked to international commerce. The state exports about $42 billion in goods and services each year, with nearly 90 percent of exporters being small or medium-sized enterprises.

State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis, who helped secure the funding, noted that the reopening changes the situation significantly for Oregon shippers after prolonged instability. Representatives from ILWU Local 8 also praised the collaboration between labor, government, and industry as a positive example of teamwork.

The restart introduces Harbor Industrial's "Ship Oregon" program, which encourages local businesses to route cargo through Oregon ports. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs, decrease highway congestion, and build stronger regional supply chains.

For merchant mariners, pilots, dockworkers, and all maritime professionals in the Pacific Northwest, the return of reliable container operations at Terminal 6 means restored opportunities and stability in the local maritime industry. After years of doubt, Oregon now has a dependable home-port gateway to international markets once again.

Resource: Original information based on gCaptain article by Mike Schuler (January 9, 2026) and Port of Portland announcements.