This past weekend, the Port of Vancouver USA received our 4th shipment of wind blades in 2019.  The BBC Spring brought 102 wind blades to the port on Sunday, August 17th.  This follows our record-breaking Vestas shipment of 198 blades on June 24th , as well as arrivals in April and May, and brings the total number of wind blades handled at the port this year to 381.

The BBC Spring arrived on August 17 with 102 wind blades

The move showcases the port’s expertise in moving specialty cargo, and the efficiencies of moving goods through the Columbia River trade gateway to destinations in the U.S. Midwest and Canada.  Our combination of heavy lift cranes, laydown space, and proximity to the Columbia River make us an ideal location for wind energy equipment and other break bulk cargo. 

The skilled labor force from ILWU’s Local 4, Local 40 and Local 92 chapters are a critical part of moving this cargo at the port.  They transferred the 161-foot blades from the vessel to laydown space at the port’s Terminal 5.     

“We like to see big cargo come across the docks, and with the diverse range of products at the port, our union members are well trained to handle a variety of projects including wind blades,” said Cager Clabaugh, President of the ILWU Local 4.  “We pride ourselves on working to ensure the cargo is moved safely and efficiently.”

The wind blades from this weekend’s shipment will be used to upgrade PacifiCorp’s Marengo Wind Project.  We anticipate one additional shipment of “repowering” blades in 2019, to complete the project near Dayton, Washington and increase production at the facility by more than 35 percent.