Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor became the second port district formed in Washington State. Once the leading export port for U.S. grown timber, Grays Harbor now leads the U.S. in exports of American grown soybean meal and is the number one seafood landing point in Washington State. While forest products remain an important piece of the Grays Harbor cargo mix, the Port has substantially diversified the products shipped through this Pacific Northwest gateway to include automobiles, biodiesel and other liquid and dry bulk products.
The Port of Grays Harbor boundaries include all of Grays Harbor County, on Washington State's Pacific Coast. Governed by three elected commissioners, the Port of Grays Harbor's mission is to best utilize our resources to facilitate, enhance and stimulate international trade, economic development and tourism for the betterment of the region.
A guiding principal of the Port of Grays Harbor is strengthening the regional economy through partnerships. The Port partners with private businesses that utilize the community's assets to increase private investment and employment opportunities for the citizens of Grays Harbor. From the shippers and manufacturers of the Port Industrial Area, to the commercial fishermen, seafood processors, yacht builders and charter operators of the Westport Marina, to the private pilots and corporate jet users of Bowerman Airport, the Port works to foster a positive climate in which these individuals can pursue their business opportunities.
Partnerships do not stop at the Port's ownership boundaries. Port officials recognize the importance of providing land and facilities for local businesses to grow, as well as providing a global gateway for outside companies to reach their markets. The Port works daily with local organizations to encourage economic development opportunities throughout Grays Harbor. Building relationships with state and federal elected officials and agency staff has resulted in an increased awareness of Grays Harbor's strategic position on Washington's Coast. It is through this wide net of partnerships that Grays Harbor has experienced its greatest successes.
The Port of Grays Harbor was selected Washington Public Port Association Port of the Year in 2011. For the past 10 years, Grays Harbor has transformed their marine terminal operations from a heavy dependence on forest products to a diverse cargo mix employing hundreds in this rural community. Working closely with private partners, Grays Harbor has attracted over $200 million in private investment in the marine complex, resulting in steady shipping calls and increased cargo shipments by truck and rail. In addition, the Port of Grays Harbor operates the largest fish landing port in Washington State, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport and hundreds acres of industrial property round out the Port’s portfolio. Port tenants include manufacturers, distributors, retail operations, tourism businesses and service providers.
