Port of Seattle Terminal 5 - Container Terminal in Seattle, Washington

Port of Seattle Terminal 5 is a major container terminal located at 3443 W Marginal Way SW in Seattle, Washington, within King County. As part of the Port of Seattle, it serves as a key gateway for international trade on the US West Coast, handling containerized cargo and supporting regional economic activity. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for shoreside operations. It also complies with the International Maritime Organization's MARPOL Convention, which governs pollution prevention from ships, including oil, sewage, and garbage management. Typical infrastructure includes container cranes, berths, and stormwater management systems to control runoff. Terminal 5 plays a significant role in the Pacific Northwest's maritime logistics network, connecting Seattle to global markets. Its operations are subject to environmental oversight to minimize impacts on nearby coastal habitats, including the Puget Sound ecosystem. The facility's scale and throughput contribute to the region's economic vitality while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

The facility is situated on the Duwamish Waterway, part of the Puget Sound estuary, which supports diverse marine life including salmon, orcas, and seabirds. Container terminal operations generate stormwater runoff that may contain pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Effective stormwater management and oil-water separation systems are critical to protect the sensitive aquatic environment. The facility must also manage ballast water and air emissions from ships and cargo-handling equipment under federal and state regulations.