Tacoma grabs port business from Seattle; sour grapes ensues

TACOMA, Wash. — A Port of Seattle commissioner says the Port of Tacoma's winning away three shippers Thursday represents a "race to the bottom" that hurts the region.

Commissioner John Creighton told The Seattle Times competition puts downward pressure on rates. The Port of Seattle says the ports should cooperate to maximize return on taxpayer investment.

The Port of Tacoma expects the shift of three lines — Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, Japan's NYK Line and Hong Kong's OOCL — will make it the biggest container port on Puget Sound by cargo volume.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Pierson has little sympathy for Seattle. He told The News Tribune (http://is.gd/lmA551) the Port of Seattle now has an opportunity to find another business, which would be a net gain for Washington.