Report: Bellingham port, local maritime industry included 6,400 jobs and $1.6 billion in 2024
Whatcom County’s Maritime industry, including the Port of Bellingham, was found to be a “significant generator of economic activity” in the county last year, supporting 6,400 jobs, according to a Port of Bellingham news release.
A recent analysis by the McKinley Research Group reported on Whatcom County’s economic climate. It credited the county’s maritime industry as supporting $416 million in labor income, $1.6 billion in business revenue and 6,400 jobs.
“This new study shows just how important the working waterfront is to our regional economy. The Port’s marine industrial land and buildings are full and we are modernizing waterfront infrastructure, cleaning-up historic contamination and making new property available so our maritime industries can continue to grow and innovate,” Port Executive Director Rob Fix stated in the news release.
The local maritime industry’s top three employment and income sectors were maritime logistics and shipping; commercial fishing and seafood processing; and shipbuilding, repair and maintenance, according to the analysis.
The Port of Bellingham recently announced its project plans for 2025, including a $36.7 million budget that will fund projects at Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham Shipping Terminal, Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park and more.
