This partnership is the first North American use of Wärtsilä's PortLink platform, which is already in use on four continents. It aims to reduce vessel congestion and improve traffic efficiency in Puget Sound. The Marin...
This partnership is the first North American use of Wärtsilä's PortLink platform, which is already in use on four continents. It aims to reduce vessel congestion and improve traffic efficiency in Puget Sound.
The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound (MXPS) and Wärtsilä Voyage Canada have announced a three-year agreement to implement the PortLink Digital Maritime Information Exchange Platform in the Puget Sound maritime corridor.
This collaboration is a major step toward advancing maritime digitalization in the Pacific Northwest. It will create a shared digital platform that connects important stakeholders and allows real-time coordination across one of North America’s busiest waterways.
The PortLink platform will provide real-time vessel tracking using AIS data, management workflows for vessel visits, pilot input, handling service requests, tug dispatch, incident reporting, and customizable alerts. Importantly, it will facilitate seamless data sharing among various maritime players, allowing pilots, terminals, tug operators, shipping agents, and regulators to work together in a unified manner.
Implementation will occur in phases, starting with the configuration of the core platform and onboarding for pilot associations, terminal operators, and shipping agents. The Marine Exchange will maintain full ownership and control over all operational data during this process.
“For 46 years, the Marine Exchange has been the trusted hub connecting the maritime community in Puget Sound,” stated Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director of MXPS and Chair of the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee. “PortLink provides the digital framework to support that mission. When a container ship arrives in Seattle, everyone involved—from the pilot boarding at Port Angeles to the terminal operator in Tacoma—can work from the same real-time operational view. This marks a significant change for this waterway.”
Unlike many major ports worldwide, Puget Sound does not have a single port authority. Vessel traffic is coordinated by multiple independent organizations, including cargo ships, passenger ferries, fishing fleets, tribal treaty vessels, and U.S. Navy operations. The PortLink platform aims to create a unified digital environment to enhance coordination within this complex system.
“The Marine Exchange is exactly the type of partner we need—an independent organization deeply embedded in the maritime community with a strong vision for a connected port ecosystem,” said Vesa Koivumaa, Head of Sales, Americas at Wärtsilä. “Puget Sound is one of the most operationally intricate waterways in North America. Introducing the PortLink solution here will showcase the potential of merging proven digital solutions with trustworthy local governance.”
With over 350 digital port and maritime traffic solutions deployed worldwide—all across Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East—Wärtsilä continues to lead advancements in smart port ecosystems and maritime digitalization.
About the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
Founded in 1981, the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound is a nonprofit organization that provides 24/7 vessel tracking and maritime safety services throughout Washington State waters. MXPS manages the region’s vessel traffic intelligence infrastructure and supports the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee, also serving as Vice President of the Maritime Information Services of North America (MISNA).
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä (Nasdaq Helsinki: WRT1V) leads in smart technologies and lifecycle solutions for marine and energy sectors, employing around 18,300 professionals in over 230 locations across 77 countries. Wärtsilä Voyage Canada (Portlink) offers a comprehensive range of digital port and maritime solutions, including PMIS, PCS, marine traffic control, pilot dispatch, digital twin technologies, and the Digital Maritime Information Exchange Platform, which enables end-to-end coordination within port ecosystems.
For more information, please reach out to Patrick Gallagher, [email protected]