Vessel CL HENGYANG Docks at Bellingham Shipping Terminal for Layberthing

If you’ve noticed a big ship at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST) this week, that’s the CL HENGYANG, currently docked for layberthing while undergoing cargo hold cleaning and certification. This process ensures the vessel meets food-grade export standards before heading to ports—primarily in Canada. No cargo is being loaded or unloaded during this time, just a good deep clean!

Environmental Stewardship in Action
Good news for our local waters: all fresh water used in the cleaning process is retained onboard as ballast, meaning there’s no discharge into Bellingham Bay. The U.S. Coast Guard is also on-site conducting inspections to ensure full regulatory compliance.

A Growing Role for BST
With the continued modernization of BST—including its 32-foot depth alongside the dock—Bellingham’s maritime infrastructure is proving its value in supporting regional shipping and commerce. This allows the terminal to accommodate a wider range of vessels, helping keep our port busy and economically vibrant.

Stay in the Know!
Want updates on vessel activity at BST? Sign up for text and email berth schedule alerts here: Port of Bellingham Berth Schedule.