Port of Bellingham extends Bellingham Cold Storage’s downtown lease another 50 years

The Port of Bellingham has finalized a 50-year lease extension with Bellingham Cold Storage, a storage, processing and marine services business, promising local economic improvements.

“This agreement solidifies Bellingham Cold Storage’s long-term presence on the Bellingham waterfront, spanning a remarkable 128 years. The lease extension allows BCS to confidently invest in its future, expanding operations and capabilities to grow with clients’ needs and continue to support the local community,” a Port news release states.

The extension includes a $30 million commitment to “modernize port infrastructure and create new working waterfront job opportunities,” within the first 20 years of the lease.

“Bellingham Cold Storage has been a valued Port tenant since 1946,” Port Commission President Ken Bell said in the news release. “They have always been the best partners and their management team made this industry the largest portside cold storage and food processing facility on the West Coast. As the largest waterfront employer in Whatcom County, we are proud to ensure this fantastic company continues to prosper. This means quality high paying jobs for the foreseeable future.”

Bellingham Cold Storage provides Whatcom County with 1,200 jobs, and over $600 million in annual commerce, according to the news release.

Beyond its economic impact on Whatcom County, Bellingham Cold Storage is also “actively involved in supporting local schools, nonprofits, and government agencies,” and ”is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable practices and investments in energy-efficient technology.”

“BCS has been the foundation of Whatcom County’s working waterfront for over 100 years. Their contributions to our economy and our community have been immeasurable, and this 50-year lease extension ensures BCS will be a mainstay in our community for years to come,” Port Executive Director Rob Fix said in the news release.

Bellingham Cold Storage has four facilities, two in Bellingham and two in Burlington. The main location and headquarters are at 2825 Roeder Ave. on Bellingham’s waterfront.