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April, 2012

NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 30, 2012

All Nippon Airways gives start date
for new service to Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — All Nippon Airways has set a date for their arrival of nonstop service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The inaugural daily Seattle-Tokyo (Narita) service will begin on July 25, 2012. ANA originally announced in December their intention to serve Sea-Tac in late 2012. This accelerated service will begin with the operation of a Boeing 777 aircraft and transition to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner later in 2012. ANA, the launch customer for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, chose Seattle to be one of the initial international destinations for the new jetliner. The initial Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be configured with a total of 247 seats (85 business class, 162 economy). The flight will depart Seattle daily at 1:15 p.m. arriving in Tokyo at 3:45 p.m. the next day. The return flight will depart Tokyo at 5:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 10:55 a.m. Sea-Tac Airport moved up in the last year to become the 16th largest U.S. airport. In 2011, Sea-Tac served over 32.8 million passengers.


Tampa Port Director backs AAPA
in support of Homeland Security Grants

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Port of Tampa’s port director and CEO, Richard Wainio, has testified before the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications during a hearing titled “Ensuring the Efficiency, Effectiveness and Transparency of Homeland Security Grants (Part II): Stakeholder Perspectives.” The subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), is a part of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Homeland Security. Mr. Wainio testified on behalf of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), reiterating AAPA messages about the importance of well-funded port security grants and the consequences of merging them with other homeland security programs, as was partially done this year and is proposed to be fully done next year. In his testimony, Mr. Wainio said that the trend of reducing port grant allocations “is troubling and counterproductive,” with the grants being “an essential component in assisting ports to meet important mandates under federal law.” His testimony also highlighted the problems associated with reducing the schedule for completing approved port security projects to two years, rather than the customary three to five years. He went on to focus on the challenges to many ports, including his own, of paying the 25 percent cost-share required of many port security grants. Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 160 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 300 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports.


Horizon Lines interim president
gives statement supporting Jones Act

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has issued the following statement from interim President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen H. Fraser: Horizon Lines is, and always has been, a very staunch supporter of the Jones Act and all of its requirements. The Jones Act stipulates that cargo shipped between two U.S. ports must be transported on vessels that are American-made, American-flagged, at least 75 percent American-owned and predominantly American crewed. We fully support these requirements and steadfastly believe they are vital to American economic, merchant marine, military, national and homeland security interests. The Jones Act has provided a strong foundation for America’s domestic shipping industry since 1920, and has enjoyed the long-standing support of the U.S. Navy, bi-partisan members of Congress and every president in modern history. As one of the nation’s leading domestic ocean shipping companies and as a proud member of the American Maritime Partnership, Horizon Lines understands that the history and livelihood of our company, our customers and the markets we serve are inextricably linked to the Jones Act. Fifty-six years ago this week, the converted U.S. built tanker IDEAL X departed Port Newark with 58 containers bound for Port Houston. With that voyage, Sea-Land Service, our predecessor, went on to revolutionize ocean cargo transportation. Today, the associates of Horizon Lines, in partnership with our maritime and shore-side union partners, are proud of the role we play supplying the citizens of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico with goods that are vital to their lives. The Jones Act has made this possible. It has been integral to our nation’s past and it is critical to our future.


Alaska Marine Highway System
taps ASD for new ferry design

JUNEAU — The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has announced that Alaska Ship and Drydock LLC (ASD) has officially signed on as a partner with the State of Alaska to design the Alaska Class Ferry. The Professional Services Agreement contract signed between the state and ASD designates the shipyard as the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) for the design phase of the Alaska Class Ferry project. Alaska Ship and Drydock operates the Ketchikan Shipyard under a long-term private/public partnership agreement with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). The state has appropriated $120 million toward the Alaska Class Ferry project. The new ferry is intended to enhance the ability of AMHS to serve existing routes more efficiently. The vessel is being designed to serve shorter routes thus allowing the remainder of the mainline fleet to run long-distance routes more efficiently.


Port Metro Vancouver employees
name workplace to Green 30 list

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver reports it is honoured to be recognized as one of Aon Hewitt’s Green 30, the top 30 Canadian organizations whose employees are most positive about their record on environmental stewardship. The Green 30 list was compiled based on employee feedback using Aon Hewitt’s Employee Green Index, which focuses on employers’ environmental strategies and activities, and their efforts to consider long-term social, environmental and economic impacts when making decisions. As part of the 2012 Best Employers in Canada and Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada studies, Aon Hewitt surveyed over 112,000 employees at more than 261 organizations regarding their employers’ commitment to environmental stewardship. Amongst the Green 30, 82 percent of employees have a positive perception of their employers’ eco-friendly efforts, contrasted against the 30 organizations with the least positive reviews, only 49 percent were favourable.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 27, 2012

Coast Guard responding to
vessel fire at Seattle terminal

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Dept. and Harbor Patrol are responding to a vessel that was on fire in Ballard, Wash., today. The 91-foot pleasure craft SAFARI SPIRIT moored at the Fisherman's Terminal was reported on fire with no persons on board at 1 a.m. There have been no reported injuries and the fire is not spreading to other vessels. A 45-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Seattle is on scene enforcing a 200-yard safety zone around the terminal and assisting in deploying containment and absorbent boom in the area to mitigate impact to the environment. A pollution response team from Sector Puget Sound is en route to assess the pollution impact of the fire.


Frank nets Port of Portland
Compass Award for 2011

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland has announced that Gerry Frank, former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Mark O. Hatfield, has received the port’s 2011 Compass Award. The award, presented at the port’s annual “Gateway to the Globe” meeting, recognizes the contributions of community individuals and entities that have demonstrated exceptional support for the Port of Portland. Compass Award recipients serve as civic and/or corporate role models through their outstanding contributions to the port and the communities it serves. Recipients can be recognized for overall support of the port’s strategic mission or any of the port’s individual business functions including aviation, marine, environmental affairs, properties and business development. Mr. Frank served as chief of staff with Sen. Hatfield for 20 years and has often been referred to as Oregon’s third Senator. Active in Oregon’s civic and business community for more than six decades and a prolific writer and commentator, Mr. Frank was recognized as a true statesman, ambassador and thought leader who helped put Oregon on the map for business and travelers alike.


City, Port of Bellingham
schedule joint public meeting

BELLINGHAM — The Bellingham City Council and the Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners have scheduled a joint public meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Bellingham City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, Mayor Kelli Linville, Port Interim Executive Director Rob Fix and other city and port staff will provide a presentation on waterfront master planning and related waterfront redevelopment efforts. The presentation will describe proposed changes in redevelopment phasing, including adjustments to the 2010 Draft Sub-Area Plan and waterfront site cleanup and preparation steps taken so far. The presentation also will describe work items completed to date and tasks still remaining before proposed planning documents can be submitted for legislative and public review, expected later in 2012. The meeting will air live as it is occurring on BTV10 and on the city website, and be posted online for on-demand viewing following the meeting.


Port of Seattle presents
Green Gateway awards

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has recognized the positive environmental efforts of tenants at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with Green Gateway Environmental Excellence Awards. The winners achieved recognition for their comprehensive efforts in programs from food scrap composting, Food Bank donations and recycling. This year’s awards recognized three airport tenants:
Hudson News (Environmental Performance Category)
HMSHost (Environmental Performance Category)
LSG Sky Chefs (Environmental Performance Category)
The Awards Program was created in 2010 and is designed such that the airport may present one or more awards each year, depending on the quality of the nominations received. Nominations are accepted for any project, process, or action that promotes environmental leadership and stewardship in one of three categories: Environmental Performance, Environmental Education and Outreach, and Environmental Innovation. A panel of Aviation Division staff and managers reviewed nominations, in accordance with criteria established for each category, and made recommendations to Airport Senior Management. Senior management then selected three nominations in the Environmental Performance category to receive 2011 Environmental Excellence Awards. No awards were given in the other two categories, but all three categories will again be considered next year.


Rail freight traffic posts
up/down numbers for week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported mixed weekly rail traffic for the week ending April 7, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 270,974 carloads, down 7.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 231,153 trailers and containers, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Nine of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with petroleum products, up 33.3 percent; primary forest products, up 11.8 percent, and stone, clay and glass products, up 11.2 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included iron, steel and scrap, down 18.1; grain, down 16.6, and coal, down 16.1 percent.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 26, 2012

World Trade Club honors
top/emerging traders for 2012

SEATTLE — The World Trade Club has announced the winners of the 2012 Trader of the Year and Emerging Trader of the Year Awards. Established in 1967, the awards recognize companies that have contributed to the expansion of Washington State’s international trade through demonstrated success, industry leadership, and innovation and service to the community. This year’s award finalists were BlackRapid, Inc.; Brown & Haley; CID Bio-Science, Inc.; Enprecis, Inc; Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; and Washington Coordinators, Inc. The 2012 Trader of the Year is Brown & Haley, a Tacoma-based confectioner that manufactures and markets premium confections including ROCA® buttercrunch. This year, Brown & Haley is celebrating its 100th anniversary and its 85th year of international activity which includes exports to more than 35 countries and imports from six countries. The 2012 Emerging Trader of the Year is Enprecis, a Seattle-based company that provides a software-based data collection and analysis product that helps organize data for major automobile manufacturers. Founded in 2006, Enprecis began its international trade activity in 2007, which now includes exports to 11 countries. U.S. Congressman emeritus and Washington State gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee presented the awards at the Trader of the Year Awards Reception, sponsored by UPS and Brown & Haley, on April 16, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center.


Seattle Port Commission passes
new cruise ship wastewater rule

SEATTLE — Each year, over 200 cruise ships call in Seattle, bringing jobs, tourists and economic growth for the region. These “floating hotels” offer everything travelers need, including bathrooms – which mean wastewater. Port of Seattle Commissioners have voted to ban all treated and untreated wastewater discharge while ships are berthed at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal and Pier 66, the port’s two cruise terminals. The ban, effective May 1, will be included in the tariff, a binding agreement that governs cruise ship practices at the Port of Seattle. None of the ships have discharged treated wastewater while at berth for the past two years. The commission’s action makes the current environmental practice into port policy, ensuring protection of sensitive near-shore waters in the future. The 2012 cruise season begins on May 6, with the arrival of the Holland America MS OOSTERDAM. This year, 202 ships will call on Seattle, with each visit of a homeport ship bringing $2.1 million to the local economy.


Port of Tacoma hands out
inaugural Summit Awards

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma recognized its strong, supportive relationships with customers and tenants by honoring three with the first-ever Summit Awards for their outstanding contributions to port business and the Pierce County community. Presented April 24, at the port's Annual Breakfast, award recipients included port tenant MacMillan-Piper for Business Magnet, Tacoma terminal operator Totem Ocean Trailer Express for Environmental Stewardship and the port's labor partner, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23, for Livable Community. Recipients were selected by a panel of community and business leaders led by Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano. The panel included Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Bonnie Giese from the Tacoma Transportation Club and Dr. Joel Baker, the Port of Tacoma Endowed Chair for the University of Washington Tacoma at the Center for Urban Waters.


General Dynamics delivers
13th T-AKE vessel to Navy

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO has delivered USNS MEDGAR EVERS (T-AKE 13) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of the slain African-American civil rights leader from Mississippi who served as the state’s first-ever field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Construction of the USNS MEDGAR EVERS began in April 2010. With a cargo capacity of more than 10,000 tons, the primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions from shore stations to combat ships at sea. Including the MEDGAR EVERS, NASSCO has delivered the first 13 ships of the T-AKE (Lewis and Clark) class to the Navy. The fourteenth ship and final ship of the class, USNS CESAR CHAVEZ, will be christened and launched on May 5, before its delivery in fourth quarter 2012.


APL presented with award
for environmental practices

SINGAPORE — APL, the world’s seventh largest container shipping carrier, reports it has won the Environment Protection Award for the second time in two years at the fifth Seatrade Asia Awards. An international panel of maritime judges honored APL from a field that included Maersk Line and Pacific Basin. The award win follows APL’s recent announcement that it was on course to reduce a key carbon exhaust measure by 30 percent by 2015 from its global shipping operations. The Environment Protection Award was conferred on the organization which had taken significant steps to invest in green technology, reduce its carbon footprint, and promote environmental awareness.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Port of Tacoma making changes
to development plan/brand identity

TACOMA — With a new look and a fresh focus, the Port of Tacoma has announced its strategic development plans for the next 10 years. The strategic plan and fresh brand identity mark about a year’s worth of outreach and development with customers, community members, business leaders and employees. While the strategic plan includes nearly 50 initiatives, the resulting framework calls for four main areas of focus that build on the port’s specific strengths:
• Make strategic investments that enhance waterway, terminal, road, rail and industrial property infrastructure to create the most efficient, productive and cost-effective system possible to move freight to market.
• Create opportunities for future investments by attracting new business opportunities with healthy income streams and increasing diversity of the port’s business portfolio.
• Demonstrate “best in class” care for business relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Grow the port responsibly to ensure the community continues to support trade-related jobs.
The port also unveiled a contemporary brand identity, which will be rolled out gradually as materials are reprinted. The arcs and connection points of the new logo—the port’s first in more than 30 years—symbolize a refocused mission to “deliver prosperity by connecting customers, cargo and community with the world.”


ConGlobal Industries moving to
Port of Portland Rivergate site

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland reports ConGlobal Industries is moving its Portland operations to a facility leased from the port in Rivergate Industrial District. The company is North America’s largest full-service supplier to the intermodal industry, providing depot services, equipment sales and transportation services. This new location will be fully operational by mid-May. Located approximately two miles from the container shipping operations at Terminal 6, ConGlobal expects its customers will experience savings in drayage costs from the terminal to the new ConGlobal Portland facility. The nine-year lease with the port includes just over 10 acres at 9639 North Rivergate Boulevard. There is also room to grow, as ConGlobal will have access to a secure overflow property to accommodate any additional storage requirements. The layout of the new facility will allow ConGlobal Portland to be more efficient in depot operations, gate turn times, equipment stacking and handling.


Washington ferries gets go-ahead
for construction of second new vessel

SEATTLE — The Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation and shipbuilder Vigor Industrial signed papers yesterday, to make a second new vessel a reality for customers of the state ferry system. Construction will begin in December on the 144-car ferry. The legislature funded a second 144-car ferry during the last session. Washington State Ferries (WSF) estimates the first new 144-car ferry will start service in early 2014, and the second ferry early 2015. Construction cost for both vessels is $225 million, and the total cost is $277 million, including owner-furnished equipment, construction management and contingencies. Work on the two vessels will produce more than 500 family-wage jobs at shipyards in the region. The 144-car ferries will replace vessels in the Evergreen State class, which are the oldest ferries in the state fleet. Design of the ferries is based on the 130-car Issaquah class, which has proven to be the most versatile vessel in the state fleet. The new 144-car ferry will be more comfortable for passengers with added capacity, improved safety systems and better access for customers with disabilities. The third and fourth vessels that US Fab could be building remain contingent on available funding. WSF operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States. Twenty-three ferries carry nearly 23 million passengers across Puget Sound and its inland waterways each year.


Port of Seattle nets green honor
for car rental facility at Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has accepted the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver award from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the design, construction and operation of the soon-to-open consolidated Rental Car Facility at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This is currently the largest consolidated rental car facility in the nation to be certified Silver by the USGBC, the nation’s preeminent program for high performance green buildings. The Rental Car Facility at Sea-Tac Airport achieved LEED® Silver certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings reduce operations and maintenance costs; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.


Mitsui plans to open
subsidiary company in Peru

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the company established a subsidiary, MOL (Peru) S.A.C., in Lima, Peru. With the new subsidiary, MOL will consolidate its business structure and further expand north-south containership routes to further improve customer services. The business is expected to open early next month. MOL is one of the world’s largest multi-modal transport companies, operating 861 vessels and employing a workforce in excess of 9,200 worldwide.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Port of Portland earns spot
on EPA green power partner list

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland reports for the first time the port is No. 10 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Top 20 Local Government list of the largest green power purchasers. The port is purchasing more than 75 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 106 percent of the organization's electricity use. The port is buying renewable energy certificates from NextEra Energy Resources and Pacific Power, and is also generating green power from an on-site renewable energy system. EPA has updated each of its National Top Partner lists, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through April 5, 2012. EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists. This purchase also qualifies the port for EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded EPA’s minimum purchase requirements. Green Power Leadership Club members must purchase 10 times the partnership’s minimum requirement organization-wide. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro. According to the EPA, the port's green power purchase of more than 75 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions of more than 10,000 passenger vehicles per year, or the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than 6,000 average American homes annually.


Titan Salvage nets contract
for COSTA CONCORDIA removal

HOLLYWOOD, LA — Costa Crociere and the Costa Concordia Emergency Commissioner’s Office have announced that the tender for the removal of the COSTA CONCORDIA from Giglio Island has been awarded to Titan Salvage in partnership with the Italian firm Micoperi. The work will begin in early May subject to final approval from the Italian authorities and is expected to take about 12 months. Titan Salvage is an American-owned specialist marine salvage and wreck removal company, part of the Crowley Group. Once floated, the wreck will be towed to an Italian port and dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Italian authorities. The plan was selected by an evaluation team with specialist representatives from Costa Crociere, Carnival Corporation & plc, London Offshore Consultants, and the Standard P&I Club. Salvage/Micoperi proposal best fulfilled the main objectives set out in the tender specifications: removal of the wreck in one piece, minimal risk, minimal environmental impact, protection of Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and maximum safety of the work. The removal will be the final step of the salvage. Fuel removal was completed successfully March 24. “Caretaking" operations, which include cleaning up the seabed and removing debris caused by the incident, will continue until Titan Salvage and Micoperi commence operations.


TSA pre check program
begins at Sea-Tac Airport

WASHINGTON, DC — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the start of TSA pre check operations with Alaska Airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) today. Alaska Airlines is the third airline to begin offering TSA pre check to select members of their frequent flyer program, in addition to Delta and American Airlines. TSA pre check is a pre-screening initiative and allows select passengers to receive expedited screening for domestic travel. TSA pre check is part of the agency’s broader effort to implement risk-based security concepts to enhance security by focusing on travelers the agency knows less about. More than 820,000 passengers have received expedited screening through TSA pre check security lanes since the initiative began in October, 2011. TSA pre check is now available in 13 airports for select U.S. citizens traveling on Alaska, American and Delta Air Lines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.


RailAmerica taps Gary Lewis
as senior vice president, CCO

JACKSONVILLE, FL — RailAmerica, Inc. has announced that Gary Lewis has been named senior vice president and chief commercial officer. The appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Lewis, previously RailAmerica’s vice president of industrial development, joined the company in 2009. Before coming to RailAmerica, Mr. Lewis was director-sales and marketing at Kinder Morgan Terminals Prior to that, he served in various commercial-leadership roles during eighteen years at CSX Transportation. RailAmerica, Inc. owns and operates short-line and regional freight railroads in North America, operating a portfolio of 44 individual railroads with approximately 7,400 miles of track in 28 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.


ATA truck tonnage index
climbs during month of March

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 0.2 percent in March after increasing 0.5 percent in February. (February’s rise was unchanged from the preliminary gain reported on March 27th.) The SA index stood at 119.5 (2000=100), up from 119.3 in February. Compared with March 2011, the SA index was up 2.7 percent, which was the smallest year-over-year increase since December 2009. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 123.2 in March, which was 9.1 percent above the previous month. ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 10th day of the month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 23, 2012

IMO plans to increase
maritime claim liability limits

LONDON — Amendments to increase the limits of liability in the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims were adopted by the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), when the committee met for its 99th session in London. The LLMC Convention sets specified limits of liability for two types of claims against shipowners - claims for loss of life or personal injury, and property claims (such as damage to other ships, property or harbour works). Taking into account the experience of incidents, as well as inflation rates, the limits set in the 1996 Protocol have, in recent years, been seen to be inadequate to cover the costs of claims, especially those arising from incidents involving bunker fuel spills. The new limits are expected to enter into force 36 months from the date of adoption, on April 19, 2015, under the tacit acceptance procedure. Under the amendments to the 1996 Protocol, the limits are raised as follows: The limit of liability for claims for loss of life or personal injury on ships not exceeding 2,000 gross tonnage is 3.02 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR) (up from 2 million SDR). For larger ships, the following additional amounts are used in calculating the limitation amount:
• For each ton from 2,001 to 30,000 tons, 1,208 SDR (up from 800 SDR)
• For each ton from 30,001 to 70,000 tons, 906 SDR (up from 600 SDR)
• For each ton in excess of 70,000, 604 SDR (up from 400 SDR).
The limit of liability for property claims for ships not exceeding 2,000 gross tonnage is 1.51 million SDR (up from 1 million SDR). For larger ships, the following additional amounts are used in calculating the limitation amount:
• For each ton from 2,001 to 30,000 tons, 604 SDR (up from 400 SDR)
• For each ton from 30,001 to 70,000 tons, 453 SDR (up from 300 SDR)
• For each ton in excess of 70,000 tons, 302 SDR (up from 200 SDR).


Panama Canal Authority eyes
changes to pricing structure

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors has approved a proposal to modify the Panama Canal pricing structure to align canal toll charges with the value the route provides. The proposal increases the number of segments from eight to 11 by Panama Canal vessel type. It also breaks down the tanker segment into three distinct segments, establishes a new segment for container/breakbulk, and incorporates the roll-on/roll-off vessels into the vehicle carrier segment. Once approved, the Panama Canal market segmentation scheme will include the following segments: full container, reefer, dry bulk, passenger, vehicle carrier and ro-ro, tanker, chemical tanker, LPG, general cargo and others. Effective July 1, 2012, the ACP proposes to increase the tolls for the following segments: general cargo, container/break bulk (new segment), dry bulk, tanker (redefined segment), chemical tanker (new segment), LPG (new segment), vehicle carrier and ro-ro (merged segment), and the segment known as others. The remaining segments will not be adjusted at this time. Additionally, there will be changes to tolls applicable to small vessels based on vessel length, to incorporate adjustments not previously considered. As part of the tolls adjustment process, the ACP has established a consultation period from April 20 - May 21, 2012, during which the ACP will receive formal written comments, opinions and written requests from interested parties to participate in the public hearing. The public hearing will be held in Panama City, Panama, in the ACP’s “Ascanio Arosemena” auditorium on May 23, 2012. For more information, go to http://www.pancanal.com/peajes


BMWE contract ratification
completes rail bargaining round

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Railway Labor Conference reports members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) have ratified a new agreement with the nation’s major freight railroads, joining 12 other unions that had previously ratified new contracts. BMWE represents more than 25,000 employees in national bargaining. The ratification brings the current bargaining round to a close; the unions representing 132,000 freight rail workers all have reached voluntary agreements with the railroads.


Port of Port Angeles seeking
Lincoln Park Master Plan input

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles reports a preliminary design for the Lincoln Park Master Plan was presented at a Public Open House meeting on April 4, 2012. The port is seeking input on this design. Review the plan on the city's website at www.cityofpa.us and provide feedback on a survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lincolnparksurvey2 Comments will be received until April 30, 2012.


Port of Bellingham placing call
for celebration vendors/performers

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham is accepting applications for food vendors and bands/performance groups for the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration at Zuanich Point Park on Wednesday, July 4. On Independence Day the Port of Bellingham will provide free live music in the park from 4:30-10pm. Food vendors will also be on site selling their wares. The annual Independence Day fireworks display, presented by Haggen Food and Pharmacy and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will start at approximately 10:30pm. Haggen has been the primary sponsor of the Bellingham fireworks display, one of the largest in the state, since 1995. Because the 4th of July falls in the middle of the week this year and many people will return to work the following day, the event will be smaller and start later in the afternoon than when Independence Day falls on or near a weekend. Bands and performance groups may fill out an online application at www.portofbellingham.com/july4band and food vendors may fill out an application at www.portofbellingham.com/july4vendor.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 20, 2012

Study finds few industrial sites
available to Portland businesses

PORTLAND — A study released by the Portland Business Alliance, in partnership with four private- and public-sector partners, reports that there are only nine 25-plus acre industrial sites that could be shovel ready within 180 days within the Portland-metro urban growth boundary and selected urban reserves. The study was produced by Group Mackenzie in partnership with the alliance, Port of Portland, Business Oregon, NAIOP Oregon Chapter (commercial real-estate development association) and Metro. The report focuses on industrial employers that require large lots which are frequently high-value, traded-sector companies. These traded-sector companies create goods or services that are then sold outside the region, bringing new dollars and tax base for public services into the region. These jobs also pay an average of about $14,600 more in wages than non-traded-sector jobs. The Portland Business Alliance, along with the Value of Jobs Coalition, supported the study because of the connection between industrial land and good, family-wage jobs.


Port of Newport calling for
qualified economic consulting firms

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport is seeking assistance from firms with expertise in planning and economic consulting services related to port activities, including development and/or redevelopment of port-related properties. The port will retain the professional services of a qualified consulting firm, or combination of firms, to assist the port in preparing a Strategic Business and Capital Facilities Plan. For complete text of this RFP and copies of each Scope of Work, interested parties should contact the port office at 541-265-7758.


DOT wants American companies
to build new passenger rail cars

WASHINGTON, DC — Rail car manufacturers across the country will have an opportunity to submit bids to produce the first American-made, standardized passenger rail cars, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced. The $551 million Request for Proposals (RFP) to manufacture approximately 130 new bi-level passenger rail cars in America comes from a groundbreaking multi-state effort to jointly purchase standardized rail equipment to be used on Amtrak’s intercity routes in California, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and potentially Iowa. The funding is being provided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program. In preparation for orders such as this, the U.S. Department of Transportation has partnered with the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to connect large car builders and more than 34,000 domestic suppliers, and help them retool their production capabilities to meet demand. The MEP connects suppliers with viable business opportunities that may have otherwise gone to foreign suppliers. The Buy America provision of the RFP requires that all components of the new bi-level cars are built by American workers: with American hands, and with American-produced steel, iron and manufactured goods. Selection of the manufacturer will occur in the Fall of 2012. The cars will be delivered starting in 2015.


Rail association reports drop
in carload numbers for March

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail carloads originated in March 2012 totaled 1,123,298, down 69,190 carloads or 5.8 percent, compared with March 2011. Intermodal volume in March 2012 was 928,350 containers and trailers, up 31,348 units or 3.5 percent compared with March 2011. AAR also reported mixed weekly rail traffic for the week ending March 31, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 286,962 carloads, down 6.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 242,772 trailers and containers, up 3.6 percent compared with the same week last year.


Coast Guard Base Seattle
holds command change ceremony

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Capt. Marc P. Lebeau succeeded Capt. Robert J. Klapproth as commanding officer of Base Seattle during a change-of-command ceremony at the base, Thursday. The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command. The ceremony is attended by all members of the unit so they all witness the transfer of leadership. Base Seattle provides support to more than 1,600 personnel located at 16 shore units and five cutters. Support services provided by the base include: Facilities Engineering, Personnel Support, Health Safety and Work Life, Naval Engineering Support, Electronic Systems Support, Comptroller, as well as Procurement and Contracting. The base falls under the command of Rear Adm. Richard T. Gromlich, the current director of Operational Logistics.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 19, 2012

FESCO plans expansion
of business with Port of Everett

EVERETT — FESCO Transportation Group, which has made the Port of Everett its Pacific Northwest shipping hub for Russian cargoes, will be expanding its export service in Everett to include roll on roll off (Ro/Ro) vessels. Currently, the Port of Everett supports FESCO in the transportation, forestry, oil, gas and gold mining industries, Marine Terminals Director Dave Madill said. These shipments include mining machinery, oil extracting equipment, trucks, heavy equipment and food products. The majority of this cargo had been lifted on and off the ships by crane. In the seven years since signing the port-of-call agreement with FESCO, the port has invested more than $20 million in terminal improvements to better support the needs of our customers, Mr. Madill added. Some of the infrastructure improvements include installing two, 40 ton gantry cranes, upgrading the terminal pavement and lighting, investing in diverse cargo handling equipment, installing a new 2,500 foot rail spur on the terminals, and soon, the port will be enhancing one of its existing berths to better accommodate Ro/Ro ships. The first FESCO Ro/Ro ship is expected to arrive in port on May 26, and is destined for Vladivostok – Russia’s largest port city on the Pacific Ocean.


Port of Vancouver, USA marks
first vessel of second hundred years

VANCOUVER, USA — Port of Vancouver USA representatives and other special guests climbed 100 feet to the top deck of the M/V RIGEL LEADER on the port’s 100-year anniversary to welcome the ship, commanded by Capt. David Mammen Cherian of India, on the vessel's maiden voyage to the United States on April 6, 2012. In addition, the event also commemorated the RIGEL LEADER as the Port of Vancouver’s First Vessel of the Next Century. The port celebrated its centennial at its 2012 Port Re:Port breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, shortly before the RIGEL LEADER began discharging 659 automobiles for Subaru of America. The ceremony following the annual state-of-the-port event marked the RIGEL LEADER as the first ship to call on the Port of Vancouver during it second 100 years. Capt. Cherian and his 23-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Mayor Timothy Leavitt, Vancouver port manager for Subaru Ann Tetreault, superintendent for Ports America Mike Munson, vessel agent for Inchcape Shipping Services Gary Martinke, and port representatives Commissioner Nancy Baker, Executive Director Larry Paulson, Alastair Smith, Debbie Taylor, Mike Schiller, Addison Jacobs, Theresa Wagner, Katie Odem, and Mackenzie Field. Chief Engineer K. Raghuram, Chief Officer Pradeep Mansabdar, First Assistant Engineer P.P. Jathar and Mitsubishi representative Tetsuya Yamada were present as well. The RIGEL LEADER was built in Marugame, Japan and was delivered March 8, 2012. The vessel is 656 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 18,884 tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA was from India and the Philippines. The vessel is owned by FPG Shipholding Panama 5 S.A. and operated by NYK Ship Management. Inchcape Shipping Services is the agent for the vessel.


Columbia River Coast Guard
holding ship for failing inspections

PORTLAND — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River continues to detain the motor vessel EXCELLENT PESCADORES for failure to comply with international and domestic regulations regarding safety, security, and environmental protection. The 486-foot, Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier was first detained in the Port of Longview on April 13, 2012, after a Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland Port State Control boarding detected a number of deficiencies including but not limited to fire and electrical hazards, problems with installment of life rafts, and verification of credentials. During an April 17, 2012, follow-up boarding, the crew rectified a number of discrepancies, but was unable to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations, when they failed to conduct a satisfactory abandon ship and fire drill. Failure to complete the drills was due to extensive communication/language barriers amongst key crew members. This was the crew’s third failed attempt to perform a satisfactory fire/abandon ship drill during the inspection.


General Dynamics NASSCO
starts work on Navy MLP

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO has begun construction of the future USNS JOHN GLENN, the second ship of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) program. The 765-foot long ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the first quarter of 2014. When in service, the ship will be used as an offshore staging area for Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel and equipment. NASSCO has construction contracts to build a total of three Mobile Landing Platform ships. The first ship of the class, the future USNS MONTFORD POINT, is currently 48 percent complete at the San Diego shipyard. Once delivered to the fleet, MLP ships will join the Maritime Prepositioning Force squadrons that are strategically located around the world to enable rapid response in a crisis. These ships will provide a “pier at sea” that will become the core of the Navy/Marine Corps sea basing concept. This capability will allow prepositioning ships to offload equipment and supplies to the MLP for transshipment to shore by other vessels.


House subcommittee proposes
$1 billion for harbor maintenance

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) reports the U.S. House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), has approved its fiscal 2013 funding bill for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including a $1 billion draw from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for maintaining America’s deep-draft navigation channels and harbors. This would be the largest regular annual appropriation for navigation maintenance. The annual revenue collected from the HMT is approximately $1.5 billion. In recent letters to both the House and Senate budget committees, AAPA urged Congress to utilize 100 percent of the Harbor Maintenance Tax for its intended purposes rather than allow the money to build up in the already bloated Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which is estimated will contain nearly $7 billion by the end of fiscal 2013.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Spirit Airlines to begin flights
from Dallas/Fort Worth to PDX

MIRAMAR, FL — Spirit Airlines has announced that starting June 21, 2012, the airline will offer its ultra low fare service on one daily flight between Dallas/Fort Worth and its 15th nonstop destination, Portland, Oregon. Spirit has more than quadrupled the number of cities it serves from Dallas/Fort Worth since starting service to the Metroplex nearly a year ago on May 5, 2011. The airline started with nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas, followed by Chicago, and now also offers nonstop service to Atlanta, Boston, New York LaGuardia, Orlando and Phoenix/Mesa. On May 3, 2012, Spirit starts daily service to Denver and three weekly flights to Myrtle Beach, and on May 4, 2012, Spirit begins four weekly flights to Tampa. The airline also recently announced that it will start nonstop daily service from Dallas/Fort Worth to Toluca/Mexico City, Detroit and San Diego on June 21, 2012.


Crew of cutter HEALY
awarded Coast Guard honor

SEATTLE — Vice Adm. Manson K. Brown, Pacific Area Commander, presented crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter HEALY with a Coast Guard Unit Commendation award during a ceremony in Seattle, Tuesday. The unit commendation was awarded to the crew for extremely meritorious service in support of Coast Guard operations, during their seven month 2011 science mission, which was extended an additional month in order to avert a potential energy crisis in Nome, Alaska. HEALY escorted the Russian-flagged tanker vessel RENDA through more than 300 miles of Bering Sea ice to make the delivery of 1.3 million gallons of fuel to Nome possible. Following the fuel transfer, the HEALY crew freed the RENDA from the ice, where it was purposely frozen and led the REMDA back across more than 400 miles of sea ice to the open water of the Bering Sea. As a Coast Guard cutter, HEALY is also a capable platform for supporting other missions in the polar regions, including logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties.Back to top


CSX Corp. breaks records
with first quarter income numbers

JACKSONVILLE, FL — CSX Corporation has announced first quarter net earnings of $449 million, or $0.43 per share, versus $395 million, or $0.35 per share, in the same period last year. This represents a 23 percent year-over-year improvement in earnings per share. Revenue in the quarter improved six percent from the prior year to nearly $3 billion, driven by increased volume, pricing gains and fuel recovery. Overall volume was up one percent in the quarter when compared to the same period last year. Increased shipments in merchandise and intermodal more than offset declines in the company’s coal business. The higher revenue coupled with the company’s focus on service, productivity and cost control drove an 11 percent increase in operating income to a first quarter record $856 million and a record first quarter operating ratio of 71.1 percent, a 140 basis point improvement year-over-year. CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces.


Evergreen Line aims to launch
new Belawan to Malaysia feeder run

JERSEY CITY — Evergreen Line has announced plans to launch Belawan - Malaysia feeder route (referred to as BMS route) in late April. Evergreen Line will deploy one 1,164-TEU ship to the weekly BMS route. The service rotation is Belawan - Penang - Tanjung Pelepas - Belawan. Maiden voyage of the service is expected to start from Tanjung Pelepas on April 28, 2012.


Port of Everett introduces
new Port Pass marina program

EVERETT — In an effort to attract visiting boaters, the Port of Everett Marina has launched a new Port Pass discount program aimed at attracting thousands of boaters and yacht clubs throughout the Puget Sound Region. The booklet offers discounts at dozens of area restaurants, attractions, and shopping outlets. Among them are Future of Flight and Boeing Tour Center, the Imagine Children’s Museum, Scuttlebutt Brewery, Anthony’s, Tulalip Resort Casino and Seattle Premium Outlet Mall, as well as on-site restaurants and marine supply stores. The Port Pass package includes recreational maps, interactive on-line maps, and other resources. The Port of Everett Marina, located on Port Gardner Bay, is the largest public marina on the West Coast, and offers full-service marina amenities. Some of the features include Jetty Island (a 2-mile man-made sandy beach accessible by boat), a free shuttle to the Tulalip Resort Casino for four or more people, on-site kayak rentals, summer concerts and farmer’s market, free wifi, and more. Call the port marina office staff 425.259.6001 to sign up for a visit to the Port of Everett Marina, or fill out a visiting boater request online at www.portofeverett.com


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

2012 cruise season begins
for Port Metro Vancouver

METRO VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver’s 2012 cruise season began yestereday and marks a continuing upward trend with modest growth anticipated. Port Metro Vancouver estimates approximately 670,000 passengers, up from 663,000 in 2011, on 191 vessel calls at the port’s two cruise terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne. The 2012 cruise season also marks the beginning of the third full year of the award-winning shore power installation at Canada Place, the first of its kind in Canada. Shore power-equipped cruise ships can plug in and shut off their engines while docked to reduce air emissions. In 2012, nearly 40 per cent of all cruise calls will be shore power enabled. Vancouver’s cruise industry stimulates more than $2 million in economic activity for every cruise ship call in Vancouver.


OOCL making changes
to Pacific Atlantic Express run

HONG KONG — OOCL has announced that an eastbound port call to Los Angeles has been added to the Pacific Atlantic Express (PAX) service. The new port rotation is: Seattle > Oakland > Los Angeles > Savannah > Norfolk > New York > Halifax > Antwerp > Thamesport > Hamburg > Rotterdam. Eastbound service from Los Angeles will commence on May 31, with SEOUL EXPRESS 01E19. In addition, the port call to Seattle will be switched to calling Tacoma effective from July 1.


Retirement bring changes
to Hamburg Sud Executive Board

HAMBURG — After 18 years on the Executive Board of Hamburg Süd, Joachim A Konrad, deputy chairman of the executive board, is to retire at the end of April. The advisory board of Hamburg Süd has appointed Peter Frederiksen and Frank Smet to succeed him. They will be joining the executive board with effect from May 1, 2012. The scale and importance of the duties performed by Mr. Konrad in past years prompted the advisory board to split the scope of responsibilities in the future.


Emerson buys Johnson Controls'
Marine Container and Boiler business

ST. LOUIS — Emerson has announced it has acquired the Marine Container and Boiler business of Johnson Controls, Inc., enabling Emerson Climate Technologies to expand its refrigeration technology and solutions offerings in the global transportation sector. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Johnson Controls' Denmark-based Marine Container and Boiler business supplies controls for optimal operation of refrigerated sea containers and marine boilers, along with solutions that monitor and report on refrigeration conditions within large groups of marine shipping containers on land or at sea to ensure product quality and food safety. The hardware and software solutions monitor container conditions and notify shipping companies and terminals of deviations outside of optimal ranges so they can take appropriate actions. Johnson Controls' solutions are installed on more than 650,000 containers and 2,200 ships, which connect to a central monitoring server. The new Emerson offerings will be known as Transportation Solutions within the Retail Solutions business of Emerson Climate Technologies.


Trucking association releases
2012 trucking trends publication

ARLINGTON, VA — The release of the 2012 edition of ATA American Trucking Trends by American Trucking Associations, now available for sale through ATA Business Solutions, shows that trucking continues to be the dominant mode of freight transportation and an integral part of the U.S. economy. Among the data compiled in Trends are:
· Trucking employs 6.8 million people, including more than three million drivers. Of those
drivers, 4.6 percent are women and 32.6 percent are minorities.
· Trucking is the quintessential small business industry, with 90 percent of motor
carriers operating six or fewer trucks and 97.2 percent operating fewer than 20
· Overall in 2011, trucking moved $603.9 billion in freight – more than 80 percent of all
freight transportation revenue. That freight weighed 9.2 billion tons – 67 percent of all
freight by weight.
· Class 6-8 trucks traveled 131.2 billion miles in 2010, and all trucks regardless of size
traveled 397.8 billion miles.
· In 2011, trucks consumed 37.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel.
American Trucking Trends 2012 is available exclusively from ATA Business Solutions and participating state trucking associations. To learn more, or to purchase the report, go to: http://www.atabusinesssolutions.com/Default.aspx?TabID=274&ProductId=1065104


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 16, 2012

Port of Kalama to fill
port commission vacancy

KALAMA — The Port of Kalama Commission seeks to fill the commission vacancy left by the death of longtime Port of Kalama commissioner, Jim Lucas. Mr. Lucas served as a port commissioner from 1984 until his passing on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. The port commission encourages all eligible local residents interested in representing District #2 on the Kalama Port Commission to send a letter of interest to Executive Director Lanny Cawley. The letter must include the registered voting address for the applicant. Applicants must reside and be a legally registered voter in Kalama Port District #2 and meet other legal requirements. Upon receipt of the letter of interest, the port will provide applicants with an application packet. The completed application must be received at the Port Office no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2012, at 380 W Marine Drive, Kalama, WA 98625. The board of commissioners sets policy for the port. Commissioners must attend board of commission meetings on a regular basis. Regular meetings are held each month at 5:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Occasionally, special meetings are held. According to state law, an appointment shall be made by the Port of Kalama Commission in accordance with RCW 42.12.070. The person appointed shall serve until a qualified person is elected and certified at the next general election in November 2013.


Port of Newport seeking
Director of Finance applicants

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport has an opening for a Director of Finance. The full-time position has a starting salary of $60,000. The position Objectives: ensures that proper internal controls are in place, timely and accurate financial reporting, maintains computer systems, review capital investment decisions and policies, participates in and contributes to overall port management decisions and assists in managing capital construction projects as they relate to port finances. Preferred education includes successful completion of a full four-year course study through an accredited college, university or trade school leading to a Bachelor's degree that includes a major field of study and specific course requirements generally associated with government or fund accounting and five years progressively responsible experience in all of the following: public accounting, finance management, data processing, supervising, business administration and public budget preparation and monitoring. Applicant must posess strong interpersonal, communication and managerial skills as well as extensive knowledge and experience in municipal budget law, governmental, fund and advanced financial accounting. Final candidate is subject to six-month probationary period and background check. Submit letter of introduction and current chronological resume to: Port of Newport, 600 S.E. Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365. Deadline for applications is 4 p.m., April 16, 2012.


Port of Bellingham schedules
airport planning public meetings

BELLINGHAM — The public is invited to take part in community meetings about the future of the Bellingham International Airport from noon-1:30 p.m. and from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 19. Both meetings will be in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue. The meetings will include the same information. The Port of Bellingham is working with community members, aviation experts and business leaders in drafting an updated Airport Master Plan. Work began in 2011 with a countywide airport opinion survey and a plan is expected to be considered by the port’s board of commissioners near the end of 2012. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires airports to regularly update their master plans to ensure that each airport is forecasting future passenger levels and anticipating future infrastructure needs. The meetings on April 19 will begin with a half-hour presentation, which will be followed by an open house where people can view additional information and can provide questions and comments about the airport and the planning process. There will be additional public meetings and a public hearing during 2012. For master plan project information go to: www.portofbellingham.com/BLImasterplan


Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
making environmental headway

OSLO — Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) has announced that it is on track to reduce its relative green house gas emissions 30 percent by 2015, compared to a 2005 baseline. In 2011, CO2 emissions in grams per tonne kilometre were reduced by four percent compared to 2010. The company attributed the change to improved fleet utilization, improved energy efficiency and new vessels entering the fleet. The figures are part of the company's 2011 Environmental Sustainability Report. WWL also reported results of its global low-sulphur fuel policy, which has allowed the company to eliminate 167,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide emissions (SO2) emissions from 2000 to 2011. An online report -- www.2wglobal.com/esr -- contains WWL’s environmental performance metrics and information on the company’s other environmental initiatives.


13th District Coast Guard officer
selected as top enlisted person

SEATTLE — The Thirteenth Coast Guard District selected Health Services Technician 2nd Class Jayme L. Reed as the 2011 Pacific Northwest Enlisted Person of the Year during a ceremony held at the Coast Guard base, in Seattle, on April 13, 2012. Additionally, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael P. Leavitt has announced that Petty Officer Reed has been selected as the 2011 U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year. Petty Officer Reed will be recognized as the Coast Guard EPOY during ceremonies in Washington, D.C. the week of May 11, 2011. The EPOY Program is designed to recognize exemplary men and women from the active and reserve enlisted work force. Nominees demonstrate sustained exceptional standards of proficiency and conduct, their military appearance and bearing are consistently impeccable, and they are role models whom all Coast Guard personnel strive to emulate. Originally from Concord, N.H., Petty Officer Reed is stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit in Bangor, Wash. She was recognized for her high degree of clinical knowledge, her ability to liaison with other Dept. of Defense medical professionals and her flawless management of clinic operations. Her dedication and overall efforts exceeded command expectations.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 13, 2012

Port of Seattle announces close
of property sale to Sound Transit

SEATTLE — Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle have announced they have finalized Sound Transit’s purchase of 1.1 miles of former BNSF track in Bellevue for construction of East Link light rail, as well as easements for future access to 37 miles of the Eastside rail corridor. Sound Transit’s $13.8 million purchase from the Port of Seattle supports Sound Transit's work to start construction of East Link light rail. The 37-mile easement was also part of the purchase package offered by the Port of Seattle. The easement provides the ability to consider future voter-approved rail transit investments between Woodinville and Renton. Sound Transit would need to build new tracks to support the safety features and operating speeds needed for passenger rail service. The Sound Transit Board voted to approve the purchase in 2011 following a 2009 non-binding memorandum of understanding that was negotiated between the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit and other parties. In addition to the 37-mile easement, Sound Transit also received rights to access the portion of the rail corridor located within Redmond's city limits, allowing for future construction of a light rail extension between the city’s Overlake and downtown areas. Last year Sound Transit identified a route for building the extension at such time funding becomes available.


Coast Guard commends actions
by NAVIOS GEMINI S crew

PORTLAND — The Coast Guard awarded a letter of appreciation to the crew of the M/V NAVIOS GEMINI S, Wednesday. The Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel was docked at the EGT terminal in Longview, Saturday, when debris from a burning conveyor fell into its cargo hold, prompting the crew to take action in fighting the blaze along with Cowlitz County firefighters. Members of the Cowlitz County Fire Department also joined the Coast Guard in applauding the professionalism and readiness displayed by the crew. "The NAVIOS GEMINI S' crew was able to quickly control the blaze and prevent a potential oil spill and hazard to the busy Columbia River navigation channel thanks to their training and dedication to fire safety," said Captain Bruce Jones, Sector Columbia River commander. "I commend Captain Dobrytsia and his crew for their diligence. They are true maritime professionals."


US rail freight totals
decline during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported mixed weekly rail traffic for the week ending March 24, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 278,393 carloads, down 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 232,401 trailers and containers, up 4.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Twelve of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with petroleum products, up 26.8 percent; coke, up 15.1 percent, and motor vehicles and equipment, up 13.8 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included coal, down 17.4 percent, and grain, down 14.2 percent.


Andy Tung named new
OOCL chief operating officer

HONG KONG — OOCL has announced that Andy Tung, currently the chief operating officer of OOCL, will succeed Philip Chow, as the new chief executive officer of the company effective July 1, 2012. Mr. Tung will also continue to be an executive director and a member of the Executive Committee of Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. (OOIL), the parent company of OOCL, and the managing director and a member of the Executive Committee of OOCL. Mr. Chow has been with the OOIL Group for over 36 years. Mr. Tung has served the group in various capacities, including as director of Reefer Trade of OOCL between 1993 and 1998. He re-joined the group in 2006 and was appointed as the chief operating officer since January 2009.


NYK plans to begin
new Asia to Honolulu run

TOKYO — NYK has announced the start of a new direct service linking Asia with Honolulu from early May 2012. Three 700 TEU nominal vessels will depart every 10 days on the new 31-day AHX (Asia Hawaii Express) service. Port rotation Is: Shanghai – Pusan – Yokohama – Honolulu – Yokohama – Shanghai. The first sailing will depart from Shanghai on May 5, 2012. NYK's direct call to Honolulu through the ALEX-2 service will be terminated toward the end of April as NYK opens this new AHX service.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 12, 2012

Port of Seattle reports end
of grade separation project

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle and its partners have completed the East Marginal Way grade separation project on Duwamish Ave. South. One of the original FAST Corridor projects, a series of freight related infrastructure solutions put forth by a coalition of state and local agencies, the new overpass improves road and rail access to port terminals, BNSF and Union Pacific intermodal rail yards, and regional manufacturing and distribution facilities. The $52 million infrastructure project raises the roadway over the railroad tracks, which improves safety and efficiency, while eliminating idling by cars and trucks waiting for trains to clear the intersection, reducing air emissions. The Port of Seattle contributed nearly $19 million to the project. Other contributors to the project include the Federal Highway Administration, state Transportation Investment Board, state Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, the City of Seattle, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads.— Sebastian Degens has been promoted to general manager Marine and Terminal Business Development for the Port of Portland. In this new role, he will head a group responsible for retaining and recruiting business at the port's marine facilities. The move follows a recent reorganization of staff aimed at an increased emphasis on customers, efficiency and business development. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Degens had been marine planning and development manager. He has established a long track record with the port, having started as a land development planning intern in 1984, after graduating from Portland State University with a Masters degree in urban planning. Over the past 28 years, he has gained experience in planning and development positions across all business lines of the port including aviation, marine, navigation and properties.


Investigation continues
at Squalicum Harbor fire site

BELLINGHAM — Bellingham Fire and Police investigators announced that they will be partnering with Fire investigators from private insurance companies to further investigate and attempt to determine the cause and origin of the Squalicum Harbor boathouse fire. Jim Langei, 43, and his wife Sterling Taylor, 33 lived aboard their 42-foot boat that was among several other that sank following a fire at a boathouse on March 30 at about 5:30 a.m. Both victims were located by divers on April 5. Dr. Gary Goldfogel, Whatcom County Medical Examiner, concluded that both victims died as a result of the fire. The official cause of death has been certified as asphyxia by inhalation of products of combustion (smoke inhalation), and the manner of death was accidental. The announcement to partner with private insurance Investigators came following a consultation with Fire Investigators from the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco Firearm) on Tuesday afternoon. The transition is partly due to the scope and devastation of this deadly fire and partly due to the added advantage of increased professional resources. These resources may include engineers, chemists, forensic analysts and maritime vessel experts along with the ability to perform specialized tests on the collected evidence. Beginning April 16, Independent insurance companies representing a number of clients will be working along with Bellingham Fire and Police Investigators in this transitional phase of the investigation. Currently, contractors are still working at the site of the fire and continue to pull debris from the water.


Commerce Department report
finds exports up in February

WASHINGTON, DC — The February 2012 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report has been released by the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis. U.S. goods and services exports in February 2012 were up 0.1 percent from January 2012 to reach a record $181.2 billion. In addition, record highs were seen in U.S. exports of total services ($53.2 billion), and capital goods exports ($43.2 billion). The trade deficit narrowed by $6.5 billion from January to February, to $46.0 billion. This reflected a $6.0 billion decrease in the goods trade deficit and a $0.5 billion increase in the services surplus. U.S. goods and services exports year-to-date through February 2012 were up 8.5 percent or $28.5 billion from the same period of 2011 to reach $362.1 billion. This marks the third consecutive month of export growth.


PDX concessionaires
earn top honors for 2012

PORTLAND — Port of Portland Commissioners have recognized Portland International Airport’s Beaches Restaurant and Bar, Nike Store, and the port’s PDX concessions team for being among the best in the business, as selected in the 2012 Airport Revenue News Best Airport & Concessionaires Awards. The magazine named Beaches as the best new food and beverage concept, and Nike for best retail store design; both in the concessionaires small division. PDX was selected for the best concessions management team in the medium airport division. Airport Revenue News is a monthly trade magazine devoted to coverage of all revenue-generating issues affecting the airport industry. Nominating and judging by the industry included more than 1,300 votes in five airport categories and 15 specialty retail, news and gift, and food and beverage categories. Beaches Restaurant and Bar is located in the PDX Oregon Market and offers casual dining with a tropical theme. Featuring athletic footwear and clothing, the Nike Store is also located in the airport’s Oregon Market. Members of the port PDX concessions team include Chris Madsen, Scott Kilgo, Walt Froman, Rebecca Sonniksen, Shane Andreasen, Scott Van den Akker and Walt Marchbanks.


Crowley scholarships go to
Williams-Mystic participants

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley recently awarded Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships to Ariel Zhou and Caiti Campbell, who are taking part in the Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport this spring. They were chosen for their strong academic records, interest in maritime studies and financial need. Ms. Zhou, a native of Nanjing, China, is studying biology at Pennsylvania’s Bryn Mawr College. She joined the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program to gain a broader perspective of all aspects of marine science and maritime history. Ms. Zhou plans to use her experience to pursue graduate degrees in biology. Ms. Campbell, a native of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental communications with a minor in maritime studies at Pennsylvania’s Moravian College of Bethlehem. She plans to apply what she learns in the program to her next endeavor as a park ranger at Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park this summer.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Port of Portland taps Degens
as business development manager

PORTLAND — Sebastian Degens has been promoted to general manager Marine and Terminal Business Development for the Port of Portland. In this new role, he will head a group responsible for retaining and recruiting business at the port's marine facilities. The move follows a recent reorganization of staff aimed at an increased emphasis on customers, efficiency and business development. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Degens had been marine planning and development manager. He has established a long track record with the port, having started as a land development planning intern in 1984, after graduating from Portland State University with a Masters degree in urban planning. Over the past 28 years, he has gained experience in planning and development positions across all business lines of the port including aviation, marine, navigation and properties.


Port Tracker report predicts
rise in import container volumes

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 3.2 percent in April compared with the same month last year, and year-over-year gains should continue through the end of summer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.04 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units in February, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. With February traditionally the slowest month of the year, that was down 16 percent from January and 5.7 percent from February 2011. March was estimated at 1.19 million TEU, up 9.6 percent from a year ago, and April is forecast at 1.25 million TEU, up 3.2 percent from last year. May is forecast at 1.29 million TEU, the same as last year; June at 1.29 million TEU, up 3.6 percent; July at 1.35 million TEU, up 1.9 percent, and August at 1.42 million TEU, up 7.4 percent. The first half of 2012 should total 7.3 million TEU, up 2.2 percent from the same period last year. The total for 2011 was 14.8 million TEU, up 0.4 percent from 2010’s 14.75 million TEU. NRF continues to project 2012 retail sales will grow 3.4 percent to $2.53 trillion. Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, covers the U.S. ports of Long Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at www.nrf.com/PortTracker or by calling (202) 783-7971. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalportracker.com.


BTS freight index up
during month of February

WASHINGTON, DC — The amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry rose 0.5 percent in February from January, rising after a one-month decline, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS) Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI). BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the level of freight shipments measured by the Freight TSI, 110.3, declined from December 2011's mark of 113.7 which was the all-time high since 1990 when BTS' TSI records began. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments by mode of transportation in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. Shipments in February 2012 (110.3) were at the second highest level since the early recession month of April 2008 despite the 3.0 percent decline from December 2011 (113.7 on the index), which was the highest level in the 22-year history of the series. After dipping to a recent low in April 2009 (94.3), freight shipments increased in 23 of the last 34 months, rising 16.9 percent during that period. Freight shipments in February 2012 (110.3 on the index) rose 16.9 percent from the recent low in April 2009 during the recession (94.3). In April 2009, freight shipments were at their lowest level since June 1997 (92.3). The February 2012 level is down 3.0 percent from the historic freight shipment peak reached in December 2011 (113.7).


Mitsui making changes
to Asia/Mexico/SAmerica routes

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the upgrade of the Asia - Mexico (CWL) and West Coast South America (MSX) services. MOL and consortium partners (K Line and NYK) will consolidate the present two loops (WL1, which is operated by nominal 4,400teu class ships, and WL2, which is operated by nominal 2,500teu class ships) and will deploy over- panamax vessels, nominal 5,600-6,500 teu class ships, on the new CWL service. MOL will maintain Asia - Buenaventura - Guayaquil coverage by trans-shipment from/to the new Mexico – West Coast South America feeder service (MSX). The new CWL service (77 days rotation x 11 vessel, weekly) rotation is: Keelung – Hong Kong – Da Chan Bay – Xiamen – Shanghai – Ningbo – Pusan – Manzanillo (Mexico) – Callao – Iquique – Valparaiso – Lirquen – Callao – Manzanillo (Mexico) – Tokyo – Keelung. The MSX service (21 days rotation x 3 vessel, weekly) rotation is: Manzanillo (Mexico) – Buenaventura – Callao – Guayaquil – Manzanillo (Mexico).


Truck driver turnover rate
slides during fourth quarter

ARLINGTON, VA — After a year of quarterly increases, the turnover rate for truck drivers at large truckload fleets dipped one percentage point to an annualized rate of 88 percent during the fourth quarter, according to the American Trucking Associations. Turnover among large truckload fleets had risen to 89 percent in the third quarter of 2011 after bottoming out at 39 percent in the first quarter of 2010. For all of 2011, the large truckload turnover rate averaged 83 percent - the highest average since 2007 when churn averaged 117 percent. At small truckload firms, with less than $30 million in annual revenue, the turnover rate dipped to 55 percent from 57 percent in the previous quarter. The fourth quarter turnover rate for less-than-truckload fleets fell to seven percent from 10 percent in the third quarter.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, April 10, 2012

WTSA member carriers
plan new round of rate increases

OAKLAND — Container shipping lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) are recommending a further round of incremental rate increases to dry and selected refrigerated commodities, as part of a comprehensive rate restoration effort throughout 2012. The adjustments, scheduled to take effect on May 15, 2012, will raise dry commodity rate levels by US$50 per 40-foot container (FEU) from Pacific Southwest ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland), and by $100 per FEU for all other cargo, moving via all-water or intermodal service from Pacific Northwest ports, from inland U.S. points and from the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. In addition, WTSA lines are recommending increases of $200 per FEU to refrigerated rates for French fries, frozen vegetables and miscellaneous refrigerated cargoes not covered under commodity-specific programs, for all origins and Asian destinations. WTSA is a voluntary discussion and research forum of 10 major ocean and intermodal container shipping lines serving the trade from ports and inland points in the U.S. to destinations throughout Asia.


Horizon Lines completes
cost-saving transactions

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has completed transactions with more than 99 percent of its noteholders, and with Ship Finance International Limited ("SFL") and certain of its subsidiaries, to substantially deleverage the company's balance sheet and terminate vessel charter obligations related to its discontinued trans-Pacific service. These simultaneous transactions eliminate virtually all of the remaining $228.4 million of the company's 6.00 percent Series A and Series B Convertible Secured Notes, partially offset by the issuance of $40.0 million of debt to SFL as part of the full and final settlement of the vessel charter obligations, resulting in a net debt reduction of $188.4 million. The company's earnings and cash flows will be further improved by the termination of $32.0 million in annual vessel charter obligations for the five ships leased from SFL, as well as the elimination of approximately $3.0 million of annual lay-up costs for the idle vessels.


Coast Guard releases vessel
cleared of safety violations

ASTORIA — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, located in Astoria, authorized the 426-foot, UK-flagged, motor vessel WAVE VENTURE to proceed to sea from Portland, Monday, after ensuring safety deficiencies found aboard the vessel in March had been corrected. The Coast Guard Port State Control Branch of Sector Columbia River’s Marine Safety Unit Portland conducted several inspections of the WAVE VENTURE in March, resulting in its detention Thursday, March 29, 2012. Discrepancies resulting in the vessel’s detention included failure of the vessel’s rescue boat to start in the time allotted, multiple inoperable primary fire boundary doors and excessive oil in engine room bilges. As a result of the detention, the vessel remained at Vigor Shipyard on Swan Island, Berth 304. Crews aboard the WAVE VENTURE have since corrected all safety deficiencies, passed Coast Guard inspections and gained Coast Guard required approvals, including those of the American Bureau of Shipping’s Class Society.


Alaska Airlines to begin
daily Portland to Pasco flights

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines has announced it will launch a new daily nonstop flight between Portland and Pasco, Wash., starting Aug. 27, on Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by Horizon Air. Pasco represents the third city that Horizon Air began serving when the carrier started operations in September 1981, and one of three cities (with Kennewick and Richland) that make up the Tri-Cities region of Eastern Washington. The new Portland-Pasco route enables passengers heading to California and Hawaii to connect to flights beyond Oregon, rather than first flying through Seattle. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, together serve more than 90 cities through a network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.


Crowley promotes Julia Shemesh
to senior vice president/general counsel

SEATTLE — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Julia Shemesh has been promoted to vice president and deputy general counsel. Ms. Shemesh will remain in Seattle and will continue reporting to Michael Roberts, senior vice president and general counsel, who works out of Crowley’s corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. In her new role, Ms. Shemesh will primarily be responsible for providing advice and support on legal issues affecting company business on the West Coast, including petroleum distribution, marine solutions, and harbor ship assist and tanker escort services. She will also play an active role assisting in the continued expansion of Jensen Maritime, a Crowley subsidiary specializing in full-service naval architecture and marine engineering services. Prior to joining Crowley as senior corporate counsel in 2009, MS. Shemesh practiced with Allen & Overy, where she specialized in corporate law and advised on mergers, acquisitions, privatizations, initial public offerings and project financing for clients, including many in the oil and gas industry.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 9, 2012

Port of Vancouver Port Re:Port
celebrates history of progress

VANCOUVER, USA — With the theme, “A Century of Possibilities,” the Port of Vancouver, USA looked back on a healthy 2011, reporting steady cargo volumes, new port tenants, increased operating income – and a bright future at its Port Re:Port event. The annual state-of-the-port breakfast was held -- to the date – on the port’s 100-year anniversary, commemorating the establishment of the Port of Vancouver USA on April 6, 1912. The port’s rich history was highlighted throughout the morning’s program as more than 300 community members joined in the special centennial event, which was taped for later cablecast by CVTV, and will is available online at www.cvtv.org. The program included remarks by Port Commission President Nancy Baker, Port Executive Director Larry Paulson, Port Deputy Executive Director Todd Coleman, and brief comments by US. Senator Maria Cantwell. Included in Mr. Paulson’s remarks was an overview of the port’s 2011 performance in terms of cargo movement, which held steady at 5.6 million metric tons, down 1.8 percent from 2010. Cargos such as wind energy, pulp, scrap metal and project cargo saw growth in 2011, while other cargos, including automobiles, wheat and bulk minerals, dipped due to the recession and global events. This was Mr. Paulson’s final state-of-the-port address as he will be retiring from the port at the end of this month, having served 20 years, 13 of those as executive director. Mr. Coleman will assume leadership of the port beginning May 1, 2012. Closing the program was the annual presentation of awards to tenants and customers for their outstanding contributions to the port and the community. This year’s award winners included Natural Recovery, winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award; United Grain Corporation, winner of the Facilities Improvement Award; Sapa Profiles, winner of the Tenant of the Year Award; and Siemens Energy Inc., winner of the Marine Customer of the Year Award.


The Greenbrier Companies releases
second fiscal quarter 2012 numbers

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — The Greenbrier Companies has reported results for its fiscal second quarter ended February 29, 2012. Revenues for the second quarter of 2012 were $458.2 million, up over 60 percent from $284.3 million in the prior year's second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $40.1 million, or 8.7 percent of revenue, compared to $19.4 million, or 6.8 percent of revenue in the second quarter of 2011. Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier for the quarter were $17.7 million, or $.57 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $550,000, or $.02 per diluted share, in the same period last year. New railcar deliveries in the second quarter of 2012 were 3,700 units, compared to 2,200 units in the second quarter of 2011. During the second quarter of 2012, the company received orders for 3,600 new railcars, over double the 1,600 orders received in the first quarter. Subsequent to quarter end, orders were received for 2,300 additional units valued at $270 million. Greenbrier's new railcar manufacturing backlog as of February 29, 2012 was 12,500 units with an estimated value of $1.1 billion, compared to 13,300 units with an estimated value of $1.1 billion as of November 30, 2011.


Port of Kennewick seeking
applications for new commissioner

KENNEWICK, WA — The Port of Kennewick is seeking applicants to represent District 1 on the commission board. Port Commissioners, Skip Novakovich and Gene Wagner will appoint a replacement to fill the District 1 Port Commission position which was vacated by the resignation of Commissioner David Hanson. Interested candidates must reside within the Port of Kennewick’s District 1; must submit a completed application; and must provide verification of voter registration and residency within District 1. District maps and application materials are available at the Port of Kennewick office at 350 Clover Island Drive, Suite 200, Kennewick; online at www.portofkennewick.org; or at the Benton County Auditor’s office in Prosser. Completed applications must be physically received in the port office no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2012. Candidates will be interviewed during a special meeting planned for May 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center located at 7130 West Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, Washington.


Port of Everett announces
marina rates to hold firm

EVERETT — For the third consecutive year the Port of Everett Marina has announced that there will be no general rate increase. Base moorage rates have not increased at the Port of Everett since 2009 and will remain unchanged in 2012. The Port of Everett Marina is a full-service marina providing services and moorage space for approximately 2,050 vessels.


Port of Bellingham cancels event
due to Squalicum Harbor boathouse fire

BELLINGHAM — Due to a fire on March 30, the Port of Bellingham and participating boat sales and brokerage firms have cancelled the eighth annual CharterFest, which was to be held at Squalicum Harbor’s Gate 3 on April 21 and 22. The fire swept through G dock at Gate 3 in Squalicum Harbor, destroying 10 boats and taking the lives of a local couple, Jim Langei and Sterling Taylor. Even though the fire-damaged areas of G dock are not used by CharterFest, organizers felt it was important to cancel the event so that loved ones could mourn and the port could focus on salvage recovery and the fire investigation. CharterFest will return in April 2013.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 6, 2012

Port of Kalama Commissioner
Jim Lucas dies Wednesday

KALAMA — Longtime Port of Kalama commissioner, Jim Lucas, has died from complications due to cancer. Mr. Lucas served as a port commissioner from 1984 until his passing Wednesday, April 4, 2012. A lifelong Kalama resident, Mr. Lucas retired from Kalama Telephone Company and served community organizations like the Kalama Lions and the Kalama School Board. As a port commissioner, Mr. Lucas served as a delegate to the American Association of Port Authorities, and was a board member of the Cowlitz-Lewis County Economic Development District. The Port of Kalama experienced numerous significant events during Mr. Lucas’ term as port commissioner (1984 – 2012) all of which not only enhanced Kalama’s livability but established the port’s position as an economic development engine and business hub for the region. A memorial service for Mr. Lucas will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory. The public is welcome to celebrate the life of Kalama’s longtime community leader and public servant.


Pair of bodies found
at Bellingham fire site

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham reports divers have recovered two bodies from the debris of the Squalicum Harbor boathouse fire. The first discovery was made at about 8:00 a.m, yesterday. The second was at about 10:45 a.m. The port says it is too early to know the identities of the persons found. Both bodies have been turned over to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner who will strive to establish their identities along with the manner and cause of death. The families of Jim Langei and Sterling Taylor have been advised of these most recent developments. Jim Langei, 43, and his wife Sterling Taylor, 33 lived aboard their 42-foot boat that was among several others that sank following a fire at a boathouse on March 30 about 5:30 a.m. Access to Dock D off of Gate 5 and Dock E off of Gate 3 will continue to be temporarily limited to boat owners during this phase of the recovery operation.


Bellingham ceremony to unveil
new Coast Guard response boat

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Station Bellingham invites the public to view the new, multi-mission, 45-foot Response Boat-Medium (RB-M), at an open house event, Tuesday, Apr. 10, at 2 p.m. at Coast Guard Station Bellingham, 28 Bellwether Way. Representative Rick Larsen, Rear Admiral Keith Taylor, 13th Coast Guard District Commander, and Chief Warrant Officer Chris Robinson, Coast Guard Station Bellingham Commanding Officer, as well as crewmembers from Station Bellingham, will host the event. The RB-M, which is manufactured in Kent, Wash., replaces the 41-foot Utility Boat, which has been in use since the 1970s. The RB-M brings new capabilities in performance, efficiency and operational availability to the international border and San Juan Islands, Wash. The increased capabilities will improve Station Bellingham’s ability to continue to carry out Coast Guard missions including recreational boating safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, port, waterway, and coastal security and defense operations.


Further sports arena study
pleases Port of Seattle

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle says it welcomes the Arena Advisory Committee’s findings regarding the need for further study and analysis on traffic impacts of an additional sports facility in the SODO area. According to the port, traffic associated with an additional large facility in that area could slow the movement of cargo to and from port facilities and major highways. Nearly 22,000 jobs directly depend on moving containers to and from port terminals, and those jobs could be jeopardized if traffic impacts aren’t addressed. The port is a major economic engine for our region, generating nearly 200,000 jobs state-wide. Over the next 25 years, the Century Agenda calls for that number to grow to 300,000 jobs for Washington. Many of those jobs will be created by moving many more containers across port docks – something that will be dependent on an efficient and effective road and rail system surrounding our harbor.


Rail freight traffic count
rolls to up/down week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported mixed weekly rail traffic for the week ending March 17, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 278,420 carloads, down 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 227,138 trailers and containers, up two percent compared with the same week last year. Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with petroleum products, up 32 percent; motor vehicles and equipment, up 15.5 percent, and stone, clay and glass products, up 11.3 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included farm products excluding grain, down 21.9 percent, and coal, down 14.7 percent.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 5, 2012

Port of Bellingham executive director
resigns during commission meeting

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners in their April 3 regular meeting accepted the resignation of Executive Director Charlie Sheldon, effective immediately. Commissioners also appointed Port Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer Rob Fix to serve as interim executive director until the position is permanently filled. Mr. Sheldon served as executive director since October 2010 and managed the port well during a challenging transitional period, said Commission President Scott Walker. Recently the Board of Commissioners and Mr. Sheldon have been in discussions concerning the overall direction of the port and the role of the Executive Director, Mr. Walker added. Mr. Sheldon elected to tender his resignation and return to his home in Seattle to pursue other opportunities. He said he would make himself available during this transition to lend his expertise. The commissioners thanked Mr. Sheldon for his service to the port and the citizens of Whatcom County and Mr. Sheldon thanked the commission and the staff for the opportunity to serve as the executive director. The commissioners also appointed port Controller Tamara Sobjack to serve as interim auditor.


Mechanical woes force WSF
to reduce power on aging ferries

SEATTLE — Two of the oldest ferries in the Washington state system are experiencing drive-motor problems that require the vessels to operate at reduced power when they are in service, Washington State Ferries (WSF) reports. The KLAHOWYA and TILLIKUM ferries, built in the 1950s, serve what’s called the “Triangle” – routes between Fauntleroy (West Seattle), Vashon Island, and Southworth (Kitsap County). The KLAHOWYA is currently back on the route after being out of service recently for drive-motor related repairs. WSF says the vessels are generally operating about two knots slower than the usual speed of 14 knots, but thanks to crew diligence the ferries have maintained the schedule. The KLAHOWYA, TILLIKUM and EVERGREEN STATE are next on the list for retirement as WSF builds and brings into service new 144-car ferries, WSF added. The first new vessel is now under construction at Vigor Industrial’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle, with completion expected in 2014. The Washington state legislature this year approved funding for a second 144-car ferry.


Schnitzer Steel reports
second fiscal quarter numbers

PORTLAND — Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.35 for its fiscal 2012 second quarter ended February 29, 2012. This compares with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The company generated $128 million in operating cash flow during the second quarter and reduced total debt to total capital to 27 percent, down from 31 percent at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled ferrous metal products in the United States with 57 operating facilities located in 14 states, Puerto Rico and Western Canada. The business has seven deep water export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts and in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.


Diana Shipping inks time charter
for Panamax dry bulk vessel

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels, has announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with STX Panocean Co., Ltd., Seoul, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the m/v MINING STAR (to be renamed MELIA), at a gross charter rate of US$10,900 per day, minus a five percent commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum 11 months to maximum 14 months. The charter is expected to commence upon delivery of the vessel to the company. The MINING STAR is a 2005 built Panamax dry bulk carrier of 76,225 dwt that the company entered into an agreement to purchase in March 2012. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the company by the sellers in mid-April 2012. This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$3.6 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the charter.


DOT burried in applications
for 2012 TIGER grants

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that the overwhelming demand for TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants has once again far surpassed the available funding. Applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation for TIGER 2012 grants totaled $10.2 billion, far exceeding the $500 million set aside for the program. The Department received 703 applications from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. On November 18, 2011, the President signed the FY 2012 Appropriations Act, which provided $500 million for Department of Transportation infrastructure investments. Like the first three rounds, TIGER 2012 grants are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and will be awarded on a competitive basis. This is the fourth round of TIGER funding. The previous three rounds of the TIGER program provided $2.6 billion to 172 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. During the previous three rounds, the Department of Transportation received more than 3,348 applications requesting more than $95 billion for transportation projects across the country.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Three new response vessels
headed to lower Columbia River

ASTORIA — On March 27, the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River's Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) approved a $2.7 million Port Security Grant Program project to purchase three Regional Response Vessels with firefighting capability for the lower Columbia River. The acquisition of these vessels is the culmination of a two-year project to identify marine firefighting vulnerabilities in the Columbia River system and address them through federal grant programs. Astoria will receive a 35-foot vessel that will be operated by the Astoria Fire Department. The other two boats, 35-feet and 45-feet, will be based in the Vancouver, Wash., port area. Both Astoria and Vancouver port authorities have committed their organizations to maintain and sustain the response vessels for the benefit of the entire river system. Additionally, the new boats will help the Coast Guard in patrolling the ports and responding quickly to a variety of threats. The vessels are expected to be in place by early 2013. The AMSC also approved a $1.9 million Port Security Grant for a vessel tracking system focused on the Columbia and Snake River system. This system will integrate with and extend the vessel tracking system already in place between the mouth of the Columbia River and the Portland/Vancouver area, upriver to Lewiston, Idaho. Until now, lack of resources and challenging topography have severely limited vessel traffic reporting in this area.


Grants to help Port of Olympia
bring new lighting project online

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia’s marine terminal has initiated a program that will improve security lighting and emergency preparedness and will keep the port in compliance with U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) mandates. Federal grants will cover most of the cost. The port anticipates completing the design phase of the program by the end of June, 2012, and total construction and installation by April, 2013. Among the security improvements, the port will replace aging, inefficient lighting systems with modern, energy efficient, ‘green’ lighting. This will not only keep the port in compliance with existing regulations, but also will reduce the impact of light to the night skies and to the neighbors surrounding the Port Peninsula. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants will fund the acquisition of items that address both the DHS mandates and the U.S. Coast Guard requirement for maintaining a secured marine terminal. These items include: emergency back-up generators, existing lighting upgrades, new lights and security cameras, an emergency response and security vehicle, a telescopic boom lift and a portable telescopic lighting system.


Trucking group backs bill
replacing truck excise tax

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves called on Congress to swiftly adopt a proposal introduced by Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-Penn.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) to repeal the 12 percent federal excise tax on large trucks and replace it with a modest increase in the federal diesel fuel tax. “The proposal by Congressmen Gerlach and Blumenauer would not only reinforce the ailing Highway Trust Fund, but would provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing and speed adoption of environmentally friendly technologies,” Mr. Graves said. “It is exactly the kind of pro-growth, deficit-trimming legislation that lawmakers should be looking at as they seek to address our nation’s economic woes.” The bill would eliminate the 12 percent federal excise tax on heavy truck sales and replace it with a 6.3-cent increase in the federal diesel tax. “Revenues from the excise tax are only paid into the Highway Trust Fund when new trucks are purchased, but when truck sales slump, it puts even more pressure on the already overextended fund,” Mr. Graves said. “By collecting more in the diesel tax, the federal government could ensure a more stable and predictable source of funding for needed highway and bridge projects. “Further, by cutting more than $15,000 from the cost of the average new truck, eliminating the excise tax will encourage purchases of trucks, providing a boost for manufacturing and accelerate the adoption of new technologies aimed at improving safety and fuel efficiency,” Mr. Graves said. “Legislation like this is a win-win for the government and for the business community and should be swiftly enacted.”


APL predicts new vessels
will cut future carbon exhaust

SINGAPORE — Container carrier APL reports it is on course to reduce a key carbon exhaust measure 30 percent by 2015 from its global shipping operations. The Singapore-based line said an influx of new vessels, running at reduced speed, puts the target within reach. By 2015, APL said its fleet will produce 130 grams of carbon exhaust for every TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of cargo transported one nautical mile. That would be a 30 percent reduction from emission levels in 2009, when outside auditors first calculated APL’s carbon footprint. APL said it will deploy 32 new vessels in the next three years. It said the ships will be significantly more fuel efficient than its existing fleet, resulting in reduced emissions. The ships will also run at less than full speed, further curbing exhaust. The first two of the new vessels – each with 10,000 TEUs of container-carrying capacity – arrived last December. Two more are due in April.


Lowes presents Horizon Lines
with 2011 Platinum Carrier Award

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has been awarded the "2011 Platinum Carrier Award" by home improvement retailer Lowe's Companies Inc. Horizon Lines is the only Jones Act ocean carrier to receive a 2011 award from Lowe's for domestic ocean transportation service. The 2011 award marks the sixth consecutive year that Horizon Lines has received Lowe's Platinum Carrier Award, and the 11th consecutive year that Horizon Lines has been honored with a Lowe's award for providing consistently superior service. For each year beginning with 2001, Horizon Lines has earned either the Lowe's Outstanding Ocean Service Provider Award or the Platinum Award for providing consistently superior service in the U.S. domestic ocean trades to Alaska and Hawaii. Lowe's first awarded its highest transportation honor, the Platinum Carrier Award, to Horizon Lines in 2006, and Horizon has earned that honor every year since then.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Port of Port Angeles files suit
against Peninsula Plywood Mill, LLC

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles reports it has filed suit in Clallam County Superior Court to recover lease payments and other amounts owed by Peninsula Plywood Mill, LLC ("Pen Ply"). On December 12, 2011 Pen Ply vacated the mill site and acknowledged it had defaulted under its 10-year lease with the port. The port’s lawsuit is for unpaid rental payments, equipment rental fees and funds owed under a log transport licensing agreement. Jeff Robb, Port of Port Angeles executive director said, "We represent the interests of our taxpayers and must pursue all means of collecting what Pen Ply owes to the port. This legal action will allow us to determine whether there are assets available to satisfy Pen Ply's debt and if other means of collection are available."


Corps announces completion
of Port of Seattle munitions search

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is nearing completion of its Phase II Remedial Investigation of subsurface military munitions in the waters surrounding Port of Seattle’s Terminal 91. The Phase II investigation began in early February and ended March 24. Treatment of munitions items found during the investigation and demobilization of contractor equipment and facilities are all that remain to be accomplished. The investigation is a joint-agency effort with the Coast Guard, Navy and Port of Seattle to investigate and remove WWII-era munitions found at the facility. During the Phase II investigation, USACE and its contractors cleared surface obstructions and metallic debris from selected areas surrounding Pier 90 and Pier 91. Once complete, remote operated vehicles and divers performed subsurface investigation of these areas and removed uncovered military munitions. Munitions discovered during the investigation were unfired and unarmed World War II era items related to past use of the piers in support of the former Naval Supply Depot. During the Phase II munitions investigation, discarded military munitions were found at 12 locations in subsurface sediments around the piers. In addition to these items, 90 munitions debris items were also found. All discarded military munitions and munitions debris items found during the Phase II investigation have been removed and are awaiting on-site treatment and disposal.


Trailer Bridge closes book
on Chapter 11 proceedings

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Trailer Bridge, Inc. has announced that the company emerged from Chapter 11 proceedings. Trailer Bridge had originally submitted a restructuring plan to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on January 14, 2012, which was approved by a Federal judge on March 16, 2012. The company’s largest public note holders, including SEACOR Holdings Inc. and Whippoorwill Associates, Inc., which collectively represented a majority of the $82.5 million, 9.25 percent Senior Secured Notes, will receive at least 91 percent of new stock in Trailer Bridge and retain a $65 million debt instrument. As a result, SEACOR Holdings Inc. is now the company's largest stakeholder and will have three seats on the board of directors. Certain of the majority note holders provided $31.5 million in exit financing as part of the company’s plan. As a result, the company will pay unsecured creditors and contract parties 95-100 percent payment on their pre-filing claims. Throughout the process, Trailer Bridge continued to provide uninterrupted service to its customers and operated on its normal vessel sailing schedule between Jacksonville, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Dominican Republic.


OOCL inks 40-year deal
for Port of Long Beach terminal

HONG KONG — OOCL and the Port of Long Beach held a signing ceremony in Hong Kong April 3, for a 40-year container terminal lease with The Port of Long Beach (POLB). Known as the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project (MHRP), the agreement will enable OOCL to develop a state-of-the-art modern terminal with the latest automation technologies that will essentially triple the handling capacity of its current terminal at Long Beach and cutting environmental emissions by half. Philip Chow, chief executive officer of OOCL and Chris Lytle, executive director of the Port of Long Beach signed the agreement in front of representatives from OOCL, the POLB, and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).


Environmental contest underway
on CSX Corporation Facebook page

JACKSONVILLE, FL — CSX Corporation has launched a month-long Environmental Pursuit Facebook contest for fans to test their “Green IQ” during Earth Month. This interactive contest runs through April 30 and allows Facebook fans to assess their knowledge of environmental facts related to freight rail transportation and sustainability. Contest participants will be eligible to win a variety of eco-friendly prizes each week during the contest’s duration. Three grand prize winners will each receive $1,000 furnished by CSX, and CSX will contribute $1,000 to one charitable organization selected by each of the three winners. Participants can enter the contest by “liking” the official CSX Facebook page and clicking on the Environmental Pursuit tab located just beneath the cover photo. Here, participants can learn more about the contest, access the official rules and test their knowledge of environmental facts. To be eligible to win one of the three grand prizes, participants must complete the “Green IQ” quiz by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 30, 2012.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 2, 2012

Two persons believed dead
from Bellingham boathouse fire

BELLINGHAM — The Portof Bellingham reports officials are continuing their investigation of the large boathouse fire at Squalicum Harbor that is believed to have killed two people and destroyed about 10 recreational boats. Jim Langei, 43, and Sterling Taylor, 33, were aboard their 42-foot power boat, BREAKWIND, inside the G-East boathouse when the fire occurred. They were believed to be the only people inside the boathouse when the fire was reported at 5:27 a.m., Friday, March 30. Investigators from the Bellingham Fire Department and the Bellingham Police Department have not yet determined the cause of the fire and they anticipate the investigation will be ongoing for at least several weeks. Because the metal boathouse roof collapsed on top of the burnt vessels, divers and recovery boats have not yet been able to access most of the evidence from this fire. On Saturday, the unified incident command, which includes the port, police, fire, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the U.S. Coast Guard, developed plans for the recovery, cleanup and salvage operations and selected Global Diving and Salvage to conduct the work. Divers from Global conducted preliminary dives on Friday to search for victims and assess underwater conditions. Underwater visibility on Friday was just two to three feet and safety requirements that restricted some areas of the underwater site made the assessment difficult. Recovery of the victims is the highest priority for this effort. Global, a West Coast company with a branch in Anacortes, has begun staging equipment and personnel at Squalicum Harbor. High winds and unstable weather during the weekend complicated those efforts, which include moving a 150-foot barge with a 150-ton crane. Ecology remains on scene to help assess environmental damage and oversee cleanup operations. The Coast Guard also is assisting with environmental protection and safety at the site.


NYK ship management plan
meets new IMO standards

TOKYO — NYK’s Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and the company’s implementation procedure have been certified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) to be in compliance with the IMO Guidelines adopted by MEPC 63, making the company’s plan and implementation procedure the first in the world to receive this certification. SEEMP was developed by a specialized working group on greenhouse gas emissions convened by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and will incorporate best practices for the fuel efficient operation of ships, such as better speed management throughout a ship’s voyage. Such efficiency measures will significantly reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions. NYK’s certification recognizes that its SEEMP complies with the formulation of guidelines adopted at the 63rd session of MEPC (MEPC 63), which was held from February 27 to March 2, 2012. SEEMPs will be mandatory for all ships from January 2013.


Hamburg Sud christens
new 7,100 teu box ship

HAMBURG — On Friday, 30 March 2012, Hamburg Süd celebrated the christening of the container ship SANTA TERESA at the Cruise Terminal in Rotterdam (Netherlands). Sponsor of the SANTA TERESA was Dr. Angela Stieglitz, BASF SE. The SANTA TERESA is the seventh newbuilding of a series of ten identical container vessels which feature a slot capacity of 7,100 TEU apiece and are each fitted with 1,600 reefer slots. This makes the vessel one of the largest ships ever built for Hamburg Süd. Following its delivery at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (DSME) in Korea in September 2011, the SANTA TERESA initially operated in Hamburg Süd’s service between Asia and South Africa/South America East Coast. In January of this year, it was then phased into the shipping group’s Europe – South America East Coast Service.


Evergreen Shipping Agency
taps Amalfitano as president

JERSEY CITY — Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corporation (EGA), North America agents for global ocean carrier Evergreen Line, has named Roy Amalfitano as president. Thomas Chen, EGA chairman, announced his appointment. Mr. Amalfitano, who has been with Evergreen since 1984, most recently was executive vice president of the company, headquartered in Los Angeles. In his new position, he works out of the U.S. headquarters office in the New York metropolitan area in Jersey City. Mr. Amalfitano joined Evergreen in the company's Los Angeles office in import sales in 1984, immediately following graduation from California State University at Long Beach. In 1989, Mr. Amalfitano was transferred to Evergreen Minneapolis, where he was office head. He relocated back to Los Angeles in 1992 as import sales manager and in 1996, the export department was added to his responsibilities, as he was promoted to senior vice president in 1995. In 2002, he was promoted to deputy senior vice president and transferred to Evergreen Chicago office. In July 2007, Mr Amalfitano was again relocated to Los Angeles as EVP, where he remained until his appointment as president.


Container group calling for
Connie Award nominations

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) is seeking nominations for the annual Connie Awards being held on October 2, 2012, at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, CA. It is the fourth consecutive year that CII has presented Connie awards on the West Coast. The Connie Award, named for the container, has been presented every year since 1972. The award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the containerization and intermodal industry. These contributions include those involved with rail, ports, importers and exporters, third party logistics providers, technology, government officials and the media. To nominate a deserving person or company, contact CII Executive Director, Barbara Yeninas, at execdir@containerization.org or call (800) 231- 8244. All nominations must be received by May 15, 2012.