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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 Boeings 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 Tampas 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 Americas 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 nations 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 nations 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 Hewitts 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 Hewitts
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 ports 2011 Compass Award. The award, presented
at the ports 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 ports strategic
mission or any of the ports 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
Oregons third Senator. Active in Oregons 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 years 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 States
international trade through demonstrated success, industry
leadership, and innovation and service to the community. This
years 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 ports 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 commissions
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 states 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 worlds 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 APLs 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 years 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
ports 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 ports 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 logothe ports first in
more than 30 yearssymbolize 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
Americas 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
nations 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 worlds 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
Agencys 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 EPAs Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction
given to organizations that have significantly exceeded
EPAs minimum purchase requirements. Green Power Leadership
Club members must purchase 10 times the partnerships
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 Commissioners 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 Giglios 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 agencys 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 RailAmericas 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. (Februarys 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
ACPs 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 nations 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 Amtraks intercity
routes in California, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, and
potentially Iowa. The funding is being provided by the Federal
Railroad Administrations 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 Technologys
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 Russias 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 ports 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 Vancouvers 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
vessels 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 crews 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.
Navys 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 Americas
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 companys coal business. The higher
revenue coupled with the companys 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 Childrens Museum, Scuttlebutt Brewery,
Anthonys, 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 farmers 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 Vancouvers 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 ports 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. Vancouvers 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
ports 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 WWLs environmental
performance metrics and information on the companys 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 Transits 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 Transits
$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 citys 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
Departments 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 Airports Beaches Restaurant and Bar,
Nike Store, and the ports 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
airports 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 Pennsylvanias 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 Jerseys
Barnegat Bay, is pursuing a bachelors degree in
environmental communications with a minor in maritime studies at
Pennsylvanias Moravian College of Bethlehem. She plans to
apply what she learns in the program to her next endeavor as a
park ranger at Alaskas 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 nations
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 2010s 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 Transportations 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 Rivers 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 vessels detention included failure of the
vessels 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 Shippings 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 Crowleys 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 ports 100-year anniversary,
commemorating the establishment of the Port of Vancouver USA on
April 6, 1912. The ports rich history was highlighted
throughout the mornings 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. Paulsons
remarks was an overview of the ports 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.
Paulsons 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 years 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
Kennewicks 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 Auditors 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 Harbors 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 Kalamas livability but established the
ports 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 Kalamas 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
Bellinghams 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 Committees 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 arent 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 Bellinghams 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
whats 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 Industrials
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 Olympias 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 nations 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 APLs 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 ports 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 Seattles 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 companys 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 companys
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 contests 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 NYKs Ship Energy Efficiency
Management Plan (SEEMP) and the companys implementation
procedure have been certified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) to
be in compliance with the IMO Guidelines adopted by MEPC 63,
making the companys 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
Organizations (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
ships voyage. Such efficiency measures will significantly
reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions.
NYKs 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 Süds service between Asia and South
Africa/South America East Coast. In January of this year, it was
then phased into the shipping groups 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.