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August, 2009
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, August 31, 2009
Port of Seattle welcomes
largest container ship to call
SEATTLE The largest container ship to ever call the Port
of Seattle, the 10,000-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) ZIM
DJIBOUTI was at the port's Terminal 18 on Thursday, August 27.
The ZIM DJIBOUTI is deployed in the Grand Alliance's Pacific
Northwest Service, which links Seattle to Singapore, Laem
Chabang, Shekou, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung. The port welcomed the
ZIM DJIBOUTI with an on-board plaque presentation commemorating
the ship's first stop in Seattle. The largest ships to previously
call in Seattle, the 9,000-TEU MARIT MAERSK and METTE MAERSK,
were at the port in the first week of June.
Hard landing forces WSF
to shuffle ferry service lineup
SEATTLE The Seattle/Bremerton ferry route has been reduced
to one-boat service due to a hard landing of the 202-car
WENATCHEE at Colman Dock Sunday morning, Aug. 30. The
Seattle/Bainbridge Island route was on one-boat service from late
Sunday morning until Sunday afternoon. For the remainder of
Sunday, Aug. 30, WSDOT Ferries Division (WSF) reassigned the
144-car HYAK to the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route, restoring
two-boat service to that route with the 5:30 p.m. sailing from
Seattle. Overnight, WSF moved the HYAK to the Edmonds/Kingston
route, and the 202-car PUYALLUP moved to the Seattle/Bainbridge
route, restoring normal capacity on that route. This will reduce
capacity on the Edmonds/Kingston route by 58 vehicles. The
124-car KITSAP will be the sole vehicle ferry serving the
Seattle/Bremerton route for the remainder of Sunday, today, and
until further notice. Today, the first car ferry sailing from
Bremerton will be at 6:20 a.m. The one-boat schedule is posted at
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. WSF is also contacting private
passenger-only ferry services to ascertain availability of
vessels to provide additional service to Bremerton. The hard
landing occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. Sunday, at the
conclusion of the 10:25 a.m. sailing from Bainbridge Island, with
163 vehicles on board. The WENATCHEE landed hard in Slip 3 at
Colman Dock, causing damage to the vessels bow and the
slips wing wall.
Horizon vessels take part
in anti-piracy exercises
CHARLOTTE, NC Horizon Lines, Inc., recently participated
in two separate anti-piracy system trials in an effort to better
protect the lives of merchant mariners. In late July,
International Maritime Security Network, LLC (IMSN) conducted
safety drills and anti-piracy testing aboard the HORIZON
CRUSADER, while the ship docked in Orange, TX. IMSN completed a
test of the 'Triton Shield APS' system of deterrence and
training. Included in the system drill were deterrent measures
for approaching vessels, physical deterrents for potential
unlawful boarders, security and fortification for the crew, and
mitigating risk of penetration of the safe area. Training and
education of key stakeholders was also conducted. Along with
Horizon Lines' vessel operations teams, members of the Marine
Engineer's Beneficial Association, Seafarer's International Union
of North America, International Organization of Masters, Mates,
and Pilots, U.S. Coast Guard and Port of Orange Port Authorities
were in attendance. On August 11th, the vessel HORIZON CHALLENGER
currently in reserve status and docked in Bayonne, NJ, was the
site of the SAFE Solutions, LLC drill of their 'Nemesis 5000'
anti-piracy technology. The Nemesis 5000 is described as a
non-lethal, high pressure water system which integrates with a
vessel's existing fire suppression system to prevent unauthorized
boarding of the ship.
WSU project to look at
Port of Bremerton energy scheme
BREMERTON A Washington State University graduate studies
project will kick off a new sustainability initiative at the Port
of Bremerton. A master's degree class from WSU's mechanical
engineering program will perform a thorough analysis of energy
systems in the port's terminal and administration building at
Bremerton National Airport. The analysis will lead to detailed
recommendations on how to improve the building's energy
efficiency. The Engineering Design for Sustainability project is
what is known as a Capstone Course, meaning it is the graduate
group's final requirement for a masters of science in mechanical
engineering. The work will be performed at no cost to the port
other than incidental expenses for providing documents and other
information needed by the students. The engineering
recommendations will aim to produce energy efficiency throughout
the facility and reduce overall energy consumption. The port
recently decided not to proceed with building its Kitsap SEED
clean technology incubation building, but to look for other ways
to encourage clean-tech job creation. At the same time, it
pledged to focus on improving environmental and energy efficiency
practices in its existing operations. The port operates the
Bremerton National Airport, marinas in Bremerton and Port
Orchard, and the Olympic View Business and Industrial Parks.
NAFTA partner trade
down during month of June
WASHINGTON, DC Trade using surface transportation between
the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 31.5 percent lower in June
2009 than in June 2008, dropping to $50.8 billion in the sixth
consecutive month with a year-to-year decline of greater than 27
percent, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
(BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of
the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported
that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada
and Mexico rose 6.0 percent in June 2009 from May 2009.
Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and
other factors. Surface transportation consists largely of freight
movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88 percent of U.S.
trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. The value of
U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in June
was down 8.4 percent compared to June 2004, and up 17.6 percent
compared to June 1999, a period of 10 years. Imports in June were
up 11.8 percent compared to June 1999, while exports were up 24.9
percent.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bellingham Port Commission
files formal protest with NOAA
BELLINGHAM The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners
has voted to submit a formal protest of the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) site
selection and lease acquisition process. "The best outcome
for Bellingham is still to get NOAA, if we possibly can, because
it would be an anchor tenant, would provide essential new jobs
and would jumpstart our waterfront redevelopment," said
Commission President Scott Walker. "We believe the new
information we gained in the past few days made it essential that
we take another look at filing a protest. We still believe
Bellingham is the very best site for NOAA's facility." Last
week the commission voted against filing a protest in a meeting
that Commissioner Walker was unable to attend due to a death in
his family. Commissioner Walker took part in Thursday's Special
Commission meeting by phone, as did Interim Executive Director
Fred Seeger. Following the commission decision last week, port
staff and a legal team continued to evaluate the NOAA selection
process, as well as the agency's comparison between the winning
Newport, Ore., site and the Bellingham Shipping Terminal site.
Both sites scored very high in NOAA's site technical evaluation,
with Newport finishing slightly higher. The research found that
the federal agency's official Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
stated that sites under consideration could not be in a
floodplain. According to Port Attorney Frank Chmelik, the
analysis by the port's Washington D.C. lawyers indicates that
NOAA may not have followed proper procedure to deal with the
floodplain issue because, according to the port, the Newport site
is in a floodplain.
SEED project organization
disolves at Port of Bremerton
BREMERTON The Port of Bremerton reports the Kitsap SEED
non-profit corporation, a volunteer organization formed to serve
in an advisory role for the Kitsap SEED project, is dissolving.
Jon Kroman, board member and spokesperson for the organization,
said, "Our group fully concurred with the port's recent
decision not to proceed with the SEED incubator building and the
port's conclusion that it would be worthwhile to find new
approaches for encouraging clean technology job creation in
Kitsap County. Our four board members have established a good
working relationship and may continue informally to explore ways
in which clean technology could promote economic development in
the county, including collaboratively with the port."
Sea-Tac Airport nets funds
for electric charging station project
SEATTLE Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been
awarded $5 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to
add electric charging stations for airplane ground support
equipment and replace 200 gas and diesel vehicles with electric
vehicles, saving more than 400,000 gallons of fuel per year. The
project jump starts Sea-Tac's efforts to be the first airport in
the U.S. to fully electrify its fleet of ground support
equipment. In addition to the fuel savings, the project is
expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 4,500 metric tons
per year. Sea-Tac currently has about 650 ground support
vehicles.
Rail freight traffic count
remains down during week
WASHINGTON, DC The Association of American Railroads
reports that rail carloadings for the week ended July 25, 2009
continue to show slight improvement, but rail traffic remains
down compared with the same period last year. U.S railroads
reported originating 273,943 cars, down 17.4 percent compared
with the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down
15.6 percent in the West and 20 percent in the East. Intermodal
volume of 193,332 trailers or containers was down 17.9 percent
from the same week last year. Container volume fell 12.1 percent
and trailer volume dropped 39.1 percent. Total volume on U.S.
railroads for the week ending July 25 was estimated at 29.3
billion ton-miles, down 16.3 percent from the same week last
year. All 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last
year with declines ranging from 2.9 percent for nonmetallic
minerals to 57.9 percent for metallic ores. For the first 29
weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of
7,610,311 carloads, down 19.1 percent from 2008; 5,376,118
trailers or containers, down 17.2 percent, and total volume of an
estimated 809.7 billion ton-miles, down 18.1 percent.
Road projects to affect
Portland Airport traffic scheme
PORTLAND Three intersection projects will affect traffic
in the vicinity of Portland International Airport through January
2010. Drivers can expect some delays and are encouraged to drive
cautiously and watch for construction signs. These city of
Portland projects include new traffic signals, bike lanes and
turn lanes.
Aug. 27 to Nov. 15
N.E. Alderwood Road and N.E. 82nd Avenue -- There will be
intermittent lane closures during construction. Temporary traffic
control measures will be in place.
Sept. 1 to Oct. 31
N.E. Alderwood Road and N.E. Cornfoot Road -- N.E. Cornfoot will
be closed to traffic from the intersection of N.E. Alderwood to
approximately 1,000 feet west of the intersection. N.E. Alderwood
will be open to southbound one-way direction, however there will
be no access onto Cornfoot from Alderwood. Starting Aug. 29, N.E.
47th Avenue and N.E. Columbia Boulevard will be open to north and
south bound traffic and will provide access to Cornfoot Road.
Dec. 1 to Jan. 26, 2010
N.E. Columbia Boulevard and N.E. 47th Avenue -- Construction will
begin on N.E. 47th. Two-way traffic will remain with intermittent
lane
closures. Temporary traffic control measures will be in place.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Suz Michel, Bob Weist
earn Thomas Crowley trophies
JACKSONVILLE Suz Michel, director of people development
and learning for Crowley in Seattle, and Bob Weist, vice
president of sales and marketing for the logistics group were
awarded 2008 Thomas Crowley trophies, the company's highest
honor, at ceremonies yesterday at the company's Talleyrand
terminal in Jacksonville, Fla. Created in 1985, only 50 of the
company's 4,300-plus employees have been recognized with the
limited edition, bronze sculpture depicting young Thomas Crowley
as he ferried goods to and from ships on San Francisco Bay in the
early 1890s. The trophy serves not only as a tribute to the
founder of the company, but also to those honorees who have
aligned themselves closely with the company's values and
displayed outstanding performance along with dedication,
leadership, initiative and productivity..
Matson Navigation Chairman
announces retirement plans
OAKLAND Matson Navigation Company Chairman James S.
Andrasick is retiring from the company, effective September 1,
2009. Mr. Andrasick has been Matsons chairman since October
2008 and was the companys president and chief executive
officer from 2002 through 2008. During his tenure at the helm of
Matson, Mr. Andrasick oversaw a number of major initiatives,
including the construction of four new containerships, the start
up of a new China service, the growth of the subsidiary, Matson
Integrated Logistics, and the promotion of green
programs both at sea and on land. Prior to his Matson
responsibilities, Mr. Andrasick served as chief financial officer
and treasurer of Matsons parent company, Alexander &
Baldwin, Inc., from 2000 2003.
Israel Corporation aids ZIM
with $60 million cash injection
HAIFA An agreement has been reached whereby Israel
Corporation (IC) will inject US$60 million to ZIM as part of its
restructuring plan. The cash injection follows ICs
announcement at the beginning of the month that it is committed
to ensuring the long term financial stabilization of ZIM. A plan
has been put in place which includes a series of steps designed
to formulate a long-term plan aimed at ensuring the company can
prosper once the global markets recover. The strategy includes
measures such as changing and modifying its lines, reducing the
number of ships it operates, postponing deliveries of new ships,
reducing costs of leased ships and other arrangements with
ship-owners; and intensive negotiations with banks and financial
institutions about restructuring ZIMs debt. These steps
have been taken while maintaining ZIMs core activities and
taking extra care to continue to give its customers a full range
of services without interruption. ZIM continues to manage its
business throughout the world and meet all suppliers'
obligations.
Truck tonnage index
posts gains during July
ARLINGTON, VA The American Trucking Associations
advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index
increased 2.1 percent in July. In June, SA tonnage fell 2.4
percent. Julys gain, which raised the SA index to 101.9
(2000=100), wasnt large enough to completely offset the
reduction in the previous month. The not seasonally adjusted
(NSA) index, which represents the change in tonnage actually
hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled
106.3 in July, down 0.9 percent from June. Compared with July
2008, SA tonnage fell 10.4 percent, which was the best
year-over-year showing since February 2009. Junes 13.6
percent contraction was the largest year-over-year decrease of
the current cycle.
Evergreen to rationalize
service with CKYH Alliance
TAIPEI Evergreen Line has announced a rationalization plan
with the CKYH Alliance (Coscon, "K"LINE, Yang Ming,
Hanjin Shipping) for the U.S. East Coast / Northwest Europe
Service. The new service combines their Evergreen Line's Trans
Atlantic string of North Asia-U.S. East Coast-Europe pendulum
service (NUE) and the Alliance's existing Trans Atlantic service
- loop1 (TAS1) into a new Trans Atlantic Express service (TAE)
commencing September 2009. The new TAE service will operate with
four 2,400-TEU vessels with Evergreen Line and the CKYH Alliance
each deploying two vessels. The port rotation is as follows,
Antwerp - Bremerhaven - Rotterdam - Le Havre - New York -Norfolk
- Charleston - Antwerp.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Port of Seattle gives Nickelsville
timeline for removal of encampment
SEATTLE Port of Seattle officials have announced that the
Nickelsville encampment must leave port property by September
30th. A second notice of trespass will be posted at Terminal 107
this week. While port commissioners considered requests for up to
an additional 90 days, the port has no authority to provide
temporary housing, the shoreline park is an inappropriate
location for the encampment, and the camp violates Seattle city
code. Port officials reiterated their hope that encampment
members and advocates will continue efforts to find an
appropriate site for the group, and that they will leave port
property voluntarily.
Crowley adds SESOK
to Alaska River tug fleet
ANCHORAGE The SESOK, Crowley's newest triple-screw diesel
powered tug joined the fleet of Alaska river tugs this month,
when it called St. Mary's on the Yukon River to pick up its first
barge. Soon thereafter, the SESOK and its crew made stops along
the Yukon River in Emmonak, Nome, Hooper Bay and Bethel to meet
with Crowley personnel and villagers to celebrate the vessel's
maiden voyage with community barbecues. Jointly designed by
Crowley and Diversified Marine, the SESOK, which means
"beluga whale" in the native Inupiaq language, boasts
1,362 horsepower and is equipped to safely propel
petroleum/freight barges in river systems throughout Alaska. In
April, Crowley took delivery of the NACHIK, the SESOK's sister
vessel.
Tacoma Port Commission sets
study session with Sumner council
TACOMA Tacoma Port Commissioners and Sumner City Council
members are scheduled to meet together for the first time Monday,
Aug. 31, to discuss ways the two organizations can work together
to better serve the regions economy. Transportation
projects essential to creating jobs and expanding trade
throughout Pierce County will top the agenda. This first-ever
joint study session will be held at 6 p.m. at Pacific Crest
Industries, 13610 52nd St. E. in Sumner. The public is welcome to
attend. Discussions are expected to concentrate on transportation
routes of mutual benefit to the city and the port, and how the
two jurisdictions can provide political support to one another to
secure funding for the improvements.
Washington DOT eyes
$435 million in rail grants
OLYMPIA Northwest passenger rail advocates working toward
expanded passenger rail service between Portland and Vancouver,
B.C. had reason for optimism this week as the Washington State
Department of Transportation applied for nearly $435 million in
federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for the
Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. Washington state officials
believe their projects will compete well nationally due to the
states longstanding financial support for high speed rail
and partnership with Amtrak. Nearly $1.0 billion in capital and
operating funds has been invested in high speed intercity
passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor since 1994.
The financial support comes from a combination of federal, state,
and local support. Washington State alone has invested
significantly with a total of almost $331 million.
'PacifiCat' catamaran ferry
heads out of Port Metro Vancouver
VANCOUVER, BC Port Metro Vancouver reports that the first
of three PacifiCat fast ferries being transferred to
Abu Dhabi has been loaded aboard a heavy-lift vessel at in
preparation for shipment to the Middle East. PACIFIC VOYAGER, one
of the three catamaran ferries recently purchased by Abu Dhabi
Mar, a United Arab Emirates company that builds yachts and
remodels vessels, was loaded onto the Dockwise vessel SWIFT at an
anchorage near Deep Cove on Saturday, August 22, 2009. In order
to load the vessel, the SWIFT took on water ballast, allowing it
to sink deep enough for the 1,500-tonne catamaran to be floated
aboard onto customized cradles. The water was then pumped out and
the vessel secured for its 45-day voyage to Abu Dhabi. The SWIFT
and its cargo will leave port today, for its destination. The
PacifiCat ferries were operated from 1999 to 2000 by BC Ferries.
They were sold in 2003 to the Washington Marine Group which
announced in July that they had sold the three ships to Abu Dhabi
MAR for an undisclosed amount.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tacoma Port Commissioners
to meet with Lakewood City Council
TACOMA Port of Tacoma Commissioners and Lakewood City
Council members will meet for the first time together today, to
review a presentation on the Woodbrook Business Park Development
Report. In 2001, the Lakewood Council zoned 117 acres of the
Woodbrook neighborhood for industrial uses in light of its
proximity to surrounding military bases, the Cross-Base Highway
project, and Interstate 5, among other key factors. This summer,
the city began construction of new sewer lines to Woodbrook and
Tillicum. The Woodbrook Business Park Development Report contains
in-depth information on current conditions, infrastructure,
property holdings, and land uses and values. The Port of Tacoma
partnered with the City of Lakewood in 2008 at the request of the
city to fund this study of Woodbrooks redevelopment
potential. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24,
at the Clover Park Technical College Rotunda (Building 3). The
public is welcome to attend and may review the report at
www.cityoflakewood.us.
Bellingham Port Commission
backs away from NOAA protest
BELLINGHAM The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners
has decided that they will not submit a formal protest of the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's)
site selection and lease acquisition process. The key reason the
commission did not submit a protest was because analysis
demonstrated that Bellingham likely would not be chosen even if
it won a protest on several technical rating issues. Pursuing a
protest could cost up to $300,000 in port funds, according to
legal experts the port consulted with prior to the decision.
According to the port, the state of Oregon provided nearly $20
million in bonding capacity to the Port of Newport's project,
which allowed Newport to greatly reduce its project costs. This
state assistance resulted in Newport's lease proposal being $1.5
million a year less than the Bellingham offer. The commission
voted on a motion to cease all spending on the effort to protest
the NOAA site selection after more than two hours in an executive
session to discuss the legal issues at stake.
Tanker chief engineers
hit with pollution indictment
WASHINGTON, DC A federal grand jury in Houston has
returned an indictment charging two crewmembers of the oil tanker
GEORGIOS M with making false statements, violating federal law
designed to prevent pollution from ships and obstruction of
justice, the Justice Department announced. According to the
indictment, Ioannis Mylonakis and Argyrios Argyropoulos, served
as Chief Engineers aboard the oil tanker GEORGIOS M and each have
been charged with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from
Ships (APPS), making material false statements to the U.S. Coast
Guard and obstruction of justice. Both are accused of maintaining
false oil record books aboard the oil tanker that concealed
deliberate discharges of oil-contaminated waste directly into the
ocean. The defendants are accused of being responsible for the
oil record book when the oil tanker entered various ports in
Texas from 2006 to 2008 including Corpus Christi, Texas City and
Houston.
Air service to continue
between PDX and OTH
NORTH BEND, OR The Coos County Airport District has
announced that SkyWest has agreed to continue service between the
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend, Ore., and
Portland International Airport (PDX) without subsidy. With the
Portland routes approved without subsidy, travelers to and from
Oregon's southern coast maintain their north- and southbound
flight options, as SkyWest continues service between San
Francisco International Airport (SFO) and OTH. Since agreeing to
take over service between Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and
Portland International Airport in fall 2008, SkyWest and the
airport have worked together to ensure better service and travel
options on their northbound routes. Load factors during the
summer months have been on the rise, and continued community
support is essential to ensure ongoing service.
FMC dismisses investigation
of LA/Long Beach port practices
WASHINGTON, DC Citing a change in circumstances, the
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has announced that, by a 3-0
vote, it determined to dismiss FMC Docket No. 08-05, City of Los
Angeles, California, Harbor Department of the City of Los
Angeles, Board of Harbor Commissioners of the City of Los
Angeles, City of Long Beach, California, Harbor Department of the
City of Long Beach, and the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the
City of Long Beach Possible Violations of Sections
10(b)(10), 10(d)(1) and 10(d)(4) of the Shipping Act of 1984.
Among the practices under investigation were the employee-driver
mandate, incentive payments and provisions addressing access to
marine terminal facilities to certain harbor trucking providers
pursuant to the Clean Truck Programs of the Ports of Los Angeles
and Long Beach. The commission's order granted a motion to
dismiss filed by its Bureau of Enforcement (BOE). Changed
circumstances cited in support of dismissal included the grant of
a preliminary injunction in unrelated U.S. District Court
litigation which enjoins the employee-driver and off-street
parking requirements of the concession programs. Further, the
commission noted that the ports, on their own initiative,
modified their Clean Truck Programs in such a manner as to
alleviate the commission's concerns relative to the Clean Truck
Fee and Incentive programs. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long
Beach filed a reply supporting BOE's request. Dismissal of this
investigation concludes the commission's inquiry into the Clean
Truck Programs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, August 21, 2009
Funds headed to Puget Sound
for updated nautical charts
WASHINGTON, DC Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has announced
the award of a contract worth more than $1.3 million to
Williamson and Associates of Seattle to survey the floor of Puget
Sound. Part of a nationwide project funded through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Commerce
Departments National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
will map the seafloor, collect data in critical coastal areas,
and update nautical charts. Last surveyed in the mid-1930s using
lead line measurements, data from the effort will support safe
marine transportation and characterize marine habitats. Coastal
managers can also use the information to select appropriate sites
for renewable energy projects and to monitor the effects of
climate change. NOAA uses the data collected from the seafloor
surveys to update the nautical charts that are used by commercial
and recreational mariners. Mariners rely on those charts for safe
transit, looking for water depths and the locations of both
natural and manmade underwater obstructions that could interfere
with navigation.
Marcon acts as broker
in sale of cruise vessels
COUPEVILLE, WA Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville,
Washington reports that the sales of the two U.S. flag
mini-cruise ships WILDERNESS DISCOVERER (ex- MAYAN PRINCE) and
WILDERNESS ADVENTURER (SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE, CARIBBEAN PRINCE)
have concluded. Both vessels were sold by creditors JPMorgan
Chase to private Pacific Northwest interests for Alaskan
operations to begin in May 2011. The vessels will be operated
under a new small ship adventure brand called "InnerSea
Discoveries", which is designed to be more adventuresome and
appealing to a broad spectrum of younger-minded and experiential
travelers. The vessels were bought back by Washington Mutual,
Inc. (WaMu) at U.S. Marshal's Sale held in Seattle in May 2006
after Glacier Bay Cruise Lines filed for bankruptcy. After a
number of failed attempts to sell, they were inherited by
JPMorgan Chase during the takeover of WaMu in September 2008. The
boats were laid-up in fresh water in Seattle at the time of sale
where they are expected to remain during their refitting.
Purchase of both vessels was accepted in late March 2009, but due
to a number of issues in providing clear title, the closing of
the sale was delayed until now. WILDERNESS ADVENTURER was
purchased for $201,240 and WILDERNESS DISCOVERER for $314,760.
Marcon International acted as sole and exclusive broker in the
sale and had previously sold the 31 passenger WILDERNESS EXPLORER
shortly after the 2006 U.S. Marshal's Sale.
California Maritime Academy
finishes high on rankings lists
VALLEJO, CA The California Maritime Academy has received
some very positive news from independent sources in the form of
strong rankings from USNews & World Report and Forbes
magazines annual surveys of the nations best
undergraduate colleges and universities. The 2010 USNews survey,
based on responses from academic faculty and deans with knowledge
of specific institutions, again ranked Cal Maritime fifth among
17 ranked Baccalaureate schools in the western U.S. - second only
to the U.S. Air Force Academy among public schools in that
category. Cal Maritime also was chosen as one of the
nations top 100 public colleges and universities (#61) for
Forbes 2009 rankings of Americas Best Colleges - the
only state maritime academy to make the list.
Rail traffic numbers
make gains during week
WASHINGTON, DC The Association of American Railroads
reports that rail carloadings for the week ended July 25, 2009
continue to show slight improvement, but rail traffic remains
down compared with the same period last year. U.S railroads
reported originating 273,943 cars, down 17.4 percent compared
with the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down
15.6 percent in the West and 20 percent in the East. Intermodal
volume of 193,332 trailers or containers was down 17.9 percent
from the same week last year. Container volume fell 12.1 percent
and trailer volume dropped 39.1 percent. Total volume on U.S.
railroads for the week ending July 25 was estimated at 29.3
billion ton-miles, down 16.3 percent from the same week last
year. All 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last
year with declines ranging from 2.9 percent for nonmetallic
minerals to 57.9 percent for metallic ores. For the first 29
weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of
7,610,311 carloads, down 19.1 percent from 2008; 5,376,118
trailers or containers, down 17.2 percent, and total volume of an
estimated 809.7 billion ton-miles, down 18.1 percent.
Public invited to tour
Port of Olympia facilities
OLYMPIA Windmill blades from Brazil and logs going to
Japan are among the features of Port of Olympias tours of
the working waterfront. The public is invited to participate in a
guided tour on Sunday, Aug. 23, during the annual Sand in the
City event at Port Plaza on Budd Inlet. The half-hour tours are
scheduled at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Visitors can sign up on Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the
port booth on the Plaza, which is just north of Percival Landing
on Budd Inlet, or call 360-528-8000 on Friday. The tours are
among the many family attractions at Port Plaza during the Hands
On Childrens Museums Sand in the City event
http://www.hocm.org/.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Port Tracker Report finds
continued drop in box numbers
WASHINGTON, DC Import cargo volume at the nations
major retail container ports is expected to total 12.3 million
containers for 2009, a drop of 18.8 percent since last year and
the lowest level in seven years, according to the monthly Port
Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and IHS
Global Insight. The 12.3 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units
forecast for 2009 compares with 15.2 million TEU last year and is
the lowest level since the 11.6 million TEU seen in 2002. One TEU
is one 20-foot container or its equivalent. U.S. ports surveyed
handled 1.01 million TEU in June, the most recent month for which
actual numbers are available. That was down two percent from May
and 22 percent from June 2008, marking the 24th month in a row to
see a year-over-year decline.
Lufthansa Cargo adds flights
to Seattle-Tacoma Airport
SEATTLE Enhancing the Northwest region's trade links to
Europe, the Port of Seattle will welcome Lufthansa Cargo Airlines
as a new freighter service to Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport with their first arrival today. Lufthansa's MD-11
freighter will serve Sea-Tac twice a week from Frankfurt,
Germany, with a connection continuing to Los Angeles. This will
be the third freighter service from Sea-Tac to Europe and serves
a market (Frankfurt) previously not served by freighter. Other
European freighters serving Sea-Tac are Cargolux to Luxembourg
and Martinair to Amsterdam. Currently, the airport is served by
four freighter services to Asia. Lufthansa German Airlines only
recently began passenger service to Sea-Tac in March of 2008.
Lufthansa Cargo, a wholly-owned Lufthansa subsidiary, provides
belly-cargo service on these passenger flights, however, the
freighter addition will add "main-deck" cargo capacity
that allows for larger items to be shipped by air and greater
volumes per flight. Lufthansa Cargo's MD-11 freighter is capable
of transporting more than 90 tons of cargo at its full range
capability.
Boeing taps Perry Moore
to manage Portland operation
SEATTLE Perry Moore has been named general manager of
Boeing Fabrication's Portland manufacturing site, effective
immediately. In his new role, Mr. Moore also serves as the site
executive within the State of Oregon working with government and
community agencies and representing Boeing. Mr. Moore reports to
Ross Bogue, vice president and general manager of Boeing
Fabrication, a Boeing Commercial Airplanes organization. The
Boeing Portland site, located in Gresham, serves as the
manufacturing center of excellence for fabrication and assembly
operations of complex machining, gear systems and end-item pilot
controls for Commercial Airplanes.
Horizon Lines earns
Quest for Quality award
CHARLOTTE, NC Horizon Lines, Inc., has earned a 2009 Quest
for Quality Award in the ocean carrier category from Logistics
Management magazine. The Quest for Quality Award recognizes
leading logistics and transportation providers for service
excellence and customer satisfaction based on performance, value,
information technology, customer service, equipment and
operations. The Quest for Quality Award is based on a
wide-ranging survey conducted each year by Logistics Management,
a monthly publication for supply chain professionals. The
publication surveys qualified buyers of logistics and
transportation services to evaluate providers on service
excellence and customer satisfaction.
Navious Maritime Holdings
buying two Capesize vessels
PIRAEUS, Greece Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., a global,
vertically integrated seaborne shipping and logistics company,
has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire two
Capesize vessels, currently under construction at the same South
Korean Shipyard, to be delivered in the second half of 2010. The
aggregate nominal purchase price for the two new vessels will be
approximately $141.5 million payable with a combination of cash,
and mandatorily convertible preferred stock. The effective
purchase price for the two vessels, assuming a $10.00 conversion
price of the preferred stock, would be $115.6 million ($57.8
million per vessel). The vessels will be employed under existing
long-term charter-out contracts with an average length of 10
years and will generate approximately $17.4 million in annual
EBITDA (assuming operating expense of $5,000 per day and 360
revenue days per year).
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Commerce Secretary to announce
ARRA funding for maritime projects
WASHINGTON, DC On Thursday, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
will announce millions of dollars of American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to strengthen the economy, create
jobs, and support safe and efficient marine commerce and trade,
which contributes more than $742 billion and 13 million jobs to
the economy annually. The awarded contracts will help the
Commerce Departments National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) map the seafloor, collect data in critical
coastal areas, and update nautical charts of approximately 2,000
square nautical miles in the Chesapeake Bay and other areas along
the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.
Panama Canal Authority
puts expansion plans in motion
PANAMA CITY The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reports it
has reached a critical milestone for the Canal Expansion Program
moving ahead on time and on budget. Culminating months of work,
the ACP received Grupo Unidos por el Canals (GUPC)
performance and payment bonds and signed the contract. On August
18, ACP Executive Manager and Locks Project Management Division
and Contracting Officer Jorge de la Guardia issued the Notice to
Commence work slated for August 25, 2009. The scope of work
included in the contract encompasses the design and construction
of the canals new set of locks and water-saving basins on
both the Pacific and Atlantic ends of the canal.
Corps closing Ballard locks
for salmon structure inspection
SEATTLE Both the large and small locks at the Hiram M.
Chittenden Locks in Ballard will be closed to all marine traffic
from 8 a.m. 1 p.m. tomorrow. The closure will allow dive
teams to inspect an Adult Salmon Exclusion Structure immediately
upstream of the locks. The structure prevents salmon access to
the locks salt water return system and improves the
viability of the salmon runs, which use the fish ladder to return
upstream to their spawning grounds. The design allows for the
doors to be manually closed during migration and opened when the
salmon are not migrating. For current information about
activities at the locks, visit the Corps of Engineers Web site at
www.nws.usace.army.mil and select Dams and Locks then
Lake Washington Ship Canal from the left column.
General Dynamics NASSCO
launches new Navy supply ship
SAN DIEGO General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned
subsidiary of General Dynamics, has launched the U.S. Navy's
newest supply ship, USNS MATTHEW PERRY (T-AKE 9), during a
christening ceremony at the shipyard. The ship is named in honor
of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the U.S. Navy officer who
established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th Century.
Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, the commander of the U.S. Navy's 3rd
Fleet, was the ceremony's principal speaker. Ms. Hester Evans,
the great-great-great granddaughter of Commodore Perry and the
ship's sponsor, christened the ship by breaking the traditional
bottle of champagne against the bow before the 689-foot-long ship
slid into San Diego Bay. Approximately 2,000 people attended the
ceremony.
Coast Guard cutter recovers
sonobuoy while on Arctic duty
ARCTIC OCEAN A Coast Guard Cutter HEALY boatcrew along
with a scientist from Scripps Institution of Oceanography
recovered a sonobuoy, Aug. 8, 2009, while on a scientific
research mission in the Arctic Ocean. The 1,100-pound sonobuoy
spent nearly a year on the ocean floor at a depth of almost 1,000
feet measuring ambient noise at its location. To locate and
recover the device the HEALY was steered to the position the
sonobouy was deployed a year ago. A signal was sent from the
cutter to the buoy that commanded it to release the ballast
weights that held it to the bottom of ocean. After a 10-minute
assent, the device reached the surface and was located by the
boatcrew. The crew towed the buoy to the stern of the HEALY where
it was hoisted onto the ship using a large a-frame crane. While
deployed, the sonobouy recorded sounds made by whales, seals and
other marine mammals. It also monitored sounds created by
movements of ice sheets above and the sea floor below. This
information will be used to help scientists understand the
natural sound level in the ocean. The HEALYs current
mission is of part of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf Task
Forces efforts to determine the outer limits of the U.S.
continental shelf.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, August 17, 2009
Panama Canal marks
95 years of operations
PANAMA CITY On August 15, the Panama Canal celebrated 95
years of service as an engine of global trade and national
growth. Since the steamship Ancóns inaugural Canal passage
August 15, 1914, the waterway has offered safe, reliable and
efficient service to more than 983,000 transits. The canal will
reach the significant mark of one million transits next year. On
this anniversary, the canal finds itself engaged in the largest
project since its inauguration, the Expansion Program, which
broke ground September 2007. The expansion of the canal will
permit the transit of larger ships carrying more cargo, which
will affect economies of scale and increase the usage of the
Panamanian waterway. Additionally, just like the construction of
the canal, expansion will contribute to technological advancement
in the diverse fields of engineering and construction, among
others.
Coast Guard training exercise
set for Port Angeles, Seattle
PORT ANGELES In support of the North Pacific Coast Guard
Forum, an international partnership of Coast Guard-like agencies
from several countries, the U.S. Coast Guard will host an
international, humanitarian service training exercise August
23-27 in the Port Angeles and Seattle areas. Coast Guard ships
from Japan, Canada, Russia and the United States, as well as
observation teams from China and South Korea, are scheduled to
participate in various events. The ships are scheduled to visit
and operate out of the Port Angeles area August 23rd and will
travel to Seattle August 26th.
FreeSeas announces charters
for three Handysize vessels
PIRAEUS, Greece FreeSeas Inc., a transporter of dry-bulk
cargoes through the ownership and operation of a fleet of seven
Handysize vessels and two Handymax vessels, has announced new
charters for three of its vessels, the FREE ENVOY, the FREE HERO,
and the FREE IMPALA. The M/V FREE ENVOY, a 1984-built, 26,318 dwt
Handysize vessel, has been delivered to its charterers at a daily
rate of $7,900 for a spot time charter trip of 40-50 days. The
M/V FREE HERO, a 1995-built, 24,318 dwt Handysize vessel, has
been delivered to its charterers for a spot time charter trip of
approximately 25-30 days at a rate of $13,000 per day. The M/V
FREE IMPALA, a 1997-built, 24,111 dwt Handysize vessel, has been
delivered to its charterers at a daily rate of $8,750 for a spot
time charter trip of 25-40 days.
Border Protection personnel
make food drive donations
BLAINE, WA Personnel of the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection pitched in and sponsored a food drive to benefit local
food banks in support of First Lady Michelle Obamas
Summer of Service program. As part of the national
effort, CBP officers at the Blaine area ports and Vancouver
pre-clearance station donated and distributed a combined 1,266
pounds of food to the Blaine and Sumas city food banks. The goal
of this donation drive is to help restock food banks which face
their greatest challenge during economic downturns when
contributions are slowed. This giving provides a passage from
temporary crisis to stability for many families subsiding on
limited incomes permitting them to pay for other great needs such
as medical expenses, housing, and childcare. Among the items
collected were rice, oatmeal, pasta, tomato products, canned
vegetables, fruit, chicken, turkey, tuna and perhaps the all time
favorite for children, macaroni and cheese.
NYK Group makes donations
to non-profit organizations
TOKYO From June 3 through June 30, the NYK Group conducted
a campaign to encourage donations from its employees and
directors to non-profit organizations (NPO) recommended by the
Japan Philanthropic Association (JPA), an association that has
been active since 1991 promoting social contribution activities
that allow corporations to fulfill their responsibilities to
society. The donations were then matched by the company,
resulting in a sum total of 1.4 million yen for the NPOs. The JPA
pools contributions from a variety of companies and their
employees and then donates the entrusted contributions to
selected NPOs. The unique feature of the system established by
the JPA is that it encourages collaboration between the company
and its employees and helps build strong, trusting relationships
between donors and recipients. Events are sponsored so that
donors and recipients can learn more about each other, and once a
donation is made, periodic reports are provided about how the
contributions are being utilized. This year, three
organizationsNishiwaki Kikin, the Carillon Child Center,
and the Childline Support Centerwere highlighted.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, August 14, 2009
ZIM LOS ANGELES
makes first stop in Seattle
SEATTLE The containership ZIM LOS ANGELES made its first
call at the Port of Seattle on Wednesday, August 12. The
8,400-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) ship is deployed in the
Grand Alliance's Pacific Northwest Service, which links Seattle
to Singapore, Laem Chabang, Shekou, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung. The
service calls at the port's 196-acre (79-hectare) Terminal 18,
which is leased and operated by SSA Terminals. The port welcomed
ZIM LOS ANGELES with an on-board presentation of a plaque
commemorating the first stop in Seattle. The 10,000-TEU ZIM
DJIBOUTI is scheduled to call Seattle later this month.
Sailing vessel returns to Everett
following around the world cruise
EVERETT Flying all the nations flags obtained around the
world will be a colorful and welcome site to family and friends
of Sailing Vessel MOOREA, a 1974 - 35 Dufour Sloop,
Captained by Kelly and First Mate & Wife Kelly Waterhouse,
who will gather on August 29, 2009 to Welcome Home
MOOREA, to the Port of Everett, 1700 West marine View Drive
at 2:00 pm. MOOREA and crew, cut dock lines from this very same
location July, 2005, four years & seven days prior to the
completion of their circumnavigation voyage on July 10, 2009.
Family and Friends are eager to Welcome Home MOOREA after
completing their world cruise, of 33,000 nautical world miles
visiting over 31 countries. For more information about The
Adventures of Sailing Vessel Moorea, please visit
www.kkmoorea.com.
US rail freight traffic
down again during week
WASHINGTON, DC The Association of American Railroads
reports that rail traffic continues to reflect the sluggish
economy with traffic remaining down year over year for the week
ended July 18, 2009. U.S railroads reported originating 268,553
cars, down 17.9 percent compared with the same week in 2008.
Regionally, carloadings were down 17.3 percent in the West and
18.9 percent in the East. Rail carloadings were at their highest
level in 15 weeks. Intermodal volume of 189,541 trailers or
containers was down 18.8 percent from the same week last year.
Container volume fell 13.5 percent and trailer volume dropped
38.6 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending
July 11 was estimated at 28.7 billion ton-miles, off 17.3 percent
from the same week last year. Seventeen of the 19 carload freight
commodity groups were down from last year with declines ranging
from 11 percent for chemicals to 51.6 percent for metallic ores.
The commodity group showing a significant increase over last year
was farm products other than grain, which was up 19.8 percent.
For the first 28 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported
cumulative volume of 7,337,655 carloads, down 19.1 percent from
2008; 5,182,786 trailers or containers, down 17.2 percent, and
total volume of an estimated 780.4 billion ton-miles, down 18.2
percent.
Vessel management firm
pleads guilty in COSCO BUSAN case
WASHINGTON, DC Fleet Management Ltd., a Hong Kong-based
ship management firm, has pleaded guilty to a criminal violation
of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 for its role in negligently
causing the discharge of more than 50,000 gallons of fuel oil
into San Francisco Bay from the COSCO BUSAN when the vessel
struck the San Francisco Bay Bridge in dense fog on Nov. 7, 2007.
Fleet Management also pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of
justice and false statement charges for creating false and forged
documents after the crash at the direction of shore-based
supervisors with an intent to deceive the U.S. Coast Guard. The
guilty pleas were made as part of a plea agreement with the
government that is subject to approval by Judge Susan Illston of
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
If the plea terms are approved by the Court, Fleet has agreed to
pay a total $10 million criminal penalty. Of this amount, $2
million would be devoted to fund marine environmental projects in
San Francisco Bay.
Coast Guard awards medals
to pair for life saving efforts
SEATTLE Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Capt. Suzanne
Englebert presented Certificates of Valor yesterday, to Bruce
Johnson and Stevie Kokita for their heroic actions on the evening
of June 28, 2008. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kokita rescued a man from a
vehicle that plunged into Puget Sound after the vehicle smashed
through the parking lot barrier in the Des Moines Marina in Des
Moines, Wash. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kokita immediately jumped into
the water to assist with the rescue. The driver of the automobile
was taken safely to shore. Tragically, the passenger died in the
accident. The Certificate of Valor is awarded to those who
exhibit courage in saving a life or attempting to save a life at
extreme risk.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Congressional delegation celebrates
dedication of Port of Vancouver terminal
VANCOUVER, USA The complete U.S. Congressional delegation
that represents Southwest Washington will participate in the
dedication of the Port of Vancouver USAs new Terminal 5,
today, from 10-11:30 a.m., with the formal program beginning at
10:30. Sen Patty Murray, D-Wash., Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.,
and Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash, will each speak during the
dedication ceremony, which commemorates not only the new marine
terminal, but also the groundbreaking of a new unit-train rail
facility on the terminal as well. Terminal 5 was previously home
to the Alcoa and later Evergreen Aluminum smelter
and extrusion facilities, which once hosted as many as 3,000 jobs
for the Vancouver area. While aluminum operations shut down
completely several years ago, the property hasnt been fully
utilized since Alcoa ceased its operation in 1985.
Everett Port Commission
puts building's fate up to vote
EVERETT The Port of Everett Commission has voted
unanimously to allow the voters of the Port District to decide
the fate of the historic Collins Building by putting the matter
up to a public vote in November. On November 3, 2009, the voters
will have the chance to vote up or down a one-time, $15 million
capital tax levy to restore the 60,000 square foot building. The
Collins Building was constructed in about 1925, and operated as a
casket manufacturing factory on the Everett waterfront until the
1990s. The port acquired the Collins Building, along with 23
acres around the building, in 1991. On June 16, 2009, the Port
Commission voted to deconstruct the Collins Building, and
mitigate for the loss of the structure by ensuring pieces of the
building lives on in the community. To pass, 60 percent of the
Port District must vote in favor of the capital levy. For
taxpayers, this would mean a commitment of approximately $1.06
per assessed $1,000 home value for one year. This is about $318
for a 300,000 home.
Alaska Airlines to add
Portland to Chicago flights
SEATTLE Alaska Airlines has announced it will inaugurate
daily service between Portland and Chicago, starting Nov. 16,
2009. To celebrate, Alaska Airlines is offering $99 one-way fares
on the new nonstop route for tickets purchased by Aug. 31, for
travel by Jan. 31, 2010. Fares are available for purchase on
alaskaair.com or by calling (800) ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522 or
TTY/TDD line 800-392-0228). Flights will depart daily from
Portland at 10:10 a.m. and arrive at Chicago OHare
International Airport at 4 p.m. Flights will depart Chicago at
4:45 p.m. and arrive in Portland at 7:10 p.m. Times are based on
local time zones. Alaska Airlines will operate the new route with
fuel-efficient Boeing 737 aircraft. Alaska Airlines inaugurated
service to Chicago in June 2000 and today offers daily nonstop
service to the Windy City from Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska.
Freight transportation index
holds steady during June
WASHINGTON, DC The Freight Transportation Services Index
(TSI) was unchanged in June from its May level, remaining at its
lowest level in 12 years, the U.S. Department of
Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
reports. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology
Administration, reported that the Freight TSI has declined in all
but two of the last 11 months. The index has declined 14.8
percent in that 11-month period. The Freight TSI measures the
month-to-month changes in freight shipments 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. The June Freight TSI of 94.0 is the same as in
May, remaining at its lowest level since June 1997 when it was
92.4. The Freight TSI is down 16.7 percent from its historic peak
of 112.9 reached in May 2006. The 6.3 percent decline in the
first six months of 2009 was the largest in the last decade,
exceeding the 4.6 percent decline for the first six months of
2000. The 14.2 percent decline in the Freight TSI from June 2008
to June 2009 was the largest June-to-June decline in the 20 years
for which the TSI is calculated.
Port of Seattle reports on status
of homeless camp on port property
SEATTLE On July 23rd, the Nickelsville encampment moved
onto the Port of Seattles Terminal 107 public park without
permission. Port staff members believe that legally, the Port of
Seattle has neither the authority to provide housing nor the
ability to donate property for the encampment. We
understand the difficult situation that many of the Nickelsville
members are in, and share the concern of many in our community
about the serious problem of homelessness, said Port of
Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. But the port must consider not
just our legal authority and our responsibility to create jobs
and economic growth for the region, but the needs and wants of
other residents in the region who live adjacent to and use port
parks and facilities every day. Mr. Yoshitani has asked
Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag, Washington State Attorney
General Rob McKenna and Washington State Speaker of the House
Frank Chopp to clarify the ports legal authority to donate
the property for housing. Mr. Yoshitani hopes the request for
legal clarification can be expedited. In a separate action, the
port has withdrawn the motion for unlawful detainer filed before
King County Superior Court. The motion was scheduled to be heard
on August 13th. However, the port reserves the right to proceed
with the Notice of Trespass given to the encampment on July 24th,
and Mr. Yoshitani has instructed staff members to continue
working toward the previously stated August 21st deadline for the
encampment to leave port property.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Duane Pearson selected
as Everett Port Commissioner
EVERETT The Port of Everett Commission appointed Mukilteo
resident Duane Pearson to the District 2 seat on Aug. 4, 2009.
Commissioner Pearson was sworn in that day, and is now an active
member of the port commission. Commissioner Pearson has resided
in the port district for more than 60 years, and is familiar with
the ports various operations and business endeavors. He
also served on the ports properties advisory committee. His
beneficial expertise includes knowledge in the banking, insurance
and real estate fields. Commissioner Pearson spent the bulk of
his career as a general manager of Real Estate with Simpson
Investment Company in Seattle, a private company in the wood
products industry. Commissioner Pearson will hold the District 2
position on an interim basis until the results of the general
election in November 2009 election are certified. The special
filing for the post is scheduled for Aug. 19-21.
New Port of Seattle terminal
welcomes first vessel call
SEATTLE The first vessel to call at the Port of Seattle's
new Terminal 30 arrived on Saturday, August 8. China Shipping's
CSCL JAKARTA tied up at the Terminal's North Berth, where it
discharged and loaded containers. The Port of Seattle invested
nearly $50 million in the 70-acre, two-berth facility. China
Shipping and SSA Terminals will operate the terminal in a joint
venture under a long-term agreement. China Shipping has called at
the Port of Seattle since 1999. The carrier's previous home in
Seattle was at the port's Terminal 18. Construction of the
terminal generated approximately 600 jobs and the facility will
support 400 ongoing jobs related to cargo operations.
Panama Registry sees rise
in number of vessel onboard
PANAMA Panama Registry continues to post record figures
reaching 8,644 vessels exceeding 500 dwt, totaling 202.6M gt at
July 10, 2009, up from 8,605 vessels totaling 183.5M gt as of
December 2008, according to Lloyds Register. Panamas
merchant fleet represents 21.87 percent of the worlds total
fleet. Japan is the largest customer of Panamas Ship
Registry accounting for 45.4 percent of the total fleet, followed
by Korea, 7.1 percent, China, 6.7 percent, Greece, 6.4 percent
and Taiwan, 4.3 percent. From 2007 to 2009 a number or 1,539
vessels registered in Panamas merchant fleet are new
buildings totaling 42.8M gt, with some 364 new buildings vessels
registering during the six months of this year. From May 1, 2009
to July 31, 2009, some 166 vessels less than three years old and
over 500 gt have been registered under Panama flag, of which 55
have been delivered in 2009 and one will be delivered in 2010.
New firefighting station open
at Bellingham International Airport
BELLINGHAM The Bellingham International Airport has
boosted its emergency response capabilities with the opening of a
new state-of-the-art Airport Rescue Firefighting Station. The
port has nine airport operations specialists who provide the
first emergency response to aircraft. The new 7,550 square foot
facility has three equipment bays, a state-of-the-art
communications room, kitchenette and training room. The building
also has 1,500 square feet of unfinished space available for
future expansion as the airport grows. The airport has
experienced tremendous growth in recent years and last month over
1,000 people a day flew out of the Bellingham commercial airport.
With Allegiant Air, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines, passengers
now have seven non-stop destinations available. The port began
planning for the new facility in 2003 because of increased
aircraft traffic near the old station, which was near the US
Customs clearing office. The new facility alongside the runway at
2005 W. Bakerview Road allows for faster response to potential
aircraft emergencies. More than 95 percent of the design and
construction costs on the $2.7 million dollar facility were paid
for through Federal Aviation Administration funding. The new
facility was designed to meet safety regulations for both the
current size classification of the airport as well as the future
size classification, if the airport growth continues.
Wright brothers characters
appearing at pair of air shows
PORTLAND Two fellows who look a lot like Orville and
Wilbur Wright will speak to audiences and pose for photographs at
two popular air shows this month the Northwest Antique
Airplane Fly-in at Pearson Field in Vancouver, Wash., on Aug. 15,
and the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport on
Aug. 29. The appearances are part of a summer campaign called
Thank you, Orville and Wilbur. Because of you, I can
fly! It was launched by the Port of Portland last month to
recognize and support the 14 airlines that serve Portland
International Airport. The Pearson Field Airport event will
feature an Orville and Wilbur costume contest with $500 travel
gift certificates for the best costumes in three categories.
Prizes will also be awarded at the Oregon International Air Show
at Hillsboro for the winners of the Thank you, Orville and
Wilbur essay contest under way now. Submissions for the
essays can be submitted online until Aug. 17. For details on all
events and contests, visit www.flypdx.com.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, August 10, 2009
WSF calling for bids
to build new 64-car ferries
SEATTLE The plan to improve Washingtons ferry fleet
takes another step forward with the advertisement on Aug. 7, of a
contract to build at least two new 64-car ferries. The Washington
State Department of Transportations Ferries Division (WSF)
is building four new ferries in the next five years to replace
its aging fleet. Nine of WSFs 20 auto-passenger ferries are
between 40 and 60 years old and must be replaced in the next 20
years. The last new Washington State Ferry was put into service
in 1999. The state recently sold four 82-year-old Steel Electric
class ferries after they were removed from service for safety
reasons. WSF awarded a $65.5 million contract to Todd Pacific
Shipyards in December 2008 to build one 64-car ferry, which is
scheduled to be delivered in summer 2010. The Port
Townsend/Keystone route is currently being served by the
Steilacoom II leased from Pierce County. The 2009 Transportation
Budget provided $114.8 million for construction of 64-car ferries
in the 2009-2011 biennium, and $69.4 million in the 2011-2013
biennium. WSF will pursue a contract for the second and third
64-car ferries with an option to purchase a fourth 64-car ferry.
However, if sufficient resources are available to build one
144-car ferry prior to exercising the option to build the fourth
64-car ferry, WSF will pursue procurement of a 144-car ferry
instead of a fourth 64-car ferry. The bid package was posted on
WSFs contracts Web site on Friday, August 7. WSF will open
bids on the additional 64-car ferries contract this fall.
Stork Craft moving offices
to Port of Bellingham location
BELLINGHAM Just a year after locating its Distribution
Center in Bellingham, Stork Craft (USA) Inc. relocated its United
States administrative offices from Las Vegas to Bellingham. Last
week Stork Craft opened an office at the port's Bellwether
Building. In addition to the general manager, Stork Craft plans
to have six to 10 more administrative employees work in the
Bellingham office. The company's world headquarters are in
Vancouver, B.C. Stork Craft is the largest supplier of juvenile
furniture in the world, with factories located in China,
Indonesia and Vietnam; and international distribution in Canada,
Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Dead whale discovered
in Tacoma's Blair Waterway
TACOMA The Port of Tacoma reports it is working with
marine mammal response network members to determine the cause of
death of a whale discovered Friday in a Commencement Bay
waterway. A Port Security officer spotted the whale, estimated to
be 30 to 35 feet long, at the south end of the Blair Waterway.
Its unclear yet whether the whale, believed to be a fin or
sei, came in with a container ship. Members of the response
network, which includes NOAA-Fisheries, the state Department of
Fish and Wildlife and Cascadia Research Collective, said the
whale also appeared to have a throat injury, which might indicate
an attack by an Orca or other animal. The port had the whale
towed to a secure location, where wildlife biologists examined it
Saturday morning to determine the cause of death.
Horizon Lines recognized
for perfect schedule reliability
CHARLOTTE, NC Horizon Lines, Inc., has topped the list of
ocean carriers worldwide for schedule reliability in the second
quarter 2009 with 100 perecnt on time performance, according to
Drewry Shipping Consultants, based in London. This honor comes
after Horizon Lines was awarded the Platinum Carrier Award
earlier this year from home improvement retailer Lowe's Companies
Inc. for providing 100 percent on-time service in 2008. Horizon
Lines is the only ocean carrier serving each of the domestic U.S.
trades of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Horizon Lines has
been continually recognized in recent years for schedule
integrity, vessel maintenance and safety programs, while making
efficiency gains to help mitigate the environmental impact from
its ships.
Electric boat nets contract
to repair damaged submarine
GROTON, CT The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics
Electric Boat a $65.2 million contract to perform repair work on
USS HARTFORD (SSN-768), a Los Angeles-class submarine damaged in
a collision March 20. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary
of General Dynamics. Under the contract, Electric Boat will
install a hull patch, bridge-access trunk, port retractable bow
plane and the sail, which were fabricated under a previously
awarded contract. In addition, Electric Boat will perform
selected maintenance work on the submarine.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, August 7, 2009
Port of Camas-Washougal
nets judgement against Riverwalk
WASHOUGAL The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced the
conclusion of the second phase of the arbitration process between
the port and Riverwalk on the Columbia, LLC. The port filed a
motion with the Clark County Superior Court to confirm the recent
arbitration award and for entry of judgment against Riverwalk on
the Columbia, LLC. The arbitration panel awarded to the port
substantial attorney's fees and costs in the amount of
$607,852.67. A copy of the port's Motion to Confirm Arbitration
Award is available from the port's Web site at
http://portcw.com/news.htm
Port of Everett has clean audit
for 12 consecutive years
EVERETT The Port of Everett demonstrated its high
financial standards once more by achieving another clean audit,
marking the 12th consecutive year with no findings reported by
the State Auditors office. Representatives from the
Washington State Auditors Office visited the port between
June 1 and July 8 to review its financial documents from the
period of Jan.1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. The scope of the
audit included the evaluation of financial statements, as well as
documentation. related to the accountability of public resources
and compliance with laws and regulations, such as open public
meetings, gift of public funds, compliance with contracts and
agreements and contract change orders. At the exit conference,
the Auditors Office commended the port for positive
cooperation in the audit process, and thanked staff for their
helpfulness and timely response to all audit
requests.
US rail freight traffic
continues string of down weeks
WASHINGTON, DC The Association of American Railroads
reports that rail traffic remains down year over year for the
week ended July 11, 2009. U.S railroads reported originating
262,210 cars, down 17.9 percent compared with the same week in
2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 12.8 percent in the West
and 25.6 percent in the East. Rail carloadings were at their
highest level in 14 weeks. Intermodal volume of 176,887 trailers
or containers was down 23.7 percent from the same week last year.
Container volume fell 19.4 percent and trailer volume dropped
40.3 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending
July 11 was estimated at 28 billion ton-miles, off 16.9 percent
from the same week last year. All 19 carload freight commodity
groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 4.2
percent for the catch-all category labeled all other
carloads to 58.4 percent for metals and metal products. For
the first 27 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative
volume of 7,069,102 carloads, down 19.2 percent from 2008;
4,993,245 trailers or containers, down 17.1 percent, and total
volume of an estimated 751.7 billion ton-miles, down 18.2
percent.
Neptune Orient Lines
releases first half numbers
SINGAPORE Global container shipping, terminals and
logistics group Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) has announced a net
loss for the first half of 2009 (1H09) of US$391 million,
compared with a net profit of US$196 million for the same period
of 2008 (1H08). For the second quarter of 2009 (2Q09), NOL
recorded a net loss of US$146 million. At the Core EBIT level NOL
posted a loss of US$353 million for 1H09. Revenue for 1H09 was
down year-on-year by 37 percent to US$2.931 billion.
Marcon brokers sales
of supply boat/deck barge
COUPEVILLE, WA Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville,
Washington reports the sales of both a 166' supply boat in the
Arabian Gulf and a 5,000dwt ocean deck barge on the U.S. West
Coast. United Salvage and Towing (Phils) Inc. of the Phillipines
sold their 1979 built supply vessel GULF VENTURE to Middle East
Buyers on private terms. Constructed at Halter Marine of
Patterson, Louisiana, USA; the 166' x 38' x 13' depth vessel
worked in the Middle East for most of 2009, so Buyers were able
to inspect and take delivery with minimal travel and
repositioning. Young Brothers Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii has sold
their 250.0' x 72.0' x 14.5' ocean deck barge MAKAHANI to Pacific
Cachalot, Ltd. of British Columbia. The 5,000stdw barge was
originally built in 1982 by Bergeron Industries of Perlington,
Mississippi, brought around to the West Coast by Zidell Marine of
Portland and equipped with 24 hopper bins on deck with clamshell
doors and a conveyor discharge system for the aggregate trade.
Marcon International Inc. has sold or chartered 21 vessels and
barges during 2009. Sales of several additional vessels and
barges are expected to be concluded within the next few weeks.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Surgery center under construction
on Port of Bellingham property
BELLINGHAM The Port of Bellingham has announced that
Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute has begun construction on
1.9 acres of leased land near the Bellingham International
Airport. Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute recently received a
building permit to construct a 9,300 square foot surgery center
on Mitchell Way. The high-tech eye care facility will provide a
low-stress, comfortable, homelike atmosphere. The company
acquired a land lease from the port in 2007 that extends over a
25-year period with two 15-year renewal periods. The general
contractor is Schwiesow Construction and the facility should be
completed by February 2010. Approximately 12 part and full-time
employees will work out of this new surgery center.
Port Metro Vancouver
posts mid-year numbers
VANCOUVER, BC Mid-year cargo statistics released by Port
Metro Vancouver (PMV) include several positive areas of growth
among expected reductions. While overall tonnage was 48.8 million
tonnes, down almost 17 percent from the same period in 2008,
there were increases in commodities such as grain and petroleum.
The cruise sector showed improvement from the first half of 2008,
with an increase of five percent in revenue passengers to
354,251. Container volumes declined 15 percent, for a total of
1.04 million TEU. Containerized full imports, down 25 percent,
reflected reductions in the retail economy for this period. Laden
container exports decreased eight percent, reflecting stability
in demand for woodpulp, grains and agri-products such as special
crops.
US joins Republic of Philippines
in anti-piracy joint agreement
WASHINGTON, DC On July 31, 2009, Secretary of
Transportation Ray LaHood met with President Gloria Arroyo of the
Republic of the Philippines and signed the first joint nonbinding
Memorandum of Cooperation between the two nations to address the
piracy issue. It is estimated that pirates have carried out more
than 82 attacks this year just in the waters of the Gulf of Aden
and off the Somali coast, and more than 199 seafarers are
currently being held captive. Piracy threatens the health and
safety of all seafarers and disrupts the free flow of maritime
commerce in major commercial corridors. The problem deeply
concerns both nations, since many U.S. vessels have been
threatened by these activities, and the Philippines is the
worlds largest supplier of seafaring labor. Working
together, the two nations can improve counter-piracy training and
education. The agreement calls upon both nations to develop best
practices to enhance vessel security, conduct drills to ensure
seafarers are prepared to respond to acts of piracy, and share
information. The two nations will also examine ways to strengthen
legislation and regulations to address this problem.
APL nets environmental award
from Port of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES Global shipping leader APL has received the
Port of Los Angeles' top environmental prize for improving air
quality. The world's seventh-largest container carrier, APL
received the second annual Clean Air Action Plan Award at a
ceremony attended by Southern California maritime and government
officials. In presenting the award, the port hailed
"innovative operations and technologies that improve air
quality," at APLs Global Gateway South marine
terminal.
Schnitzer recycling program
benefits from 'clunker' vehicles
PORTLAND The Clunkers Recycling Dealer Program
set up by Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and its Auto Parts
Business subsidiaries GreenLeaf Auto Recyclers and Pick-N-Pull
Auto Dismantlers has gained a significant positive response from
new car dealerships receiving trade-ins of clunker
vehicles through the federal governments recently
implemented Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). Hundreds of new
car dealerships have registered with Schnitzers Clunkers
Recycling Dealer Program, with an expectation that additional new
car dealerships will recognize the benefits of working with
Schnitzer facilities as dealers ramp up to timely process the
large numbers of Clunkers being traded in. Under Schnitzers
Clunkers Recycling Dealer Program, Schnitzer will provide
dealerships an immediate quote for their Clunker that is
guaranteed for 15 business days and provide a certificate of
destruction, free towing services, and quick payment.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
NOAA Marine Operations Center
to be built at Newport, Oregon
WASHINGTON, DC NOAA has selected the Port of Newport,
Ore., to be the new home of the agencys Marine Operations
Center-Pacific beginning in 2011 pending the signing of a 20-year
lease. NOAA selected the site following a rigorous process
involving an extensive review of proposals submitted by sites in
Washington and Oregon, both of which are centrally located for
all NOAA ship operations on the West Coast. The current lease
expires on June 30, 2011. Considerations in selecting the site
included NOAAs infrastructure needs, proximity to maritime
industry resources and NOAA labs, quality of life for civilian
employees, officers and crew, the ability to meet the desired
occupancy date of July 2011 in addition to lease cost.
Foss Maritime operations
earn zero injury honors
SEATTLE Two regional divisions of Foss Maritime celebrated
important safety milestones July 31. Southern California and El
Segundo operations have gone a year without a lost-time injury,
and San Francisco Bay operations have gone a year and a half.
This industry has historically focused on getting the job
done and has accepted the notion that injuries are sometimes part
of the cost of doing business, said Gary Faber, president
and chief operating officer of Foss. At Foss we have
rejected that attitude and have a stated goal of zero injuries.
The impressive achievement of the Southern California and San
Francisco regions is a very important step toward that
goal.
Sea-Tac Airport continues string
of best recycling workplaces
SEATTLE King County's Solid Waste Division has, for the
third year in a row, named Port of Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport to the third-annual Best Workplaces for
Recycling & Waste Reduction, one of 65 organizations to make
the list this year. Sea-Tac Airport is being recognized for
strong internal recycling programs and for a commitment to
reducing the amount of waste produced. To qualify as a Best
Workplace for Recycling & Waste Reduction, organizations met
at least 10 criteria out of a list of 33 good business recycling
practices-choices that range from placing recycling bins by every
desk, to collecting food scraps for on or off-site composting, to
having internal 'green teams.'
Shipper hit with penalties
for illegal bilge waste dumping
WASHINGTON, DC The operator of an ocean-going chemical
tanker ship has been sentenced in federal court to pay a fine of
more than $2 million for polluting the high seas, the Justice
Department announced. Consultores de Navegacion, a Spanish
company that operates the M/T NAUTILUS, an ocean-going chemical
tanker ship, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas P.
Woodlock to pay a fine of more than $2 million and serve three
years of probation for criminal violations related to the
overboard discharge of oil-contaminated bilge waste on the high
seas. The company pleaded guilty on April 6, 2009, to conspiracy,
falsification of records, obstruction, and two violations of the
Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships for failing to maintain an
accurate oil record book.
Special cruise series targets
divorced and single again market
PORT EVERGLADES National Cruise retailer Cruise.com has
announced a series of cruises dedicated to the 'divorced and
single again' market. "These cruise groups were designed for
divorced individuals to meet, party and perhaps even connect with
others who have shared similar relationship experiences,"
said Anthony Hamawy, President of Cruise.com. Special activities
planned include private parties, games, prizes, and more. The
divorcee cruises are currently scheduled for three sailings this
year including Oct. 16 on the Norwegian Sky for three nights to
the Bahamas from Miami, Nov. 16 aboard the Royal Caribbean's
Radiance of the seas for five days to Mexico from San Diego, and
Dec. 18 aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas for three
day Bahamas from Miami.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, August 3, 2009
Port of Seattle program
cuts sulfur dioxide emissions
SEATTLE Ships at the Port of Seattle have reduced
emissions of sulfur dioxide by at least 80 percent and diesel
particulate matter by 60 percent through an innovative program
called At-Berth Clean Fuels. The program was unveiled aboard
Matson Navigation's M/V MANOA, at the port's Terminal 18.
At-Berth Clean Fuels (ABC Fuels) was devised by the port and
shipping lines that call Seattle in order to meet the goals of
the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a joint effort by the
Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver (Canada) and their private
sector partners to reduce maritime related air emissions. Vessels
participating in ABC Fuels agree to use low sulfur fuel (0.5% or
less) in their auxiliary engines while docked in Seattle. In
exchange, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency helps defray the cost
of the more expensive low sulfur fuel by providing participating
vessels with $1,500 for each port call. So far 37 ships from six
container lines and one cruise line are participating in ABC
Fuels. Those ships have made 91 stops at Seattle since January
and represent about 35 percent of the vessels that make frequent
calls at the port. Sulfur dioxide emissions from those vessels
have declined by more than 20 tons.
Panama Canal Authority
calling for project proposals
PANAMA CITY The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released
its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the fourth dry excavation
contract, the second largest and most complex project after the
locks contract. Rounding out the last of four dry excavation
projects, this dry excavation project represents a key portion of
expansions new access channel linking the new Pacific locks
with the waterways existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest
stretch of the Panama Canal). The scope of work will include 27
million cubic meters of unclassified excavation, the installation
of a backfilled cellular cofferdam water barrier and the
construction of an earth-rock filled dam that will conform part
of the eastern bank of the access channel.
Trade between NAFTA partners
drops sharply during May
WASHINGTON, DC Trade using surface transportation between
the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 35.4 percent lower in May
2009 than in May 2008, the biggest decline from the same month of
the previous year on record, according to the Bureau of
Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative
Technology Administration, reported that the value of North
American surface trade dropped to $47.9 billion in the fifth
consecutive month with a year-to-year decline of greater than 27
percent. Imports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. in May were
down 38.1 percent from May 2008 while exports from the U.S.
declined 32.0 percent. Surface transportation consists largely of
freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88 percent
of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. The
value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico
fell 3.7 percent in May 2009 from April 2009. Month-to-month
changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.
The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and
Mexico in May 2009 was down 9.9 percent compared to May 2004, and
up 16.1 percent compared to May 1999, a period of 10 years.
Imports in May were up 12.0 percent compared to May 1999, while
exports were up 21.2 percent.
Hanjin Shipping plans
rate increases, fuel charge
SEOUL Hanjin Shipping is introducing a rate restoration
program for the Trans-Atlantic trade effective September 1st,
2009. The amount of rate increase for all shipments between
Europe and North America in both directions is USD 150 per TEU
and USD 225 per FEU. Hanjin Shipping comments that despite the
companys continuous efforts to reduce costs, this rate
restoration is inevitable in order to maintain quality service to
its customers under the current economic climate. Additionally,
in response to rapidly increasing fuel costs, Hanjin Shipping
will be introducing a fuel recovery charge (FRC) for all
shipments between North Europe and South America effective August
15th, 2009. The charge is USD 73 per TEU and USD 146 per FEU for
Northbound and EUR 55 per TEU and EUR 110 per FEU for Southbound.
President taps Matsuda
as MarAd deputy administrator
WSHINGTON, DC David T. Matsuda was named deputy Maritime
Administrator by the President on July 28, 2009, and was
officially sworn into office on July 30, 2009. Mr. Matsuda served
as Acting Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy from
March 2009 until his appointment as Deputy. Prior to that, he
spent seven years on Capitol Hill. While working in the Senate,
Mr. Matsuda was engaged in the formulation and debate of most
major federal transportation legislation from 2002-2009. Most
recently he served as senior counsel and primary transportation
advisor to U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey. In
2002, Mr. Matsuda became a Georgetown University Government
Affairs Institute fellow on the staff of the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science and Transportation. From 1998 to 2002, he
worked as an attorney with the safety law division of the Federal
Railroad Administration.