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February, 2008

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 29, 2008

Port of Seattle adding
Capital Development Division

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani announced a major reorganization, implementing changes that consolidate contracting, procurement, and project management. The new Capital Development Division will house existing engineering and construction functions and the port’s new Central Procurement Officer, a position recommended by the State Auditor’s performance audit. The move reflects the CEO’s desire to increase the accountability of the Port’s procurement and
construction management. Mr. Yoshitani will hire a Managing Director of Development to supervise the approximately 200 staff members consolidated from the port’s operating divisions. The new position will be part of the port’s Executive team, reporting directly to the CEO. He expects the new division to be fully operational by summer.


Crowley Maritime planning
equipment purchases for 2008

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation's liner services group has announced a 2008 equipment acquisition plan that involves over 1,500 new containers and related cargo handling units. Included in the order are about 50 45-foot (102-inch wide) containers with recycled, composite-material floors, which are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional wood floors. Aside from the environmental advantages of using recycled floors, there should be other benefits as well. According to the manufacturer Singamas - the recycled material is tougher than wood and more resilient against wear and tear; it's also water resistant, decay-proof, mold-resistant, corrosion-resistant and does not have to be treated with chemicals. The recycled materials used to construct the flooring of these containers should prove more durable providing additional time between maintenance cycles In all, Crowley will acquire 600 45-foot (102-inch wide) dry containers, 600 45-foot chassis, 120 40-foot high-cube and 40 20-foot standard refrigerated containers, 150 45-foot flat bed trailers, 50 mafi trailers and 274 generator sets.


First engineer pleads guilty
to dumping bilge waste

WASHINGTON, DC — The former chief engineer of an American-flagged car-carrier pleaded guilty February 28, to criminal charges related to the deliberate discharge of oil-contaminated bilge waste through a "magic pipe" that bypassed required pollution prevention equipment, announced Ronald J. Tenpas, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division and Rod J. Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. Patrick Brown, the former chief engineer of the M/V FIDELIO, renamed the M/V PATRIOT, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson to conspiracy and making a false statement in a ship's Oil Record Book. Mr. Brown was employed by Pacific Gulf Marine Inc. (PGM), a vessel operator based in Gretna, La., that previously pleaded guilty to its role in deliberately discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil-contaminated bilge waste from four of its car-carrier ships, including the FIDELIO. PGM was sentenced on Jan. 24, 2007, to pay $1 million in criminal fines and $500,000 in community service, and serve three years of probation under the terms of an environmental compliance plan that includes audits by an outside firm that, in turn, are reviewed by a court-appointed monitor.


US rail freight traffic
rises during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Total rail freight volume on U.S. railroads was up during the first week of February in comparison with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Total volume was estimated at 32.7 billion ton-miles, up 2.5 percent from last year. Carload freight totaled 316,031cars, up 1.2 percent from last year. Carload volume was up 2.1 percent in the East and 0.7 percent in the West. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 225,205 trailers or containers, down 3.1 percent from a year ago. Container volume fell 3.5 percent while trailer volume was off 1.3 percent. Nine of 19 individual carload commodities showed gains from last year, with farm products other than grain up 34.8 percent; grain up 30.1 percent; and metallic ores up 15.8 percent. Sharp declines were reported in loadings of coke, 36.4 percent; lumber and wood products, 20.7 percent; and primary forest products, 17.7 percent. Cumulative volume for the first six weeks of 2008 totaled 1,882,752 carloads, up 1.0 percent from 2007; 1,293,945 trailers or containers, down 3.3 percent; and total volume of an estimated 194.4 billion ton-miles, up 2.0 percent from last year.


Port of Vancouver, USA
taps Edberg as manager

VANCOUVER, USA — Monty Edberg has joined the facilities department at the Port of Vancouver, USA as engineering manager. His responsibilities include permitting, designing and construct­ing capital improvement projects at the port. Mr. Edberg has 15 years of engineering consulting experience, and most re­cently worked at Berger Abam Engineers, Inc., where he worked primarily on port projects.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Closures begin today
for John Day navigation lock

PORTLAND — The navigation lock at the John Day Dam facility will close to river traffic from 6 a.m. to noon today, tomorrow and March 1, to prepare the downstream lift gate machinery for repairs during the annual two-week closure scheduled between March 8 and March 22. The John Day Lock and Dam is located at exit 109 off Interstate 84. At this time no part of the dam is open for public access.


WTSA member carriers
plan bunker charge adjustments

OAKLAND — Major U.S.-Asia container shipping lines have taken steps to recover rising fuel costs, by collecting a greater share of their published bunker fuel surcharges in cases where those surcharges have been partially or fully absorbed into ocean freight rates. Member lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have announced a series of adjustments to surcharges as currently collected, effective April 1, 2008, across all dry commodity categories. At that time WTSA carriers say they intend to collect an additional US$300 per 40-foot container (FEU) in bunker surcharges – toward WTSA’s full, published bunker surcharge level – for agricultural products, chemicals, clay, forest products, hay, metal scrap, plastic scrap and freight-all-kinds (FAK) mixed container shipments. A US$200 per FEU adjustment will be applied to collected surcharge levels for wastepaper shipments, also effective April 1. Proportionate adjustments will be applied to shipments involving other equipment sizes, and to cargo not rated on a per-container basis.


Truck Tonnage Index
rises during January

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.4 percent in January 2008, after rising an amended 1.5 percent in December 2007. ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years. The new seasonal factors resulted in slightly lower truck tonnage volumes for 2007 than previously reported. ATA’s truck tonnage index fell 1.5 percent in 2007 from the previous year. ATA originally reported a 1.4 percent drop. December’s tonnage level, meanwhile, increased 1.5 percent; down from the previously reported 4.1 percent gain. ATA annually revises the index as part of its calculation for the upcoming year’s seasonal factors. ATA also restated the not seasonally adjusted data for several months in 2007 as some carriers amended tonnage levels at year end. The not seasonally adjusted index surged 11.4 percent from December to 113.6. The latest seasonally adjusted increase marked the third sequential gain, totaling 5.7 percent. The tonnage index stood at 117.3 (2000 = 100) in January, a 26-month high. Tonnage was also up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, which was the largest year-over-year gain since January 2005.


Port of Seattle names
Hinojos-Fall, Meyer to ethics board

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has voted to name Zulema Hinojos-Fall and Paul R. Meyer to the organization's Ethics Board, which oversees compliance with the commission's ethics policy. The new members will serve a term of three years on the five-member panel. Since 2001, Ms. Hinojos-Fall has served as an administrative judge for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Prior to holding that position, she served as judge pro-tempore for the City of Seattle Municipal Court and as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the King County Prosecutor's Office. She also has extensive experience in employment discrimination litigation. Mr. Meyer also brings considerable expertise to the board. Prior to forming his own management consulting service, he served as King County ombudsman for five years, mediating citizen and labor issues with members at all levels of King County government. He also worked for the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, and for the Washington State Association of County Commissioners.


Crowley taps Bill Hill as
business development director

ANCHORAGE — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Bill Hill has joined the company's energy and marine services group in Anchorage as director of business development. In this role, he will have responsibility for the sales and operation of the North Slope businesses and will work to develop additional opportunities in Alaska as well as the Canadian and Russian Arctic. Hill will report to Bruce Harland, vice president, Alaska contract services. Mr. Hill has extensive experience in project management, module construction and transportation, on the North Slope and in Russia. Prior to joining Crowley he worked on a number of projects including the Oooguruk Project with Pioneer Resources, the Sakhalin ERC1 project with ExxonMobil and the Alpine and Kuparuk Projects with Arco.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Final Blair Waterway piling
driven for Port of Tacoma project

TACOMA — A Port of Tacoma contractor drove the last of 795 concrete piling Monday into the Blair Waterway to support a new wharf. The $46 million wharf is part of a facility planned for the 83-acre former Kaiser Aluminum property on the east side of the Blair. Manson Construction of Seattle worked 12-hour days Mondays through Saturdays since late August to drive the 142-foot-long concrete piling, made by Concrete Technology on the Tacoma Tideflats. The long work days were necessary to complete the in-water work before the annual fish migration season begins. Remaining construction outside the water will continue until the wharf is complete, expected in October. This phase of construction was the first of more than $800 million in redevelopment along the Blair-Hylebos Peninsula between now and 2012. Future plans include a relocated and expanded terminal for Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) and a new marine terminal for NYK Line. The plans also include substantial road and railway improvements to serve these terminals as well as a privately owned terminal planned by SSA Marine and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.


Washington governor co-chairs
transportation policy meeting

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington Governor Chris Gregoire recently co-chaired a meeting with South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds on national transportation policy at the National Governors Association winter meeting. The governor co-chaired the committee meeting in Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s absence. The committee meeting was the first opportunity to hear the views of the nation’s governors on the recommendations and proposed solutions issued by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The commission was designated by Congress to study the nation’s current transportation conditions and future needs of the transportation system. The committee meeting was of particular importance as states face critical transportation funding needs due to reduced federal investments. In her remarks opening the committee meeting, the governor stressed that a business as usual approach will not work when addressing future transportation needs. “This is a defining moment for our nation’s transportation system and infrastructure,” Governor Gregoire said in her opening statement. “The looming deficit in the federal Highway Trust Fund, worsening congestion, rapidly expanding freight movement and resulting delays, and concerns about our nation’s infrastructure – made real last August with the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis - underscore the need to develop new solutions.”


Crowley nets contract
for Alaska cruise ship program

ANCHORAGE — Crowley will implement and administer the State of Alaska's Ocean Ranger Program, beginning with the 2008 cruise ship season. The State of Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) awarded the contract to Crowley February 25. The contract, valued at up to $4 million per fiscal year, directs Crowley to recruit, hire, train, and organize the logistics of placing up to 35 Ocean Rangers on board cruise ships this season to monitor their wastewater discharges and compliance with other pollution requirements for the state. Ocean Rangers are required as part of a new law adopted by the citizens of Alaska - the Alaska Cruise Ship Initiative - in 2006.


US steel import numbers
up during month of January

WASHINGTON, DC — The preliminary data released show that overall steel imports in January 2008 increased 33 percent from December 2007. The change in January’s total amount of steel imports was due to an increase in all goods, especially rebar; which increased 131.5 percent, from December to January. There was an increase across all carbon and alloy and stainless products. January 2008 imports of steel mill products were down 10 percent compared to January 2007.


TrentonWorks Ltd.
applies for receivership

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — TrentonWorks Ltd, a non-operating subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies, has announced that it has made application to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia for the appointment of a Receiver to take control of its assets. In April 2007, Greenbrier announced the closure of the railcar manufacturing operation, located in Trenton, Nova Scotia, Canada. The operation had become uncompetitive as a result of appreciation of the Canadian dollar and other cost disadvantages. Since then, the company has worked with Ernst & Young to market the facility and, in the process, directly contacted over 200 potential buyers, nationally and internationally. The company reports that that process was not successful, and TrentonWorks has now asked the court to appoint a receiver to administer the assets in the best interest of its creditors. The company expects the appointment of a receiver to eliminate any ongoing costs associated with this operation.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 25, 2008

Washington state sees jump
in export numbers for 2007

OLYMPIA — Led by aerospace industry sales, Washington state exports climbed to a record $66.26 billion last year, growing 25 percent over 2006 and nearly doubling in size over the past three years. Aerospace exports comprised $9 billion of the $13 billion total increase over 2006, and constituted $41.8 billion of total exports in 2007. Several categories of agriculture and dairy products also experienced strong growth. The trade statistics released by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) were compiled by the World Institute for Strategic and Economic Research (WISER). For the complete report, go to http://www.cted.wa.gov/site/122/default.aspx.


WSF finance director
announces plans to step down

SEATTLE — Washington Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond has commented on the resignation of Sam Kuntz, Ferries Division director of finance and administration. “Sam has served the ferries well over the five years he has been with WSDOT and we wish him well,” said Hammond. “He has been focused the last two years exclusively on launching the new electronic fare system and serving on the Smart Card implementation board.” Mr. Kuntz will complete his tenure at the Ferries Division March 1 to pursue other vocational interests and to spend more time with his family. Activities around filling the position will begin after David Moseley, Assistant Secretary for Ferries Division, starts in March. “We are committed to bringing the Ferries Division more into alignment with WSDOT business practices and that includes an evaluation and reorganization of ferries management and organizational structures,” said Secretary Hammond.


Hanjin adds larger ship
to Far East Europe Express run

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping has announced that it is deploying an additional 6,500TEU vessel to its FEX (Far East Europe Express) service. HANJIN CHONGQING, was christened at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan City. It is the last in a series of the eight 6,500TEU vessels ordered back in 2004 and 2005. This 6,500TEU vessel will replace the existing 5,500TEU ship that is currently deployed in FEX service. As a result, all vessels running in the service will be upgraded from 5,500TEU to 6,500TEU.


Ship management company
backs seafarers' protection plan

LONDON— InterManager, the trade association for the world’s in-house and third party ship managers as well as crew managers, has thrown its weight behind the call for seafarers to be protected against unfair criminalisation in the event of a casualty. At a meeting of the InterManager Executive Committee in London, the association said it strongly supported its members’ position that seafarers should not be made victims of a system whereby theyare incarcerated because they are the only representatives of an owner in the country where the incident took place. InterManager was responding to a recent decision by South Korean prosecutors to file charges against the master of the HEBEI SPIRIT over the December collision with a runaway crane-barge that led to thecountry’s worst oil spill.


Crowley vice president
presented safety award

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Charlie Nalen, Crowley Maritime Corporation's vice president of environmental safety and quality assurance, has been named Signal Mutual's first Safety Professional of the Year. The award honors safety professionals from Signal Mutual insured companies who are instrumental in helping initiate and develop outstanding safety performance within their respective companies. In the award ceremony in front of Signal's Board of Directors, Mr. Nalen and Crowley were congratulated for the success of the company's safety programs, which have helped decrease claims and losses.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 22, 2008

Port of Olympia cancels
annual boating/chowder event

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia has announced it will not host the 2008 Swantown BoatSwap & Chowder Challenge event scheduled for May 17 due to lack of adequate parking locations on the Port Peninsula. With the redevelopment of the East Bay District, the expansion and full occupancy of the Swantown Boatworks, and a contractual obligation for parking for the Farmers Market, the port explains there will not be enough safe and adequate parking available to support the event this year. The number of parking spots has been reduced from about 800 in prior years to only 100 this year. Vendors who have already sent in a payment towards the event will receive a refund. The annual BoatSwap & Chowder Challenge has become a popular community festival, drawing visitors from miles around for a full day of boats, chowder, fun and entertainment at Swantown Marina on Olympia’s East Bay. Since 1997, it has provided an opportunity for people to buy and sell boats and marine gear, taste award-winning chowder and enjoy the Puget Sound waterfront. Last year, the event drew about 2,000 people.


Boeing seeing gains
in freighter production

SINGAPORE — As Boeing looks forward in the freighter business, the company doesn't have to look very far to see that "The Future of Freighters Is Now." Orders for new Boeing production freighters have numbered 74, 81 and 83 for 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, for a total of 258 airplanes, accounting for about 14 percent of total Boeing commercial airplane order value during that time. This year the company began major assembly of the 777 Freighter and will move forward with the completion of assembly, flight test, certification and a fourth-quarter delivery of the first 777 Freighter to Air France. Boeing has also achieved critical design milestones for the 747-8 Freighter and the start of 747-8F production. Development of the 747-8F will proceed apace as General Electric conducts testing on its GEnx and Boeing reaches 50 percent design release during the early part of the year. Flying test-bed runs and 90 percent design release will be accomplished midyear and production on the 747-8F will start in late 2008, leading to a busy 2009 that features the airplane's rollout, first flight, certification and first delivery to Cargolux of Luxembourg. Along with the 777 and 747-8 activities, Boeing freighter plans for 2008 include the first delivery of the company's 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter to ANA and the release of Boeing's biennial World Air Cargo Forecast 2008/2009 at The International Air Cargo Forum & Exposition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November.


US rail freight traffic
up for first part of 2008

WASHINGTON, DC — Despite severe weather in parts of the country and continued weakness in the housing and automotive sectors, U.S. rail carload traffic rose 0.9 percent (13,876 carloads) to 1,566,721 carloads in the first five weeks of 2008 compared with the first five weeks of 2007, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. U.S. rail intermodal traffic fell 3.4 percent (37,232 trailers and containers) to 1,068,740 units in January. On the carload side, U.S. rail traffic was paced by grain (up 16,156 carloads, or 14.6 percent, to 126,970 carloads); coal (up 12,949 carloads, or 1.9 percent, to 695,015 carloads); and chemicals (up 7,407 carloads, or 5.1 percent, to 153,206 carloads). Commodities showing the largest declines in January 2008 included coke (down 9,462 carloads, or 33.8 percent, to 18,505 carloads); lumber and wood products (down 5,028 carloads, or 23.5 percent, to 16,324 carloads); and crushed stone, sand, and gravel (down 4,007 carloads, or 4.6 percent, to 82,570 carloads). All told, ten of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw carload increases in January. Intermodal — the movement of truck trailers or containers on rail cars — accounts for approximately 22 percent of U.S. Class I rail revenue. In January 2008, the trailer component of U.S. intermodal traffic was down 4.9 percent (11,860 units) to 228,119, while containers were down 2.9 percent (25,372 units) to 840,621. Total volume for the month was estimated at 161.7 billion ton-miles, up 1.9 percent from the first five weeks of 2007.


US government official
to visit CAFTA-DR countries

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Christopher A. Padilla will travel to Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica Feb. 25-29 to review implementation of the United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and discuss continuing efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with and throughout the region. Mr. Padilla will meet with senior government officials and private sector representatives, as well as visit companies that are benefitting from the agreement. During meetings with Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Costa Rican government officials, Mr. Padilla will encourage the need to build on the successes of CAFTA-DR, as well as tackle the related challenges. He will tour companies that are benefitting from U.S. exports to the region and visit U.S. companies that are helping to improve the lives of people across the region through investment, job creation, and social welfare projects. The United States posted a surplus in trade in goods with the CAFTA-DR region in 2007 – almost $3.7 billion, up from a $1 billion surplus in 2006. U.S. exports in 2007 to the five countries that have implemented the CAFTA-DR (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic) grew 15.4 percent from 2006. U.S. exports in 2007 to the five countries were at record levels: U.S. exports reached $22.4 billion to all the CAFTA-DR countries, up 14.4 percent from the previous year.


Crowley transports rare auto
to show in Puerto Rico

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Antique car enthusiasts in Puerto Rico were given a special treat recently, during the annual Gran Feria de Autos Antiguos when they got to see an extremely rare 1936 Duesenberg V-12. The vehicle is worth $2 million and there is only one known to exist worldwide. It was on display at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey Feb. 16 through Feb. 18 for the 15th annual high-end, classic, car show. Crowley was entrusted with the transportation of the car from its home at The William E. Swigart Jr. Automobile Museum in Huntingdon, Penn. to Puerto Rico and back. The Feria de Autos Antiguos de Puerto Rico is the largest automotive event on the island and attracts more than 40,000 visitors each year. Over 1,700 antique and classic cars were on display, in addition to motorcycles and other automotive products.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Port of Anacortes workers
set for TWIC enrollment

WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that enrollment in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program will begin at the Port of Anacortes tomorrow. This program ensures that any individual who has unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels has received a thorough background check and is not a known security threat. TWIC enrollment began Oct. 16, 2007 at the Port of Wilmington, Del. The addition of these six locations will bring the number of fixed enrollment centers open for enrollment to 78. Ultimately, the program will be rolled out to 147 fixed enrollment sites and will vet more than one million workers through 2008. Workers at the port are able to pre-enroll for TWIC on the TSA Web site (www.tsa.gov/twic). Pre-enrollment is intended to speed up the process by allowing workers to provide biographic information and schedule an appointment to complete the in-person enrollment process. More information on the TWIC program is available at www.tsa.gov/twic and additional information on port security is available at the U.S. Coast Guard's Homeport site at http://homeport.uscg.mil by clicking on the Maritime Security link.


Vessel brings garnet, new yacht
to Port of Olympia terminal

OLYMPIA — The BELUGA ENTERPRISE arrived Feb. 20 at the Port of Olympia marine terminal to discharge a cargo of about 3,900 metric tons of bagged garnet from India. The vessel also carried four yachts, one of which was unloaded in Olympia. This is the first vessel to call at the port this year. The port had two garnet shipments in 2007 and two in 2006. The product is low-grade garnet that is ground very fine and used in high-speed water cutting applications. It is stored in the port’s dockside warehouse to await shipment by truck to western U.S. and Canadian manufacturing operations. The yacht unloaded in Olympia was about 75 feet long and weighed 60 metric tons. It was discharged using the vessel’s crane directly into the water. The BELUGA ENTERPRISE flies the flag of Antigua. It was built at the Jiangdong Shipyard in China in 2005.


Horizon Lines new member
of SmartWay Transport Program

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced it has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership and earned the highest fuel efficiency and environmental performance rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SmartWay program is a collaboration between the EPA and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The partnership brings major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations together to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The partnership currently has over 450 partners.


New Yuma border crossing
opens Mexico to US truckers

YUMA, AZ — U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has announced a new U.S. – Mexico border crossing in Yuma, Arizona. The secretary stated that local communities and businesses across the nation stand to benefit from increased trade under a federal program that makes it possible for U.S. trucks to enter into Mexico. The cross-border demonstration project allows U.S. companies to travel into Mexico to make deliveries and pick-ups – giving them the ability to compete in Mexico’s growing markets and take advantage of new business opportunities. “Truckers from Peoria to Portland now have an opportunity to benefit from the multi-billion dollar cross-border shipping industry,” Secretary Peters said. “American workers and American businesses stand to profit every time a truck brings goods across our border.” In addition, Secretary Peters said the new border crossing will make cross-border access easier, which will make Yuma and the State of Arizona far better positioned to take advantage of enhanced trade with Mexico.


Tsakos announces sale
of Afrimax tanker

ATHENS — Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited has announced that the 1999-built Aframax tanker OLYMPIA has been handed to its new owners, an independent shipping concern, as per the sale agreement of September 2007. As a result of the sale, TEN will recognize a capital gain of $34 million in the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, TEN reported the delivery of the Panamax product tanker SELECAO from Sungdong shipyard of South Korea and commencement of employment under the new three-year charter to a major South American state oil company.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Washington governor Oks
construction of new car ferries

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed legislation authorizing construction for up to three new car ferries for communities served by the Washington State Ferry system. These new ferries would carry up to 100 vehicles per trip. The first of the boats authorized by Senate Bill 6794 is scheduled for delivery in 14 months. The three boats will join the three 144-car boats that are in the process of being designed. The design and construction of six boats nearly simultaneously is unprecedented for the state’s ferry system. In November, four of the ferry system’s Steel Electric-class vessels were taken out of service due to safety concerns about hull corrosion. This decision led to suspension of vehicle service on the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry route and to service disruptions on other routes. The new 100-vehicle ferries will begin serving the Port Townsend-Keystone route in April 2009. The legislation also calls for the ferries to be built in Washington, with the goal of maintaining and growing the maritime building industry, providing local family-wage jobs and maintaining the shipbuilding infrastructure needed to ensure Washington has the maintenance and construction services needed to serve the ferry system into the future.


Agencies ask public to take part
in waterway watch program

TACOMA — Coast Guard Sector Seattle - in partnership with the Seattle Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, Washington State Patrol, the Washington State Ferry System and other law enforcement agencies around Puget Sound - is asking the public to take an active role in fighting maritime related terrorism by taking part in the America's Waterway Watch program. The program is akin to a neighborhood watch program, but for port areas, and offers a hotline to report unusual or suspicious behavior. Once a report is received, local or federal law enforcement agencies respond and investigate as appropriate. The program acknowledges that no one understands what is unusual or suspicious better than those that work in the maritime industries, ride the ferries and regularly enjoy the recreational opportunities in and around Puget Sound. To advertise and elicit participation in the program, the Coast Guard has unfurled a 60ft by 20ft banner down the side a building located on Pier 36. The Banner is visible to passing traffic on highway 99 in downtown Seattle. For more information about the America's Waterway Watch Program go to www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.


Hanjin nets go-ahead
for terminal in Algeciras, Spain

SEOUL — The Port of Algeciras, Spain has made an announcement that Hanjin Shipping had been chosen as the preferred bidder for developing a dedicated terminal there. Hanjin Shipping’s Algeciras terminal, targeted to open in July, 2010, will be equipped with three berths in total length of 1,200m. It is expected to handle approximately 1.5 million TEU of container cargo on an annual basis. Hanjin Shipping is already operating a dedicated terminal in Antwerp, Belgium and is expecting another in Rotterdam, Netherlands in September, 2008. Hanjin currently operates 11 dedicated terminals (Domestic 4, Overseas 7). The company recently signed memorandums of understanding for developing dedicated terminals in Vietnam (March, 2007) and also in Jacksonville (October, 2007).


US, Australia reach
new open skies agreement

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters has announced that the United States and Australia have concluded a landmark Open-Skies aviation agreement that will eliminate restrictions on U.S.-Australia air services for the carriers of both countries. The agreement comes after three days of negotiations in Washington. Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand, without limitations on the number of U.S. or Australian carriers that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate. The agreement also removes restrictions on capacity and pricing, and provides opportunities for cooperative marketing arrangements, including code-sharing, between U.S. and Australian carriers. With this agreement, Australia becomes the 90th U.S. Open-Skies partner. The two sides will abide by the terms of the agreement, pending its formal signing.


Seapower strategy meeting
set for tomorrow in Portland

PORTLAND — Senior Officers from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard will present the new maritime strategy known as "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower" to more than 120 community leaders from Portland at the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower tomorrow, at 9:00 a.m. They will discuss how U.S. seapower benefits the people of Portland and maintains the American way of life. Portland is first West Coast stop in a series of national "Conversations with the Country," that bring together a wide cross-section of American society to openly discuss the future roles of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard in protecting the homeland and working with global partners to prevent war. The new U.S. maritime strategy recognizes the economic links of the global system and how any disruption due to regional crises -- manmade or natural -- can adversely impact the U.S. economy and quality of life in cities like Portland whose economies are intimately tied to seaborne imports/exports. For more information and to read the Maritime Strategy, visit http://www.navy.mil/maritime.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 18, 2008

Olympia, Tacoma port boards
plan logistics center study session

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma and Port of Olympia have scheduled a second Joint Commission Study Session regarding the feasibility of siting an integrated rail logistics center in the South Sound region (South Sound Logistics Center). The Port Commissions will not make any decisions or take other action at this session. The primary focus of the meeting is to take public comment and identify any additional questions related to findings from preliminary concept studies.
DATE: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
LOCATION: St. Martin’s University, Worthington Center,5300 Pacific Ave. SW, Lacey.


Port of Seattle taps Miller
as Audit Committee member

SEATTLE — At its most recent meeting, the Port of Seattle Commission voted to name Steven G. Miller to the organization’s Audit Committee. Mr. Miller is a founding member of Miller and Miller, P.S., a firm that specializes in financial services for governments and not-for-profit clients. He has over two decades of experience advising public agencies, including state agencies, cities, and counties. In addition, Mr. Miller has participated in several municipal finance studies designed to review management controls, financial reporting, and auditing needs. He recently participated in the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) research project on local government performance measurement. The Port of Seattle’s Audit Committee will meet regularly to review areas identified through internal audit functions. Meeting notices and agendas will be posted to the Port’s website at www.portseattle.org. Mr. Miller’s resume is also available on the site.


Marcon brokers sale
of pair of tugs/barge

COUPEVILLE, WA — Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Washington has participated in several recent vessel transactions. The first of two newbuilding Robert Allan Ltd. design 40 tonne bollard pull, ASD tugs, which Marcon announced last year, were delivered by Sanmar Denizcilik Makina of Tuzla, Turkey to Remolcadores Dominicanos of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The 24.39m (80') x 9.15m x 4.04m "Ulupinar" series tug Haina is powered by a pair of CAT 3512T TA's diesels developing a total of 3,300BHP at 1800RPM to US-155 FP azimuthing drives from Rolls Royce. New Owners plan to sail the tug on its own bottom from Turkey to Santo Domingo, where it will be employed in ship assist work. A representative of Marcon attended the hand-over of the tug in Tuzla. Delivery of the second tug is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009. Also, Union Petroleum Services (Nigeria) Ltd. purchased from a U.S. Seller, the pressurized tank barge Chemical 704. The barge was originally built as a 'Coastal' hopper barge in 1967 in Beaumont, TX and modified for tank service in 1989 with addition of two 282' x 20' diameter cylindrical, insulated tanks to carry LPG and NH3. New owners plan to install a new reefer system and tow the barge from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Nigeria where it will engage in coastwise trade hauling propane. Marcon has announced several additional sales are expected to conclude within the next 30 days.


Northrop Grumman wins order
for electronic navigation systems

LONDON — Northrop Grumman Corporation has received orders to supply electronic navigation systems for 13 new ships under construction at shipyards in Turkey. Sperry Marine, a business unit of Northrop Grumman, won the orders, which include nine chemical tankers at Marmara Shipyard (Yilak Group) and four new dry cargo and oil tankers at Yardimci and Turkter Shipyards (Yardimci Group). The ships will be fitted with Sperry Marine radars, autopilots, speed and heading sensors and other components.


Toyota Material Handling
making Arbor Day donation

IRVINE, CA — Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), through its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, has announced that 20,000 trees – one for every 8-Series lift truck sold in 2007 – will be planted in national forests damaged by fire or other natural causes. The company also announced an expanded commitment to the Foundation in 2008. TMHU will donate one tree for every Toyota lift truck delivered in 2008, which the company estimates to be about 30,000 trees based on 2007 figures.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 15, 2008

Port Tacoma, SSA, Puyallup Tribe
ink MOU for new shipping terminal

TACOMA — At a special Port of Tacoma Commission meeting on Feb. 14, Port of Tacoma Commissioners authorized entering into a Memorandum of Intent with the Puyallup Tribe, Marine View Ventures and SSA Marine that focuses on cooperation and coordination of new terminal development on the Blair-Hylebos Peninsula. Marine View Ventures is the economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe. Key actions from the Memorandum of Intent (MOI) include these elements:
* The port will enter into a preferential use and operating agreement with SSA Marine for use of a 1,200-foot (366-meter) berth and about 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of backup land area.
* The port and the tribe will exchange land to improve the overall layout of the current footprint of the future tribe/SSA Marine terminal and future port terminal developments. The port will sell about 18 acres (7.3 hectares) to the tribe, and about 12 acres (4.9 hectares) of tribal property will be dredged and put to marine terminal use.
* The port and SSA Marine will cooperate on the widening of the Blair Waterway at the planned terminal site to improve the navigational safety and operational efficiencies of terminals on the Blair Waterway.
* The tribe, the port and SSA Marine will provide mutual support of each other's development plans.


Washington export numbers
jump 24.84 percent during 2007

TACOMA — Washington State exports experienced a 24.84 percent increase in 2007 as compared with the results of 2006, more than double the national export growth figure of 12.11 percent. Washington State ranks fourth nationally in exports behind Texas, California, and New York. However, Washington posted a higher export growth rate than any of the aforementioned states. The top exporting customers of Washington State in order of highest total dollar value are; China, Japan, Canada, India, and Korea. Exports to China make-up 14.5 percent of all Washington State exports, with Japan and Canada close behind. Exports to India increased 444.19 percent in 2007, vaulting India into the top five export markets from a position of 14th in 2006. Much of this expansion can be attributed to increased aircraft sales. The World Trade Center Tacoma has gathered this information from the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER). For more information about Washington State trade, contact the World Trade Center Tacoma.


US rail freight traffic
delivers negative week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended January 26 was off in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 313,037, down 2.3 percent from last year. Volume was up 1.2 percent in the West but down 6.9 percent in the East, which experienced severe winter storms. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 210,123 trailers or containers, down 8.3 percent from a year ago. Container volume fell 8.5 percent while trailer volume was off 7.8 percent. Total volume was estimated at 32.4 billion ton-miles, down 1.2 percent from the fourth week of 2007. Seven of 19 individual carload commodities showed gains from last year, with farm products other than grain up 35.4 percent; grain up 22.6 percent; and nonmetallic minerals up 5.8 percent. Sharp declines were reported in loadings of coke, 36.8 percent; lumber and wood products, 22.3 percent; and primary forest products, 19.9 percent. Cumulative volume for the first four weeks of 2008 totaled 1,246,630 carloads, up 0.9 percent from 2007; 842,973 trailers or containers, down 4.2 percent; and total volume of an estimated 128.5 billion ton-miles, up 1.8 percent from last year.


Transportation connector project
completed in Portland

PORTLAND — Leaders from several agencies recently gathered in an area once identified as one of the top five congested areas in Portland to celebrate the completion of a transportation, air cargo and freight mobility project. The East Columbia to Lombard Connector includes a new underpass and rail bridges that have improved conditions for trucks and trains at an important east-west arterial for freight traffic. Speakers included Portland Commissioner Sam Adams, Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, Port of Portland Executive Director Bill Wyatt, Oregon Department of Transportation Region One Manager Jason Tell and Columbia Corridor Association Executive Director Corky Collier. The $35.4 million project involves a new four lane roadway from Northeast Killingsworth Street and Northeast Columbia Boulevard under two new rail bridges for the Union Pacific railroad tracks. The project replaced a two lane underpass at Northeast 92nd Avenue, which had long been considered one of the worst traffic backups in East Portland. The old underpass was substandard for the large number of trucks using the Columbia Corridor.


NYK Group company/Tsuneishi
develop fuel saving device for vessels

TOKYO — An affiliate company of the NYK Group, Monohakobi Technology Institute and Tsuneishi Holdings Corporation have jointly developed a new fuel-saving device, called "MT-FAST," which can be fitted to a vessel's hull. MT-FAST is one of the pre-swirl stator type device that is attached to a ship's hull just forward of the propeller, and improves the flow of water around the propeller in order to improve the function of the propeller. It has been demonstrated experimentally that the appendage can realize a fuel-savings of around 4 percent. In addition to being able to be fitted to new vessels, MT-FAST can be retroactively fitted to existing vessels.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 14, 2008

Seattle-Tacoma Airport
passes FAA inspection

SEATTLE — For the sixth time in ten years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport completed its annual FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Airport Certification Inspection with zero discrepancies. The three-day inspection is a rigorous review covering all components of an airport's ability to provide a safe operating facility for airline and passenger customers. The inspection focused on employee training, training documentation, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), aircraft fueling procedures and fuel truck safety, safety during construction, wildlife control, low visibility procedures, the Airport Emergency Plan, and a thorough airfield evaluation. On an annual basis, the FAA conducts a "Part 139" inspection of all commercial service airports. Successful certification is required to continue operations. "Part 139" refers to the Federal Regulation that establishes airport certification. Special recognition was given to Sea-Tac's forward-looking work regarding runway incursions. This included upgraded airfield paint markings, lighting, and overall field conditions, all completed prior to a recent requirement set-up by the FAA.


Freight Transportation Index
finishes year on down note

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 1.3 percent in December from its November level, turning down after two monthly increases in the largest monthly decline since November 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The December decline dropped the freight index into negative territory in 2007, declining 0.1 percent for the year. Increases in October and November turned the index positive after being down for the first nine months of the year through September. The 0.1 percent decline in 2007 was the second consecutive annual decline. In 2006, the index declined 2.2 percent. The December decline was the first after the index rose a combined 1.9 percent in the previous two months. At 108.8, the freight TSI is down 3.8 percent from its peak of 113.1 achieved in November 2005 and up 0.7 percent in the two months from its recent low of 108.1 in September 2007. The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries. The index consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.


NOL numbers skyrocket
for fourth quarter/full year

SINGAPORE — NOL has reported a net profit for 2007 of US$523 million, 44 percent higher than the result for 2006. For the fourth quarter of 2007 (4Q07), the company reported a net profit of US$196 million (up 292 percent). The Group’s EBIT for 2007 was US$613 million, 53 percent higher than in 2006. 4Q07 EBIT was US$228 million (up 221 percent). Revenue for the year was up 12 percent to a record US$8.16 billion. In NOL’s Liner business, APL, revenue was up 15 percent year-on-year at US$6.9 billion, and 26 percent higher for 4Q07, at US$2 billion. 4Q07 average revenue per FEU of US$2,865 was 11 percent higher than for the same period in 2006. For the whole of 2007, APL carried record volumes of 2.4 million FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit). This was 12 percent more than in 2006, with particularly strong volume increases in the Intra-Asia trade lane. APL’s headhaul utilisation in 2007 continued to be at a high average level of 96 percent. The Liner unit reported EBIT for 2007 of US$533 million, up 56 percent on 2006, and 4Q07 EBIT of US$196 million, 256 percent higher than for 4Q06. NOL’s logistics unit, APL Logistics, recorded a one percent improvement in annual revenue at US$1.3 billion, with 4Q07 up six percent at US$381 million.


Roadlink announces purchase
of West Coast Trucking

ATLANTA — RoadLink, the private independent Intermodal Logistics service provider, has announced the purchase of Seattle-based intermodal trucking service provider West Coast Trucking (WCT). With major operations centers in Seattle and Portland, WCT moves containerized freight between ports or rail terminals to a shipper’s or receiver’s location, serving ocean carriers, shippers, railroads and intermodal marketing companies with a fleet of 70 trucks.


CBP inspectors hard at work
checking Valentine's Day flowers

NEW YORK — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists are making sure that the bouquet of flowers you order for your sweetheart today is free from insects, pests, and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries in the United States. In 2007, CBP agriculture specialists at JFK International Airport inspected over 81 thousand shipments of imported fresh cut flowers and intercepted 5,332 plant pests within these shipments. New York’s JFK ranked second, after Miami, among U.S. international airports for shipments of cut flower imports in 2007; Los Angeles is third. Whether it’s rare orchids from Thailand or tulips from the Netherlands – the two leading types of cut flowers imported at JFK in 2007 - it is the job of the CBP agriculture specialist to carefully inspect them before they get to the florist, the grocery store, or the sidewalk stand. CBP agriculture specialists are specially trained to examine flowers, plants and fresh herbs for signs of insects, pests or diseases. When shipments are contaminated with pests, they are returned to the country of origin, fumigated, or destroyed. On a typical day in fiscal year 2007, CBP nationally seized 4,296 prohibited meat or plant materials, including 164 agricultural pests at port of entry.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Port of Seattle taps McKay
to lead internal investigation

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has voted to hire former U.S. Attorney Mike McKay to conduct an internal investigation at the Port of Seattle. Port Commissioner Bill Bryant, who chairs the Port Commission’s Special Investigatory Committee, cited Mr. McKay’s experience with similar investigations as a key factor in the selection. Mr. McKay served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington from 1989 until 1993. In 1999, he served on a committee which investigated certain allegations of wrongdoing at the Seattle Police Department and made recommendations on how the SPD could better investigate itself. He just completed service on the Seattle Police Accountability Review Panel, which reviewed the 1999 model and made 29 recommendations for improvement. He also served as vice chair of the Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, having been appointed by the Washington State Supreme Court. He has conducted numerous internal investigations of government and private entities. The port commission created the Special Investigatory Committee in January. The purpose of the internal investigation is to follow up on the recent SAO performance audit and to make additional recommendations. At an upcoming public meeting, Commissioner Bryant and Commissioner Tarleton will announce the work plan and budget for the investigation, which will conclude with a report to the full Commission in public session.


New rail-mounted gantry crane
arriving at Port of Everett tomorrow

EVERETT — The Port of Everett reports its new rail-mounted gantry crane (RMG) is scheduled to arrive by barge to the Mount Baker Terminal pier in south Everett in the early morning, tomorrow. This schedule was provided to the port by the crane's manufacturer. Due to tidal restrictions, crews will need to prepare the site for the crane's transfer from the barge to the pier. Because of the need to offload the crane at high tide (which is at approximately 8:30 a.m.) crews will need to start preparations for the offload potentially as early as 4:30 a.m. The port expects this to be a relatively quiet operation, and they have requested the contractor to take actions to minimize noise and light impacts.The placement of the crane is planned to be complete by day's end.


Panama Canal Authority
reports first quarter metrics

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released first quarter (Q1) operational metrics for fiscal year 2008. In Q1, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the canal (including waiting time for passage) significantly decreased. There also were slight declines in net tonnage, total transits and transits of supers (vessels 91 feet or more in beam). These metrics are based on operations from October through December 2007, the first quarter of the ACP's 2008 fiscal year, and are compared with Q1 of fiscal year 2007. Average CWT decreased 19.3 percent – to 24.18 hours from 29.98 hours. CWT for booked vessels (those ships holding reservations) decreased by 2.4 percent – from 17.20 hours to 16.78 hours.


Port of Tacoma onboard
with green power provider

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma has added another item to its eco-friendly portfolio: Support of renewable energy. The port recently made a $700 monthly commitment to the EverGreen Options program, making it one of Tacoma Power's largest purchasers of green power. The EverGreen Options program supports the development of new wind generation projects in Washington and Oregon. Residential and business customers can sign up for the EverGreen Options program by calling Tacoma Power at (253) 502-8377


PDX planning group
schedules meeting for Feb. 19

PORTLAND — The fifth meeting of the Airport Futures Planning Advisory Group is Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Port of Portland Commission Room, 121 NW Everett St. in Portland. Airport Futures is a collaborative effort between the City of Portland, Port of Portland, and the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan community to create an integrated long-range development plan for Portland International Airport. The focus of this meeting will be on the aviation demand forecast with an overview of the forecast model and preliminary results. The PAG will provide input on the likelihood of each of the forecasted scenarios developed by the consultants and the forecast subcommittee. Public meetings on the forecast are planned for March 18 and 19. The aviation demand forecast developed in this phase will assist in determining anticipated airport facility needs and potential layout alternatives. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting; public comment is welcome. To learn more about Airport Futures, see a complete list of PAG members, preview detailed meeting agendas and view upcoming public involvement opportunities related to this project, visit www.pdxairportfutures.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 11, 2008

Shipper to crew LNG fleet
with US seafarers

LONDON — Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd. (SHELL) has announced it will begin recruiting U.S. seafarers for the company’s portfolio of managed international liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels. Shell reports it is committed to securing the most qualified seafarers for its maritime fleet operations and the United States offers an exceptional skill pool, particularly for LNG vessels. The effort supports Shell’s increasing vessel management portfolio, which was extended in November 2006 when Nakilat Shipping (Qatar) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat), formalized an agreement with Shell to provide shipping and maritime services to Nakilat’s fleet of 25 new-build LNG carriers.


Northwest marine terminal group
names new slate of officers

PORTLAND — The Northwest Marine Terminal Association, Inc. held its 71st Annual Meeting in Tacoma, on January 25, 2008. In addition to regular business of the Association, the membership elected officers to head the organization for 2008. Elected to President - Dan O'Brien, Port of Portland: Vice President - Jim Amador, Port of Olympia: Treasurer - Susan Becklund, Port of Tacoma. Patti Fulghum continues as Executive Officer. The Northwest Marine Terminal Association is a voluntary association of 13 deepwater ports in Oregon and Washington.


Longtime Crowley employee
Dick Simpson dies

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Richard A. Simpson, who made his mark in virtually every phase of international cargo transportation especially his 23 years at Crowley Maritime Corporation, has died following a long illness in Jacksonville, FL, where he had been on business. Mr. Simpson suffered multiple health problems in the last few months. He resided in Lafayette, CA, with his wife, Pamela and their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, but was unable to travel home because of his health issues. Mr. Simpson's family, including his son Richard Tracy Simpson, was at his bedside when he died at St. Luke's Hospital. Just last month he was honored by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute for more than 25 years of volunteerism and support he gave to the organization. Mr. Simpson joined Crowley in 1977 as vice president of sales and marketing and created sales and marketing programs that are still in effect and hired a number of personnel who hold key positions today.


Truck safety numbers
break records during '06

ARLINGTON, VA — Three of the primary measures of large truck safety fell to record lows in 2006, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Newly released Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) vehicle mileage figures, used to determine annual crash rates, showed that the large truck-involvement rate in fatal crashes, the fatality rate and the fatal crash rate for large trucks each declined to its lowest level since the U.S. Department of Transportation began tracking large truck safety records in 1975.


Crowley awards scholarships
to Webb Institute students

JACKSONVILLE — Continuing its support of students wishing to enter maritime fields, Crowley Maritime Corporation recently awarded Thomas B. Crowley, Sr. Memorial Scholarships to Webb Institute students, Aurore Zuzick and Simmy Willemann. Both young women were selected based on demonstrated leadership qualities, school and community involvement, interest in and dedication to the maritime industry and academic success. The scholarships will assist Ms. Zuzick, a junior, and Ms. Willemann, a sophomore, in continuing their education at the elite naval architecture and marine engineering school located in Glen Cove, N.Y.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 8, 2008

WSF vessel YAKIMA
runs into mooring in Bremerton

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard and Washington State Ferries are investigating a ferry after it struck its mooring dock at the Bremerton, Wash., ferry terminal early this morning. The state ferry YAKIMA was concluding its final run when it struck the mooring dock at 1:50 a.m. Coast Guard inspectors are investigating the extent of damages while contract divers plan to inspect for underwater damage to the hull. No passengers were reported injured.


Shipping company pleads guilty
to dumping oil sludge into ocean

WASHINGTON, DC — Italian shipping company B. Navi Ship Management Services and Chief Engineer Dushko Babukchiev pleaded guilty in connection with the illegal dumping of oily sludge, bilge wastes and oil contaminated ballast water from one of the company's ships, the M/V WINDSOR CASTLE, a 27,000 gross-ton bulk carrier vessel, Assistant Attorney General Ronald J. Tenpas, U.S. Attorney Donald J. DeGabrielle Jr., and U.S. Coast Guard Captain James E. Tunstall announced. B. Navi Ship Management Services pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, 2008, to a two-count criminal information charging it with violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and making materially false statements to the U.S. Coast Guard. Chief Engineer Babukchiev pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2008, to a one-count criminal information charging him with making materially false statements to the Coast Guard. Chief Engineer Babukchiev will be sentenced on Feb. 15, 2008, and the company will be sentenced on April 23, 2008. According to the plea agreements, on Aug. 17, 2007, the WINDSOR CASTLE arrived at port in Houston, Texas, and was boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard. During the boarding, Coast Guard inspectors learned that Chief Engineer Babukchiev had ordered crew members to dump oil sludge and bilge wastes into the ocean and had falsified the ship's oil record book to conceal these discharges. With assistance from several lower level crew members, Coast Guard inspectors discovered and seized the bypass hose and pipes used to dump the oil sludge, bilge waste, and contaminated ballast water overboard.


Coast Guard to continue
high seas weather forecasts

WASHINGTON, DC — Last April the Coast Guard asked for public comment on the need to continue broadcasting high frequency (HF) high seas weather forecasts for single sideband voice, facsimile charts and text messages over radiotelex (e.g. HF NAVTEX). The Coast Guard required public comment because the infrastructure necessary to provide these services had exceeded its life expectancy and significant costs were involved to continue these services. After reviewing and analyzing the substantial public response that overwhelmingly urged the continuation of these services, the Coast Guard's "business case study" concluded that it was necessary to continue HF weather broadcasts. The business case study, "An Impact Assessment of Discontinuing USCG High-Frequency Radio Broadcasts of NWS Marine Weather Forecasts" is posted at: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/high_frequency/HF-WX_notice.htm The study concluded: "The responding public collectively perceives that the USCG HF broadcasts are essential to their safety. There is no viable alternative to the USCG HF broadcasts because present alternatives are perceived by the public to be out of financial reach. Also, marine weather forecasts available through these alternative sources may not guarantee the same level of accuracy, timeliness, and/or sufficiency as provided by the USCG HF broadcasts." While the Coast Guard does not have funds necessary to replace all of its HF transmitters, funds are available to replace the 20 transmitters used for weather broadcasts.


Railroads continue string
of up weeks for freight traffic

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended January 19 was up for the second consecutive week in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 325,415 cars, up 5.6 percent from last year. Volume was up 10.0 percent in the West and 0.1 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 230,771, up 3.0 percent from a year ago. Container volume rose 4.1 percent while trailer volume was off 0.9 percent. Total volume was estimated at 33.6 billion ton-miles, an increase of 6.7 percent from the third week of 2007. Freight volume in the comparison week from last year was affected by severe winter storms. Thirteen of 19 individual carload commodities showed gains from last year, with farm products other than grain up 91.7 percent. Also registering double digit increases were loadings of motor vehicles and equipment, 26.5 percent; grain, 15.3 percent; waste and scrap materials, 14.2 percent; and crushed stone, gravel and sand, 10.8 percent. On the downside, coke was off 25.6 percent, lumber and wood products fell 14.7 percent and primary forest products declined 8.5 percent. Cumulative volume for the first three weeks of 2008 totaled 933,292 carloads, up 2.0 percent from 2007; 632,850 trailers or containers, down 2.7 percent; and total volume of an estimated 96.1 billion ton-miles, up 2.9 percent from last year.


PDX roadway expansion project
has workers removing trees

PORTLAND — Workers will begin removing trees along a portion of Northeast Airport Way at Portland International Airport Monday to make way for roadway expansion. New landscaping will follow when construction is completed. Roadway expansion is driven by record air travel. Last year, PDX served an all-time record of more than 14.6 million travelers. The project will complete the additional third traffic lane in each direction on Airport Way west of Northeast 82nd Avenue. New landscaping will include trees, shrubs, grass and mulch. Workers will mulch removed trees for use in airport landscaping beds and as soil amendments. Tree removal is scheduled in February to avoid the spring bird nesting and migration season. PDX wildlife management staff will also survey trees to ensure that no nesting is under way before removing trees. New landscaping will emphasize trees and plants that are not attractive to birds to help prevent conflicts with aircraft. Last year, Airport Way was realigned near the airport terminal building to mesh with development under way of a new second parking garage and consolidated Port of Portland administration office. The widened roadway will connect to the realigned roadway. The existing parking garage is reaching capacity midweek. When completed, the new parking garage will provide an additional 3,000 long-term parking spaces for travelers and 500 spaces for rental cars. A portion of the new parking garage will open in spring 2009, and the garage will fully open in spring 2010. Special instructions for motorists are planned as needed when construction work begins. The information will be available at www.pdx.com and 877-PDX-INFO, and on variable message signs on the roadway when needed.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 7, 2008

Study finds Port of Newport
possible cruise destination

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport's Port & Starboard publication reports that at the regular commission meeting on January 22, consultant Bill Cook, of Cook & Associates, presented Phase III of a cruise ship feasibility study. The study indicates that Newport has good potential as a destination for smaller cruise vessels, even with bridge height limitations. A key ingredient would be community support and public involvement. The port's next directive will be to establish an advisory committee to guage the impact the cruise business would have on community infrastructure, the environment and other concerns. The study, the culmination of 18 months of discussions with the port and 14 months of contracted work, was funded through a grant from the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department and local contributions.


Port Tracker report predicts
slowdown at container ports

WASHINGTON, DC — Traffic at the nation’s major retail container ports will see weak or even negative growth compared with last year for the next several months as the nation’s economic slowdown continues, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Global Insight. Ports surveyed handled 1.3 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of container traffic in December, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. The number was down 6.4 percent from November’s 1.39 million TEU, and 0.9 percent from December 2006. January was estimated at 1.28 million TEU, down 1.1 percent from January 2007, and February is forecast at 1.21 million TEU, down 7.6 percent from February 2007. If the forecasts hold true, February will be the seventh month in a row to show a decline from the same month a year earlier as retailers reduced imports to reflect sales expectations. (August was down 1.4 percent, September 1.9 percent, October 3.5 percent and November 2.2 percent.) February is traditionally the slowest month of the year for retail imports, and numbers are expected to resume year-over-year growth in March. March is forecast at 1.3 million TEU, up 2.5 percent over March 2007, April at 1.38 million TEU, up 4 percent over April 2007, and May at 1.4 million TEU, up 1.7 percent over May 2007. June is forecast at 1.44 million TEU, down 0.9 percent from June 2007. The numbers come two weeks after the Commerce Department reported the weakest holiday season in five years at 3 percent sales growth and NRF issued its 2008 economic forecast calling for 3.5 percent growth, the lowest increase since 2002.


Port of Tacoma Commission
considers construction work today

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma's weekly News Advisory reports Commissioners will consider an $800,000 contract for Lincoln Avenue grade separation construction at their regular meeting at noon today. The grade separation is one of 10 priority FAST Corridor Phase II projects to improve freight mobility. Roadway improvements associated with the grade separation were completed a few months ago, and utility relocations are under way. This third phase of construction would extend East 19th Street from its intersection with Thorne Road to provide street access for D&B Trucking. If the commission authorizes the contract, improvements to East 19th Street should be complete by August. Commission meetings begin at noon (with executive session, if needed, at 11 a.m.) in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center (formerly the Port Business Center), 3600 Port of Tacoma Road in Tacoma.


Top Ships Inc. takes delivery
of drybulk Supramax vessel

ATHENS — TOP Ships Inc has announced that it has taken delivery of the M/V VOC GALLANT, a 51,200 DWT super Handymax, or "Supramax" drybulk vessel, built in 2002 in China. The VOC GALLANT is the fourth of six drybulk vessel deliveries for the fourth quarter 2007 and first quarter 2008. The VOC GALLANT has been immediately chartered back to the sellers for a period of 18 months at a daily net rate of $25,650 on a bareboat basis. TOP Ships Inc, formerly known as TOP Tankers Inc., is an international provider of worldwide seaborne crude oil and petroleum products and of drybulk transportation services.


Diana Shipping enters into
time charter deal with Atlas

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Atlas Bulk Shipping A/S, Denmark, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the CALIPSO, at a gross rate of US$55,000 per day for a minimum 11 to a maximum 13 month period. Initially the agreement was for a minimum four to a maximum six month period at a gross rate of US$58,500, however it was subsequently mutually agreed to extend the time charter period at the new daily rate. This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$18.5 million of gross revenues for the minimum scheduled period of the charter. The charter is expected to commence at the middle of February, 2008. The CALIPSO is a 73,691 dwt Panamax dry bulk carrier built in 2005. The previous time charter contract for the CALIPSO was at the gross charter hire rate of US$26,750 per day.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 6, 2008

President's budget includes
$36 million for Columbia channel work

PORTLAND — The Columbia River Channel Coalition (CRCC) reports that President Bush has released his federal budget proposal to Congress for Fiscal Year 2009, including a record $36 million for the Columbia River Channel Improvement project. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers estimates that, if appropriated, the $36 million will be enough to: complete all environmental features of the channel project, including the mitigation and ecosystem restoration projects, and complete all of the sand deepening work in the navigation channel between the ocean and Portland/Vancouver. Once that work is completed, only about one river mile (of the 103-mile channel) will still require possible work. Additional investigation of this rocky section is currently underway to determine whether rock removal will be required at that site. The CRCC is submitting formal appropriation requests to all Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington Members of Congress to stress the importance of expeditiously completing the critical channel deepening project. Many Coalition partners are also going to Washington, D.C. to personally lobby for channel funding in February, March, April, and May.


Hainan Airlines announces
nonstop flights from Sea-Tac

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has announced that Hainan Airlines will offer nonstop service between Seattle and Beijing, serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport beginning June 9, 2008. Sea-Tac Airport will be the first United States destination served by Hainan Airlines. It's estimated that more than 75,000 passengers travel to and from China through Seattle each year without the benefit of nonstop service - the addition of nonstop service from Sea-Tac Airport is expected to stimulate even more travel between the two. Through its extensive network in China, Hainan Airlines will connect Seattle travelers to more than 40 Chinese cities, including the capitals of each province. This is the fifth airline to announce new international service to Sea-Tac in the last year. In 2007, Air France started nonstop service to Paris and AeroMexico began nonstop service to Mexico City. New airlines scheduled to begin in 2008 include Lufthansa nonstop service to Frankfurt, beginning March 30, and Northwest Airlines nonstop service to London, beginning June 1. Hainan Airlines will initially offer nonstop service aboard an Airbus A330-200; the airline has ordered Boeing 787s and will begin flying that aircraft on this route as soon as it is available. Hainan Airlines began operating in 1993 and is the largest private airline in China; it's the fourth largest air carrier in China.


Port of Bellingham opens
waterfront project information area

BELLINGHAM — In response to growing public interest, the Port of Bellingham has opened a public information area showcasing the latest draft planning concepts for The Waterfront District. This information area is in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue, and will be open during regular business hours (8 a.m.- 5 p.m.), Monday through Friday. This building is alongside Squalicum Harbor near Bellwether on the Bay. Parking is free. The display includes new three dimensional models of two potential development scenarios for the waterfront property, as well as displays explaining how road connections could be phased in as the site develops. The display also shows how the entire project is being planned to meet community sustainability goals. Port staff will be available during weekday lunch hours (noon - 1p.m.) to answer people's questions about the redevelopment project. This information area will remain open and will be updated during the Master Planning process. The Harbor Center Conference Room is a shared space with the port's Board of Commissioners, so it will be used by the commission for their meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Contact Communications Manager Carolyn Casey at carolync@portofbellingham.com with questions or to arrange a group tour.


Port of Tacoma magazine
now available on Internet

TACOMA — The Winter 2008 edition of Pacific Gateway, the Port of Tacoma's award-winning magazine, is now available online. The lead feature, "The Fab Years," profiles recently retired Port Commissioner Jack Fabulich, his 31 years on the Port Commission and a lifetime of service to the Tacoma-Pierce County community. "Where the Rails Meet the Sails," this edition's cover story, details the rail system that serves port customers, from the port's four on-dock intermodal yards and the Tacoma Rail shortline to the transcontinental rail service provided by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Also featured is Tahoma Imports, a company created one Christmas morning when Tacoma resident Joe Zawacki took note of where his gifts were made. Other stories profile Pierce County's warehousing boom and the coming redevelopment of the Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) Terminal at the Port of Tacoma. To read the online version (pdf file), go to the port's web site at: www.portoftacoma.com.


Port of Olympia schedules
annual boating/chowder event

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia welcomes all to a day of waterfront activities at the 12th Annual Swantown BoatSwap & Chowder Challenge Saturday, May 17. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Swantown Marina, located on the East Bay of Budd Inlet in Olympia. This community festival draws boaters and clam chowder enthusiasts from miles around for a full day of boats, chowder, fun and entertainment on Swantown’s premier waterfront. Just in time for boating season, the BoatSwap is an opportunity to buy and sell new and used boats and marine gear and accessories. Both commercial and private vendors are welcome. Call 360-528-8000 for vendor rates. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. sharp to 1:45, clam chowder lovers can sample chowders from favorite area restaurants in the Chowder Challenge event. Last year, 10 local restaurants competed for bragging rights to South Sound's Finest Clam Chowder, and over 1,200 event goers tasted the unique recipes. For more information, call the Port of Olympia at (360) 528-8000 or email boatswap@portolympia.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 4, 2008

Portland Shipping Club names
Bob Lipscomb 'Old Salt' for 2008

PORTLAND — The Portland Shipping Club has announced that Bob Lipscomb, general manager, Marine Marketing at the Port of Portland, is the Old Salt winner for 2008. This honor is presented each year to someone who, through longevity and service, has advanced the Columbia River maritime industry. Winners are contributors to the maritime industry and have made a significant effort to advance the industry outside of their regular job activities. The industry is invited to honor Mr. Lipscomb at the Propeller Club / Portland Shipping Club "A Taste of the Northwest" event on February 22, at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. To order tickets or for more information on this event, contact Doris Allen at allen@pdxmex.com or 503-220-2098.


NOAA explains letter
regarding LNG terminal

PORTLAND — In a letter last week to the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration clarified its December 17 comments regarding a dredging permit for the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal proposed by NorthernStar Natural Gas. In its letter, NOAA said “Our recommendation that the permit pending before you be denied was a procedural step and should not, in any way, be understood as a final determination by this agency regarding the possible effects of the project or what our view might be after the additional, updated information is added to the application. “Our letter, which was seen by us as a relatively routine communication regarding the scope of the issues to be considered by the Corps of Engineers in regard to the permit, has been characterized by some media reports as if it were a final decision or policy determination of this agency. It was not our intent,” said NOAA Regional Administrator D. Robert Lohn. “We’re very glad to see this clarification from NOAA and appreciate their efforts to ensure a fair and transparent permitting process,” said NorthernStar Natural Gas CEO William “Si” Garrett. “Our consultations with NOAA and state agencies are continuing as we explain our plans to ensure our project will actually create a net ecological benefit for the Lower Columbia River.”


Trade between NAFTA partners
rises during month of November

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 8.6 percent higher in November 2007 than in November 2006, reaching $70.4 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 5.2 percent in November from October. 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 90 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 November was up 51.9 percent compared to November 2002, and up 91.3 percent compared to November 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in November were up 103.1 percent compared to November 1997, while exports were up 78.0 percent.


NASSCO awarded contract
to build tenth T-AKE vessel

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been awarded a $460 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the construction of a tenth T-AKE dry cargo-ammunition ship, and to purchase long-lead construction materials for an eleventh ship. NASSCO is already under contract to build the first nine ships of the class; the first four vessels are now in service. Under the contract, NASSCO receives full funding for T-AKE 10's construction. Last July, NASSCO received a $100 million contract to purchase the long-lead materials for the ship. Construction of the ship is scheduled to begin in January 2009, with delivery to the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) in the fourth quarter of 2010. In addition, the contract award includes $100 million for procurement of T-AKE 11's engines and other components that have significant manufacturing lead times. Construction of the eleventh ship is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2010, with delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011. The Navy is expected to order a total of 14 T-AKE ships.


NYK restoring vessel
to give glimpse at past

TOKYO — Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) is completing the restoration of HIKAWA MARU, to be renamed NYK HIKAWAMARU, and will reopen the vessel to the public on April 25, 2008, the vessel's 78th birthday. The exterior work on the vessel will be completed in February, and work on the interior will be finished by the middle of March. In August of last year, NYK started the restoration project, which is being carried out based on documents from when the ship was built. Tours of the vessel will focus on the era when the ship was a cargo-passenger liner on the Seattle route prior to World War II. Visitors will be able to see the splendor of the fully refurbished first-class passenger cabins, which were designed in Art Deco style, including the dining room, smoking room, and other special rooms. An exhibition area will present the turbulent history of the ship. The promenade deck, which has been beautifully refurbished, will afford visitors a spectacular view of Yokohama port.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 1, 2008

Port of Vancouver, USA
completes land exchange deal

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver, Boise Cascade and the BNSF Railway Company have closed a three-way land-exchange agreement that facilitates closing of the Columbia Waterfront LLC purchase of the Boise Cascade property on the Vancouver waterfront. The land exchange agreement conveys 2.9 acres of port property located adjacent to the east end of the Boise mill site to Boise Cascade, and conveys approximately 3.6 acres of property along the north and west boundary of the mill site to the port. That property will be used as its rail right of way. Access easements are granted by both parties, and are included in the exchange agreement. Port commissioners declared the port’s 2.9 acres as surplus, no longer needed for Port District purposes in April of 2006. The BNSF Railway Company conveys 0.99 acres of property located internal to the mill site to Boise in the exchange agreement. The port needed the property exchange in order to develop its $75 million-$100 million rail project, which will help the Columbia Waterfront LLC’s development of the waterfront by eliminating that rail spur. Columbia Waterfront LLC, a group of private investors, envisions transforming the Boise land into an urban neighborhood of condominiums, waterfront retail and restaurants, office space and possibly a new hotel. The port’s rail alignment will improve access for freight trains serving the port while reducing congestion on the national rail network where it runs through Vancouver.


Crowley orders two tugs
from Diversified Marine

ANCHORAGE — Crowley Maritime Corporation's technical services group has awarded a construction contract to Diversified Marine in Portland, to build two new, 76-foot AVIK-class tugboats, to serve in the company's oil transportation and distribution fleet in Alaska. The first tug of similar type named the AVIK was delivered to Crowley on June 2, 2004 and was put into service shortly thereafte. These two additional tugs will follow the design of their predecessor closely with delivery dates within the first quarter of 2009. The tugs will handle barges transporting fuel and general cargo to communities in Alaska where shallow water and lack of docking facilities is common. In those cases, tugs and barges make a beach landing to load and unload cargo.


US rail freight traffic
sees gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads rose during the week ended January 12 in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 329,997 cars, up 3.2 percent from last year. Volume was up 5.7 percent in the West and 0.1 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 238,277, up 0.3 percent from a year ago. Container volume rose 0.1 percent while trailer volume gained 0.8 percent. Total volume was estimated at 34.0 billion ton-miles, an increase of 4.0 percent from the second week of 2007. Among individual carload commodities, metallic ores gained 56.0 percent while petroleum products were up 16.5 percent and grain rose 10.8 percent. On the downside, coke was off 43.7 percent, lumber and wood products fell 25.7 percent and primary forest products declined 10.8 percent. Cumulative volume for the first two weeks of 2008 totaled 607,877 carloads, up 0.2 percent from 2007; 402,079 trailers or containers, down 5.7 percent; and total volume of an estimated 62.5 billion ton-miles, up 1.0 percent from last year.


Port of Seattle taps McWilliams
as real estate/property director

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani has announced that Joe McWilliams has been named managing director, real estate and property management. He will join the port on February 28th. Mr. McWilliams has over 15 years of experience in the Seattle real estate market. During his career he has served in leadership positions at Cushman and Wakefield, Wright Runstad and Company, and the Seattle Monorail Project. He currently serves as southwest regional manager for PHAROS Corporation, a commercial real estate firm based in Austin. Mr. McWilliams brings an array of skills to his new position, with experience in strategic development, lease negotiations and property acquisition for both public and private enterprises.


NYK named to list
of 100 sustainable firms

TOKYO — For the second consecutive year, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has been selected as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. The Global 100, which was launched in 2005, is an annual research and ratings project conducted jointly by Innovest Strategic Value Advisors Inc. and Corporate Knights Inc. Innovest, as the analytic data provider for Global 100, selects the top 100 companies from various industries that display a better ability than their industry peers in handling nonfinancial corporate values, such as environmental, social, and corporate governance issues that affect risk management. NYK was the first Japanese shipping company so honored when it was selected last year. This year, out of the 1,800 or so candidate companies, the top 100 were from 17 countries, and NYK was one of the 13 companies selected from Japan.