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June, 2007
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 29, 2007
Port of Seattle taps Wilson
as chief of police department
SEATTLE Colleen E. Wilson, chief of police in Sumner for
nearly five years, will take over as chief of the 130-person Port
of Seattle police department around August 1. In Sumner, Ms.
Wilson directed 20 commissioned officers as well as emergency
communications and animal control. The Sumner police also provide
services on contract to neighboring cities. Before moving to the
Sumner force in 2002, Ms. Wilson, 56, was responsible for officer
certification on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training
Commission. Before that, she was chief of police in Monroe. She
began her career as an assistant city clerk in Monroe and rose
through the ranks as a police officer, sergeant and lieutenant
before being named chief in 1993. Ms. Wilson has been a vice
president of the states association of sheriffs and
police chiefs and was the first female chief of police in
Washington State. She replaces Tim Kimsey, who retired earlier
this year. Gale Evans, who has been acting chief, will remain as
deputy chief. The City of Sumner will do an outside search for a
replacement; Lt. John Galle will serve as acting chief.
Corps set to begin
dredging on Oregon coast
PORTLAND The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will dredge
several ports along the Oregon coast starting in early summer.
The Corps hopper dredge YAQUINA is scheduled to work on the
Siuslaw, Rogue, Chetco, Coquille and Umpqua rivers, Yaquina Bay
and Coos Bay, including Charleston Channel. The Corps works with
the U.S. Coast Guard to prioritize dredging based on an
assessment of risk to Coast Guard operations and public safety at
each location. In addition, a contract was recently awarded to
Hickey Marine Enterprises, Inc. to dredge some of the smaller
channels along the south coast. They will dredge Winchester Bay
at Umpqua River, the approach channel for the Coast Guards
Search and Rescue detachment at the Rogue River, Charleston
Channel at Coos Bay and Port Orford. Garibaldi boat basin,
Yaquina River (Depot Slough) and Depoe Bay are not scheduled to
be dredged this year. Hydrographic surveys of the entrances to
all coastal harbors are performed in early spring to assess
post-winter conditions at the entrances, from which further
adjustments to the schedule and priority could be made.
Oregons coastal entrances are well known for their dangers
due to shoaling, tricky currents and sneaker waves. Portland
Districts civil works mission includes maintenance of
authorized navigation channels. The district dredges ports along
the Oregon coast each year to maintain depths designed to provide
a margin of safety for vessels navigating these coastal
entrances.
Trade between NAFTA partners
up during month of April
WASHINGTON, DC Trade using surface transportation between
the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was valued at $65.0 billion in
April 2007, 5.3 percent higher than in April 2006 for the biggest
percentage increase from the same month of the previous year
since August 2006, 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
(RITA), reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation
trade with Canada and Mexico fell 6.8 percent in April from
March. 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 April was up 38.9 percent compared to April 2002,
and up 78.4 percent compared to April 1997, a period of 10 years.
Imports in April were up 90.8 percent compared to April 1997,
while exports were up 64.5 percent.
US rail freight numbers
continue on negative side
WASHINGTON, DC Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down
slightly from the comparable week last year during the week ended
June 16, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports.
Intermodal volume totaled 240,002 trailers or containers, down
2.3 percent from last year, with container volume up 0.3 percent
and trailer volume down 11.1 percent. Carload freight, which
doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 339,670 cars for the
week, down 1.8 percent from last year. Loadings were down 1.3
percent in the West and 2.4 percent in the East. Total volume was
estimated at 34.5 billion ton-miles, down 1.1 percent from last
year. Although down from last year, the carload volume reached
its highest weekly level thus far this year, while intermodal
volume was at its second highest level this year. Eight of 19
carload commodity groups registered gains from last year, with
nonmetallic minerals up 9.0 percent and petroleum products up 6.6
percent. Loadings of lumber and wood products were off 18.0
percent while metals were down 14.5 percent. Cumulative volume
for the first 24 weeks of 2007 totaled 7,757,778 carloads, down
4.3 percent from 2006; 5,469,789 trailers or containers, off 1.3
percent; and total volume of an estimated 789.4 billion
ton-miles, down 3.0 percent from last year.
Washington State Ferries
bringing back summer concerts
SEATTLE Washington State Ferries has announced the return
of its summer concert series, Picnic at the
Pier, beginning today, at Seattles Colman Dock at
Pier 52 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This years first concert
will feature the Caribbean sounds of the steel drum band, Panduo.
The ferry terminal will come alive with music says
Jayne Davis, Regional Operations Manager for WSF. We want
both locals and our regular customers to come down to the pier
and enjoy the music while dining al fresco at special tables set
up outside on the passenger level of the terminal. Food vendors
at Colman Dock include Matts Gourmet Hotdogs, Candy Lane,
Caffe Appassionato, Commuter Comforts Café and Wine Bar, World
Wrapps, McDonalds and Colman Dock News. On Friday, July
20th, Kenny Krakatoa & The Coconuts will entertain at the
ferry terminal at a Hawaiian themed picnic. More summertime fun
music is scheduled on August 3rd and August 24th.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Calypso Marine pleads guilty
to dumping oily waste at sea
TACOMA Calypso Marine, a Greek Shipping Company, pleaded
guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma Monday in connection with
dumping oily waste at sea rather than using environmentally sound
disposal methods as required by international law. As part of the
plea agreement, the company has agreed to pay a $1 million
criminal fine. This discovery of the illegal dumping practices
and the subsequent investigation were conducted by United States
Coast Guard Sector Portland, and in Kalama, on the Columbia
River. During a routine vessel safety and security examination of
the motor vessel (M/V) TINA M, the Chief Engineer presented the
Coast Guard Inspectors with the vessel's Oil Record Book, a
legally mandated document used to log all fuel oil and oily waste
including disposal procedures aboard the vessel. The Oil Record
Book indicated that the vessel properly disposed of all oily
waste. However, with the aid of concerned engineering crew aboard
the vessel, the Coast Guard inspectors located hidden pipes that
allowed the vessel to bypass approved oily waste procedures and
pump large quantities of harmful pollution directly into the
ocean during overseas transits. The subsequent investigation
revealed that the Chief Engineer was directed by the Calypso
Marine Engineering Superintendent to attempt to cover up the
illegal dumping by replacing pipes, painting connection flanges
and extensively cleaning the overboard vicinity. The Chief
Engineer is expected to be sentenced for making a false statement
to the Coast Guard next week.
Large Chittenden Locks
reopened following repairs
SEATTLE The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in
Ballard reopened to vessel traffic at 7:45 p.m., less than 12
hours after it closed June 27 for emergency maintenance,
according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
which operates the locks. The large lock was closed while crews
made emergency repairs to the saltwater barrier, which sustained
damage from contact with a transiting vessel and would not
operate as designed. The barrier minimizes saltwater intrusion
into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and helps to ensure the
lakes water quality standards are met. Repair crews drained
the chamber the morning of June 27 and began repairs that
afternoon to restore full navigation service as soon as possible.
Vancouver, USA port board
Oks Columbia Waterfront lease
VANCOUVER, USA On June 26, Port of Vancouver commissioners
unanimously approved a long-term lease of 3.26 acres of port
property to Columbia Waterfront LLC. Approval of the lease was
expected on June 21, but several concerns arose during discussion
of the lease. Commissioners Arch Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy
Baker requested that port staff and legal counsel make
modifications consistent with discussion. Port staff and legal
counsel took care of crossing Ts and dotting
Is on the lease, in consideration of questions asked
by commissioners in last weeks meeting. The 3.26 acre
parcel is located adjacent to the east end of the Boise Cascade
property that formerly hosted a paper mill. That property is
being purchased by Columbia Waterfront LLC for the purpose of
developing a mixed-use waterfront area. Terms of the lease
include continued unrestricted public access to the waterfront, a
monument to commemorate the Port of Vancouvers original
marine terminal and industrial area, as well as replacement for
the 1.30 acres currently used as free parking for the Vancouver
Landing and amphitheater. Monthly rent is $16,492, with annual
increases. The length of the lease is 50 years, with two 15-year
extensions.
Trinity buys 20 percent
of new railcar leasing firm
DALLAS Trinity Industries, Inc. has announced it has
purchased 20 percent of the equity in newly-formed TRIP Rail
Holdings LLC (TRIP), which will provide railcar leasing and
management services in North America. TRIP's remaining equity is
held by five private investors not related to Trinity or its
subsidiaries. As part of the agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of TRIP plans to purchase approximately $1.4 billion in railcars
from Trinity Industries, Inc. and Trinity Industries Leasing
Company (TILC) during the next 24 months. TILC will manage and
service the railcars for the new entity. Trinity Industries,
Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a holding company that
owns a variety of businesses which provide products and services
to the industrial, energy, transportation, and construction
sectors.
Coast Guard cutter HEALY
returns to homeport in Seattle
SEATTLE The 420-foot Coast Guard cutter HEALY returned to
its homeport of Seattle June 25, after a three-month deployment
to the Bering Sea in support of two scientific missions. In April
and May, scientists conducted a Bering Sea ecosystem study in
which they looked at the entire ecosystem in the central and
southern Bering Sea. HEALY crewmembers took samples from 216
locations between Unimak Pass and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. In
May and June, scientists led a study called "Climate Driven
Changes in Impacts of Benthic Predators in the Northern Bering
Sea" that investigated the ecosystem of the sea floor in the
northern Bering Sea. Crewmembers took samples from 172 locations
between St. Matthew Island and the Diomede Islands. During the
deployment, crewmembers conducted nearly 10,000 miles of sea
floor mapping with the HEALY's SONAR. The HEALY is the Nation's
largest and most technically advanced icebreaker.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Large Chittenden Locks
closed for emergency repairs
SEATTLE The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in
Ballard will close to marine traffic starting at 9 a.m. today,
for emergency maintenance, according to the Seattle District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks. The large
lock will be closed for an undetermined period to make emergency
repairs to the salt-water barrier, which sustained damage from
contact with a transiting vessel and will not operate as
designed. The barrier minimizes saltwater intrusion into the Lake
Washington Ship Canal and helps to ensure the lakes water
quality standards are met. Repair crews will work to restore full
navigation service as soon as possible. The small lock will
remain open for boat traffic throughout this period and boaters
should be prepared to use the small lock with appropriate
equipment and crew. The small lock is capable of handling vessels
up to 25 feet wide and 100 feet long while the large lock can be
configured to
be handle vessels as large as 760 feet long by 80 feet in the
beam. Both pleasure boaters and commercial maritime interests
should expect delays due both to the closure and to the
approaching Fourth of July holiday, traditionally a busy time of
year for the Chittenden Locks.
Port Vancouver, USA Commissioners
approve Alcoa property purchase
VANCOUVER, WA The Port of Vancouver Commission has
unanimously approved a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) to
purchase the industrial, waterfront property currently owned by
Alcoa, Inc. The port and Alcoa reached a general agreement on the
purchase and sale in January of 2007 and the parties signed a
letter of intent on February 1. The negotiations of the PSA have
been ongoing since February 2007. The purchase and sale agreement
provides the direction and conditions under which the transaction
will be completed. Some of the conditions are: Approximately
107.3 acres, to be confirmed by ALTA Survey; Agreement includes
the alumina unloading dock, silos, conveyors, rail load out and
accessory structures and equipment for the operation of the
unloading facility; The site will be cleaned by Alcoa to MTCA
industrial standards enforced by the Washington State
Department of Ecology; Purchase price of $23,750,000; Closing no
earlier than December 31, 2007 or later than June 30, 2008;
Subject to final passage of an Industrial Development District
levy; and Allows for timely construction of the Ports West
Vancouver Freight Access Project. Projections by Martin &
Associates in July 2006 estimate an additional 1,900 direct
living-wage jobs with benefits, $64 million in direct income
annually and approximately $24 million in tax revenue annually
for the community when both the Alcoa and Evergreen properties
are combined.
Washington governor, Coast Guard
sign new oil spill agreement
SEATTLE Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and U. S. Coast
Guard Rear Admiral Richard Houck have signed a Memorandum of
Agreement governing how the state and federal government will
work together to better prevent, prepare for and respond to oil
spills in Washington. The agreement signals a strengthening
partnership between the United States Coast Guard and the State
of Washington to continue to protect our shared waters, natural
resources, economic base and community and cultural resources.
The MOA enables both parties to demonstrate adherence to tangible
standards of practices that testify to the parties' recognition
of, and service to, this high level of public interest in
avoiding, preparing for and responding to oil and hazardous
material spills. The MOA, and associated strategic work plan and
protocols, will address areas such as vessel and facilities
inspections, derelict vessel removal, investigations, spill
response, drills, contingency planning, media notification and
more. The protocols outline in detail how technical cooperation
is to be achieved in the partners' day-to-day operations. The
strategic work plan lists objectives to accomplish under the
three major categories, and is published on line at a shared
Ecology/Coast Guard web site,
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/ecyuscg/summit.html.
Through this web site, Ecology and the Coast Guard are providing
transparency to the public on the many areas of work the parties
do to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills.
Horizon Lines closes deal
for Hawaii Stevedores
HONOLULU Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has
closed the purchase of Hawaii Stevedores, Inc. (HSI). The terms
of the acquisition were
not disclosed. HSI is one of only two stevedoring companies on
Oahu with a customer base that spans a broad range of services
including container stevedoring, roll-on roll-off operations,
bulk cargo operations and passenger cruise lines support.
"After 20 years of service to Hawaii, this investment
reflects our continued commitment to the islands," said Mar
Labrador, vice president and general manager, Hawaii and
Micronesia Division for Horizon Lines. "We believe in the
strength of the Hawaii economy and we look to partner with the
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in servicing
and accommodating the growth of the Hawaii market for many years
to come."
Port of Tacoma Gateway Magazine
now ready for online viewing
TACOMA The most recent edition of the Port of Tacoma's
award-winning Pacific Gateway magazine is now available online.
This edition highlights the growth of Hyundai Merchant Marine in
Tacoma and profiles port neighbor Simpson Tacoma Kraft. It also
includes a feature story about Chambers Bay, Tacoma-Pierce
County's new, championship golf course. Other stories detail the
port's selection as the site for the Department of Homeland
Security's Intermodal Radiation Detection Test Center, and the
Pacific Northwest Ports' joint announcement of maritime air
emission reduction strategies. To read the online version (pdf
file), visit the port's web site at www.portoftacomqa.com. Visit
the "Publications" section on the port's website for
more online publications, such as past Annual Reports and
Facility & Services brochures.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 25, 2007
Crowley Maritime taps Taylor
as bulk petroleum/chemical V.P.
JACKSONVILLE, FL Crowley Maritime Corporation has
announced that Capt. Bill Taylor has been promoted to vice
president of bulk petroleum and chemical transportation and will
manage the commercial activities of the companys petroleum
tankers and barges. He will remain domiciled in Jacksonville and
report to Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager
of petroleum services. Capt. Taylor, who previously served as
vice president of marketing and chartering, will have profit and
loss responsibility for petroleum transportation, as well as
responsibility for chartering, customer service and strategic
planning. Reporting to Capt. Taylor will be Greg Nowicki, manager
of chartering operations based in Jacksonville; Ray Loera and
Norman George, both directors of chartering operations based in
Long Beach, Calif.; Tyler Caruso, manager of sales based in
Seattle, and Craig Cox, manager of planning based in
Jacksonville. Capt. Taylor graduated from the State University of
New York (SUNY) Maritime College in 1976 and joined Marine
Transport Lines as deck officer. He sailed on various vessels,
including 12 years as Master of the SS Marine Chemist, before
coming ashore in 1995 to work for Heidenreich Marine in
Connecticut. He transferred to Singapore in 1997 to help
establish OMI-Heidmar Shipping Far East office. When he returned
to the United States in 1999, he rejoined MTL as vice president
of marketing and chartering and remained in that position when
Crowley purchased MTL in 2001.
Legislation would expand tax break
for investment in freight infrastructure
WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representatives Kendrick B. Meek
(D-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Corrine Brown, (D-FL), and Kevin
Brady. (R-TX) have introduced legislation to expand freight
infrastructure to meet America's transportation challenges.
According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), freight
traffic is expected to increase by 70 percent by 2020. The
legislation would provide a 25 percent tax credit to any business
that expanded its capacity to ship by rail. ports, railroads,
trucking companies, ethanol producers, and others would all be
eligible for the credit. The bipartisan delegation discussed the
many public benefits of shipping freight by rail, including
reduced highway congestion, cleaner air, conserving fuel and
saving energy. The legislation proposed by Meek and Cantor
H.R. 2116, The Freight Rail Infrastructure Act of 2007
would allow any business, not just freight railroads, to earn the
tax credit for a wide range of investments in the rail network's
infrastructure.
Truck driver turnover rate
up during first quarter of '07
ALEXANDRIA, VA The driver turnover rate for large
truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers increased
during the first quarter of 2007, marking their highest turnover
rates since the end of 2005. American Trucking Associations
(ATA), which began collecting driver turnover statistics in 1995,
reported that turnover for large truckload carriers was at a 127
percent annualized rate for the first three months of the year.
This figure was six percentage points higher than during the last
three months of 2006. The group ended the quarter with 1.8
percent fewer drivers than it had at the start. Large TL driver
turnover posted a 116 percent annualized rate for the 2006 first
quarter. Turnover peaked at 136 percent for large TL carriers
during the 2005 fourth quarter. Small TL carriers saw the average
annualized turnover rate drop to 102 percent from 112 percent
during the first three months of the year. The small carrier
turnover rate has been at least 100 percent for six consecutive
quarters.
WSF Mukilteo terminal project
receives $5.1 million in funding
SEATTLE Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) / Washington State Ferries (WSF) has $5.1 million to
spend on the Mukilteo Multi-Modal Ferry Terminal Project for the
next biennium - July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009. Most of this
funding will be used to move the National and State Environmental
Policy Acts (NEPA/SEPA) environmental process forward. Originally
the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was to be released
this summer for public review and comment. Now the draft EIS is
delayed until 2009 due to increased cost estimates for both
alternatives, and the Washington State Legislatures passing
of the ferry finance bill, which requires that WSF complete
several tasks over the next two years that may have an effect on
plans for the new terminal in Mukilteo. Recently received cost
estimates for the alternatives range approximately from $220 to
$310 million. Factors for the higher cost estimates include
inflation and escalation of material costs. Earlier cost
estimates assumed a 2008 start date of construction. The current
estimates assume construction would start in 2011. Another
contributing factor is weaker than expected soil strength at the
new location.
Sea-Tac Airport lost and found
now offers on-line service
SEATTLE Airport customers now have the convenience of
reporting lost items online on the Port of Seattle's Web site.
The easy-to-use form allows travelers to immediately report items
lost in the Sea-Tac's terminal, parking garage or on the airport
drives, even when the Airport's Lost and Found office is closed.
Approximately 350 lost items are returned to airport customers
each month. The Lost and Found office contacts airport customers
as soon as items are recovered. Travelers can pick-up their items
at the in-airport Lost and Found Office or have them shipped by
Federal Express, U.S. Mail or other delivery companies.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 22, 2007
Port of Olympia planning board
adds Riley Moore as new member
OLYMPIA One new member has been appointed to the Port of
Olympia's Planning and Advisory Committee (PAC). Port
Commissioners welcomed Riley Moore to the 12-person PAC at the
commission meeting June 18. Mr. Moore is an Economics and
Business Professor at St. Martin's University. He is active in
the Lacey and Thurston County Chambers, LEAD Thurston County,
Olympia Rotary, and the Olympia Economics Club member. He has
also been involved in organizing trade missions to China. Leaving
the committee is Jim Smego, who has served on the PAC for six
years. He was also recognized by the commission June 18. Other
members of the PAC include Lisa Cosmillo, Rodney Edgbert, Bill
Garson, Darlene Kemery, Keith Laws, Patti Moore, Kevin Partlow,
Drew Phillips, Joe Raudebaugh, Len Trautman, and Darrel Webster.
The PAC was formed in 1994 as a result of the strategic planning
process and provides advice on issues and projects affecting the
port. Over the years, the PAC has advised the port commission on
a number of issues, including the port's land use and capital
facility plans. Members serve three-year terms.
US Barge taps Lackey
as VP/general manager
PORTLAND The U.S. Barge Team has hired Kenneth Lackey as
their vice president and general manager. Mr. Lackey brings with
him close to 30 years of industry experience . In his new role,
Mr. Lackey will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of
all phases of barge construction at U.S. Barge. A primary focus
will be continuing the company's drive towards streamlined
production processes. With bookings through the next 12 months,
U.S. Barge reports it is soliciting customers who are interested
in starting a project in 2008. The company constructs all types
of barges, from bluewater to inland to specialty, and is looking
at deliveries across the United States. U.S. Barge is supported
by a partnership between Vigor Industrial, LLC and Oregon Iron
Works, Inc.
Overseas Shipholding sentenced
in vessel oil pollution case
WASHINGTON, DC Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (OSG) was
sentenced Wednesday, in Beaumont, Texas, to pay $10 million as
part of a $37 million criminal settlement with the United States
involving 33 felony counts, 12 oil tankers and ports located in
Beaumont, Boston, Mass., Portland, Maine, San Francisco, Calif.,
and Wilmington, N.C., announced Ronald J. Tenpas, acting
assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's
Environment & Natural Resources Division and John L.
Ratcliffe, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. The
total $37 million penalty -- announced on Dec. 19, 2006 in Boston
-- is the largest-ever involving deliberate vessel pollution. The
charges involving 12 OSG oil tankers took place from June 2001 to
March 2006 and include violations of the Clean Water Act, as
amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; violations of the Act
to Prevent Pollution from Ships; conspiracy; false statements;
and obstruction of justice. In pleading guilty, OSG admitted that
it deliberately falsified various ships' Oil Record Books,
required logs in which all overboard discharges are to be
accurately recorded; made discharges at night; and concealed
bypass methods used to circumvent required pollution prevention
equipment during U.S. port calls so that the Coast Guard would
not discover the criminal activity. The $37 million penalty
includes a $27.8 million criminal fine and a $9.2 million
organizational community service payment that will fund various
environmental projects coast-to-coast.
US rail freight totals
lower during week
WASHINGTON, DC Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during
the week ended June 9 was down from the comparable week last
year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports.
Intermodal volume totaled 238,957 trailers or containers, down
3.2 percent from last year, with container volume off 0.6 percent
and trailer volume down 11.9 percent. Carload freight, which
doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 330,767 cars for the
week, down 5.6 percent from last year. Loadings were down 4.0
percent in the West and 7.8 percent in the East. Total volume was
estimated at 33.5 billion ton-miles, down 5.1 percent from last
year. Cumulative volume for the first 23 weeks of 2007 totaled
7,418,108 carloads, down 4.4 percent from 2006; 5,229,787
trailers or containers, off 1.3 percent; and total volume of an
estimated 754.9 billion ton-miles, down 3.1 percent from last
year.
Celebration marks keel laying
of pair of NOAA vessels
VANCOUVER, USA VT Halter Marine Inc. and NOAA celebrated a
construction milestone June 15 the keel laying for
two new vessels at VT Halters Moss Point, Miss., shipyard.
A combined ceremony is being held for NOAA coastal mapping vessel
FERDINAND R. HASSLER and fisheries survey ship BELL M. SHIMADA.
Both ships were named by student teams through regional NOAA
ship-naming contests. FERDINAND R. HASSLER is a small waterplane
area twin hull coastal mapping vessel, the first of its kind to
be constructed for NOAA. Its design is particularly suited to
NOAAs mission to map the ocean floor, as it is less
responsive to wave action than a mono-hull ship. BELL M. SHIMADA
is the last of four vessels of the same design to be built for
NOAA by VT Halter Marine. These sister ships are considered among
the worlds most technologically advanced fisheries survey
vessels. Catherine H. Sununu, wife of U.S. Senator John Sununu of
New Hampshire, is the sponsor of FERDINAND R. HASSLER. Sponsors
imbue the ship with their spirit during its years of service,
according to maritime tradition. She will also attend the
ceremony as the ships keel-laying authenticator, signing
the keels plaque. Susan E. Lautenbacher, wife of retired
Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., Ph.D., under
secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA
administrator, is sponsor of BELL M. SHIMADA, and will
authenticate that ships keel.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Port of Everett marina
celebrates opening today
EVERETT The Port of Everett is celebrating the opening of
its new marina at 11 a.m. today at 10th Street and West Marine
View Drive. The ports new 220-slip marina, named the 12th
Street Yacht Basin, opened on June 1. The 12th Street Yacht Basin
includes permanent and guest moorage slips and caters to
yacht-class vessels ranging from 40 to 70 feet with end ties of
more than 140 feet. On April 28, slipholders in the new Yacht
Basin walked the floats for the first time, and selected their
slips. Everetts new marina, which is first for the state
since Elliott Bay Marina more than 20 years ago, took nearly two
years to construct and cost more than $20 million. The
ports investment in the new facility was offset with the
help of grant monies from the state and federal governments. The
port received a $990,000 grant from the Federal Boating
Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG), which is administered by the
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC). This was the
largest federal grant from the BIG fund awarded in 2005. The port
also received a $750,000 grant from the States Boating
Facilities Program. The new marina is located next to the Port
Gardner Wharf project, which broke ground on May 17. Port Gardner
Wharf will create a new waterfront neighborhood, with residential
and retail opportunities nestled between the ports marinas.
Firms come together
for WSF ferry proposal
SEATTLE Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT)/Washington State Ferries (WSF) has announced that the
three shipyards Todd Pacific Shipyards, J.M. Martinac
Shipbuilding Corporation and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Inc
submitted a joint proposal to build the four new 144-car
vessels needed by the Washington State Ferry System. A
joint proposal that draws upon the expertise and resources of the
major Puget Sound shipyards is the best possible scenario for
WSDOT/WSF and the taxpayers of Washington State, said WSF
Executive Director Mike Anderson. There is still a lot of
work to do to get from a joint proposal to construction, but we
are moving in the right direction. WSDOT/WSF is committed to
getting high quality vessels built as soon as possible on the
best possible terms for the people of Washington.
Commercial trucks entering US
must now use e-Manifest system
LAREDO, TX U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port
Director Gene Garza has announced that all commercial vehicles
entering the U.S. must now pre-file an electronic manifest or
they will be referred to secondary examination to determine
whether the shipments will be allowed entry. As mandated in the
Trade Act of 2002, the second phase of the e-Manifest regulations
require an electronic manifest be sent to CBP one hour before
arrival for regular entries and 30 minutes prior for Free and
Secure Trade (FAST) lane entries. Any commercial entry that
arrives at the port of entry without having sent an e-Manifest
will be referred to secondary examination. At secondary an
electronic manifest needs to be forwarded to CBP in order for the
entry to be processed and allowed entry into the United States.
If carriers completely disregard the requirements or make no
attempt to file an e-Manifest, the shipment may be returned to
Mexico. Recently, the Laredo port of entry had an e-Manifest
compliance rate of just fewer than 70 percent with some days
exceeding 80 percent. It is anticipated that this number will
quickly rise as the second phase of the e-Manifest requirement
became effective June 19.
Coast Guard invites feedback
on Merchant Mariner programs
WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that its
Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee has established a
mechanism to provide ongoing feedback on the mariner licensing
and documentation program and the relocation of the National
Maritime Center. Those wishing to provide feedback should email
the committee at MERPACfeedback@gmail.com. The Coast Guard began
restructuring its mariner licensing and documentation program in
March 2005 to improve service to mariners. The project will
relocate the National Maritime Center to Martinsburg, W. Va.,
change mission focus for the 17 regional examination centers and
implement technological improvements such as electronic imaging
of mariner records, electronic administration and grading of
exams, and on-line payment of user fees. When the plan is
complete the processing of all applications for credentials will
be centralized and managed by the reorganized National Maritime
Center staff, and the responsibilities of the regional
examination centers will be limited to fingerprinting mariners,
establishing mariner identities, providing application
assistance, administering testing, and providing course
oversight.
Jetboats will showcase facilities
at Port of Vancouver, USA
VANCOUVER, USA Early explorers often had their first view
of the West Vancouver waterfront from the Columbia River.
Community members are invited to tour the present-day Port of
Vancouver waterfront from a similar perspective on a jetboat tour
of the local docks Saturday, June 23. Jetboat rides, provided by
Willamette Jetboat Excursions, will depart from the lower dock at
Vancouver Landing each half-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is
$5 per person. A Port of Vancouver guide will share highlights of
port facilities visible from the river in between the spins and
thrills of the ride. The tours are being held in conjunction with
the annual RiverWalk fundraiser, which follows a scenic
three-mile route along the Columbia River to Beaches Restaurant
and then back to Esther Short Park. Vancouver Landing is just
south of the park at Port of Vancouver's Terminal One, the
original location of trade operations for the 95-year-old port.
Jetboat riders are advised that there is a strong chance of
getting wet. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an
adult. No advance reservations will be taken; the 62-passenger
boat will be filled on a first come basis at the dock.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Vancouver, USA port board
puts lease agreement on hold
VANCOUVER, USA After more than an hour of discussion, Port
of Vancouver USA Commissioners postponed a vote on a proposed
50-year lease agreement at its regular commission meeting on June
26. According to the port, approval of the lease was expected at
the meeting, but during discussion of the lease several concerns
arose. Commissioners Arch Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy Baker
requested that port staff and legal counsel make modifications
consistent with the discussion. The action item will again appear
on the agenda for the regularly-scheduled Port of Vancouver
Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, beginning at 9:30
a.m. The lease agreement would provide 3.26 acres of port
property under lease for 50 years, with two 15-year extensions.
Monthly rent, per the proposed agreement, is $16,492, with annual
increases. If the lease is approved, the property may be used for
retail, office, hotel/motel, public access, restaurants, a
pedestrian plaza, and other commercial activities. The port
maintains reasonable approval rights for the Columbia Waterfront
LLCs design for buildings on the leased property.
Work begins on project
to ease East Marginal Way traffic
SEATTLE Ground was broken June 18, on a Duwamish area
transportation project that will improve freight mobility and
business access as well as offer safety and convenience
advantages to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The East
Marginal Way Grade Separation Project will route trucks and
general vehicle traffic up and over railroad tracks just south of
the Spokane Street corridor. When completed in late 2009, the
project will eliminate traffic delays on East Marginal Way caused
by trains crossing at grade level. The $20 million construction
cost of the project is funded by a coalition of public and
private partners including: the Port of Seattle, City of Seattle,
Washington State Department of Transportation, Puget Sound
Regional Council, the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic
Investment Board, the Washington State Transportation Improvement
Board, and the Federal Highway Administration, BNSF Railway
Company and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Conceptual plan unveiled
for Bellingham waterfront project
BELLINGHAM Earlier this year the Port of Bellingham's
Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding
with a local developer, which may result in new buildings, jobs,
housing and activity at the port's Bellwether on the Bay TM
waterfront development. During a June 19 work study session, port
staff and the developers unveiled a conceptual site plan and
building design concept for this project, which is in its final
negotiation stages. The conceptual design includes the
possibility for four to five new mixed-use buildings ranging in
size from a three-story 12,000 square foot building to one
four-story 86,331 square foot
building. The concept showed three buildings that would be three
stories tall and one building that would have four stories. The
construction schedule is in negotiations. If a final agreement is
approved, Bellwether Gate LLC would pay the port nearly $3
million for an 80-year lease for the land. Bellwether Gate also
would be required to construct additional underground and above
ground parking. Bellwether Gate LLC is a newly formed development
company with the same principals as Bellingham firm Ebenal
Company. The Ebenal Company has completed several major new
developments in Fairhaven including the building housing Village
Books and Fairhaven Square. The company also is restoring the
historic Waldron Building.
Panama Canal discussed
at Shanghai, China meeting
PANAMA CITY The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of
Directors and Advisory Board met in Shanghai, China, June 11-12
to analyze the progress of expansion and other major projects
underway at the Panama Canal. The advisory board plays an
important role as the Panama Canal strives to best serve global
trade and commerce. China is the second largest user of the
Panama Canal after the United States. ACP Administrator/CEO
Alberto Alemán Zubieta briefed the advisory board - composed of
business, maritime and trade experts - on key canal issues, while
the groups discussed strategy and current trends in the maritime
and shipping industries. The meeting was jointly presided over by
Panamanian Minister for Canal Affairs and ACP Board of Directors
Chairman Dani Ariel Kuzniecky and Advisory Board Chairman and
former Secretary-General of the International Maritime
Organization William A. O'Neil. During the meeting, Mr. Alemán
briefed participants on the Panama Canal. Since the October 22,
2006 referendum that approved the waterway's expansion, the ACP
has: assembled an experienced internal team to manage the
historic undertaking; hired legal and financial advisors; hosted
various conferences to communicate to potential contractors the
essential details on the project; and, released some preliminary
tenders, such as the tender for the program manager and the
tender for the north Pacific channel dry excavation. Expansion
will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through
the construction of a new set of locks, which will double
capacity and allow more traffic and wider ships.
Port of Tacoma 'Report' program
now appearing on television
TACOMA The latest edition of the Port of Tacoma's
award-winning "Port Report" television program will be
broadcast in Tacoma and Pierce County through June 30, 2007. For
anyone who wants to learn more about the port and its diverse
business activities, this edition features stories about the
expansion of Washington United Terminals (home of Hyundai
Merchant Marine), the port's air quality initiatives,
improvements to the near-terminal rail system, growth of
breakbulk cargo and a behind-the-scenes look at the port's
Maintenance Department. Other stories focus on SR 167 completion,
Narrows Bridge construction and IKEA's new home in Frederickson.
Produced by Tacoma Videoworks, "Port Report" can be
viewed on Cable Channel 12 (exclusively within the City of
Tacoma), Cable Channel 21 (in most areas of Pierce County) and
Channel 85 on Click! in University Place.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 18, 2007
Port of Vancouver, USA
eyes waterfront lease agreement
VANCOUVER, USA The Port of Vancouver USA Commission is
considering a lease agreement that will help create the focal
point of a new waterfront development being planned by the City
of Vancouver and Columbia Waterfront LLC. Port Commissioners Arch
Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy Baker are currently studying a
lease agreement from the port to Columbia Waterfront LLC which
would provide 3.26 acres of port property under lease for 50
years, with two 15-year extensions. Monthly rent, per the
proposed agreement, is $16,492, with annual increases. The
commission is expected to take action on the lease agreement
during a special public meeting on Tuesday, June 19 at the
ports administrative office. The Columbia Waterfront LLC
intends to use the leased property to develop a core
area for the mixed-use waterfront redevelopment of the Boise
property consistent with the City of Vancouvers City Center
Vision. This lease area would be the gateway to the waterfront
project via the future Esther Street extension from Esther Short
Park and the downtown center as well as via Columbia Street and
the extended waterfront trail. Nearly $17 million in revenue will
be earned by the port during the initial 50-year term of the
agreement.
Congressman inks bill
calling for Deepwater changes
WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD),
chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation, introduced the Integrated Deepwater Program
Reform Act to bring significant reform to the Coast Guard's $24
billion, 25-year Deepwater acquisitions program. Chairman
Cummings was joined in introducing the Act by Congressman James
L. Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the full Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. Among other reforms, the act
would prohibit the use of a private sector lead systems
integrator for the Deepwater program two years after its
enactment, require the use of full and open competition for
acquisitions made under Deepwater, and require the use of
third-party certification for assets acquired under Deepwater,
including the classification of new cutters by the American
Bureau of Shipping. The act would also require that the head of
acquisitions in the Coast Guard be a civilian reporting directly
to the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Toyota Motor Sales receives
Port of Portland Compass Award
PORTLAND The Port of Portland has announced that Toyota
Motor Sales, Inc., USA has received the ports 2007 Compass
Award. The award, presented at the ports annual meeting,
Gateway to the Globe, recognizes the contributions of
community individuals and entities that have demonstrated
exceptional support for the Port of Portland. Compass Award
recipients serve as civic and/or corporate role models through
their outstanding contributions to the port and the communities
it serves. Recipients can be recognized for overall support of
the ports strategic mission or any of its individual
business units including aviation, marine, environmental affairs,
properties and business development. Toyota has been leasing
property at the Port of Portland since 1976 and has significantly
expanded its presence at the port by doubling the volume of
imports through a new state-of-the-art processing facility. Last
year the company processed more than 245,000 autos, a 44-percent
increase over the previous year with an economic impact of $318
per car for the region. The company currently employs about
270 workers at the Port and anticipates hiring about 50 more
employees over the next two years.
Alfa Tec adding new
East Coast operation
SEATTLE Alfa Tec Inc., a 14-year-old Seattle-based marine
sales and service distributor, has announced it will open a
second location in Tampa, Florida, by June 2007. Alfa Tec was
founded in 1993 as Alfa Laval Inc.'s exclusive distributor to the
marine industry on the West Coast and in Alaska. Alfa Laval is
the global provider of specialized products and engineered
solutions. Their equipment, systems and services are dedicated to
helping customers optimize the performance of their processes.
Alfa Tec's sales and services currently cover the marine, power,
fish-processing, food, thermal, industrial and oilfield markets.
The second location will feature expanded service capabilities
for centrifuges, watermakers, heat exchangers, oily water
separators, Omnipure MSD Systems and pumps.
World Trade Center Tacoma
announces contest winners
TACOMA The World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA) has announced
the winners of the Global Artistry Art and Essay contest held in
conjunction with World Trade Centers Association Day on
Wednesday, June 13, 2007. Sixty students participated in the
Global Artistry art contest. Three students were awarded prizes.
The "Best in Show" award was given to Kashmir Reier, a
student at Mount Tahoma High School. She was awarded $250 from
Columbia Bank, an internship at the Open Arts Studio in Tacoma,
and one-year dual memberships to the Tacoma Art Museum and the
Museum of Glass. The second place finalist, Tae So, a student at
Mount Tahoma High School, and the third place finalist, Sophia
Manenica-Frank, a student at Bellarmine Preparatory School, both
received one-year memberships to the Museum of Glass and
complimentary tickets to the Tacoma Art Museum. Student art
pieces will be displayed at the Tacoma Art Museum, the American
Art Company, and the Tacoma Public Library. Students were asked
to submit art pieces based around the theme of globalization. Art
pieces were judged by a committee comprised of local leaders in
arts and business. Two students participated in the essay
contest. Elizabeth Ferrie, a 9th grader at Annie Wright School,
and Luke Duncan, an 8th grader at Giaudrone Middle School were
both awarded complimentary admission tickets to the Tacoma Art
Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. These two students
answered the question, "Do you believe there are ways free
trade can alleviate global poverty?" Student artwork and
essays are available for viewing on the World Trade Center Tacoma
website: www.wtcta.org.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 15, 2007
Vancouver, USA Port Commission
calls for freight project material bids
VANCOUVER, USA The Port of Vancouver USA commission has
authorized Executive Director Larry Paulson and his staff to
begin soliciting "Invitations to Bid" for materials
needed to build the initial phases of the port's West Vancouver
Freight Access project. The project includes construction of a
new rail access onto port property and enhancement of the port's
internal rail system. The port could realize substantial savings
in costs for these materials by strategically purchasing
materials before construction begins. This would help accommodate
the 2007 capital projects that will require port-furnished
materials. According to the port, savings of 8-10 percent could
be realized through a consolidated materials purchase, and
staggered deliveries. Phased payments consistent with project
schedule requirements would also help save costs. The port points
out that the current project schedules indicate that 28 percent
of the materials needed for 2007 will be ordered for delivery on
September 1, at a cost of just over $1.4 million. The remaining
72 percent would be delivered to the port no later than December
31, at a cost of just over $3.7 million. Payment for the
purchased materials would be issued after delivery of the
materials. Payments are estimated to be delivered in October 2007
and January 2008.
Waterfront development plan
gains Camas-Washougal port board nod
CAMAS The Port of Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners
has given the green light to the development group, RiverWalk on
the Columbia, LLC, to begin developing a master plan based on the
recommendations submitted by the port-appointed Waterfront
Advisory Committee (WAC) on the preferred architectural features
for a proposed waterfront development. During a public meeting
earlier this week, port commissioners compared the WACs
recommendations with a checklist of waterfront features compiled
from eight past Port of Camas-Washougal studies as well as 14
different waterfront redevelopment projects primarily in the
Pacific Northwest. Various waterfront features were organized
into 19 categories, building upon those earlier studies and
citizen input since 1986. The 19 categories include consideration
for various uses ranging from commercial, residential, open
spaces and parks, historic significance to view corridors and
riverfront recreation. Over the next few months, RiverWalk will
be developing a waterfront redevelopment master plan, which will
be brought back to the WAC for their review and input.
US rail freight traffic
dips during month of May
WASHINGTON, DC Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down
slightly during May in comparison with May 2006, the Association
of American Railroads (AAR) reports. U.S. railroads originated
1,636,963 carloads of freight in May 2007, down 79,471 carloads
(4.6 percent) from May 2006. Intermodal volume totaled 1,143,652
units in May 2007, a decline of 23,926 trailers and containers
(2.0 percent) from May 2006. Five of the 19 major commodity
categories tracked by the AAR saw U.S. carload increases in May
2007 compared to May 2006, with the largest gains coming in
chemicals (up 2,076 carloads, or 1.4 percent, to 151,015
carloads) and petroleum products (up 1,732 carloads, or 5.5
percent, to 33,474 carloads). Most other commodities showed
carload declines in May 2007, including coal (down 27,368
carloads, or 3.9 percent, to 683,046 carloads, largely because of
heavy rain and tornado damage in the Midwest early in May);
crushed stone and gravel (down 12,882 carloads, or 10.3 percent,
to 112,721 carloads); and grain (down 9,973 carloads, or 9.4
percent, to 96,547 carloads). For the first five months of 2007,
total U.S. rail carloads were down 320,851 carloads (4.3 percent)
to 7,087,341 carloads, with the biggest declines coming in
crushed stone, sand, and gravel (down 56,685 carloads, or 11.3
percent); motor vehicles and equipment (down 52,947 carloads, or
10.5 percent); and coal (down 52,251 carloads, or 1.7 percent).
U.S. intermodal traffic, which consists of trailers and
containers on flat cars and is not included in carload figures,
was down 59,428 trailers and containers (1.2 percent) for the
first five months of 2007 to 4,990,830 units. Total volume for
the first five months was estimated at 721.4 billion ton-miles,
down 3.0 percent from last year.
Panama Canal Authority
changing excavation project tender
PANAMA CITY The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced
that it has modified the tender for the dry excavation of the new
Pacific Locks access channel and extended the bid submission date
to July 6, 2007. On May 7, the ACP released its tender (request
for proposal submission) for the dry excavation of the new
Pacific Locks access channel - the first of five dry excavation
projects that will link the new Post-Panamax Locks on the Pacific
end of the Canal with the existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest
stretch in the Panama Canal). This project is the first
construction-related expansion tender and represents
approximately 16 percent of the total excavation for the new
Pacific Locks access channel. The ACP expects to award the
contract in July or August of 2007. The amendments to the tender
include technical and legal revisions. Some administrative
changes have also been implemented to provide necessary
linguistic and grammatical clarifications. During a three-day
conference held May 23-25 in Panama, the ACP hosted
representatives from more than 60 companies across the globe
interested in learning about the first dry excavation for
expansion. At the event, the ACP provided contractors, equipment
suppliers and others with information on the project. The ACP has
subsequently modified the tender to clarify issues in response to
questions and comments from those prospective bidders. The scope
of work for the first dry excavation will include the removal of
non-classified material, the disposal of excavated material and
the construction of new gravel roads and ditches. Expansion will
build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the
construction of a new set of locks, which will double the cargo
transiting capacity of the Canal and allow more traffic and wider
as well as longer ships.
MOL names new vessel
MOL CREATION
TOKYO Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has held the naming
ceremony for its 8,100TEU containership, at Nagasaki Shipyard
& Machinery Works, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. In the
ceremony, this ship was named MOL CREATION by President Akimitsu
Ashida. As part of MOL's continuing focus on vessel safety and
environmental impact, the new ship has been outfitted with the
latest technologies impacting those areas of performance. The MOL
CREATION is the first containership fabricated with high tensile
E Grade steel to ensure hull integrity. The ship will also employ
a Mitsubishi-Wartsila RT-flex96C engine which is designed to
electronically maintain optimal fuel injection performance at all
engine speeds. This 11 cylinder main engine is designed to reduce
fuel consumption and to control NOx and soot (PM) exhaust
effectively while operating at a high service speed of 25.25
knots/hour. The vessel will begin service when it departs Dalian
on July 15.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Greenbrier nets orders
to cut down intermodal platforms
LAKE OSWEGO, OR The Greenbrier Companies has announced
that it has received orders to cut down 2,500 existing 48'
double-stack intermodal platforms to 40' double-stack platforms.
A 40' platform more efficiently matches traffic flows and
container loads, as compared to a 48' platform. The cut-down
work, received from two different customers, will be performed at
six different Greenbrier shop locations through early calendar
2008. There are about 50,000 48' double-stack platforms in
service in North America. The company believes it is
well-positioned to continue to capture a high marketshare of
future double-stack cut down work, as the original builder of a
majority of the 48' platforms and through its shop network of 34
locations throughout North America.
CKYH Alliance forming
butterfly loop for PNW service
SEOUL The CKYH Alliance has announced that it will
reorganize its PNW South loop and PNW North loop which is jointly
operated by COSCON and hanjin into a butterfly new service by
deploying a total of nine 5500TEU containerships (four from
COSCON and five from Hanjin). The new PNW butterfly loop will be
inaugurated from the beginning of July, 2007. The port rotation
will be Hong Kong Yantian Yokohama Vancouver
Seattle Yokohama Shanghai Busan.
Seattle Portland Vancouver Kwangyang
Hong Kong. This butterfly loop has two services, the PNW
South Loop and the PNW North Loop. Two voyages will said every
week from the Far East bound for the PNW. Also two voyages from
the PNW will be bound for the Far East. PNW South loop will be
HKG-YIT-YOK-VAN-SEA -YOK-SHA and PNW North Loop will be
SHA-PUS-SEA-PDX-VAN-KAN-HKG-YIT. Transit time from Yantian to
Vancouver, BC will be 12 days and 11 days from Shanghai to
Seattle.
Freight transporation Services Index
posts 0.1 percent drop during April
WASHINGTON, DC The Freight Transportation Services Index
(TSI) fell 0.1 percent in April from its March level, falling
after a one-month rise, the U.S. Department of
Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
reports. The April decline was the fourth in the last seven
months. The freight TSI is down 3.5 percent from its peak of
112.8 first achieved in January 2005 but up 1.8 percent from its
recent low of 107.1 in November 2006. 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. For the year-to-date, the freight TSI
rose 1.2 percent, compared to a 1.2 percent drop during the
December-to-April period in 2006. The April freight TSI of 108.9
was down 0.6 percent from its April 2006 level and down 3.2
percent from its April 2005 level. Despite the recent declines,
the freight index has increased 9.5 percent in five years and
17.8 percent in 10 years. The index includes historic data from
1990 to the present. The TSI is still under development and is
considered experimental. The seasonally adjusted index measures
changes from the monthly average of the base year of 2000.
Corrosion-resistant steel
will be used in supertankers
TOKYO Nippon Steel Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki
Kaisha (NYK), have jointly developed a highly corrosion-resistant
steel plate, named NSGP-1 to prevent corrosion of the inner
bottom of crude-oil tanks of supertankers. NYK has decided to use
this steel plate on all new tankers, including those currently on
order. Crude oil contains salt water that has a salt
concentration several times higher than seawater, and over time
this salt water separates from crude oil and accumulates at the
bottom of tanks. The accumulated salt water makes pits on the
inner surface of the tanks, and this can then lead to oil leaks.
The newly developed steel plate is designed to protect the tanks
from such pits. Both NYK and Nippon Steel agreed to work together
to jointly develop this highly corrosion-resistant steel plate in
order to continue the efforts that both companies have been
making to reduce any negative impact that they may have on the
environment.
Change of command set
for Port Angeles Coast Guard station
PORT ANGELES Northern Cambria, Pa., native, Captain Mark
D'Andrea, will hand over command of Coast Guard Group Port
Angeles and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles to Captain Scott
Pollock during a change of command ceremony scheduled Monday at
11:00 a.m. capt. D'Andrea has been the commander of Coast Guard
Group/Air Station Port Angeles since 2004 and will next be
assigned as chief of response for the Coast Guard's Thirteenth
Coast Guard District based in Seattle. Capt. D'Andrea graduated
Northern Cambria High School in 1977 and then attended Saint
Francis College before graduating from the Coast Guard Academy in
1982. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Purdue
University. His personal decorations include the Meritorious
Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard
Achievement Medal, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation.
Capt. Pollock, a native of Tacoma, Wash., was recently assigned
as the District Seventeen Chief Incident Management Branch in
Juneau, Alaska. He graduated from Curtis High School before
earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and
a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of
South Alabama. Rear Admiral Richard R. Houck, District Thirteen
Commander, will officiate the ceremony.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Port of Everett Commission Oks
design contract for new building
EVERETT Everett, Wash. On June 12, the Port of
Everett Commission voted to approve a design contract with
Miller/Hull Partnership that would start the process of
constructing a new port administration building in the Port
Gardner Wharf development. The new building is expected to cost
$584,928 to design and approximately $6 million to construct. The
commissions vote only approved the design of the building,
not its construction. The cost of the new building will be offset
by the sale of the port's current administration building on Bond
Street and the potential lease of the existing South Marina
office and space in the new building. Based on information
provided by BST Associates, a Bothell-based economic analytical
consulting firm, the new administration building will generate a
four percent return on the ports investment over the next
20 years. Conceptually, the building will consist of three floors
of approximately 8,000 square feet per floor, plus have a
multi-purpose room located on the roof for port commission
meetings and other events. The port would occupy the second floor
of the building, and lease out the first and third floors to
potential tenants. This facility may also house the proposed
Fishermens Tribute.
TSA member carriers boost
peak season surcharges
OAKLAND The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA)
reports that with factory holidays in Japan and China behind
them, and with summer and back-to-school retail shipments
building, container shipping lines are reporting nearly full
vessels from Asia to all U.S coasts. Network capacity constraints
have already produced equipment shortages and have resulted in
some Asia cargo being bumped to later sailings. Near 20 percent
cargo growth in the Asia-Europe trade, and similar strong
intra-Asia demand have further tightened space and equipment
availability. TSA member lines said vessel utilization averaged
86 percent to the Pacific Northwest, 95 percent to California
ports and 91 percent through the Panama Canal during May. Forward
bookings showed increases to the 90-95 percent range in the
Northwest, and 95 percent or more for California and East Coast
all-water services heading into June, with those levels expected
to increase further through the summer. Carrier utilization
totals are consistent with recent forecasts by the National
Retail Federation/Global Insight Port Tracker Service. Port
Tracker predicts record cargo demand in July-August 1.54
million and 1.57 million 20-foot containers (TEU) respectively
reaching a high for the year during October. Given the
stronger than expected peak season and concerns over growing
network constraints and productivity slowdowns through a long
July 4 weekend; over inland rail congestion; and over the Panama
Canal operating at capacity, TSA lines have adopted a $200 per
40-foot container increase in their peak season surcharges, from
August 1 through October 31, 2007. TSA is a research and
discussion forum of major container shipping lines serving the
trade from Asia to ports and inland points in the U.S.
Port of Bellingham earns award
for waterfront redevelopment project
BELLINGHAM The Port of Bellingham has received a national
boating access award from the Boat Owners Association of the
United States for its efforts to turn Bellingham's industrial
waterfront into a boater-friendly downtown. Boat U.S. created the
award to recognize successes in preserving or improving public
waterway access based on four criteria: 1.) challenges in
retaining or increasing access in an area; 2.) direct impact or
measurable results; 3.) increasing community awareness and
support; 4.) and "repeatability," that is, the
potential for adapting the success elsewhere. Boat U.S.
recognized the port, the city, the Waterfront Advisory Group, and
all the project partners for planning to help meet local boating
needs while preserving the city's working waterfront and for
forging a model for other communities to follow. The planned
marina and waterfront redevelopment are the subject of a feature
article in the May issue of Boat U.S. Magazine, the world's
largest publication in recreational boating with a circulation of
nearly 670,000 subscribers. The port is planning to convert
Georgia-Pacific's industrial wastewater treatment lagoon into a
new marina that includes nearly a mile of new public trails
around the breakwater and innovative, salmon-friendly features
such as a fish passageway through breakwater opposite the marina
entrance. The port is also planning to put in visitor boating
docks along the Whatcom Waterway to help boaters better connect
with downtown and the New Whatcom redevelopment area.
Port of Tacoma taps Hooten
as environmental program boss
TACOMA The Port of Tacoma has hired Scott Hooton as
environmental program manager to lead the port's Remediation Unit
within its Environmental Department. In this position, he manages
the environmental team responsible for cleaning up contaminated
properties and conducting due diligence for the port's Industrial
Real Estate staff. Mr. Hooton brings 21 years experience to the
port, with 15 years experience managing environmental remediation
and compliance in the energy industry. Before joining the port,
Mr. Hooton worked as environmental program manager for BP Oil
(Renton, Washington).
Crowley Logistics passes
Custom's C-TPAT audit
JACKSONVILLE, FL Crowley Logistics has been notified by US
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of its successful
full-company "Validation" in the Customs-Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program which includes
both its domestic and foreign operations. Less than 10 percent of
the approximately 9,000 individual members in the C-TPAT program
have undergone and passed the validation audit, which can provide
a host of benefits for customers. Crowley's C-TPAT program
certification and validation results in a more secure supply
chain and a reduction in customers' time-to-market transfer of
cargo - from point of origin loading to delivery destination.
Shippers who are also C-TPAT program members that utilize Crowley
for the sea carrier portion of their cargo movement can expect a
reduction of US Customs targeting and inspection of their
shipments upon arrival in U.S. ports. In the event of a random
Custom's inspection, C-TPAT members will move to the head of the
line for inspection scheduling. Additionally, if there were an
emergency affecting commerce or trade infrastructure because of a
terrorist event or attack, C-TPAT members will be given first
preference in restarting trade operations.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 11, 2007
Port of Bellingham funds back
college's industrial welding program
BELLINGHAM The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners
has approved funding construction materials for the Bellingham
Technical College's industrial welding program. Bellingham
Technical College is creating a Welding Fabrication Training
Module that will be a structure to simulate real-world welding
and fabrication conditions. The structure will be constructed by
BTC students. This project is part of an expansion of the welding
program, which will allow the college to double the number of
students being trained in welding. In addition to the port's
$20,000 contribution, the Anvil Corporation is providing free
engineering services and donations are being sought from local
industries who rely on trained welders. Construction of the
module should be completed by the summer of 2008. The port funds
came from the port's Industrial Revenue Corporation, generates
income through a fee on the industrial revenue bonds it issues to
provide tax-exempt, low-interest financing for industrial and
manufacturing projects. This IDC money can only be used for
economic development programs. In addition to the welding
program, the port also has a partnership with BTC's aviation
training programs.
Waterfront committee presents findings
to Camas-Washougal port commissioners
CAMAS, WA The Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC),
appointed by the Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioners, presented
their final report on the preferred architectural features for a
proposed waterfront development at a special public meeting on
June 6. The WAC final report includes recommendations that
address best-use priorities for the economic, natural and social
environments, with the long-term use of the waterfront in mind:
* The economic environment addresses integrated communities with
housing diversity, shops, workplaces, parks and civic facilities
essential to the daily life of citizens and ensures long-term
economic growth for the community.
* The natural environment addresses the natural terrain,
vegetation, parks, trails, greenbelts and protected wildlife
corridors.
* The social environment addresses the potential for individuals
to communicate, embrace culture and history, and connect with
others in safe surroundings.
No decision has been made on selection of these concepts and/or
their sites at this time. The full report, including public
input, is available at the ports website:
www.PortCW.com/riverwalk.htm. Background material is available
for review at the ports administrative offices.
Port of Tacoma
promotes Brian Mannelly
TACOMA The Port of Tacoma has promoted Brian Mannelly to
manager of terminal planning, a position in which he works with
Port Environmental and Engineering staff to design future port
development options. He also coordinates with governmental and
regulatory authorities outside the port. Mr. Mannelly joined the
port in 2005 as a planning specialist. He was previously employed
in private engineering consulting by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin,
Inc. (VHB) of Boston.
Oregon governor to speak
at Port of Portland luncheon
PORTLAND Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski will be keynote
speaker at the Port of Portlands first Gateway to the Globe
luncheon. The event will focus on Oregons role in the
global marketplace and the ports role in facilitating
international trade and travel. The program will include a look
at the ports past accomplishments and economic impact as
well as future challenges and objectives. The event will conclude
with the announcement of this years Port Compass Award
recipient. Initiated in 2006, the Compass Award recognizes the
contributions of community individuals and entities that have
demonstrated exceptional support for the Port of Portland. The
event is scheduled for Friday, June 15, 2007 from noon to 1:15
p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom (located
at the south end of the Convention Center, 3rd floor) 777 N.E.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Portland.
Coast Guard teams with DQ
to reward kids wearing lifejackets
WASHINGTON, DC The Coast Guard, Dairy Queen, state boating
authorities, Coast Guard Auxiliary and marine law enforcement
agencies from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana have teamed
up for their sixth year to reward young boaters for safe
behavior. Coupons for free Dairy Queen ice-cream cones will be
awarded to boaters 16 years old or younger who are spotted on the
water wearing lifejackets on weekends and holidays during the
summer.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 8, 2007
Touring vessel runs aground
near Whidbey Island, Washington
SEATTLE Coast Guard Sector Seattle is investigating what
caused a touring vessel to run aground near Deception Island
State Park on Whidbey Island, Wash., at approximately 8 p.m.
Thursday. The 65-foot passenger vessel, ISLAND EXPLORER II, had
52 people aboard when it ran aground. Everyone aboard was safely
evacuated and seven passengers who had suffered injuries were
taken to Island Hospital in Anacortes for treatment. The extent
of their injuries is not known at this time. Initial reports
indicate that the vessel incurred hull damage and two
compartments began to flood. Pumps on board the vessel were able
to control the flooding. There are also no indications that the
vessel spilled any oil or released pollutants into the water. The
incident is currently under investigation.
All sides of rail freight traffic
post declines during week
WASHINGTON, DC Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during
the week ended May 26 trailed the comparable week last year, the
Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Intermodal
volume totaled 235,682 trailers or containers, down 1.0 percent
from last year, with container volume up 1.9 percent and trailer
volume down 10.7 percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include
the intermodal data, totaled 335,282 cars for the week, down 4.7
percent from last year. Loadings were down 5.3 percent in the
West and 4.0 percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at
34.3 billion ton-miles, down 2.8 percent from last year.
Cumulative volume for the first 21 weeks of 2007 totaled
6,767,487 carloads, down 4.5 percent from 2006; 4,785,303
trailers or containers, off 1.2 percent; and total volume of an
estimated 688.7 billion ton-miles, down 3.1 percent from last
year.
Paving project forcing changes
to Washington ferry schedules
CAMAS, WA Washington State Ferries reports construction
work has begun to repair and repave the dock at Friday Harbor,
which includes portions of Front Street, East Street and the base
of the holding lanes. Lakeside Industries of Anacortes was the
low bidder for this $170,000 project. The work is expected to
temporarily impact the traveling public with lane restrictions on
the dock and vessel loading and unloading during mid-day sailings
on Front Street. Drivers and pedestrians should pay close
attention to construction signage and traffic control personnel
or, if possible, avoid Front and East Streets near the dock
between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Pick-ups and drop-offs
should be done on side streets. Commercial trucks, RVs and other
overheight vehicles over 74 will be limited on June
11-13 on the 6:10 a.m., 7:45 a.m. and 9:35 a.m. sailings from
Anacortes due to transport of construction equipment and June
11-13 on the 1:40 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. from Friday Harbor. Travel
for overheight/overwidth vehicles is not advised at these times.
Vessel and terminal operations should return to normal by June
18.
IMO marks anniversary
of UN Atlas of the Oceans
LONDON IMO and a group of 14 partner organizations are
marking the fifth anniversary since the launch of the web-based
UN Atlas of the Oceans (http://www.oceansatlas.org), in June
2002. The Atlas is a pioneering online encyclopaedia containing a
wealth of information on the world's oceans that is maintained
collaboratively by an international network of expert editors.
The atlas was launched in 2002 by a group of UN agencies and
their partners - constituting some of the world's foremost ocean
agencies - amid mounting concern over the continuing
deterioration of marine and coastal ecosystems and with the goal
of helping to reverse this decline and promote the sustainable
development of oceans. Currently, the Atlas contains over 4,000
entries which, aside from those related directly to maritime
transport, range from fisheries biology to ocean law to undersea
prospecting for pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. Each
topic listing provides background information, records UN agency
programme roles and involved organizations, describes relevant
legal and policy frameworks, identifies research needs, and gives
an assessment of what the future holds. These entries are
maintained by a network of 42 volunteer expert editors, with
another 7,000+ plus "members" who receive regular
updates on new or altered atlas content, contribute to the
content and give feedback to the editors. This collaborative
method of contributing to and updating a website is known as a
"wiki" system. About 100,000 people access the UN Atlas
of the Oceans website each month.
Three transportation industry executives
to receive Admiral of the Ocean Sea honors
WASHINGTON, DC The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2007
Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to James S.
Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company, Inc.,
Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group,
Inc. and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line,
Limited. The maritime industry's most prestigious honors will be
awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the
Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 2,
2007. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and
president of the International Longshoremen's Association,
AFL-CIO, made the announcements.
NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Port of Vancouver, USA
nets $5.41 million Ecology grant
VANCOUVER, USA The Port of Vancouver USA has been
recognized by the Washington State Department of Ecologys
Local Toxics Control Account for its work in groundwater cleanup
efforts in the form of $5.41 million grant. Funding, which will
be received by the port over the next two years, will help meet
obligations under the agreed order with the Department of
Ecology. Money will be used to install a groundwater cleanup
system and continue monitoring at the site. The grant will help
offset an estimated $36 million cleanup effort. The Port of
Vancouver is currently cleaning up a plume of trichloroethylene
(TCE) and other solvents in an aquifer in the general area of the
port. The ongoing cleanup is showing positive results.
Port Tracker report predicts
busy August for container ports
WASHINGTON, DC Traffic at the nations major retail
container ports should reach a record high in August, then drop
off slightly in September before hitting the years
traditional peak in October, according to the monthly Port
Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and
Global Insight. August is forecast at 1.53 million Twenty-foot
Equivalent Units (TEU) of container traffic, breaking last
Octobers record of 1.51 million, while September is
forecast at 1.49 million. October, traditionally the busiest
month of the year as retailers bring in merchandise for the
holiday sales season, is forecast at 1.54 million this year. All
U.S. ports covered by Port Tracker Los Angeles/Long Beach,
Oakland, Tacoma and Seattle on the West Coast; New York/New
Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast,
and Houston on the Gulf Coast are currently rated
low for congestion, the same as last month.
Nationwide, the ports surveyed handled 1.3 million TEU of
container traffic in April, the most recent month for which
actual numbers are available. That was down 5.8 percent from
April 2006 but up two percent from this March. Volume continued
up in May, which was estimated at 1.35 million TEU (down 1.2
percent from May 2006). June is forecast at 1.4 million TEU (down
0.17 percent from June 2006), July at 1.48 million TEU (up 6
percent from July 2006), August at 1.53 million TEU (up 3.3
percent from August 2006), September at 1.49 million TEU (flat
from September 2006), and October at 1.54 million TEU (up two
percent from September 2006). Port Trackers forecast period
is six months, so numbers beyond October are not yet estimated,
but cargo volume historically peaks in October before starting to
slow in November. Port Tracker, which is produced by the economic
research, forecasting and analysis firm Global Insight for NRF,
looks at inbound container volume, the availability of trucks and
railroad cars to move cargo out of the ports, labor conditions
and other factors that affect cargo movement and congestion.
Port of Camas-Washougal
taps Walstra as planning director
CAMAS, WA Rich Gunderson, president of the Port of
Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners, recently announced the
appointment of Scot Walstra as the port's new director of
planning & development. Mr. Walstra will officially assume
his new position at the port on June 11, and he will directly
report to the Port of Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners. Mr.
Walstra will work closely with ports Executive Director,
Sheldon Tyler, who manages the overall port operations including
a 400-acre industrial park, a 79-hangar general aviation airport,
and a 350-slip pleasure boat marina. Mr. Walstra's
responsibilities include planning and developing long and short
term land-use strategies, and analyzing economic development
impacts to meet the ports business objectives. He will also
actively market any available port industrial property and
building space, in addition to managing the feasibility study of
the proposed RiverWalk waterfront development efforts. Mr.
Walstras professional experience includes 26 years of
service at NW Natural in various capacities including director of
business development for Clark County district;
industrial/commercial segment manager; new construction segment
manager; and residential energy consultant. Prior to that, Mr.
Walstra worked several years for Yacht Constructors Inc. in
Portland, a builder of large sailboats in the region.
Panama Canal Authority
looking for management firm
PANAMA CITY The search is on as the Panama Canal Authority
(ACP) released its Program Manager tender (request for proposal)
for canal expansion. The ACP is seeking a top-tier firm with a
solid reputation in program management, and with experience
working on various construction projects around the globe. The
chosen firm will assist the ACP in the management of
approximately 10 major contracts, interfacing with both design
and construction teams. The ACP Board of Directors approved the
use of an integrated program management model, wherein the
authority will designate tasks between its own staff and the
selected firm. Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along
the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks,
which will double its tonnage capacity and allow the passage of
longer, wider and deeper draft vessels. The Program Manager will
provide services that will include assisting the ACP in the
integrated oversight and effective control of the following
projects: the design and construction of the new Atlantic and
Pacific Post-Panamax Locks; dredging (widening and deepening) of
the Atlantic entrance channel; dredging of the Pacific entrance
channel; the dry excavation of the access channel that connects
the Gaillard Cut to the new Pacific Locks; dredging of the Gatun
Lake channels; and, the further deepening of the Gaillard Cut, in
addition to other improvements to existing canal structures.
Information about this tender is now available through the ACP's
online bidding system (SLI),
http://www.pancanal.com/esp/procsales/buy.html or via the ACP's
web site at www.pancanal.com. Interested parties have 48 days
from the tender release date for bid submissions.
Three transportation industry executives
to receive Admiral of the Ocean Sea honors
OLYMPIA The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2007 Admiral of
the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to James S. Andrasick,
president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company, Inc., Morten
Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.
and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited.
The maritime industry's most prestigious honors will be awarded
at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton
New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 2, 2007.
John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of
the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, made the
announcements.
NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Audit finds Port of Seattle
should review some procedures
SEATTLE The Port of Seattle will review its contracting
processes and focus in particular on documentation and
record-keeping as a result of the recommendations contained in a
performance audit made public by the Seattle Port Commission. It
also will put more focus on developing its small and
disadvantaged business programs. Those were among the
recommendations of a performance audit performed for the Port by
Talbot, Korvola & Warwick, or TKW, a Portland-based
accounting firm specializing in performance audits. The
performance audit was directed by the commission and primarily
aimed at an investigation of how the port's capital program and
capital costs compare to other agencies of similar size. Although
port staff successfully brought online a number of major capital
projects in recent years, the auditor noted that the port does
not track and manage construction costs in a way that allows
meaningful comparison with other agencies. The audit also called
for an examination of organizational structures and more
consistency in project record-keeping. A second area of emphasis
for the audit was to look at the port's effort to allow small and
disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of economic
opportunities. The audit report called in particular for a more
centralized and focused staff organization, additional outreach
to the small-business community, and for communication and
training both for port staff and others.
New agreement paves way
for US seafarers to crew LNG ships
WASHINGTON, DC U.S. seafarers will be able to get more
jobs in one of the fastest growing segments of the international
shipping trade, as a result of an agreement signed by Maritime
Administrator Sean T. Connaughton. The agreement implements a
universal set of training standards developed by an industry
working group facilitated by the Maritime Administration, and
will expand opportunities for U.S. mariners on Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) tankers. In January 2006 there were 194 LNG tankers
worldwide, and the expected number at the end of 2007 is 373.
There have been few opportunities for U.S. mariners to sail on
those ships. While several maritime academies offer training for
LNG, their training was not standardized, and standardization of
training and credentials in an internationally accepted set of
competencies will make it easier for U.S. mariners to be employed
on the worldwide LNG fleet. The majority of maritime training
facilities, including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and some
of the state maritime academies, already have programs that train
candidates for work on LNG tankers. The standards put forward in
this agreement will be implemented at the maritime academies and
at training facilities operated by maritime unions, whose
representatives signed the agreement. Signatories include the
Seafarers International Union, American Maritime Officers, Marine
Engineers Beneficial Association; Masters, Mates, and Pilots;
Sailors Union of the Pacific, the U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy, California Maritime Academy, Great Lakes Maritime
Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy,
the Maritime College of the State University of New York, and
Texas Maritime Academy. The training standards and todays
agreement may be seen on the Maritime Administrations web
site, www.marad.dot.gov.
Evergreen launches
new S-series vessel
TAIPEI EVER SAFETY, the ninth of ten 7024TEU S-series
vessels being built for Evergreen in Japan, was launched on June
5, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Kobe shipyard. Due for
delivery in October 2007, EVER SAFETY is scheduled to join
Evergreen Line's transpacific service. The eight earlier vessels
are currently in the process of being transferred to Evergreen
Line's new China Europe Shuttle (CES) service that will offer a
link between Asia and North Europe. The Evergreen Group is
approaching the end of a shipbuilding program comprising 18 large
post-Panamax containerships. Eight 8073TEU C-series are already
in service and the S-series will be completed in the near future.
Crowley Maritime receiving
new boxes, chassis, gen sets
JACKSONVILLE, FL Crowley Maritime Corporations liner
services group has begun to take delivery of 929 new 40-foot
refrigerated (reefer) high-cube containers, 1,453 new 45-foot
(102 wide) containers, 1,453 chassis and 347 generator
sets. The equipment, all of which is arriving in Jacksonville,
Fla., during the next four months, is being deployed in the
companys Latin America, Caribbean and Puerto Rico liner
services as soon as it is received to meet increased customer
demand. The new containers will complement an order received in
2006 for 5,942 new 45-foot (102 wide) dry containers, 40-
and 45-foot chassis, 40-foot high cube refrigerated containers
and gensets. Like the containers delivered in 2006, the new boxes
were built to Crowleys high security specifications. Having
containers that can be lifted on and off chassis also provides
flexibility to shippers who use multiple Crowley services,
including both Lift On/Lift Off (LO/LO) and Roll On/Roll Off
(RO/RO) services. Crowley Liner Services, headquartered in
Jacksonville, Fla., is a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime
Corporation and is part of its liner segment.
Peregrine falcon family
calls Port of Olympia home
OLYMPIA A wooden box atop a 175-foot high gantry crane at
the Port of Olympias marine terminal is home to a pair of
Peregrine falcons and their offspring. Three chicks two
males and one female - hatched in early May and appear to be
thriving. Falcon experts on contract with the Washington State
Department of Fish & Wildlife, were at the port recently, to
band the chicks legs for easier identification. Along with
the regular Fish and Wildlife band, a Visual ID (VID) band was
attached so observers can track the birds without handling them.
In 2004, the port and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife
installed plywood nesting boxes on the two port cranes, and
falcons have nested on the southernmost crane every year since
then with mixed results. One chick hatched in 2004, and in 2005,
eggs were laid, but there were no chicks. Last years
nesting resulted in three chicks. The adult birds are one of
three known pairs in Thurston County. While encouraged by the
chicks progress, experts caution that there is a high
mortality rate for young falcons during their first year.
Peregrine falcons were on the edge of extinction in the 1970s
from exposure to pesticides but have since been removed from the
endangered species list. The state currently monitors about 145
pairs.
NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 4, 2007
Washington budget includes funds
for Port of Vancouver, USA rail project
VANCOUVER, USA The Port of Vancouver USA's West Vancouver
Freight Access Project has been included in the Washington state
budget, signed recently by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire in
Olympia. The $2.5 million included in the state's budget is a
portion of the $10 million sought by the port, and will aid in
the construction of the West Vancouver Freight Access Project,
which will ease congestion cause by the access and egress of unit
trains at the Port of Vancouver. The project is also budgeted in
the newly-created Freight Congestion Relief Account, which has
not yet been funded. The Legislative Joint Transportation
Committee has been instructed to identify funding of the Freight
Congestion Relief Account and report to the legislature by
December 1, 2007. Trains are currently entering and exiting the
port on what is called the "Hill Track", which crosses
the north-south main line owned by BNSF Rail Company. Each time a
port train crosses the main line, it not only congests train
traffic north and south of Vancouver - a key transfer point in
the national railroad scheme - it also stops traffic on the BNSF
east-west main line. The West Vancouver Freight Access Project
will allow more 100-car unit trains to enter and exit the port,
and will allow for the development of the Columbia Gateway
property.
Federal Brownfields grant
earmarked for Gig Harbor cleanup
GIG HARBOR, WA The city of Gig Harbor, Washington has been
selected to receive a $200,000 Brownfields grant to clean
upcontamination in and around the Eddon Park Boatyard, located in
the downtown scenic waterfront. The federal funds will help move
the environmental cleanup ahead in an around the historically
important (1920's) Puget Sound boat building location. The site
also serves as one of the few public access points to Gig Harbor,
itself named after small watercraft associated with early
European exploration of the Northwest. This funding announcement
follows an EPA grant awarded in 2006 to clean up an adjacent
property (3805 Harborview Drive) including a historic boat house,
all of which will be redeveloped into a city park honoring the
town's boat building heritage.
Ferry makes 'hard landing'
at Mukilteo terminal
MUKILTEO, WA Service on the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route
was suspended temporarily last Friday, while Washington State
Ferries (WSF) worked to repair damage to the vehicle slip in
Mukilteo. Just before 6:00 a.m. the M/V CATHLAMET landed hard and
damaged a dolphin, the large group of pilings that guides the
ferry into the slip. Because of the impact of the hard landing
the dolphin collapsed and is blocking the slip. A tug boat was
dispatched to clear the dolphin out of the way. The cause of the
accident is unknown at this time. WSF is conducting an extensive
investigation into the incident, in collaboration with the U.S.
Coast Guard and the Washington State Patrol.
Coast Guard sets boater rules
for Portland's Fleet Week celebration
PORTLAND The Coast Guard will enforce and maintain a
controlled access area on the Willamette River in Portland while
Navy and Coast Guard vessels are tied up at the seawall between
the Steel and Morrison Bridges throughout the fleet's visit June
6-11. Boaters who need to pass through the restricted 100-yard
Naval Vessel Protection Zone must contact the Coast Guard
security escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. Commercial vessels
have made special transit arrangements with the Captain of the
Port, Portland, prior to this year's Fleet Week. All boaters,
kayakers, personal watercraft operators and canoeists are asked
to avoid the security zone altogether. However, if a boater does
need to transit the controlled access area, they may experience a
waiting period. Those wishing to transit the security zone must
follow these rules: No firearms permitted inside the controlled
access area. Boaters wishing to transit the controlled access
area are required to wait in pre-identified staging areas for
official patrol escorts. Staging areas are located on the east
side of the river just north of the Steel Bridge and just south
of the Morrison Bridge. Delays are expected and vessels may be
boarded before being escorted through the controlled access area.
Please plan accordingly. While transiting the controlled access
area, all vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to
maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the
official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort. Vessels will follow
the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort in a single file
line and must stay to the east bank of the river. Do not break
away from the escort line.Violations of a controlled access area
may result in a penalty action under the provision of 33 USC 1231
(maximum fine of $37,500).
Construction project closes
PDX long-term parking spaces
PORTLAND Two hundred long-term parking spaces at Portland
International Airport are closed until June 9 for construction
activities. The lot normally offers 1,560 parking spaces.
Motorists can check on the availability of airport parking spaces
before leaving home at www.flypdx.com or 877-PDX-INFO.
TriMets MAX Red Line light rail is also an option for
traveling to and from PDX, and details are available at
www.trimet.org. The closure will allow construction crews to test
the installation of four pilings in preparation to begin
constructing a second parking garage later this summer. 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. Plans
for parking and roadway expansion are driven by record air
travel. Last year, PDX served an all-time record of more than 14
million travelers. The existing parking garage is reaching
capacity midweek.
NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 1, 2007
NAFTA trading partners
see record month for transport
WASHINGTON, DC Trade using surface transportation between
the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 2.3 percent higher in
March 2007 than in March 2006, reaching $69.8 billion. This is
the highest monthly level ever recorded, according to the Bureau
of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. BTS reported that the value of U.S. surface
transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 16.9 percent in
March from February. Trucks carried $49.1 billion of the March
trade with Canada and Mexico, the highest monthly number ever
recorded. Trade by truck with Canada in March was valued at $29.0
billion and trade by truck with Mexico was $20.1 billion. 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.
Cargill taps Vandenakker
to head Ocean Transportation arm
COBHAM, UK Cargill has announced the appointment of Gert
Jan Vandenakker as head of its Ocean Transportation business,
headquartered in Geneva. Mr. Vandenakker succeeds Tom Intrator,
who will now lead Cargills newly formed Energy,
Transportation and Industrial group of businesses, together with
Norman Hay and David MacLennan. These new appointments are
effective today. Mr. Vandenakker joined Cargill in Amsterdam in
1987 as a grain trader and held a number of positions of
increasing responsibility in Asia before returning to Geneva and
joining the Ocean Transportation business. In line with these
changes, Tom Beney and Jan Dieleman have been jointly appointed
to run the global Panamax business. These moves are also
effective 1 June. Over the last few years Cargills Ocean
Transportation business has experienced substantial growth,
shipping in excess of 160 million tonnes in its last fiscal year
over half of which was with external third party
customers. Cargill's Ocean Transportation business is
headquartered in Geneva with offices in London, Amsterdam, New
Jersey, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.
US rail freight numbers
continue downward trend
WASHINGTON, DC Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down
from last year during the week ended May 19, the Association of
American Railroads (AAR) reports. Traffic was impacted by
continued flooding in the Midwest. Intermodal volume totaled
236,313 trailers or containers, down 3.1 percent from last year,
with container volume up 0.1 percent and trailer volume down 13.8
percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include the intermodal
data, totaled 331,751 cars for the week, down 5.0 percent from
last year. Loadings were down 5.9 percent in the West and 4.0
percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at 33.7 billion
ton-miles, down 4.3 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for
the first 20 weeks of 2007 totaled 6,432,205 carloads, down 4.5
percent from 2006; 4,549,621 trailers or containers, off 1.2
percent; and total volume of an estimated 654.4 billion
ton-miles, down 3.2 percent from last year.
Inspection user fees now set
for Canadian produce crossing border
WASHINGTON, DC As of June 1, the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in
coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys
Customs and Border Protection, is enforcing inspection and user
fee requirements for all commercial trucks and loaded railroad
cars entering the United States from Canada. In an interim rule
published Aug. 25, 2006, APHIS announced that it would remove the
inspection exemption for Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables and
the user fee exemption for commercial vessels, trucks, railroad
cars and aircraft, as well as international passengers entering
the United States from Canada. Implementation of the new
requirements and collection of user fees was staggered to allow
affected industries time to prepare for the change. This marks
the final phase of implementation.
Coast Guard bringing back
Coastal Warning Display program
WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Coast Guard has announced it is
re-establishing a Coastal Warning Display (Storm Flag) program at
selected Coast Guard boat stations throughout the U.S to warn the
public of approaching storm conditions. Coast Guard stations
participated in the National Weather Services official
Coastal Warning Display program for over 100 years along with
yacht clubs and marinas until it was discontinued in 1989.
Starting June 1, selected boat stations will hoist display flags
to warn of small craft advisories, gale warnings, storm warnings
and hurricane warnings. Residents of coastal communities are
urged to tune to National Weather Service radio broadcasts for
the latest information when they observe a flag hoisted as part
of this program. The flags are not intended to preclude mariners
from taking necessary precautions as soon as possible to protect
their vessel and crews.