Home

June, 2009

NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 29, 2009

Steel imports into US
drop 17.1 percent in May

WASHINGTON, DC — The International Trade Administration reports that preliminary data released show that overall steel imports in May 2009 decreased 17.1 percent from April 2009. This change in the May total amount of steel imports was due to decreases in most categories including carbon and alloy blooms, billets, and slabs -88.7 percent, cold-rolled sheets -48.1 percent and line pipe -24.5 percent. Notable increases included carbon and alloy oil country goods 24.6 percent and plates in coil 21.3 percent. May 2009 imports of steel mill products were down 59.2 percent compared to May 2008.


Truck tonnage index
improves during May

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose for the first time since February 2009, gaining 3.2 percent in May. May’s increase, which raised the SA index to 102.3, wasn’t large enough to offset the March through April cumulative reduction of 6.7 percent. The not seasonally adjusted (NSA) index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 102 in May, up 0.4 percent from April. Compared with May 2008, tonnage contracted 11 percent, which was the best year-over-year result in three months. Despite the improvement from April’s 13.2 percent plunge, the ATA points out that May’s decrease is still historically large.


Marcon celebrates mark
of 1,000 vessels sold

COUPEVILLE, WA — As of mid-2009, Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Washington has brokered over 1,000 vessels and barges worldwide since it's first sale in 1983. Specializing in the towing, offshore petroleum and marine construction industries, during the last 28 years Marcon sold or chartered over 1,034 vessels and barges including 660,000BHP in tugs; almost 800,000 deadweight ton capacity in deck barges; 187,000+ deadweight tons in hopper barges; 6,000,000+ barrel capacity in tank barges; 31 pushboats; 79 supply & utility vessels; 72 crew & pilot boats; 51 survey, seismic & support vessels; 65 anchor handling tug supply vessels totaling over 300,000BHP, plus many other types of vessels and barges. Despite the present economic situation, Marcon has concluded 16 sales and one charter to-date in 2009 with several additional transactions scheduled to close within the next few weeks.


CSX announces plans
to cut CO2 emissions

JACKSONVILLE, FL — CSX has announced a plan to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with its train operations by eight percent per revenue ton mile by 2011. The company made its commitment as part of its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders Program, a voluntary program for businesses to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CSX's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program is the first ever from a major U.S. transportation provider. CSX's commitment will reduce C02 emissions by 2.4 million tons -- the equivalent of taking 441,000 cars off the road each year, or burning 5,598,000 fewer barrels of oil.


Port of Portland sponsoring
'Kids Port' exhibit at OMSI

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland has partnered with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to sponsor Kids’ Port, a new interactive exhibit based on the processes carried out at the Port of Portland’s marine terminal when shipping containers arrive. Kids’ Port will include a small model of a crane, several push trucks, blocks representing cargo containers, a model cargo ship, a colorful printed carpet and a model warehouse with a scanner. Kids’ Port is now open in OMSI’s Turbine Hall. In Kids’ Port young visitors will move through the process of receiving model cargo containers by removing them from a model ship with a child-sized crane, loading them in toy trucks, and taking them to a miniature warehouse to be scanned. They will receive information regarding the simulated product in each container by way of a computer screen on the outside of the warehouse. Through this activity, children will learn why the Port of Portland is so important in their daily lives and gain a basic understanding of the processes related to receiving goods at the port. The Port of Portland sponsorship of Kids’ Port represents the continuation of a long term partnership between OMSI, the Port of Portland, and other partners to promote science and technology through real life experiences.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 26, 2009

Coos Bay Port Commission
Oks rail tunnel project motion

COOS BAY — The Board of Commissioners of the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay at their June 22, 2009, meeting approved a motion for Intent to Award a contract for the Coos Bay Rail Line 2009 Tunnel Maintenance/Rehabilitation Project and authorized Port Executive Director Jeffrey Bishop to execute a contract with the apparent low bidder, pending final project review by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division (ODOT Rail). Project bid opening was held at 2:05 p.m. June 18, at the Port office in Coos Bay. LRL Construction Co. of Tillamook is the apparent low bidder at $1,732,648. Other bids included Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring Inc., Antioch, CA, $2,054,050; MERCO Engineering Contractors, Lebanon, NJ, $2,312,150; and Johnson Western Gunite, San Leandro, CA, $2,346,300. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on site May 27, 2009, and five firms completed the pre-bid qualification process. All bids received appear complete. The 2009 tunnel rehabilitation project will be paid for by a $2.5 million grant award authorized by the Oregon Transportation Commission through funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Approval of construction documents by FHWA and ODOT Rail is expected near the end of June, with a project start date in early July. Construction is expected to take approximately six months.


New National Defense act
includes protection against pirates

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, has joined his colleagues in a vote of 389-22 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 2647, which included a Cummings amendment that would require the Department of Defense to protect U.S.-flagged ships at risk of being boarded by pirates. As the number of incidents of piracy in the Horn of Africa region continues to rise, U.S.-flagged vessels are increasingly at risk of being hijacked. As of mid-May of this year, there have been 114 Somali pirate attacks in this area, resulting in 29 successful hijackings. By comparison, the entire year of 2008 saw 111 attacks. Additionally, U.S. mariners have been threatened by pirates seeking to avenge the deaths of their colleagues during the Navy’s operation to free Richard Phillips, the Captain of the Maersk Alabama. According to estimates by the U.S. Maritime Administration, approximately 54 U.S.-flagged vessels transit the Horn of Africa region during the course of a year, with only a handful at serious risk of pirate attacks due to their operating characteristics. The Cummings amendment would require that the DOD embark military security personnel on these vessels as they travel through areas with a known presence of pirates.


Weekly rail traffic numbers
continue on upward swing

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended June 13 continued to show signs of gradual improvement, the Association of American Railroads reports. Rail carloadings and intermodal were up from the previous week with carloads at their highest level in 10 weeks. While traffic showed signs of improvement from the previous week, compared year over year traffic remains down. U.S railroads reported originating 261,956 cars, up 0.6 percent from the previous week this year, but down 19 percent from the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 14.7 percent in the West and 24.8 percent in the East. Intermodal volume of 189,508 trailers or containers was up 0.4 percent from the previous week, but was down 17 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 11.5 percent and trailer volume dropped 37.0 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending June 13 was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, off 17.8 percent from the same week last year. Eighteen of 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 5.5 percent for coal to 61.4 percent for metals and products. The lone group showing an increase was farm products other than grain which was up 4.8 percent. For the first 23 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 6,061,643 carloads, down 19.5 percent from 2008; 4,270,377 trailers or containers, down 16.9 percent; and total volume of an estimated 643.3 billion ton-miles, down 16.9 percent.


MOL nets new order
to transport Nissans in India

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the company has received orders for inland transport and yard operation of completed cars for export from a new Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. plant in India. The contract includes transporting the cars to the export port and yard operations at the port such as storage and preparation for loading. The company established MOL Auto Logistics (India) Pvt. Ltd. in November 2008 and began inland transport of completed cars in April 2009. The new plant will start manufacturing in early 2010 and will begin exporting vehicles, mainly to Europe, in late 2010. It will also produce vehicles for India's domestic market.


Coast Guard submits notice
offering guidance on IMO rules

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that it has submitted a Federal Register notice to the marine community containing guidance on new International Maritime Organization measures. These new measures require that all tank ships subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention carrying Annex I cargoes and all ships using Annex I marine fuels have Material Safety Data Sheets aboard. This Safety of Life at Sea Convention requirement will become effective January 1, 2011. It does not apply to inland barges or any other ship not subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. After January 1, 2011, nations party to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention can be expected to verify that ships subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention have Material Safety Data Sheets as required. After that date, all U.S. flagged vessels under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention traveling overseas should expect foreign administrations to ask for Material Safety Data Sheets for each Annex I cargo and marine oil fuel on board. Also after that date, all foreign flagged vessels under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention in U.S. ports should expect the Coast Guard to ask for Material Safety Data Sheets in fulfillment of the United States' duties as a party to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. The Coast Guard expects that ship's personnel receive Material Safety Data Sheets in a working language or languages understood by them. The Coast Guard expects that occupational exposure limits referenced in a Material Safety Data Sheet be based on an internationally-recognized standard.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 25, 2009

Study finds Port of Everett
driving regional economy

EVERETT — The Port of Everett is a strong economic driver in the region, according to the May 29, 2009 Economic Impact report by Martin & Associates. This Pennsylvania-based firm focuses on assessing economic impacts of transportation systems around the world. The study found that last year alone, the Port of Everett supported nearly 31,100 jobs and provided approximately $2.7 billion in total wages, salaries, and local consumption expenditures to the local and regional economy. In addition, the port generated roughly $3.6 billion of revenue for local businesses and $246.8 million in state and local tax revenue. For a full copy of the report, visit http://www.portofeverett.com/docs/economic_impact_report_2008.pdf.


Alaska Airlines begins
Bellingham to Las Vegas flights

BELLINGHAM — Alaska Airlines today will inaugurate nonstop, year-round service between Bellingham and Las Vegas. The thrice-weekly service between the two cities will expand to include a fourth weekly flight starting Aug. 3. The new two-hour, 30-minute flights will depart Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from Bellingham International Airport at 5:35 p.m. Pacific time and arrive at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas at 8:05 p.m. Central time. Return flights will depart Las Vegas at 2 p.m. Central time, arriving in Bellingham at 4:35 p.m. Pacific time. A fourth weekly flight will depart Mondays beginning Aug. 3. The airline will use fuel-efficient Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the route, seating 12 passengers in first class and 112 in the main cabin.


Crowley vessels honored for
operating incident free

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Three Crowley vessels and their crews were recently awarded 2008 Jones F. Devlin Awards at the Chamber of Shipping of America's (CSA) Annual Safety Awards Luncheon for operating more than two years without a lost time incident. The Crowley articulated tug barge (ATB) SEA RELIANCE/550-1; ATB SOUND RELIANCE/550-2; and the tanker BLUE RIDGE were recognized for their exemplary safety records. More than 160 people representing over 60 companies attended the annual event held at the Hilton Houston North Hotel. Crowley's SEA RELIANCE/550-1 has operated more than three years without an LTI; the SOUND RELIANCE/550-2 has operated more than six years without an LTI; and the tanker BLUE RIDGEmore than three years without an LTI.


WSF sells Steel Electric ferries
to Eco Planet Recycling

SEATTLE — Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) has sold four 1927-built Steel Electric class vessels to Eco Planet Recycling, Inc. of Chula Vista, Calif. The total combined sale price for all four ferries is $200,000. The Washington State Department of General Administration approved the sale on Wednesday, June 17 followed by completion of the signature process on Thursday, June 18. Receipt of the payment was confirmed late on Friday, June 19. In November 2007, Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond ordered the QUINALT, ILLAHEE, NISQUALLY and KLICKITAT removed from service due to safety concerns. In 2008, the Washington state Legislature directed WSDOT to sell the vessels. WSF had been in discussion with potential buyers up until their sale on Friday to Eco Planet Recycling, Inc. The ferries are currently tied up in Bainbridge Island at the ferry terminal and Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. The ferries are scheduled to be towed to Ensenada, Mexico beginning in mid to late-July – pending weather conditions and completion of towing preparation – where they will be recycled.


NYK earns top rating
for environmental friendliness

TOKYO — NYK has received the highest rating on an assessment of environmental friendliness conducted by the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). NYK’s high rating is the result of its environmental management system and environmental communications, both of which were determined to be at an extremely high level, in addition to the company’s environment-sensitive corporate management, which was assessed as being “excellent.” NYK will continue its efforts to realize a sustainable society through activities related to conservation of the global environment and the development of environmental technologies.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Port of Portland breaks ground
on new Rivergate rail project

PORTLAND — In the heart of Portland's Rivergate Industrial District, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer joined Port of Portland representatives and rail leaders June 22, for groundbreaking on a $14 million rail project that will benefit users of the regional rail system including businesses and future development in the area. Years in the making, the new Ramsey Rail Yard will increase freight rail capacity and help to decrease rail system congestion. Currently, only one track connects north and south Rivergate, creating a bottleneck for the two Class 1 rail carriers serving Portland. Adding a second main lead and three storage tracks will allow one track to remain open for rail travel while adding the capability to store long unit trains. Scheduled for completion in late summer of 2010, the project is expected to create and retain over 200 jobs—including both construction related and non-construction related positions. It is one of nearly $500 million in capital projects that the port is currently engaged with, and one of several major road and rail improvements the port has announced for Rivergate Industrial District.


Everett Port Commissioner
announces plans to resign

EVERETT — Connie Niva, who was elected to the Everett Port Commission in 2006, announced her resignation on June 19, 2009. The resignation came after Commissioner Niva (District 2) purchased a residence in Mukilteo just outside the Everett Port Commission boundaries. District 2 encompasses the waterfront area in south Everett and most of Mukilteo. The district boundaries, which were established at the port’s inception in 1918, don’t include all of the city of Mukilteo. The Port of Everett Commission has three elected members to the board who are elected to serve six year terms. With this announcement, the port will now begin the process of appointing a replacement to fill Commissioner Niva’s seat.


Kurz, Widdows to receive
Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards

NEW YORK — The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2009 40th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Donald Kurz, president and CEO of Keystone Shipping Co., headquartered in Philadelphia, and to Ronald Widdows, group president and CEO of NOL (Neptune Orient Lines) of Singapore, parent company of American President Lines (APL). A Special AOTOS Award will also be presented to The United States Coast Guard. The maritime industry 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 13, 2009. Richard Hughes, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcement on the occasion of the USS Annual meeting.


Operation Lifesaver adding
new rail safety campaign

WASHINGTON, DC — Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (www.oli.org), the U.S. Department of Transportation and major railroad companies have announced the launch of the Common Sense campaign to reduce the number of pedestrians who are killed and injured when trespassing around tracks and trains. The campaign is focused on 18 to 34-year-olds, who make up the largest percentage of railroad-related pedestrian casualties. The Common Sense campaign is designed to educate the public about the risks of trespassing on railroad property. The campaign includes an interactive Web site, internet ads, videos, and local events. It will be test-marketed in areas where pedestrian rail trespass incidents frequently occur, including targeted local markets. The internet ads, videos, safety tips, and other
information are online at www.CommonSenseUseIt.com.


Navios plans to purchase
four new Capesize ships

PIREAUS, Greece — Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., a global, vertically integrated seaborne shipping and logistics company, has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire four Capesize vessels, three of which are from companies controlled by Commerzbank A.G. All vessels are currently under construction at the same South Korean Shipyard. Navios Holdings also announced that it amended the terms of existing agreements for three new build Capesize vessels. Navios Holdings will fund a portion of the purchase price for all seven vessels by issuing $165.22 million in mandatorily convertible preferred stock.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 22, 2009

Port of Everett marks reopening
of upgraded Southwest Marina slips

EVERETT — On June 19, the Port of Everett and community members celebrated the reopening of the port’s newly redeveloped Southeast Marina slips. The Port of Everett, which operates the largest public marina on the West Coast, started this project in September 2008. The marina re-opening marked the completion of the first stage in the port’s multi-phase recapitalization program. The Port initiated this program to rebuild many of the floats in both the north and south marinas. The port invested $5.6 million to upgrade 163 open moorage slips and install a new Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) gangway in the Southeast Marina. The port also removed numerous creosote pilings to restore water quality at the marina, as well as upgraded the mechanical and electrical utilities at the facility. The project was designed by Moffatt & Nichol Engineers, and constructed by American Construction Company. The next phase of marina recapitalization will be to continue work in the south marina covered moorage docks with the replacement of the roof systems and the addition of floatation and electrical upgrades, as designed by Moffatt & Nichol. This fall, the port will also be adding supplemental floatation to the docks in the southwest corner of the marina, starting with A-Dock South.


Port of Tacoma schedules
series of educational workshops

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will host the first of five evening workshops June 23 and June 25 designed to educate the public about the port, its history, operations and future development plans. These "Port 101" workshops expand last year’s launch of the program in an effort to connect more broadly with citizens throughout the community. The first two 90-minute workshops will be held in these Pierce County communities on the following dates and times:

Steilacoom
Tuesday, June 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Steilacoom Town Hall
1717 Lafayette St.

Gig Harbor
Thursday, June 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Gig Harbor City Hall
3510 Grandview Street

The workshops also will travel to Fife in September and Sumner and Spanaway in October.


Port association pleased with
transportation act blueprint

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has lauded specific language in a 90-page blueprint released by Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 would give priority status to freight and freight mobility as part of the federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation that would replace the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) bill, which was passed in 2005 and is set to expire at the end of September. The bill's blueprint contains many elements which tie in to AAPA's Surface Transportation Authorization policy position. These include: establishment of an Office of Intermodalism in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; support for Projects of National Significance; and a Freight Improvement Program, which provides state formula grant funding specifically targeted to freight and goods movement projects. AAPA also supports the bill's proposed measures directed at improving project delivery by eliminating duplication in documentation in procedures during the environmental review process and project design and build. The proposed bill provides $450 billion in funding over six years, including $337.4 billion for highway construction investment and $25 billion for Projects of National Significance.


APL cargo container
becomes medical facility

SAN SALVADOR — Deep in the Salvadoran jungle, rural residents are receiving free medical treatment in a 40-foot cargo container. Ocean shipping line APL helped bring the healthcare innovation to life. APL, the world’s 7th-largest carrier, supported HOPE CHARITABLE SERVICES of Portsmouth, Va. and its partners, Lend-A-Hand Mission Teams and the Diocese of Richmond, Va. this spring as they installed a state of the art and fully self contained clinic, with generator, air conditioning, bathroom and fully equipped examination rooms – fashioned from an APL container – in a rural village east of San Salvador. Since late-May medical clinic volunteers have been serving 1,500 residents of El Sitio who’ve been relocated following earthquakes and mudslides. An APL vessel shipped the clinic from the U.S. to Guatemala. Then the company arranged transportation to El Salvador. The container was trucked into the jungle, placed on a foundation and connected to power and water sources.


Coast Guard Sector Portland
to celebrate Auxiliary anniversary

PORTLAND — At 2 p.m. tomorrow, Coast Guard Sector Portland will honor the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 70 years of service at Coast Guard Sector Portland, 6767 N. Basin Ave. The Auxiliary is a civil organization that Congress authorized to support all Coast Guard missions except engagement in law enforcement or military activity. The lineage of the Auxiliary in Coast Guard history can be traced back several decades with this organization being vital members of Team Coast Guard since before World War II. Without doubt, had it not been for the unwavering commitment of the Auxiliary during the 1940s, 50s, 60s and
70s, the Coast Guard could not have achieved all of its responsibilities. The Auxiliary continues to be the leading factor in the success of many Coast Guard led programs such as Recreational Safe Boating. As of December 2008 there were approximately 30,000 active Auxiliary members nationwide, with over 1,000 serving in the Sector Portland area of responsibility that is bound by southern Washington in the north, the Oregon/California border in the south, and the Idaho-Utah-Wyoming junction in the east. As the Coast Guard has continued to evolve and has taken on additional responsibility following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, the agency has asked this critical force multiplier to expand their level of support and capability. As always, they have met the challenge. During 2008, the Auxiliary in this region of the Northwest alone completed 4,372 vessel safety checks, performed over 2,278 hours of public instruction, and logged more than 118, 574 hours of operational support and patrol missions; no small task for any organization and even more outstanding as these are volunteers.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 19, 2009

Port of Vancouver, USA
names property 'Centennial'

VANCOUVER — With its 100-year anniversary coming in 2012, the Port of Vancouver USA is already beginning celebrations of its first century, with an eye on the second. The port recently announced that its newest light industrial property – formerly known as “Parcel 8” – has been officially named the Centennial Industrial Park. As the first piece of property that has been prepared for development, the 58-acre parcel is adjacent to a 50-acre parcel that is also intended for light industrial development, and a 165-acre parcel that will soon be a port-owned wetland mitigation bank. Collectively, the three parcels are the property formerly known as the Rufener Farm, north of SR-501 (Lower River Road) from the port’s administrative offices. Companies targeted in the marketing of this available property include manufacturers of renewable energy components, or manufacturers that support renewable energy production and other diverse manufacturing and light industrial uses. Active marketing of the property is already underway, and there are parties interested in locating on the property.


Coast Guard Petty Officer
receives Silver Lifesaving Medal

SEATTLE — Petty Officer Truman N. Skang, an electrician's mate, at Sector Seattle, received the Silver Lifesaving Medal from Rear Adm. John P. Currier, Commander, 13th Coast Guard District, at a ceremony held at Sector Seattle, Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Petty Officer Skang received the medal for his actions on June 20, 2008 at the Des Moines Marina in Des Moines, Wash., when a motorist mistakenly drove his car into Puget Sound. Petty Officer Skang, off-duty at the time, and several Good Samaritans immediately entered the water and swam to the car to assist. After attempting to smash through the front windshield, and as the vehicle began sinking, Skang successfully opened the driver side window and worked the driver free. With the vehicle submerged and continuing to sink Skang braced his feet against the vehicle and pulled the driver through the window to safety on the surface. The driver was then brought to the shore and treated by emergency medical personnel. Tragically, a passenger and her dog died in the accident. The Silver Lifesaving Medal was created by Congress in 1874 and is awarded to people who endanger their own lives while saving or attempting to save another from drowning, a shipwreck or other perils of the water. The Coast Guard is the ultimate award authority for the Silver Lifesaving Medal and can award the decoration to members of all military branches as well as civilians.


US Rail freight traffic
holds own during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Showing slight signs of a slowly improving economy, rail carloadings on major U.S. railroads last week were at their highest level in nine weeks, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 260,282 cars during the week ended June 6, down 19.8 percent from the same week in 2008, with loadings down 16.5 percent in the West and 24.4 percent in the East. Intermodal volume of 188,801 trailers or containers was off 20.1 percent from the same period last year, with container volume falling 15.3 percent and trailer volume dropping 37.7 percent. Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 6.7 percent for grain mill products to 68.2 percent for metallic ores. The lone group showing an increase was the catch-all category labeled “all other carloads” which was up 24.4 percent. Total volume was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, down 18.8 percent from 2008. For the first 22 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,799,687 carloads, down 19.5 percent from the same period in 2008. In addition, 4,080,869 trailers or containers were down 16.9 percent, and total volume of an estimated 615.6 billion ton-miles, down 18.4 percent.


APL earns top spot
for agricultural exports

WASHINGTON, DC — APL, the world’s 7th-largest container shipping line, is No. 1 in the eyes of U.S. agricultural exporters. That’s the verdict of shippers surveyed this spring by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC). The nation’s leading trade association for agricultural shippers and forwarders, Washington-based AgTC announced this week that APL placed first in its annual Ocean Carrier Performance Survey. It was the second No. 1 ranking for APL in the three-year history of the survey. APL is a top 5 carrier of U.S. exports. In the survey of leading agricultural shippers, it placed ahead of 19 other ocean carriers. The lines were rated on bookings, equipment and space allocation, documentation and customer service practices. The coalition said the purpose of its annual survey is to recognize carriers who consistently perform well and to encourage others to do better.


Right Wright Brothers needed
for Portland Airport campaign

PORTLAND — This summer Portland area residents may encounter a couple of characters from aviation history—Orville and Wilbur Wright—or at least a couple of local folks portraying the famous duo. The Port of Portland is launching a campaign to show its appreciation to all 14 of Portland International Airport’s air carriers—airlines. The campaign will include Wright Brothers appearances at air shows, charity events, airports and more as well as an on-line essay contest. Teams of individuals interested in auditioning to portray Orville and Wilbur should go to www.flypdx.com for a complete position description and on-line applications. Applicants must be 18 years or older, enjoy interacting with the public and have sound knowledge and a love of aviation. The deadline for application is June 26 and selection will be made by July 9. The second phase of the campaign is an essay contest. Beginning July 6, writers nine years of age or older will be asked to provide a 250-word essay about how their lives have been improved by any or all of the 14 PDX carriers. A total of seven prizes will be awarded in three categories: two for youth ages 9 to 13; two for youth ages 14 to 18 and three for adults over 18. Adult winners will each receive $1,000 travel vouchers and the youth winners will each receive $500 travel vouchers.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 18, 2009

Alaska Airlines adding fourth
Bellingham to Las Vegas flight

BELLINGHAM — Alaska Airlines has announced it will add a fourth weekly flight between Bellingham and Las Vegas, starting Monday, Aug. 3. Thrice-weekly service between the two cities is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 25, 2009. The new 2-hour, 30-minute flight will operate between Bellingham International Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Mondays. Service between the two cities starting June 25 will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Alaska Airlines previously served Bellingham from 1989 to 1992, and since has been serving the market via sister carrier Horizon Air.


Port of Everett Commissioners
tap Belt Collins for historical project

EVERETT — On June 16, the Port of Everett Commission unanimously approved a $400,000 contract to Seattle-based Belt Collins for a comprehensive historical interpretive program in the port’s North Marina Redevelopment Area. This interpretive program will honor the lumber and shingle mills and commercial fishing and boat building industries. Belt Collins is best known for their work on the Liberty Island Discovery project at the Statue of Liberty. The port and the Everett historical community will work with Belt Collins to develop the program's content and decide on the various locations throughout the North Marina Area between 10th and 17th Street and West Marine View Drive. The first phase of the interpretive program will be located at the port’s new administration building lobby at Port Gardner Wharf with a “Sailing Through Time” theme. Other locations and themes will be developed through the master planning process, but could include placement along the waterfront walkways and in the Fisherman’s Tribute Plaza, which will be under construction shortly.


Hanjin takes delivery
of new cape size vessel

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping has announced that it has taken delivery of Hanjin SINES, a new cape size vessel from Hyundai Heave Industries. Hanjin notes that Hanjin SINES is built with a double hull fuel tank for safety reasons according to FOTP (Fuel Oil Tank Protection) regulation. Also, its engine consumes less fuel than existing models. At the christening ceremony, Young Min Kim, president& CEO of Hanjin Shipping commented, “I appreciate all the hard work put into constructing this fine ship. Though we are going through a hard phase in the world’s economy, Hanjin Shipping will take every opportunity available in this crisis in order to continue our journey to becoming the world’s leading total logistics company.” Hanjin operates around 100 bulk vessels including 20 cape size ships.


Coast Guard names new
chief acquisition officer

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard named its new Assistant Commandant for Acquisition and its Chief Acquisition Officer Monday and promoted that flag officer Wednesday to rear admiral upper half. The Coast Guard's newest two-star admiral is Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago, a 1978 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy. Adm. Rábago previously served as the Coast Guard Program executive Officer and director of Acquisition Programs since the establishment of the Acquisition Directorate July 13, 2007. Adm. Rábago's new duties include direction of all Coast Guard acquisition programs and related procurement management, contracting and research and development activities to support the service's $27 billion acquisition investment portfolio. That portfolio consists of 22 major acquisition projects which deliver the systems, products and services necessary for mission execution. Adm. Rábago also served as the program executive officer for the Integrated Deepwater System, where he provided management oversight for all Coast Guard acquisition programs and projects, including Deepwater, and gained experience in managing the sustainment, modernization and recapitalization of surface, air, command and control, and logistics assets for the Coast Guard's missions.


TITAN removes stern section
from sunken freighter

PORTLAND — TITAN Salvage last week successfully cut the stern section and engine room from the No. 5 cargo hold of the sunken freighter NEW FLAME, then lifted the 3,000-ton section from the seabed off Europa Point and transported it to the Port of Gibraltar, marking a major milestone in what is believed to be the largest wreck removal operation being undertaken in the world. The section was transported June 10 by TITAN into the port of Gibraltar where it is now suspended in the rigging of the RAMBIZ in calm and sheltered waters. There, the TITAN team is working to remove pieces of the section to reduce its total weight so the lift bags and pontoons are no longer needed and it can be lifted completely out of the water by the RAMBIZ and placed aboard a barge for transport to an approved scraping facility. The NEW FLAME sank following a collision while exiting the port of Gibraltar in August of last year. The remains of the wreck now lie in the open ocean off Gibraltar's Europa Point. The ship was loaded with over 42,000 tons of scrap metal, which was being transported from New York Harbor to Turkey for recycling.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Port of Everett to deconstruct
historic North Coast Casket structure

EVERETT — On June 16, 2009, the Everett Port Commission voted to deconstruct the North Coast Casket Company (Collins Building) — located on the Everett waterfront. This decision came after the port, in partnership with historical agencies, underwent a four-year effort to try and rehabilitate the historic structure. Since 1999, the Port of Everett has been working to find a viable and productive use for the 60,000 square foot structure. During this time, numerous structural engineering and economic impact studies were done. All reports indicated that the Collins Building was in very poor condition, and that rehabilitating it would be extremely expensive. To ensure the building lives on in the community, the port has embarked on a mission to capture its rich heritage. The plan includes creating a booklet to trace the history of the building, using 3D laser scanning technology to digitally recreate the building, developing an interactive multi-media CD, and deconstructing the building.


Neah Bay tug contract
extended with Crowley Maritime

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has extended its contract agreement with Crowley Maritime Corp. to station a state-funded emergency response tug at Neah Bay for another full year of service beginning July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Under the $3.6 million extension agreement, an emergency response tug will remain at Neah Bay to prevent disabled ships and barges from drifting onto rocks and causing oil spills in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Washington's outer coast. The contract marks the final year the state will pay for the emergency response tug service. On March 24, 2009, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation that shifted funding responsibility for the Neah Bay tug from the state to the maritime industry beginning July 1, 2010. The new law will ensure a high-capability ocean-going tug is permanently deployed at Neah Bay year round.


Freight transportation index
drops during month of April

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 1.2 percent in April from its March level, declining for the second consecutive month to the lowest level in seven years, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The April decrease was the seventh decline in the Freight TSI in the last nine months. The index has declined 10.0 percent in that nine-month period. The 1.2 percent decline in the first four months of 2009 was the second largest in the last decade, exceeded only by a 6.7 percent decline for the first four months of 2000. The April level of the Freight TSI of 100.2 is at the lowest level since April 2002 when it was 99.3. The Freight TSI is down 11.4 percent from its historic peak of 113.1 reached in November 2005. The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries.


Coast Guard creates committee
for Merchant Mariner medical matters

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the establishment of the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee, which will be involved with matters relating to the medical evaluation process and evaluation criteria for medical certification of merchant mariners. The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee will be comprised of 10 health care professionals with certain expertise, knowledge or experience in occupational medicine or the medical examination of merchant mariners. Four more committee members will be professional mariners who possess knowledge and experience in the occupational requirements for mariners. People interested in serving on the committee should contact Lt. J. Court Smith at (202) 372-1128
or via e-mail at james.c.smith1@uscg.mil. The Federal Register notice may be viewed at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0446.


Air Canada begins
Portland to Calgary flights

PORTLAND — The June 15 departure of Air Canada flight AC 8316 marks the launch of the only daily, non-stop service between Calgary and Portland. Fares currently start as low as US $127 one way, before taxes and other fees, and are available for sale at aircanada.com. “Air Canada is pleased to launch our newest transborder flights linking Calgary and Portland with daily non-stop service,” said Marcel Forget, Vice President, Network Planning, Air Canada. “We expect our new Portland service to be popular with business travellers as well as both Canadian and American vacationers looking to enjoy the year-round outdoor adventures offered in Alberta and in Oregon. In addition, our Calgary-Portland flights have been timed for convenient connections to and from other points in our network including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg.”


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 15, 2009

Corps set to begin
Oregon dredging projects

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started its annual maintenance dredging season at 12 Oregon coastal projects and in the Columbia River. Portland District’s two hopper dredges and several private industry dredges will divide the work load. A combination of regular budget allocations and stimulus funds made this year’s dredging contracts possible. American Construction will begin dredging about 30,000 cubic yards of sediment from Port Orford in mid-June. The Corps will open this year’s South Coast contract for bids at the end of June. The work consists of dredging a total of 135,000 cubic yards of material from Depot Slough in the Yaquina River near Toledo, Ore.; the Siuslaw River turning basin near Florence, Ore.; the Winchester boat basins in the Umpqua River; the Charleston boat basin adjacent to the Coos River; and the Chetco River entrance at Brookings, Ore. The Corps recently awarded the North Coast hopper dredge contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to dredge 4.4 million cubic yards at the mouth and in the lower Columbia River, and at the Coos Bay entrance. The Corps will award a maintenance mechanical dredging contract next week to remove 800,000 cubic yards of material from miles 12 to 15 of the Coos River from July to October. The Corps also will award a small business pipeline contract next week to dredge 62,000 cubic yards of material from the Garibaldi and Depoe Bay boat basins from mid-July to mid-September. The Corps will advertise the North Coast mechanical bucket dredge contract in July. The work involves dredging 225,000 cubic yards of material from three locations on the Columbia River: Chinook and Baker Bay from September to October, and the Westport Ferry Crossing from November to February.


Sea-Tac cell phone lot
closed until early July

SEATTLE — Drivers waiting to pick up passengers need to be aware that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has closed the Cell Phone Waiting Lot for about a month in order to replace it with a location nearly double in size. The new location is expected to open in early July. The new location, just north on Air Cargo Road, will create nearly 100 spaces for vehicles, doubling the size of the current lot. The closure will allow the modification of the new lot with barriers, striping and signage. The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a free service from the Port of Seattle that allows drivers to wait up to 30 minutes in the lot until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles. Please be aware there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders at any time.


Panama Canal Authority
slams contract seeker's statement

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has refuted statements made by Impregilo SpA President Massimo Ponzellini, which indicated that said company obtained the highest rating in the technical evaluation for the contract to design and build the Panama Canal’s new set of locks. The ACP categorically denies the statements made by Ponzellini, which were subsequently reported by Reuters, claiming that Impregilo SpA (and its Grupo Unidos por el Canal consortium partners), obtained the “highest score” in the technical evaluation for said contract. The technical evaluation process is still very much underway, and the ACP has yet to determine the information. Once the technical evaluation is completed, all of the proposals will move to a stage of internal and external audits to validate the procedures. From there, a date will be set to announce, in a public ceremony, the results of the technical proposals and to open the envelopes containing the price of each proposal. Currently, these envelopes remain sealed in an independent and secure vault in Panama’s National Bank.


Boeing research predicts growth
in commercial airplane market

LONDON — Boeing forecasts a $3.2 trillion market for new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years and takes into account the industry's near-term realities, including a global economic recession, declining passenger and cargo traffic, and unpredictable fuel prices. The Boeing 2009 Current Market Outlook (CMO), which was released in London today, foresees a market for 29,000 new commercial passenger and freighter airplanes by 2028. The report, now in its 45th year of public release and widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market, reflects the extremely dynamic situation the industry is facing today. Boeing analysis shows that over time, the commercial airplanes market will stabilize and economic growth will return. Boeing expects passenger traffic to grow at an average rate of 4.9 percent each year for the next 20 years. The Boeing Current Market Outlook includes updated freighter forecast numbers, accompanying the highly detailed World Air Cargo Forecast, which is published in even-numbered years. Boeing projects long-term global air cargo traffic to grow at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent over the next 20 years. In line with anticipated long-term trade growth, this will lead to overall cargo traffic nearly tripling over the period. A shift toward larger freighters and new, more efficient airplanes will help keep air cargo transport affordable.


Crowley awards pair
with memorial scholarships

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley's commitment to help exemplary students with college expenses continued even across geographical borders, as the company awarded Thomas B. Crowley Memorial scholarships to students at Texas A&M University and the Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala. The recent scholarships were awarded to Cadet Donovan Peterson, a student at the Texas A&M University's Texas Maritime Academy and Josseline Vanessa Leiva Flores, a business administration major at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala in Puerto Barrios, Izabal. Mr. Peterson, a marine transportation major from Jacksonville, has sailed with Crowley part-time and during some summers for the last six years and his goal is to make a career at the company following his graduation from Texas A&M University in May of 2011. Ms. Flores, 18, is a native of Livingston, Izabal. Her goal is to become a manager for a company in the Puerto Barrios or Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal region. The college freshman is the fourth recipient of Crowley's Scholarship in Guatemala.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 12, 2009

New groundwater cleanup system
brought online by Port of Vancouver

VANCOUVER, USA — Port of Vancouver USA officials have “flipped the switch” on a new Groundwater Cleanup Facility that will help speed the completion of the cleanup of TCE contamination in groundwater under the Fruit Valley neighborhood in West Vancouver. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and other chlorinated solvents were found in late 1998 in the groundwater during construction of the Mill Plain Extension. That property, formerly the site of Swan Manufacturing, was one source of the contamination. The other site, where Cadet Manufacturing is located on Lower River Road, was purchased in 2006 by the port as part of a settlement agreement and to help Cadet avoid bankruptcy and to keep cleanup efforts underway. The new facility – owned by the Port of Vancouver USA and built by Rotschy, Inc., of Yacolt, Wash. – was tested in May, and is currently pumping contaminated water from an aquifer under Fruit Valley. It is the facility the port and the Washington State Department of Ecology jointly announced in July of 2007, and broke ground on in October of 2008.


Horizon Lines reaches settlement
in Puerto Rico class action case

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has reported that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the Puerto Rico class action antitrust litigation. As previously reported, several purported class action lawsuits were filed against Horizon Lines and other domestic shipping carriers on behalf of a class of individuals and entities who purchased domestic ocean shipping services from various domestic ocean carriers in the Puerto Rico tradelane between 2002 and 2008. Those lawsuits were consolidated into a single multidistrict litigation proceeding in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The complaints allege price-fixing in violation of the Sherman Act and Puerto Rican antitrust laws and seek treble monetary damages, costs, attorneys' fees, and an injunction against the allegedly unlawful conduct. On June 11, 2009, Horizon Lines entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the Puerto Rico class action antitrust litigation. Under the settlement agreement, which is subject to court approval, Horizon has agreed to pay $20 million and to certain base-rate freezes, to resolve claims for alleged antitrust violations in the Puerto Rico tradelane.


Lifeboat manufacturer
opens Anacortes service center

ANACORTES — Lifeboat and davit manufacturer Schat-Harding has opened a fully staffed service center on the west coast of the United States as part of the global Schat-Harding network. The new facility, based near Seattle, becomes the sixth dedicated Schat-Harding location in the Americas. Graeme Wilson, former president of Seattle-based independent lifeboat service company Cap Sante International, has been appointed sales and contracts director for the new company. Former Cap Sante International operations manager David Jones has also been recruited as part of the new team, which will be further strengthened by the imminent arrival of a number of experienced service engineers. Mr. Wilson says, “Schat-Harding believes in being close to its customers, providing them with a responsive service when they need it, where they need it. The new facility will meet demand from a number of leading shipping companies for a reliable and responsive original equipment parts and service resource close to all major US west coast locations. It will also assist the Schat-Harding service center in Vancouver, Canada.”


Rail freight numbers fall
during month of May

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight railroad traffic was down sharply in May in comparison with the same month last year, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. rail carload traffic in May 2009 fell 24.7 percent (325,267 carloads) compared to May 2008 to 989,306 carloads. U.S. rail intermodal traffic (which is not included in carloads) fell 19.7 percent (177,482 trailers and containers) to 723,898 units in May 2009. Canadian rail carload traffic (which includes both the Canadian and U.S. operations of CN and Canadian Pacific, the two largest Canadian railroads) fell 32.8 percent (104,003 carloads) in May 2009 to 213,517 carloads, while Canadian intermodal traffic fell 34,844 units (18.1 percent) to 157,446 trailers and containers. U.S.U.S. rail carloadings fell in May 2009 in all 19 major commodity groups tracked by the AAR, including coal (down 89,134 carloads, or 15.8 percent); motor vehicles and equipment (down 35,674 carloads, or 52.3 percent); and metals and metal products (down 33,987 carloads, or 62.7 percent). Carloads of chemicals were down 23,147 carloads (18.3 percent) and carloads of grain were down 21,910 carloads (24.5 percent). Canadian carload declines in May 2009 were led by metallic ores (down 79.8 percent, or 45,392 carloads); chemicals (down 13,487 carloads, or 23.6 percent); and grain (down 7,222 carloads, or 17.1 percent).


Greenbrier names McManus
to company's Board of Directors

SEATTLE — The Greenbrier Companies has announced the election of Victoria McManus to the company's Board of Directors. The election of Ms. McManus increases Greenbrier's Board of Directors to nine members, six of which are independent. Ms. McManus' credentials include over twenty years experience in the finance industry, with emphasis on the rail equipment sector. Ms. McManus, a long time resident of New York City, was head of Babcock & Brown's North American Rail Group, from its founding in 1999 until mid-2008. During this tenure, the Rail Group raised significant capital from the European and Asian markets for investment in rail assets placed under operating leases, and became a major participant in the rail equipment marketplace. Before joining Babcock & Brown, Ms. McManus was an executive with The CIT Group for ten years. Her last position at CIT was president of the Rail Division, where she changed the strategic direction of the business to a full service platform to provide both financial and equipment leasing services to the rail freight industry.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 11, 2009

Port of Seattle sees first call
of new CMA CGM, Maersk service

SEATTLE — A new joint service of CMA CGM and Maersk Line made its first call at the Port of Seattle on Sunday, June 7, when the SeaLand New York arrived at Terminal 18. Seattle is the first inbound port-of-call on the Asia-West Coast leg of the service. The port rotation is Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai, Busan, Seattle, Vancouver, Tanjung Pelepas. The two carriers will have 14 ships on the pendulum service, which calls the U.S. East Coast from Asia via the Suez canal. Each ship has a capacity of 6,500 TEUs.


Pair of new food servers
headed to Portland Airport

PORTLAND — Two popular local eating establishments are bringing their concepts to Portland International Airport, following Port of Portland Commission approval. Beaches Restaurant & Bar, a well-known favorite from Vancouver, Wash., will open in the airport’s Oregon Market next spring. Beaches will provide table service breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will offer sushi and a full bar experience. Besides a varied menu of seafood, chicken, steak, soups, salads, sandwiches and pizza, the restaurant, known for its support of local children’s causes, will also feature activities for kids and power outlets for their parents’ laptops. Elephants Delicatessen, a favorite among Portlanders since 1979, specializes in artisan foods and premier catering. With four Portland-area delis already in place, the company will open its new location toward the end of the year in the airport’s food court. Elephants takes pride in the fact that its chefs prepare local foods from scratch every day, including deli and hot foods, hearth breads and desserts. Commissioners also approved the renewal of several concessions leases: Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurants, a locally owned and operated business with two airport locations – one in the food court and one on Concourse C; retailers Made in Oregon, Powell’s Books, and The Real Mother Goose; and a continuation of Panda Express, located in the Oregon Market food court. The port also entered into a new lease with Naito Corp., for a new Made in Oregon location on Concourse D.


Turner Engineering moving to
Port of Vancouver, USA facility

VANCOUVER, USA — Turner Engineering Company – also known as TECO – has signed a lease with the Port of Vancouver USA to move its operations into a portion of the former Panasonic complex at the port. Turner Engineering is moving from Columbia Business Center into a space that initially stands at 59,400 square feet. The company has the right of first refusal to expand into the remaining 83,400 square feet in the 142,800 square foot 2001 Building. The premises will be used for office, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and assembly of steel conveyor systems and related projects. The term of the lease is six years and five days, effective May 26, 2009 and expiring on May 31, 2015. There are two five-year options to extend. Income to the port during the initial lease term will be $1,515,452 plus leasehold excise tax, insurance, common area maintenance fees and rail wheelage fees.


Greenbrier reaches investment deal
with WL Ross & Company

LAKE OSWEGO — The Greenbrier Companies has announced it has received a strategic investment from WL Ross & Co. LLC (WL Ross). As part of this investment, WL Ross has funded a flexible three-year term loan for $75 million. The loan proceeds will be used to pay down debt and serve as a platform for future growth, including the pursuit of select growth opportunities in conjunction with WL Ross in all areas of Greenbrier's present business. In addition, the company's existing North American revolving credit facility led by Bank of America has been amended. Specifically, the size of the facility has been reduced to $100 million from $290 million. The terms of certain financial covenants have also been made significantly more accommodative to Greenbrier. The maturity date of the revolver remains at November 2011. Following the closing, Greenbrier currently has nothing drawn on the revolving facility, and cash balances of approximately $30 million. The company does not expect to draw on the revolving facility for its operating needs until there is an upturn in the economy and market demand or an expansion opportunity presents itself. The combination of the two facilities provides the company ample liquidity, while also diminishing the risk of potential financial covenant issues and related risk of cross-defaults under the company's various debt obligations. The WL Ross loan, which contains no financial covenants, will mature in June 2012. The next potential earliest maturity of any significant debt is May 2013.


Regus opens business center
at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

SEATTLE — Regus, a global flexible workplace solutions firm, has announced that it has opened a new Regus Business Center Express in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). The new center, which is located on Concourse C, offers business travelers a comfortable, professional working environment that includes an open-style business bar complete with flat-panel computer terminals and wireless Internet access. In addition to its contemporary work environment the center includes parcel shipping services, and business-grade copiers, printers and faxes. The center, which also features an extensive retail section with the latest laptop, PDA and mobile phone accessories, is staffed with a highly-trained on-site team to provide technical and product knowledge support. The new center is open to the public and workstations are available for use in as little as fifteen minute increments. Regus Businessworld clients receive discounts on workstation usage and accessories. Regus has another LapTop Lane location at SeaTac in the North Satellite Concourse. The company currently has five Regus Business Center Express/LapTop Lane locations across the United States, including Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Seattle.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Harley Marine Services
orders vessel from U.S. Barge

PORTLAND — U.S. Barge has capped off another successful year by signing a contract with Harley Marine Services to build an 83,000 barrel double hull barge. This contract supports Harley Marine Services’s goal of accelerated compliance with OPA 90 requirements for double hulled barges. The double hull barge will have 83,000 barrel capacity, and will measure 422’ long by 76’ wide. It will be OPA 90 compliant as well as ABS Classed Maltese A-1 and Loadline Un-Manned Ocean Services. Upon delivery in spring 2010, it will be placed in service to support Harley Marine Services’s West Coast-wide operations. All outfitting will be performed inhouse by U.S. Barge. The barge will be equipped with the latest technology, including a full vapor processing unit and an electronic cargo tank monitoring system. All 12 cargo tanks will be coiled with a heating unit specifically calibrated to keep the product within a narrow temperature range for optimal use.


Port Tracker report finds
container volumes drop again

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports remained below the one million mark in April and was the third-slowest month in the past five years despite a slight improvement over March, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight. U.S. ports surveyed handled 990,632 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in April, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. That was up two percent from March but down 22 percent from April 2008. After February (839, 492 TEU) and March (970,949 TEU), the figure was the third-lowest since the 901,497 seen in February 2004, and marks the 22nd month in a row to see a year-over-year decline


Port of Everett marinas
net 'Clean' re-certification

EVERETT — On June 1, the Port of Everett successfully completed the Clean Marina re-certification for its 2,300 slip marina facilities, the largest public marina on the West Coast. The port was first certified by Clean Marina Washington in February 2007, and became eligible for re-certification this year. Clean Marina Washington renewed this certification as a result of the port’s continued effort to seek out opportunities toward becoming a better environmental steward in the region. After becoming Clean Marina certified, the port expanded its hazardous waste disposal for its customers and implemented the sale and usage of less hazardous products. The port opened one of the area’s first marina hazardous waste disposal facilities in the early 1990s.


Panama Canal Authority
honored for expansion plans

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Expansion Program received its 11th international award to date at the 2009 International Logistics and Material Handling Exhibition (SIL 2009) in Barcelona, Spain June 4. Judges unanimously bestowed the “Best International Project” award to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) for its management of the canal’s expansion, the “largest infrastructure initiative in Latin America.” 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 longer, wider ships.


"K" Line opens
own agency in Brazil

TOKYO — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, LTD. (“K” LINE) has announced it has established its own shipping agency, “K” Line RORO & Bulk Agencia Maritima LTDA., in Brazil for Car Carrier and Bulk shipping business (both dry and liquid, including energy transportation) with business operations having officially commenced on May 18, 2009. The new company was established as a joint venture between “K” Line Brasil LTDA., “K” Line’s 100 percent-owned general agent, and the owners of the former agent (Capricorn Afretamentos LTDA.) for “K” LINE Car Carrier business in Brazil. “K” Line RORO & Agencia Maritima LTDA has undertaken all agency work for “K” Line Car Carrier business as well as being positioned for future strategic functions as “K” Line furthers its business expansion in Brazil in view of potential growth in both the Bulk and Energy transportation sectors.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 8, 2009

Port of Seattle welcomes
largest container vessels

SEATTLE — The two largest container ships to ever call the Port of Seattle – the METTE MAERSK and MARIT MAERSK – visited the last week of May and the first week of June. Both vessels have a capacity of 9,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The ships were repositioning containers in advance of the June 7 start of a new joint service by Maersk and CMA CGM. The new joint Maersk/CMA CGM service that began on June 7 will have 14 vessels with a capacity of 6,500 TEUs each. The service will connect the Port of Seattle to Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai and Busan. Seattle will be the first inbound port-of-call.


Historic PT boat
saved from sinking

PORTLAND — The restored Navy motor torpedo boat PT-658 was saved from sinking after a multi-agency effort Sunday at the 2009 Portland Rose Festival in Portland. The crew of PT-658 had just returned to the dock after taking visitors on a short cruise when flooding was discovered aboard the vessel. All of the visitors were safely evacuated to shore while Cmdr. Russ Proctor, Coast Guard Sector Portland Deputy Commander, who happened to be aboard the vessel for the cruise, coordinated damage control efforts. The crews of Coast Guard vessels attending the festival were able to get damage control equipment to the PT 658 while a damage control team from the Navy Destroyer Shoup arrived to assist with stopping the flooding. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Portland Fire Department and the crew of the sternwheeler Portland aided the vessel as well. Coast Guard Sector Portland sent marine inspectors to determine the extent of damage to the vessel. The PT 658 is owned by Dick Lowe, a Portland resident, and normally moors at the Swan Island Navy Reserve dock in Portland. It was built in 1944 and has been featured at the Portland Rose Festival for five years. Motor torpedo boats like the PT-658 were used to fire torpedoes at larger ships during World War II earning their crews the nickname "The Mosquito Fleet."


APL adds new service
connecting US, Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY — APL reports it has launched the first weekly direct container shipping service between Vietnam and the United States, which is Vietnam's leading export partner, with about 20 percent of all outgoing freight heading across the Transpacific. A gala event at the brand new Saigon Port-PSA (SP-PSA) deepwater container terminal located on the Cai Mep River in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam was attended by leading manufacturers, government officials and other senior industry figures. The new service will offer the industry’s fastest transit time from Vietnam to the US West Coast - taking just 15 days to reach Seattle, and 16 days to Los Angeles. In another first for Vietnam, APL loaded 53-foot containers on to the APL Denver including product shipped by global sportswear giant Nike, Inc. The 53-footers have 60 percent more capacity than standard 40-foot containers. This extra space enables importers and exporters to consolidate more cargo into fewer containers.


NYK car carrier
recues four aboard yacht

TOKYO — On May 2, JINSEI MARU, an NYK car carrier, rescued four people on a troubled yacht. The NYK vessel sailing from Mumbai, India, to Tianjin, China reached the yacht roughly two hours after picking up a distress call at about 6:15 a.m. 120 miles from the western coast of Luzon Island in the northern Philippines. The yacht encountered trouble during its return to Hong Kong after participating in a race between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The rescued sailors disembarked from Jinsei Maru at Tianjin on May 8.


FreeSeas announces charters
for three Handysize vessels

PIRAEUS, Greece — FreeSeas Inc., a transporter of dry-bulk cargoes through the ownership and operation of a fleet of seven Handysize vessels and two Handymax vessels, has announced that it has successfully obtained charter hire for three of its vessels, the FREE HERO, the FREE DESTINY, and the FREE KNIGHT. The M/V FREE HERO, a 1995-built, 24,318 dwt Handysize vessel, has been fixed for a time charter trip of approximately 35 days at $12,400 per day. The M/V FREE DESTINY, a 1982-built, 25,240 dwt Handysize vessel, has been fixed for a time charter trip of approximately 30 days at $13,400 per day. The M/V FREE KNIGHT, a 1998-built, 24,111 dwt Handysize vessel, has been delivered to her charterers for a spot time charter trip of between 45-65 days at $9,000 per day.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 5, 2009

Larger Grand Alliance ships
making Port of Seattle calls

SEATTLE — Two 8,000-TEU ships and three 7,500-TEU ships have replaced smaller vessels on the joint NWX service calling the Port of Seattle operated by Grand Alliance members OOCL and Hapag Lloyd in cooperation with ZIM. The new ships are currently the largest vessels to call the port on a regular basis. The 8,000-TEU OOCL Ningbo was the first of the new ships to call at the Port of Seattle. The port rotation of the NWX service is Ningbo, Shanghai, Qingdao, Busan, Seattle, Vancouver, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, Ningbo.


Port of Astoria looking for
applications for commissioner

ASTORIA — Interested applicants are being sought by the Port of Astoria Commission for appointment to fill the position of Commissioner Kathy Sanders who resigned May 28, 2009. As required by state law, the newly appointed commissioner will serve until June 30, 2011. The next port district election will be in May 2011. The Port of Astoria is a key constituent in the economic development of Clatsop County and faces many sensitive issues in the months and years ahead. Community-minded individuals with an interest in port activities willing to participate in creating a positive team environment and who can bring an entrepreneurial and creative perspective to the commission are encouraged to apply. This is a volunteer appointment and will require a significant investment of time and energy. Applicants for the position must reside in Clatsop County, Oregon and are requested to submit a resume and cover letter with completed supplemental questionnaire that will be available online at www.portofastoria.com or at port offices. Responses are due to the port administrative offices at 422 Gateway Avenue, Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon by June 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will review the applications and select candidates to be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted in public session at the port’s special meeting on June 10, 2009 beginning at 3:00 p.m. If an acceptable candidate is found the commissioners intend to appoint the new commissioner at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. The commission reserves the right to modify the proposed schedule at any time as necessary to assure a fair and impartial process resulting in the best possible selection.


Public meeting will discuss
Port of Portland budget

PORTLAND — The Tax Supervising and Conversation Commission will hold a public hearing next Wednesday, June 10 at 10:30 a.m. on the Port of Portland’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-10 Budget. The port’s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. The slightly leaner budget reflects recent cost cutting measures and declines in the port’s business lines as well as the continuation of a large, strategic capital investment program that will position the port well as the economy begins to recover. Total port operating revenues and operating expenditures are budgeted at $239.7 million and $173.8 million respectively for FY 2009-10, compared to the Adopted FY 2008-09 Budget of $263.4 million and $188.7 million. The port commission will consider final adoption of the budget at a special meeting to be held at 8:30 a.m. on June 24. Both meetings will be held at the Port of Portland headquarters, Commission Conference Room, 121 NW Everett Street, Portland. Full copies of the Port of Portland FY 2009-10 Budget are available at http://www.portofportland.com/PDFPOP/StrategicPlanBudget_09-10_Approved.pdf Or by contacting Abby Mullins at 503-944-7051.


US rail freight traffic count
shows signs of improvement

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended May 23 remained down in comparison with last year, although it did show an increase from the previous week this year, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 259,265 cars during the week, down 21.5 percent from the comparison week in 2008, but up 4.9 percent from the previous week this year. In comparison with last year, loadings were down 16.4 percent in the West and 28.0 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 4.8 percent for farm products other than grain to 59.7 percent for metallic ores. Intermodal volume of 188,885 trailers or containers was off 19.1 percent from last year, with container volume down 14.2 percent and trailer traffic off 37.2 percent. Intermodal volume was up 0.2 percent from the previous week this year. Total volume was estimated at 27.4 billion ton-miles, off 20.3 percent from 2008, but up 4.6 percent from the previous week this year. For the first 20 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,295,843 carloads, down 19.3 percent from 2008; 3,720,454 trailers or containers, down 16.8 percent; and total volume of an estimated 562.0 billion ton-miles, down 18.2 percent.


Coast Guard presents award
for Puget Sound bunkering project

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Captain Suzanne Englebert, Captain of the Port, Puget Sound presented the United States Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award to Keith Barnes of Harley Marine Services on June 3. Mr. Barnes was presented the award for his work to further the safety and protect the environment of the entire Puget Sound from February 2008 to January 2009. He is credited with spearheading a major revision to the Puget Sound Bunkering and Lightering Standards of Care, a document which outlines safety procedures and requirements for shipping lines and bunker delivery companies involved in the transfer of fuel between vessels at sea. Mr. Barnes brought together experts in local, state and federal government as well as members of the maritime industry to jointly analyze risk factors involved in the complex process of bunkering and lightering. Mr. Barnes and his team then devised protocols and procedures to mitigate those risks, and thus ensured the protection of the Puget Sound’s pristine environment.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 4, 2009

Bellingham Port Commissioners
tap Seeger as interim director

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to appoint Fred Seeger to serve as interim executive director. Mr. Seeger will assume the interim position immediately while the commissioners undertake a nationwide search for a permanent executive director. He replaces Jim Darling, who served as executive director for 15 years. Late last month, Mr. Darling announced his resignation to work as a vice president and principal for a Northwest consulting firm. During his final week at the port, Mr. Darling will assist Seeger with the transition. Mr. Seeger has worked as the port's facilities director since he joined the port in 1994. Prior to that, he was manager of the Commercial Division of Christenson Engineering, now CH2M Hill.


Port of Tacoma honored
for 2009 budget document

TACOMA — The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the Port of Tacoma its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the port's 2009 budget document. To qualify for the award, the port "had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation," according to the GFOA's announcement of the award. "It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting." The budget document provides an overview of the port's business, including strategic priorities, operating budget, capital investment program and financial measures. The Chicago-based GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving more than 17,600 government finance professionals throughout North America.


New Port of Portland website
covers industrial development

PORTLAND — When most people think of the Port of Portland they think of ships and planes, but a new web site devoted to the port’s industrial development efforts helps explain the important ties between sea, air and land. The new resource was added to raise awareness about the port’s development projects, properties portfolio, and related strategies to help drive future volumes of cargo in the region. The new site is now up and running at www.portofportland.com/Prop_Home.aspx, and is also accessible from a new tab at the top of the Port’s home page. Features include interactive maps of port properties and a link to a statewide database of available properties. The Port of Portland is one of the largest landowners in the Portland metropolitan area. It owns and manages more than 9,700 acres of land and nearly 12 million square feet of building space. The Port also owns four commercial and industrial parks, which are home to transportation, distribution and trade-related activities critical to businesses throughout the region. As stewards of the environment and business alike, the port also manages 720 acres of environmental mitigation sites. New development like that at the Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park, for example, includes open spaces and efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.


Area schoolchildren help name
Port of Vancouver, USA cranes

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA recently purchased its second mobile harbor crane, and now that both cranes are operational and busy lifting wind energy projects and special oversized cargo, port staff recognized an opportunity to name both the new arrival and the existing crane. With the help of 31 different fifth grade classes from across the Vancouver and Evergreen school districts which submitted a variety of thoughtful, funny and inventive submissions, the cranes have new identities, and the children who named them earned a field trip to the port to visit their cranes. The port’s first crane, purchased in 2006, earned the name “Ursa Major” – which also is known as the “Big Dipper”. The name was submitted by Meredith Gannon’s fifth graders at Sacajawea Elementary School in the Vancouver Public Schools. The port’s new crane, which went into service in April 2009, has been dubbed “Bigfoot”. This name was submitted by Toni Johnson’s Endeavour Elementary (Evergreen School District) fifth graders. Finally, a third name was selected to represent the port’s crane duo. The two cranes will collectively be known as the “Blues Brothers”, submitted by fifth graders in Audrey Christina’s Crestline Elementary fifth graders in the Evergreen School District.


Sale of Olympia streetsweeper
to benefit breast cancer fundraiser

OLYMPIA — A participant in the upcoming Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in Seattle, has come up with a novel way to raise funds: she will sell a pink street sweeper at an unreserved auction in Olympia and put half the proceeds towards her team's fundraising efforts. Tina McDonough, the owner of One.7, Inc., the largest used sweeper dealer in the U.S., will sell the pink 2001 Elgin/Freightliner FL70 S/A street sweeper at an unreserved public auction being conducted by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (www.rbauction.com) in Olympia on June 17 & 18, 2009. Ritchie Bros. will also donate its commission and any additional fees from the street sweeper's sale to the breast cancer fundraiser.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Longview Port Commission
Oks new grain terminal lease

LONGVIEW — At a special meeting this week, the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners entered into a land lease agreement that will bring to the port the first export grain terminal built in the U.S. in over two decades. The project is owned by joint venture EGT Development, LLC, a partnership between Bunge North America, Inc., ITOCHU and STX Pan Ocean. Estimated capital investment in the facility by EGT is in excess of $200 million, with the port constructing the ship dock at a cost of approximately $6 million. The grain facility at the port will provide significant local and regional economic benefits, employment, revenue to the port and contribution to the local tax base. Construction is expected to begin this summer.


New shipbuilding report
inked by Lloyds Register - Fairplay

REDHILL, England — Despite the current overcapacity of tonnage and disastrous shipping rates, the world containership fleet is expected to continue its rapid growth curve, albeit at a slightly reduced rate, as deliveries are taken from shipyards and new shipbuilding orders start to pick up later this year. That is the conclusion of the Shipbuilding Market Forecast for Container and Roll-On Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) Ships released this month by Lloyd’s Register - Fairplay (LRF) Research. In addition to containerships, the report provides analysis of the shipbuilding prospects for Ro-Ro ships and vehicle carriers.


Evergreen joins CSCL
in service cooperation

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line and China Shipping Container Lines have agreed to cooperate on Asia-US West Coast, Asia-Europe and Asia-Mexico-US East Coast containership services commencing this month. The two lines will share slots on the Asia /US Pacific South West Coast route:
Evergreen upgrades its Hong Kong, Taiwan-US West Coast service (service code: HTW for Evergreen and AAS for CSCL) of five 8,000 TEU vessels. The first vessel will be EVER CHAMPION 0571-027E from Kaohsiung on June 16, with the port rotation: Kaohsiung - Xiamen - Hong Kong - Yantian -Los Angeles -Oakland - Kaohsiung.
China Shipping upgrades its North/Central China to US West Coast service (service code: CPS for Evergreen and AAC for CSCL) of five 8,000 TEU vessels. The first vessel will be Xin Ou Zhou 0020E from Qingdao on June 16, with a port rotation: Qingdao - Lian Yun Gang - Shanghai - Ningbo - Pusan - Los Angeles -Oakland - Qingdao.
The Asia-Mexico-US East Coast route will be : Asia Mexico US East Coast service (service code:AUE2 for Evergreen and AAE1 for CSCL) with a total of eight 4,000 TEU vessels. The first vessel will be ITAL LAGUNA 0001-019E from Shanghai on June 15, with a port rotation: Shanghai - Hong Kong - Yantian - Lazaro Cardenas - New York - Norfolk - Savannah - Miami - Lazaro Cardenas - Shanghai.
All appropriate filings for US trades have been made with the U. S. Federal Maritime Commission.
In the Asia/ European trade:
China North Europe service (service code: CEM for Evergreen and AEX1 for CSCL) with a total of eight 8,000 TEU vessels. The first vessel will be Xin Hong Kong 0029W from Qingdao on June 17, with a port rotation: Qingdao - Shanghai - Ningbo - Felixstowe - Hamburg - Rotterdam - Zeebrugge - Hong Kong - Qingdao.


Trucking association calls for
safety award nominations

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Safety Management Council recently announced the 2009 ATA award deadlines for a number of its top safety awards. Entries for the ATA National Driver of the Year, National Safety Director Award, State Trucking Association Recognition Program awards, Excellence in Safety Award, and ATA President’s Trophy are due July 1. Entries for the 2009 Excellence in Human Resource Management Award are due June 26. The deadline has been extended to the auto transporter division of the ATA National Truck & Industrial Safety Contests until June 10. These contests are the only two national safety programs that recognize the safety accomplishments of motor carriers across the United States by operation type and size. These awards will be presented to the recipients at ATA Safety Management Council’s Safety & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition, Sept. 16-18, 2009, at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Recipients are again honored at the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 4-7, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Applications and rules related to entry can be found at http://smc.truckline.com.


Panama Canal Authority
teaming with Maryland Port group

PANAMA CITY — the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement to increase economic growth and commercial activity between the two entities. Signed by ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta and MPA Executive Director James J. White, the MOU will help spur trade, facilitate information sharing and promote the use of the “All-Water Route,” a shipping route to Asia from the U.S. East Coast via the Canal. The MPA oversees the six public marine terminals of the Port of Baltimore. As part of the MOU, the ACP and MPA will conduct joint activities and share best practices. Specific areas of focus will include marketing, research and data interchange, technical advancements and personnel training programs.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 1, 2009

Homeland Security Department
releases grant application guidance

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released application guidance for more than $500 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants for fire station construction, port and transit security—funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The guidance includes $150 million for the Port Security Grant Program, $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program and $210 million for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program. Signed into law by the President on Feb. 17, ARRA committed more than $3 billion to DHS and GSA in support of homeland security programs across the country. Applications for the Port Security Grant Program and Transit Security Grant Program will be submitted electronically to DHS-FEMA through www.grants.gov. Applications for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program will be submitted electronically at https://portal.fema.gov. Full guidance and more information on preparedness grant programs can be found at www.dhs.gov.


Arbitrator sides with port
in Camas-Washougal liability case

WASHOUGAL, WA — The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced the conclusion of the liability phase of the arbitration process between the port and RiverWalk on the Columbia, LLC. The arbitration panel has notified both parties of a decision that finds on behalf of the Port of Camas-Washougal. The Port of Camas-Washougal entered into a public/private partnership with RiverWalk on the Columbia, LLC, in November, 2005. The 2005 option agreement allowed for site assessments and feasibility studies to master plan the proposed project. It called for a joint investment of two years and a total of $400,000 to explore the feasibility of a 65-acre waterfront development that extends from Parkersville historic site, upriver to the port’s property at 6th Street. While RiverWalk purported to exercise its option to enter into a long-term ground lease with the port, the 2005 option agreement expired in November 2007, with several unfulfilled contingencies. Formed in 1935 by a vote of the local community, the Port of Camas-Washougal features a 400-acre industrial park, a 79-hangar general aviation airport, and a 350-slip pleasure marina.


Latin American Ports Congress
scheduled by port association

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The global economic downturn has challenged seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere to reduce expenses, seek synergistic partnerships and compete for new business opportunities. To address both the hardships and opportunities facing Latin American seaports, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is bringing its XVIII Latin American Congress of Ports to Miami, July 8-10. The Latin American Congress of Ports is being hosted by the Port of Miami, and program supporters include Jay Malina International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County, the Port Authority of Manta (Ecuador) and Klein Systems Group Ltd. This conference is a required course for those seeking their Latin American Professional Port Manager® (PPM®) certification. More information about AAPA's XVIII Latin American Congress of Ports is available at http://www.aapa-ports.org/Programs/seminarschedule.cfm?itemnumber=16878 or by calling AAPA's Alicia Fuentes at 703-706-4708.


Hamburg Sud helps deliver
helicopters for fire season

MORRISTOWN, NJ — With threats of another dry summer on the West Coast of North America, Hamburg Süd has been helping reposition a fleet of Bell B212 helicopters from service below the equator to the Canadian West. Seven of the choppers have been delivered so far from Australia where they were used for forest and wildland fire suppression during their summer months season of November to late March. Now the craft are being brought to Western Canada via Hamburg Süd’s Australia/New Zealand – West Coast service calls at Vancouver. Each of the choppers was disassembled for transport with the body and tail sections carefully lashed on flat racks and shrink wrapped to protect them from the elements during ocean transport. Upon delivery at Fraser Surrey Docks in Vancouver, the aircraft were carefully offloaded onto the pier and then reassembled and flown to strategic locations in western Canada, ready to respond to fire outbreaks this summer.


Insurance club publishes
new conventions handbook

LONDON — Greater clarity will be brought to the complex world of international carriage conventions with the publication of the TT Club’s new Handbook on the Conventions for the International Carriage of Goods at the start of this month. The new Handbook, which replaces an earlier version, has been thoroughly researched by experts in carriage convention law. It offers a user-friendly guide to what conventions are in use in which countries, and describes the main provisions of each convention. The Handbook is designed specifically for transport managers who do not have a legal background, but who have to deal with claims and insurance for their companies. The Handbook summarises all the conventions currently in use throughout the world for the carriage of goods by sea, inland waterway, air, road and rail. It features a quick cross-reference guide showing which conventions apply in which countries, and uses a standard question and answer format to analyse the provisions and requirements of each convention. The Handbook comes both in printed form, and in a web-based version, the latter providing links to more detailed information and the actual text of most of the conventions. It will distributed free to Members of the TT Club, and can be purchased by non-members at £36 through the TT Club website www.ttclub.com.