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June, 2007

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 29, 2007

Port of Seattle taps Wilson
as chief of police department

SEATTLE — Colleen E. Wilson, chief of police in Sumner for nearly five years, will take over as chief of the 130-person Port of Seattle police department around August 1. In Sumner, Ms. Wilson directed 20 commissioned officers as well as emergency communications and animal control. The Sumner police also provide services on contract to neighboring cities. Before moving to the Sumner force in 2002, Ms. Wilson, 56, was responsible for officer certification on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Before that, she was chief of police in Monroe. She began her career as an assistant city clerk in Monroe and rose through the ranks as a police officer, sergeant and lieutenant before being named chief in 1993. Ms. Wilson has been a vice president of the state’s association of sheriff’s and police chiefs and was the first female chief of police in Washington State. She replaces Tim Kimsey, who retired earlier this year. Gale Evans, who has been acting chief, will remain as deputy chief. The City of Sumner will do an outside search for a replacement; Lt. John Galle will serve as acting chief.


Corps set to begin
dredging on Oregon coast

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will dredge several ports along the Oregon coast starting in early summer. The Corps’ hopper dredge YAQUINA is scheduled to work on the Siuslaw, Rogue, Chetco, Coquille and Umpqua rivers, Yaquina Bay and Coos Bay, including Charleston Channel. The Corps works with the U.S. Coast Guard to prioritize dredging based on an assessment of risk to Coast Guard operations and public safety at each location. In addition, a contract was recently awarded to Hickey Marine Enterprises, Inc. to dredge some of the smaller channels along the south coast. They will dredge Winchester Bay at Umpqua River, the approach channel for the Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue detachment at the Rogue River, Charleston Channel at Coos Bay and Port Orford. Garibaldi boat basin, Yaquina River (Depot Slough) and Depoe Bay are not scheduled to be dredged this year. Hydrographic surveys of the entrances to all coastal harbors are performed in early spring to assess post-winter conditions at the entrances, from which further adjustments to the schedule and priority could be made. Oregon’s coastal entrances are well known for their dangers due to shoaling, tricky currents and sneaker waves. Portland District’s civil works mission includes maintenance of authorized navigation channels. The district dredges ports along the Oregon coast each year to maintain depths designed to provide a margin of safety for vessels navigating these coastal entrances.


Trade between NAFTA partners
up during month of April

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was valued at $65.0 billion in April 2007, 5.3 percent higher than in April 2006 for the biggest percentage increase from the same month of the previous year since August 2006, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 6.8 percent in April from March. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 90 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in April was up 38.9 percent compared to April 2002, and up 78.4 percent compared to April 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in April were up 90.8 percent compared to April 1997, while exports were up 64.5 percent.


US rail freight numbers
continue on negative side

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down slightly from the comparable week last year during the week ended June 16, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Intermodal volume totaled 240,002 trailers or containers, down 2.3 percent from last year, with container volume up 0.3 percent and trailer volume down 11.1 percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 339,670 cars for the week, down 1.8 percent from last year. Loadings were down 1.3 percent in the West and 2.4 percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at 34.5 billion ton-miles, down 1.1 percent from last year. Although down from last year, the carload volume reached its highest weekly level thus far this year, while intermodal volume was at its second highest level this year. Eight of 19 carload commodity groups registered gains from last year, with nonmetallic minerals up 9.0 percent and petroleum products up 6.6 percent. Loadings of lumber and wood products were off 18.0 percent while metals were down 14.5 percent. Cumulative volume for the first 24 weeks of 2007 totaled 7,757,778 carloads, down 4.3 percent from 2006; 5,469,789 trailers or containers, off 1.3 percent; and total volume of an estimated 789.4 billion ton-miles, down 3.0 percent from last year.


Washington State Ferries
bringing back summer concerts

SEATTLE — Washington State Ferries has announced the return of it’s summer concert series, “Picnic at the Pier”, beginning today, at Seattle’s Colman Dock at Pier 52 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s first concert will feature the Caribbean sounds of the steel drum band, Panduo. “The ferry terminal will come alive with music” says Jayne Davis, Regional Operations Manager for WSF. “We want both locals and our regular customers to come down to the pier and enjoy the music while dining al fresco at special tables set up outside on the passenger level of the terminal. Food vendors at Colman Dock include Matt’s Gourmet Hotdogs, Candy Lane, Caffe Appassionato, Commuter Comforts Café and Wine Bar, World Wrapps, McDonald’s and Colman Dock News. On Friday, July 20th, Kenny Krakatoa & The Coconuts will entertain at the ferry terminal at a Hawaiian themed picnic. More summertime fun music is scheduled on August 3rd and August 24th.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 28, 2007

Calypso Marine pleads guilty
to dumping oily waste at sea

TACOMA — Calypso Marine, a Greek Shipping Company, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma Monday in connection with dumping oily waste at sea rather than using environmentally sound disposal methods as required by international law. As part of the plea agreement, the company has agreed to pay a $1 million criminal fine. This discovery of the illegal dumping practices and the subsequent investigation were conducted by United States Coast Guard Sector Portland, and in Kalama, on the Columbia River. During a routine vessel safety and security examination of the motor vessel (M/V) TINA M, the Chief Engineer presented the Coast Guard Inspectors with the vessel's Oil Record Book, a legally mandated document used to log all fuel oil and oily waste including disposal procedures aboard the vessel. The Oil Record Book indicated that the vessel properly disposed of all oily waste. However, with the aid of concerned engineering crew aboard the vessel, the Coast Guard inspectors located hidden pipes that allowed the vessel to bypass approved oily waste procedures and pump large quantities of harmful pollution directly into the ocean during overseas transits. The subsequent investigation revealed that the Chief Engineer was directed by the Calypso Marine Engineering Superintendent to attempt to cover up the illegal dumping by replacing pipes, painting connection flanges and extensively cleaning the overboard vicinity. The Chief Engineer is expected to be sentenced for making a false statement to the Coast Guard next week.


Large Chittenden Locks
reopened following repairs

SEATTLE — The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard reopened to vessel traffic at 7:45 p.m., less than 12 hours after it closed June 27 for emergency maintenance, according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks. The large lock was closed while crews made emergency repairs to the saltwater barrier, which sustained damage from contact with a transiting vessel and would not operate as designed. The barrier minimizes saltwater intrusion into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and helps to ensure the lake’s water quality standards are met. Repair crews drained the chamber the morning of June 27 and began repairs that afternoon to restore full navigation service as soon as possible.


Vancouver, USA port board
Oks Columbia Waterfront lease

VANCOUVER, USA — On June 26, Port of Vancouver commissioners unanimously approved a long-term lease of 3.26 acres of port property to Columbia Waterfront LLC. Approval of the lease was expected on June 21, but several concerns arose during discussion of the lease. Commissioners Arch Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy Baker requested that port staff and legal counsel make modifications consistent with discussion. Port staff and legal counsel took care of “crossing T’s and dotting I’s” on the lease, in consideration of questions asked by commissioners in last week’s meeting. The 3.26 acre parcel is located adjacent to the east end of the Boise Cascade property that formerly hosted a paper mill. That property is being purchased by Columbia Waterfront LLC for the purpose of developing a mixed-use waterfront area. Terms of the lease include continued unrestricted public access to the waterfront, a monument to commemorate the Port of Vancouver’s original marine terminal and industrial area, as well as replacement for the 1.30 acres currently used as free parking for the Vancouver Landing and amphitheater. Monthly rent is $16,492, with annual increases. The length of the lease is 50 years, with two 15-year extensions.


Trinity buys 20 percent
of new railcar leasing firm

DALLAS — Trinity Industries, Inc. has announced it has purchased 20 percent of the equity in newly-formed TRIP Rail Holdings LLC (TRIP), which will provide railcar leasing and management services in North America. TRIP's remaining equity is held by five private investors not related to Trinity or its subsidiaries. As part of the agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TRIP plans to purchase approximately $1.4 billion in railcars from Trinity Industries, Inc. and Trinity Industries Leasing Company (TILC) during the next 24 months. TILC will manage and service the railcars for the new entity. Trinity Industries, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a holding company that owns a variety of businesses which provide products and services to the industrial, energy, transportation, and construction sectors.


Coast Guard cutter HEALY
returns to homeport in Seattle

SEATTLE — The 420-foot Coast Guard cutter HEALY returned to its homeport of Seattle June 25, after a three-month deployment to the Bering Sea in support of two scientific missions. In April and May, scientists conducted a Bering Sea ecosystem study in which they looked at the entire ecosystem in the central and southern Bering Sea. HEALY crewmembers took samples from 216 locations between Unimak Pass and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. In May and June, scientists led a study called "Climate Driven Changes in Impacts of Benthic Predators in the Northern Bering Sea" that investigated the ecosystem of the sea floor in the northern Bering Sea. Crewmembers took samples from 172 locations between St. Matthew Island and the Diomede Islands. During the deployment, crewmembers conducted nearly 10,000 miles of sea floor mapping with the HEALY's SONAR. The HEALY is the Nation's largest and most technically advanced icebreaker.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Large Chittenden Locks
closed for emergency repairs

SEATTLE — The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will close to marine traffic starting at 9 a.m. today, for emergency maintenance, according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks. The large lock will be closed for an undetermined period to make emergency repairs to the salt-water barrier, which sustained damage from contact with a transiting vessel and will not operate as designed. The barrier minimizes saltwater intrusion into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and helps to ensure the lake’s water quality standards are met. Repair crews will work to restore full navigation service as soon as possible. The small lock will remain open for boat traffic throughout this period and boaters should be prepared to use the small lock with appropriate equipment and crew. The small lock is capable of handling vessels up to 25 feet wide and 100 feet long while the large lock can be configured to
be handle vessels as large as 760 feet long by 80 feet in the beam. Both pleasure boaters and commercial maritime interests should expect delays due both to the closure and to the approaching Fourth of July holiday, traditionally a busy time of year for the Chittenden Locks.


Port Vancouver, USA Commissioners
approve Alcoa property purchase

VANCOUVER, WA — The Port of Vancouver Commission has unanimously approved a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) to purchase the industrial, waterfront property currently owned by Alcoa, Inc. The port and Alcoa reached a general agreement on the purchase and sale in January of 2007 and the parties signed a letter of intent on February 1. The negotiations of the PSA have been ongoing since February 2007. The purchase and sale agreement provides the direction and conditions under which the transaction will be completed. Some of the conditions are: Approximately 107.3 acres, to be confirmed by ALTA Survey; Agreement includes the alumina unloading dock, silos, conveyors, rail load out and accessory structures and equipment for the operation of the unloading facility; The site will be cleaned by Alcoa to MTCA industrial standards – enforced by the Washington State Department of Ecology; Purchase price of $23,750,000; Closing no earlier than December 31, 2007 or later than June 30, 2008; Subject to final passage of an Industrial Development District levy; and Allows for timely construction of the Port’s West Vancouver Freight Access Project. Projections by Martin & Associates in July 2006 estimate an additional 1,900 direct living-wage jobs with benefits, $64 million in direct income annually and approximately $24 million in tax revenue annually for the community when both the Alcoa and Evergreen properties are combined.


Washington governor, Coast Guard
sign new oil spill agreement

SEATTLE — Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and U. S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Richard Houck have signed a Memorandum of Agreement governing how the state and federal government will work together to better prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills in Washington. The agreement signals a strengthening partnership between the United States Coast Guard and the State of Washington to continue to protect our shared waters, natural resources, economic base and community and cultural resources. The MOA enables both parties to demonstrate adherence to tangible standards of practices that testify to the parties' recognition of, and service to, this high level of public interest in avoiding, preparing for and responding to oil and hazardous material spills. The MOA, and associated strategic work plan and protocols, will address areas such as vessel and facilities inspections, derelict vessel removal, investigations, spill response, drills, contingency planning, media notification and more. The protocols outline in detail how technical cooperation is to be achieved in the partners' day-to-day operations. The strategic work plan lists objectives to accomplish under the three major categories, and is published on line at a shared Ecology/Coast Guard web site, http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/ecyuscg/summit.html. Through this web site, Ecology and the Coast Guard are providing transparency to the public on the many areas of work the parties do to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills.


Horizon Lines closes deal
for Hawaii Stevedores

HONOLULU — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has closed the purchase of Hawaii Stevedores, Inc. (HSI). The terms of the acquisition were
not disclosed. HSI is one of only two stevedoring companies on Oahu with a customer base that spans a broad range of services including container stevedoring, roll-on roll-off operations, bulk cargo operations and passenger cruise lines support. "After 20 years of service to Hawaii, this investment reflects our continued commitment to the islands," said Mar Labrador, vice president and general manager, Hawaii and Micronesia Division for Horizon Lines. "We believe in the strength of the Hawaii economy and we look to partner with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in servicing and accommodating the growth of the Hawaii market for many years to come."


Port of Tacoma Gateway Magazine
now ready for online viewing

TACOMA — The most recent edition of the Port of Tacoma's award-winning Pacific Gateway magazine is now available online. This edition highlights the growth of Hyundai Merchant Marine in Tacoma and profiles port neighbor Simpson Tacoma Kraft. It also includes a feature story about Chambers Bay, Tacoma-Pierce County's new, championship golf course. Other stories detail the port's selection as the site for the Department of Homeland Security's Intermodal Radiation Detection Test Center, and the Pacific Northwest Ports' joint announcement of maritime air emission reduction strategies. To read the online version (pdf file), visit the port's web site at www.portoftacomqa.com. Visit the "Publications" section on the port's website for more online publications, such as past Annual Reports and Facility & Services brochures.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 25, 2007

Crowley Maritime taps Taylor
as bulk petroleum/chemical V.P.

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Capt. Bill Taylor has been promoted to vice president of bulk petroleum and chemical transportation and will manage the commercial activities of the company’s petroleum tankers and barges. He will remain domiciled in Jacksonville and report to Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager of petroleum services. Capt. Taylor, who previously served as vice president of marketing and chartering, will have profit and loss responsibility for petroleum transportation, as well as responsibility for chartering, customer service and strategic planning. Reporting to Capt. Taylor will be Greg Nowicki, manager of chartering operations based in Jacksonville; Ray Loera and Norman George, both directors of chartering operations based in Long Beach, Calif.; Tyler Caruso, manager of sales based in Seattle, and Craig Cox, manager of planning based in Jacksonville. Capt. Taylor graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College in 1976 and joined Marine Transport Lines as deck officer. He sailed on various vessels, including 12 years as Master of the SS Marine Chemist, before coming ashore in 1995 to work for Heidenreich Marine in Connecticut. He transferred to Singapore in 1997 to help establish OMI-Heidmar Shipping Far East office. When he returned to the United States in 1999, he rejoined MTL as vice president of marketing and chartering and remained in that position when Crowley purchased MTL in 2001.


Legislation would expand tax break
for investment in freight infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Corrine Brown, (D-FL), and Kevin Brady. (R-TX) have introduced legislation to expand freight infrastructure to meet America's transportation challenges. According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), freight traffic is expected to increase by 70 percent by 2020. The legislation would provide a 25 percent tax credit to any business that expanded its capacity to ship by rail. ports, railroads, trucking companies, ethanol producers, and others would all be eligible for the credit. The bipartisan delegation discussed the many public benefits of shipping freight by rail, including reduced highway congestion, cleaner air, conserving fuel and saving energy. The legislation proposed by Meek and Cantor — H.R. 2116, The Freight Rail Infrastructure Act of 2007 — would allow any business, not just freight railroads, to earn the tax credit for a wide range of investments in the rail network's infrastructure.


Truck driver turnover rate
up during first quarter of '07

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The driver turnover rate for large truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers increased during the first quarter of 2007, marking their highest turnover rates since the end of 2005. American Trucking Associations (ATA), which began collecting driver turnover statistics in 1995, reported that turnover for large truckload carriers was at a 127 percent annualized rate for the first three months of the year. This figure was six percentage points higher than during the last three months of 2006. The group ended the quarter with 1.8 percent fewer drivers than it had at the start. Large TL driver turnover posted a 116 percent annualized rate for the 2006 first quarter. Turnover peaked at 136 percent for large TL carriers during the 2005 fourth quarter. Small TL carriers saw the average annualized turnover rate drop to 102 percent from 112 percent during the first three months of the year. The small carrier turnover rate has been at least 100 percent for six consecutive quarters.


WSF Mukilteo terminal project
receives $5.1 million in funding

SEATTLE — Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) / Washington State Ferries (WSF) has $5.1 million to spend on the Mukilteo Multi-Modal Ferry Terminal Project for the next biennium - July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009. Most of this funding will be used to move the National and State Environmental Policy Acts (NEPA/SEPA) environmental process forward. Originally the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was to be released this summer for public review and comment. Now the draft EIS is delayed until 2009 due to increased cost estimates for both alternatives, and the Washington State Legislature’s passing of the ferry finance bill, which requires that WSF complete several tasks over the next two years that may have an effect on plans for the new terminal in Mukilteo. Recently received cost estimates for the alternatives range approximately from $220 to $310 million. Factors for the higher cost estimates include inflation and escalation of material costs. Earlier cost estimates assumed a 2008 start date of construction. The current estimates assume construction would start in 2011. Another contributing factor is weaker than expected soil strength at the new location.


Sea-Tac Airport lost and found
now offers on-line service

SEATTLE — Airport customers now have the convenience of reporting lost items online on the Port of Seattle's Web site. The easy-to-use form allows travelers to immediately report items lost in the Sea-Tac's terminal, parking garage or on the airport drives, even when the Airport's Lost and Found office is closed. Approximately 350 lost items are returned to airport customers each month. The Lost and Found office contacts airport customers as soon as items are recovered. Travelers can pick-up their items at the in-airport Lost and Found Office or have them shipped by Federal Express, U.S. Mail or other delivery companies.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 22, 2007

Port of Olympia planning board
adds Riley Moore as new member

OLYMPIA — One new member has been appointed to the Port of Olympia's Planning and Advisory Committee (PAC). Port Commissioners welcomed Riley Moore to the 12-person PAC at the commission meeting June 18. Mr. Moore is an Economics and Business Professor at St. Martin's University. He is active in the Lacey and Thurston County Chambers, LEAD Thurston County, Olympia Rotary, and the Olympia Economics Club member. He has also been involved in organizing trade missions to China. Leaving the committee is Jim Smego, who has served on the PAC for six years. He was also recognized by the commission June 18. Other members of the PAC include Lisa Cosmillo, Rodney Edgbert, Bill Garson, Darlene Kemery, Keith Laws, Patti Moore, Kevin Partlow, Drew Phillips, Joe Raudebaugh, Len Trautman, and Darrel Webster. The PAC was formed in 1994 as a result of the strategic planning process and provides advice on issues and projects affecting the port. Over the years, the PAC has advised the port commission on a number of issues, including the port's land use and capital facility plans. Members serve three-year terms.


US Barge taps Lackey
as VP/general manager

PORTLAND — The U.S. Barge Team has hired Kenneth Lackey as their vice president and general manager. Mr. Lackey brings with him close to 30 years of industry experience . In his new role, Mr. Lackey will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all phases of barge construction at U.S. Barge. A primary focus will be continuing the company's drive towards streamlined production processes. With bookings through the next 12 months, U.S. Barge reports it is soliciting customers who are interested in starting a project in 2008. The company constructs all types of barges, from bluewater to inland to specialty, and is looking at deliveries across the United States. U.S. Barge is supported by a partnership between Vigor Industrial, LLC and Oregon Iron Works, Inc.


Overseas Shipholding sentenced
in vessel oil pollution case

WASHINGTON, DC — Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (OSG) was sentenced Wednesday, in Beaumont, Texas, to pay $10 million as part of a $37 million criminal settlement with the United States involving 33 felony counts, 12 oil tankers and ports located in Beaumont, Boston, Mass., Portland, Maine, San Francisco, Calif., and Wilmington, N.C., announced Ronald J. Tenpas, acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Environment & Natural Resources Division and John L. Ratcliffe, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. The total $37 million penalty -- announced on Dec. 19, 2006 in Boston -- is the largest-ever involving deliberate vessel pollution. The charges involving 12 OSG oil tankers took place from June 2001 to March 2006 and include violations of the Clean Water Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships; conspiracy; false statements; and obstruction of justice. In pleading guilty, OSG admitted that it deliberately falsified various ships' Oil Record Books, required logs in which all overboard discharges are to be accurately recorded; made discharges at night; and concealed bypass methods used to circumvent required pollution prevention equipment during U.S. port calls so that the Coast Guard would not discover the criminal activity. The $37 million penalty includes a $27.8 million criminal fine and a $9.2 million organizational community service payment that will fund various environmental projects coast-to-coast.


US rail freight totals
lower during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended June 9 was down from the comparable week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Intermodal volume totaled 238,957 trailers or containers, down 3.2 percent from last year, with container volume off 0.6 percent and trailer volume down 11.9 percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 330,767 cars for the week, down 5.6 percent from last year. Loadings were down 4.0 percent in the West and 7.8 percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at 33.5 billion ton-miles, down 5.1 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 23 weeks of 2007 totaled 7,418,108 carloads, down 4.4 percent from 2006; 5,229,787 trailers or containers, off 1.3 percent; and total volume of an estimated 754.9 billion ton-miles, down 3.1 percent from last year.


Celebration marks keel laying
of pair of NOAA vessels

VANCOUVER, USA — VT Halter Marine Inc. and NOAA celebrated a construction milestone June 15 — the keel laying — for two new vessels at VT Halter’s Moss Point, Miss., shipyard. A combined ceremony is being held for NOAA coastal mapping vessel FERDINAND R. HASSLER and fisheries survey ship BELL M. SHIMADA. Both ships were named by student teams through regional NOAA ship-naming contests. FERDINAND R. HASSLER is a small waterplane area twin hull coastal mapping vessel, the first of its kind to be constructed for NOAA. Its design is particularly suited to NOAA’s mission to map the ocean floor, as it is less responsive to wave action than a mono-hull ship. BELL M. SHIMADA is the last of four vessels of the same design to be built for NOAA by VT Halter Marine. These sister ships are considered among the world’s most technologically advanced fisheries survey vessels. Catherine H. Sununu, wife of U.S. Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire, is the sponsor of FERDINAND R. HASSLER. Sponsors imbue the ship with their spirit during its years of service, according to maritime tradition. She will also attend the ceremony as the ship’s keel-laying authenticator, signing the keel’s plaque. Susan E. Lautenbacher, wife of retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, is sponsor of BELL M. SHIMADA, and will authenticate that ship’s keel.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 21, 2007

Port of Everett marina
celebrates opening today

EVERETT — The Port of Everett is celebrating the opening of its new marina at 11 a.m. today at 10th Street and West Marine View Drive. The port’s new 220-slip marina, named the 12th Street Yacht Basin, opened on June 1. The 12th Street Yacht Basin includes permanent and guest moorage slips and caters to yacht-class vessels ranging from 40 to 70 feet with end ties of more than 140 feet. On April 28, slipholders in the new Yacht Basin walked the floats for the first time, and selected their slips. Everett’s new marina, which is first for the state since Elliott Bay Marina more than 20 years ago, took nearly two years to construct and cost more than $20 million. The port’s investment in the new facility was offset with the help of grant monies from the state and federal governments. The port received a $990,000 grant from the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG), which is administered by the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC). This was the largest federal grant from the BIG fund awarded in 2005. The port also received a $750,000 grant from the State’s Boating Facilities Program. The new marina is located next to the Port Gardner Wharf project, which broke ground on May 17. Port Gardner Wharf will create a new waterfront neighborhood, with residential and retail opportunities nestled between the port’s marinas.


Firms come together
for WSF ferry proposal

SEATTLE — Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)/Washington State Ferries (WSF) has announced that the three shipyards – Todd Pacific Shipyards, J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Inc – submitted a joint proposal to build the four new 144-car vessels needed by the Washington State Ferry System. “A joint proposal that draws upon the expertise and resources of the major Puget Sound shipyards is the best possible scenario for WSDOT/WSF and the taxpayers of Washington State,” said WSF Executive Director Mike Anderson. “There is still a lot of work to do to get from a joint proposal to construction, but we are moving in the right direction. WSDOT/WSF is committed to getting high quality vessels built as soon as possible on the best possible terms for the people of Washington.”


Commercial trucks entering US
must now use e-Manifest system

LAREDO, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port Director Gene Garza has announced that all commercial vehicles entering the U.S. must now pre-file an electronic manifest or they will be referred to secondary examination to determine whether the shipments will be allowed entry. As mandated in the Trade Act of 2002, the second phase of the e-Manifest regulations require an electronic manifest be sent to CBP one hour before arrival for regular entries and 30 minutes prior for Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane entries. Any commercial entry that arrives at the port of entry without having sent an e-Manifest will be referred to secondary examination. At secondary an electronic manifest needs to be forwarded to CBP in order for the entry to be processed and allowed entry into the United States. If carriers completely disregard the requirements or make no attempt to file an e-Manifest, the shipment may be returned to Mexico. Recently, the Laredo port of entry had an e-Manifest compliance rate of just fewer than 70 percent with some days exceeding 80 percent. It is anticipated that this number will quickly rise as the second phase of the e-Manifest requirement became effective June 19.


Coast Guard invites feedback
on Merchant Mariner programs

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that its Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee has established a mechanism to provide ongoing feedback on the mariner licensing and documentation program and the relocation of the National Maritime Center. Those wishing to provide feedback should email the committee at MERPACfeedback@gmail.com. The Coast Guard began restructuring its mariner licensing and documentation program in March 2005 to improve service to mariners. The project will relocate the National Maritime Center to Martinsburg, W. Va., change mission focus for the 17 regional examination centers and implement technological improvements such as electronic imaging of mariner records, electronic administration and grading of exams, and on-line payment of user fees. When the plan is complete the processing of all applications for credentials will be centralized and managed by the reorganized National Maritime Center staff, and the responsibilities of the regional examination centers will be limited to fingerprinting mariners, establishing mariner identities, providing application assistance, administering testing, and providing course oversight.


Jetboats will showcase facilities
at Port of Vancouver, USA

VANCOUVER, USA — Early explorers often had their first view of the West Vancouver waterfront from the Columbia River. Community members are invited to tour the present-day Port of Vancouver waterfront from a similar perspective on a jetboat tour of the local docks Saturday, June 23. Jetboat rides, provided by Willamette Jetboat Excursions, will depart from the lower dock at Vancouver Landing each half-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. A Port of Vancouver guide will share highlights of port facilities visible from the river in between the spins and thrills of the ride. The tours are being held in conjunction with the annual RiverWalk fundraiser, which follows a scenic three-mile route along the Columbia River to Beaches Restaurant and then back to Esther Short Park. Vancouver Landing is just south of the park at Port of Vancouver's Terminal One, the original location of trade operations for the 95-year-old port. Jetboat riders are advised that there is a strong chance of getting wet. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No advance reservations will be taken; the 62-passenger boat will be filled on a first come basis at the dock.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Vancouver, USA port board
puts lease agreement on hold

VANCOUVER, USA — After more than an hour of discussion, Port of Vancouver USA Commissioners postponed a vote on a proposed 50-year lease agreement at its regular commission meeting on June 26. According to the port, approval of the lease was expected at the meeting, but during discussion of the lease several concerns arose. Commissioners Arch Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy Baker requested that port staff and legal counsel make modifications consistent with the discussion. The action item will again appear on the agenda for the regularly-scheduled Port of Vancouver Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The lease agreement would provide 3.26 acres of port property under lease for 50 years, with two 15-year extensions. Monthly rent, per the proposed agreement, is $16,492, with annual increases. If the lease is approved, the property may be used for retail, office, hotel/motel, public access, restaurants, a pedestrian plaza, and other commercial activities. The port maintains reasonable approval rights for the Columbia Waterfront LLC’s design for buildings on the leased property.


Work begins on project
to ease East Marginal Way traffic

SEATTLE — Ground was broken June 18, on a Duwamish area transportation project that will improve freight mobility and business access as well as offer safety and convenience advantages to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project will route trucks and general vehicle traffic up and over railroad tracks just south of the Spokane Street corridor. When completed in late 2009, the project will eliminate traffic delays on East Marginal Way caused by trains crossing at grade level. The $20 million construction cost of the project is funded by a coalition of public and private partners including: the Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, Washington State Department of Transportation, Puget Sound Regional Council, the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, and the Federal Highway Administration, BNSF Railway Company and the Union Pacific Railroad.


Conceptual plan unveiled
for Bellingham waterfront project

BELLINGHAM — Earlier this year the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with a local developer, which may result in new buildings, jobs, housing and activity at the port's Bellwether on the Bay TM waterfront development. During a June 19 work study session, port staff and the developers unveiled a conceptual site plan and building design concept for this project, which is in its final negotiation stages. The conceptual design includes the possibility for four to five new mixed-use buildings ranging in size from a three-story 12,000 square foot building to one four-story 86,331 square foot
building. The concept showed three buildings that would be three stories tall and one building that would have four stories. The construction schedule is in negotiations. If a final agreement is approved, Bellwether Gate LLC would pay the port nearly $3 million for an 80-year lease for the land. Bellwether Gate also would be required to construct additional underground and above ground parking. Bellwether Gate LLC is a newly formed development company with the same principals as Bellingham firm Ebenal Company. The Ebenal Company has completed several major new developments in Fairhaven including the building housing Village Books and Fairhaven Square. The company also is restoring the historic Waldron Building.


Panama Canal discussed
at Shanghai, China meeting

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors and Advisory Board met in Shanghai, China, June 11-12 to analyze the progress of expansion and other major projects underway at the Panama Canal. The advisory board plays an important role as the Panama Canal strives to best serve global trade and commerce. China is the second largest user of the Panama Canal after the United States. ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta briefed the advisory board - composed of business, maritime and trade experts - on key canal issues, while the groups discussed strategy and current trends in the maritime and shipping industries. The meeting was jointly presided over by Panamanian Minister for Canal Affairs and ACP Board of Directors Chairman Dani Ariel Kuzniecky and Advisory Board Chairman and former Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization William A. O'Neil. During the meeting, Mr. Alemán briefed participants on the Panama Canal. Since the October 22, 2006 referendum that approved the waterway's expansion, the ACP has: assembled an experienced internal team to manage the historic undertaking; hired legal and financial advisors; hosted various conferences to communicate to potential contractors the essential details on the project; and, released some preliminary tenders, such as the tender for the program manager and the tender for the north Pacific channel dry excavation. Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double capacity and allow more traffic and wider ships.


Port of Tacoma 'Report' program
now appearing on television

TACOMA — The latest edition of the Port of Tacoma's award-winning "Port Report" television program will be broadcast in Tacoma and Pierce County through June 30, 2007. For anyone who wants to learn more about the port and its diverse business activities, this edition features stories about the expansion of Washington United Terminals (home of Hyundai Merchant Marine), the port's air quality initiatives, improvements to the near-terminal rail system, growth of breakbulk cargo and a behind-the-scenes look at the port's Maintenance Department. Other stories focus on SR 167 completion, Narrows Bridge construction and IKEA's new home in Frederickson. Produced by Tacoma Videoworks, "Port Report" can be viewed on Cable Channel 12 (exclusively within the City of Tacoma), Cable Channel 21 (in most areas of Pierce County) and Channel 85 on Click! in University Place.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 18, 2007

Port of Vancouver, USA
eyes waterfront lease agreement

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA Commission is considering a lease agreement that will help create the focal point of a new waterfront development being planned by the City of Vancouver and Columbia Waterfront LLC. Port Commissioners Arch Miller, Brian Wolfe and Nancy Baker are currently studying a lease agreement from the port to Columbia Waterfront LLC which would provide 3.26 acres of port property under lease for 50 years, with two 15-year extensions. Monthly rent, per the proposed agreement, is $16,492, with annual increases. The commission is expected to take action on the lease agreement during a special public meeting on Tuesday, June 19 at the port’s administrative office. The Columbia Waterfront LLC intends to use the leased property to develop a “core” area for the mixed-use waterfront redevelopment of the Boise property consistent with the City of Vancouver’s City Center Vision. This lease area would be the gateway to the waterfront project via the future Esther Street extension from Esther Short Park and the downtown center as well as via Columbia Street and the extended waterfront trail. Nearly $17 million in revenue will be earned by the port during the initial 50-year term of the agreement.


Congressman inks bill
calling for Deepwater changes

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, introduced the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act to bring significant reform to the Coast Guard's $24 billion, 25-year Deepwater acquisitions program. Chairman Cummings was joined in introducing the Act by Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Among other reforms, the act would prohibit the use of a private sector lead systems integrator for the Deepwater program two years after its enactment, require the use of full and open competition for acquisitions made under Deepwater, and require the use of third-party certification for assets acquired under Deepwater, including the classification of new cutters by the American Bureau of Shipping. The act would also require that the head of acquisitions in the Coast Guard be a civilian reporting directly to the Commandant of the Coast Guard.


Toyota Motor Sales receives
Port of Portland Compass Award

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland has announced that Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., USA has received the port’s 2007 Compass Award. The award, presented at the port’s annual meeting, “Gateway to the Globe,” recognizes the contributions of community individuals and entities that have demonstrated exceptional support for the Port of Portland. Compass Award recipients serve as civic and/or corporate role models through their outstanding contributions to the port and the communities it serves. Recipients can be recognized for overall support of the port’s strategic mission or any of its individual business units including aviation, marine, environmental affairs, properties and business development. Toyota has been leasing property at the Port of Portland since 1976 and has significantly expanded its presence at the port by doubling the volume of imports through a new state-of-the-art processing facility. Last year the company processed more than 245,000 autos, a 44-percent increase over the previous year with an economic impact of $318 per car for the region. The company currently employs about
270 workers at the Port and anticipates hiring about 50 more employees over the next two years.


Alfa Tec adding new
East Coast operation

SEATTLE — Alfa Tec Inc., a 14-year-old Seattle-based marine sales and service distributor, has announced it will open a second location in Tampa, Florida, by June 2007. Alfa Tec was founded in 1993 as Alfa Laval Inc.'s exclusive distributor to the marine industry on the West Coast and in Alaska. Alfa Laval is the global provider of specialized products and engineered solutions. Their equipment, systems and services are dedicated to helping customers optimize the performance of their processes. Alfa Tec's sales and services currently cover the marine, power, fish-processing, food, thermal, industrial and oilfield markets. The second location will feature expanded service capabilities for centrifuges, watermakers, heat exchangers, oily water separators, Omnipure MSD Systems and pumps.


World Trade Center Tacoma
announces contest winners

TACOMA — The World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA) has announced the winners of the Global Artistry Art and Essay contest held in conjunction with World Trade Centers Association Day on Wednesday, June 13, 2007. Sixty students participated in the Global Artistry art contest. Three students were awarded prizes. The "Best in Show" award was given to Kashmir Reier, a student at Mount Tahoma High School. She was awarded $250 from Columbia Bank, an internship at the Open Arts Studio in Tacoma, and one-year dual memberships to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass. The second place finalist, Tae So, a student at Mount Tahoma High School, and the third place finalist, Sophia Manenica-Frank, a student at Bellarmine Preparatory School, both received one-year memberships to the Museum of Glass and complimentary tickets to the Tacoma Art Museum. Student art pieces will be displayed at the Tacoma Art Museum, the American Art Company, and the Tacoma Public Library. Students were asked to submit art pieces based around the theme of globalization. Art pieces were judged by a committee comprised of local leaders in arts and business. Two students participated in the essay contest. Elizabeth Ferrie, a 9th grader at Annie Wright School, and Luke Duncan, an 8th grader at Giaudrone Middle School were both awarded complimentary admission tickets to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. These two students answered the question, "Do you believe there are ways free trade can alleviate global poverty?" Student artwork and essays are available for viewing on the World Trade Center Tacoma website: www.wtcta.org.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 15, 2007

Vancouver, USA Port Commission
calls for freight project material bids

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA commission has authorized Executive Director Larry Paulson and his staff to begin soliciting "Invitations to Bid" for materials needed to build the initial phases of the port's West Vancouver Freight Access project. The project includes construction of a new rail access onto port property and enhancement of the port's internal rail system. The port could realize substantial savings in costs for these materials by strategically purchasing materials before construction begins. This would help accommodate the 2007 capital projects that will require port-furnished materials. According to the port, savings of 8-10 percent could be realized through a consolidated materials purchase, and staggered deliveries. Phased payments consistent with project schedule requirements would also help save costs. The port points out that the current project schedules indicate that 28 percent of the materials needed for 2007 will be ordered for delivery on September 1, at a cost of just over $1.4 million. The remaining 72 percent would be delivered to the port no later than December 31, at a cost of just over $3.7 million. Payment for the purchased materials would be issued after delivery of the materials. Payments are estimated to be delivered in October 2007 and January 2008.


Waterfront development plan
gains Camas-Washougal port board nod

CAMAS — The Port of Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners has given the green light to the development group, RiverWalk on the Columbia, LLC, to begin developing a master plan based on the recommendations submitted by the port-appointed Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) on the preferred architectural features for a proposed waterfront development. During a public meeting earlier this week, port commissioners compared the WAC’s recommendations with a checklist of waterfront features compiled from eight past Port of Camas-Washougal studies as well as 14 different waterfront redevelopment projects primarily in the Pacific Northwest. Various waterfront features were organized into 19 categories, building upon those earlier studies and citizen input since 1986. The 19 categories include consideration for various uses ranging from commercial, residential, open spaces and parks, historic significance to view corridors and riverfront recreation. Over the next few months, RiverWalk will be developing a waterfront redevelopment master plan, which will be brought back to the WAC for their review and input.


US rail freight traffic
dips during month of May

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down slightly during May in comparison with May 2006, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. U.S. railroads originated 1,636,963 carloads of freight in May 2007, down 79,471 carloads (4.6 percent) from May 2006. Intermodal volume totaled 1,143,652 units in May 2007, a decline of 23,926 trailers and containers (2.0 percent) from May 2006. Five of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw U.S. carload increases in May 2007 compared to May 2006, with the largest gains coming in chemicals (up 2,076 carloads, or 1.4 percent, to 151,015 carloads) and petroleum products (up 1,732 carloads, or 5.5 percent, to 33,474 carloads). Most other commodities showed carload declines in May 2007, including coal (down 27,368 carloads, or 3.9 percent, to 683,046 carloads, largely because of heavy rain and tornado damage in the Midwest early in May); crushed stone and gravel (down 12,882 carloads, or 10.3 percent, to 112,721 carloads); and grain (down 9,973 carloads, or 9.4 percent, to 96,547 carloads). For the first five months of 2007, total U.S. rail carloads were down 320,851 carloads (4.3 percent) to 7,087,341 carloads, with the biggest declines coming in crushed stone, sand, and gravel (down 56,685 carloads, or 11.3 percent); motor vehicles and equipment (down 52,947 carloads, or 10.5 percent); and coal (down 52,251 carloads, or 1.7 percent). U.S. intermodal traffic, which consists of trailers and containers on flat cars and is not included in carload figures, was down 59,428 trailers and containers (1.2 percent) for the first five months of 2007 to 4,990,830 units. Total volume for the first five months was estimated at 721.4 billion ton-miles, down 3.0 percent from last year.


Panama Canal Authority
changing excavation project tender

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that it has modified the tender for the dry excavation of the new Pacific Locks access channel and extended the bid submission date to July 6, 2007. On May 7, the ACP released its tender (request for proposal submission) for the dry excavation of the new Pacific Locks access channel - the first of five dry excavation projects that will link the new Post-Panamax Locks on the Pacific end of the Canal with the existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest stretch in the Panama Canal). This project is the first construction-related expansion tender and represents approximately 16 percent of the total excavation for the new Pacific Locks access channel. The ACP expects to award the contract in July or August of 2007. The amendments to the tender include technical and legal revisions. Some administrative changes have also been implemented to provide necessary linguistic and grammatical clarifications. During a three-day conference held May 23-25 in Panama, the ACP hosted representatives from more than 60 companies across the globe interested in learning about the first dry excavation for expansion. At the event, the ACP provided contractors, equipment suppliers and others with information on the project. The ACP has subsequently modified the tender to clarify issues in response to questions and comments from those prospective bidders. The scope of work for the first dry excavation will include the removal of non-classified material, the disposal of excavated material and the construction of new gravel roads and ditches. Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double the cargo transiting capacity of the Canal and allow more traffic and wider as well as longer ships.


MOL names new vessel
MOL CREATION

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has held the naming ceremony for its 8,100TEU containership, at Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. In the ceremony, this ship was named MOL CREATION by President Akimitsu Ashida. As part of MOL's continuing focus on vessel safety and environmental impact, the new ship has been outfitted with the latest technologies impacting those areas of performance. The MOL CREATION is the first containership fabricated with high tensile E Grade steel to ensure hull integrity. The ship will also employ a Mitsubishi-Wartsila RT-flex96C engine which is designed to electronically maintain optimal fuel injection performance at all engine speeds. This 11 cylinder main engine is designed to reduce fuel consumption and to control NOx and soot (PM) exhaust effectively while operating at a high service speed of 25.25 knots/hour. The vessel will begin service when it departs Dalian on July 15.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 14, 2007

Greenbrier nets orders
to cut down intermodal platforms

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — The Greenbrier Companies has announced that it has received orders to cut down 2,500 existing 48' double-stack intermodal platforms to 40' double-stack platforms. A 40' platform more efficiently matches traffic flows and container loads, as compared to a 48' platform. The cut-down work, received from two different customers, will be performed at six different Greenbrier shop locations through early calendar 2008. There are about 50,000 48' double-stack platforms in service in North America. The company believes it is well-positioned to continue to capture a high marketshare of future double-stack cut down work, as the original builder of a majority of the 48' platforms and through its shop network of 34 locations throughout North America.


CKYH Alliance forming
butterfly loop for PNW service

SEOUL — The CKYH Alliance has announced that it will reorganize its PNW South loop and PNW North loop which is jointly operated by COSCON and hanjin into a butterfly new service by deploying a total of nine 5500TEU containerships (four from COSCON and five from Hanjin). The new PNW butterfly loop will be inaugurated from the beginning of July, 2007. The port rotation will be Hong Kong – Yantian – Yokohama – Vancouver – Seattle – Yokohama – Shanghai – Busan. –Seattle – Portland – Vancouver– Kwangyang – Hong Kong. This butterfly loop has two services, the PNW South Loop and the PNW North Loop. Two voyages will said every week from the Far East bound for the PNW. Also two voyages from the PNW will be bound for the Far East. PNW South loop will be HKG-YIT-YOK-VAN-SEA -YOK-SHA and PNW North Loop will be SHA-PUS-SEA-PDX-VAN-KAN-HKG-YIT. Transit time from Yantian to Vancouver, BC will be 12 days and 11 days from Shanghai to Seattle.


Freight transporation Services Index
posts 0.1 percent drop during April

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.1 percent in April from its March level, falling after a one-month rise, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The April decline was the fourth in the last seven months. The freight TSI is down 3.5 percent from its peak of 112.8 first achieved in January 2005 but up 1.8 percent from its recent low of 107.1 in November 2006. The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries. The index consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. For the year-to-date, the freight TSI rose 1.2 percent, compared to a 1.2 percent drop during the December-to-April period in 2006. The April freight TSI of 108.9 was down 0.6 percent from its April 2006 level and down 3.2 percent from its April 2005 level. Despite the recent declines, the freight index has increased 9.5 percent in five years and 17.8 percent in 10 years. The index includes historic data from 1990 to the present. The TSI is still under development and is considered experimental. The seasonally adjusted index measures changes from the monthly average of the base year of 2000.


Corrosion-resistant steel
will be used in supertankers

TOKYO — Nippon Steel Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), have jointly developed a highly corrosion-resistant steel plate, named NSGP-1 to prevent corrosion of the inner bottom of crude-oil tanks of supertankers. NYK has decided to use this steel plate on all new tankers, including those currently on order. Crude oil contains salt water that has a salt concentration several times higher than seawater, and over time this salt water separates from crude oil and accumulates at the bottom of tanks. The accumulated salt water makes pits on the inner surface of the tanks, and this can then lead to oil leaks. The newly developed steel plate is designed to protect the tanks from such pits. Both NYK and Nippon Steel agreed to work together to jointly develop this highly corrosion-resistant steel plate in order to continue the efforts that both companies have been making to reduce any negative impact that they may have on the environment.


Change of command set
for Port Angeles Coast Guard station

PORT ANGELES — Northern Cambria, Pa., native, Captain Mark D'Andrea, will hand over command of Coast Guard Group Port Angeles and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles to Captain Scott Pollock during a change of command ceremony scheduled Monday at 11:00 a.m. capt. D'Andrea has been the commander of Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles since 2004 and will next be assigned as chief of response for the Coast Guard's Thirteenth Coast Guard District based in Seattle. Capt. D'Andrea graduated Northern Cambria High School in 1977 and then attended Saint Francis College before graduating from the Coast Guard Academy in 1982. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Purdue University. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation. Capt. Pollock, a native of Tacoma, Wash., was recently assigned as the District Seventeen Chief Incident Management Branch in Juneau, Alaska. He graduated from Curtis High School before earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of South Alabama. Rear Admiral Richard R. Houck, District Thirteen Commander, will officiate the ceremony.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Port of Everett Commission Oks
design contract for new building

EVERETT — Everett, Wash. – On June 12, the Port of Everett Commission voted to approve a design contract with Miller/Hull Partnership that would start the process of constructing a new port administration building in the Port Gardner Wharf development. The new building is expected to cost $584,928 to design and approximately $6 million to construct. The commission’s vote only approved the design of the building, not its construction. The cost of the new building will be offset by the sale of the port's current administration building on Bond Street and the potential lease of the existing South Marina office and space in the new building. Based on information provided by BST Associates, a Bothell-based economic analytical consulting firm, the new administration building will generate a four percent return on the port’s investment over the next 20 years. Conceptually, the building will consist of three floors of approximately 8,000 square feet per floor, plus have a multi-purpose room located on the roof for port commission meetings and other events. The port would occupy the second floor of the building, and lease out the first and third floors to potential tenants. This facility may also house the proposed Fishermen’s Tribute.


TSA member carriers boost
peak season surcharges

OAKLAND — The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) reports that with factory holidays in Japan and China behind them, and with summer and back-to-school retail shipments building, container shipping lines are reporting nearly full vessels from Asia to all U.S coasts. Network capacity constraints have already produced equipment shortages and have resulted in some Asia cargo being bumped to later sailings. Near 20 percent cargo growth in the Asia-Europe trade, and similar strong intra-Asia demand have further tightened space and equipment availability. TSA member lines said vessel utilization averaged 86 percent to the Pacific Northwest, 95 percent to California ports and 91 percent through the Panama Canal during May. Forward bookings showed increases to the 90-95 percent range in the Northwest, and 95 percent or more for California and East Coast all-water services heading into June, with those levels expected to increase further through the summer. Carrier utilization totals are consistent with recent forecasts by the National Retail Federation/Global Insight Port Tracker Service. Port Tracker predicts record cargo demand in July-August – 1.54 million and 1.57 million 20-foot containers (TEU) respectively – reaching a high for the year during October. Given the stronger than expected peak season and concerns over growing network constraints and productivity slowdowns through a long July 4 weekend; over inland rail congestion; and over the Panama Canal operating at capacity, TSA lines have adopted a $200 per 40-foot container increase in their peak season surcharges, from August 1 through October 31, 2007. TSA is a research and discussion forum of major container shipping lines serving the trade from Asia to ports and inland points in the U.S.


Port of Bellingham earns award
for waterfront redevelopment project

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham has received a national boating access award from the Boat Owners Association of the United States for its efforts to turn Bellingham's industrial waterfront into a boater-friendly downtown. Boat U.S. created the award to recognize successes in preserving or improving public waterway access based on four criteria: 1.) challenges in retaining or increasing access in an area; 2.) direct impact or measurable results; 3.) increasing community awareness and support; 4.) and "repeatability," that is, the potential for adapting the success elsewhere. Boat U.S. recognized the port, the city, the Waterfront Advisory Group, and all the project partners for planning to help meet local boating needs while preserving the city's working waterfront and for forging a model for other communities to follow. The planned marina and waterfront redevelopment are the subject of a feature article in the May issue of Boat U.S. Magazine, the world's largest publication in recreational boating with a circulation of nearly 670,000 subscribers. The port is planning to convert Georgia-Pacific's industrial wastewater treatment lagoon into a new marina that includes nearly a mile of new public trails around the breakwater and innovative, salmon-friendly features such as a fish passageway through breakwater opposite the marina entrance. The port is also planning to put in visitor boating docks along the Whatcom Waterway to help boaters better connect with downtown and the New Whatcom redevelopment area.


Port of Tacoma taps Hooten
as environmental program boss

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma has hired Scott Hooton as environmental program manager to lead the port's Remediation Unit within its Environmental Department. In this position, he manages the environmental team responsible for cleaning up contaminated properties and conducting due diligence for the port's Industrial Real Estate staff. Mr. Hooton brings 21 years experience to the port, with 15 years experience managing environmental remediation and compliance in the energy industry. Before joining the port, Mr. Hooton worked as environmental program manager for BP Oil (Renton, Washington).


Crowley Logistics passes
Custom's C-TPAT audit

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Logistics has been notified by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of its successful full-company "Validation" in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program which includes both its domestic and foreign operations. Less than 10 percent of the approximately 9,000 individual members in the C-TPAT program have undergone and passed the validation audit, which can provide a host of benefits for customers. Crowley's C-TPAT program certification and validation results in a more secure supply chain and a reduction in customers' time-to-market transfer of cargo - from point of origin loading to delivery destination. Shippers who are also C-TPAT program members that utilize Crowley for the sea carrier portion of their cargo movement can expect a reduction of US Customs targeting and inspection of their shipments upon arrival in U.S. ports. In the event of a random Custom's inspection, C-TPAT members will move to the head of the line for inspection scheduling. Additionally, if there were an emergency affecting commerce or trade infrastructure because of a terrorist event or attack, C-TPAT members will be given first preference in restarting trade operations.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 11, 2007

Port of Bellingham funds back
college's industrial welding program

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners has approved funding construction materials for the Bellingham Technical College's industrial welding program. Bellingham Technical College is creating a Welding Fabrication Training Module that will be a structure to simulate real-world welding and fabrication conditions. The structure will be constructed by BTC students. This project is part of an expansion of the welding program, which will allow the college to double the number of students being trained in welding. In addition to the port's $20,000 contribution, the Anvil Corporation is providing free engineering services and donations are being sought from local industries who rely on trained welders. Construction of the module should be completed by the summer of 2008. The port funds came from the port's Industrial Revenue Corporation, generates income through a fee on the industrial revenue bonds it issues to provide tax-exempt, low-interest financing for industrial and manufacturing projects. This IDC money can only be used for economic development programs. In addition to the welding program, the port also has a partnership with BTC's aviation training programs.


Waterfront committee presents findings
to Camas-Washougal port commissioners

CAMAS, WA — The Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC), appointed by the Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioners, presented their final report on the preferred architectural features for a proposed waterfront development at a special public meeting on June 6. The WAC final report includes recommendations that address best-use priorities for the economic, natural and social environments, with the long-term use of the waterfront in mind:
* The economic environment addresses integrated communities with housing diversity, shops, workplaces, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily life of citizens and ensures long-term economic growth for the community.
* The natural environment addresses the natural terrain, vegetation, parks, trails, greenbelts and protected wildlife corridors.
* The social environment addresses the potential for individuals to communicate, embrace culture and history, and connect with others in safe surroundings.
No decision has been made on selection of these concepts and/or their sites at this time. The full report, including public input, is available at the port’s website: www.PortCW.com/riverwalk.htm. Background material is available for review at the port’s administrative offices.


Port of Tacoma
promotes Brian Mannelly

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma has promoted Brian Mannelly to manager of terminal planning, a position in which he works with Port Environmental and Engineering staff to design future port development options. He also coordinates with governmental and regulatory authorities outside the port. Mr. Mannelly joined the port in 2005 as a planning specialist. He was previously employed in private engineering consulting by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) of Boston.


Oregon governor to speak
at Port of Portland luncheon

PORTLAND — Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski will be keynote speaker at the Port of Portland’s first Gateway to the Globe luncheon. The event will focus on Oregon’s role in the global marketplace and the port’s role in facilitating international trade and travel. The program will include a look at the port’s past accomplishments and economic impact as well as future challenges and objectives. The event will conclude with the announcement of this year’s Port Compass Award recipient. Initiated in 2006, the Compass Award recognizes the contributions of community individuals and entities that have demonstrated exceptional support for the Port of Portland. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 15, 2007 from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom (located at the south end of the Convention Center, 3rd floor) 777 N.E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Portland.


Coast Guard teams with DQ
to reward kids wearing lifejackets

WASHINGTON, DC — The Coast Guard, Dairy Queen, state boating authorities, Coast Guard Auxiliary and marine law enforcement agencies from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana have teamed up for their sixth year to reward young boaters for safe behavior. Coupons for free Dairy Queen ice-cream cones will be awarded to boaters 16 years old or younger who are spotted on the water wearing lifejackets on weekends and holidays during the summer.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 8, 2007

Touring vessel runs aground
near Whidbey Island, Washington

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Sector Seattle is investigating what caused a touring vessel to run aground near Deception Island State Park on Whidbey Island, Wash., at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday. The 65-foot passenger vessel, ISLAND EXPLORER II, had 52 people aboard when it ran aground. Everyone aboard was safely evacuated and seven passengers who had suffered injuries were taken to Island Hospital in Anacortes for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not known at this time. Initial reports indicate that the vessel incurred hull damage and two compartments began to flood. Pumps on board the vessel were able to control the flooding. There are also no indications that the vessel spilled any oil or released pollutants into the water. The incident is currently under investigation.


All sides of rail freight traffic
post declines during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended May 26 trailed the comparable week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Intermodal volume totaled 235,682 trailers or containers, down 1.0 percent from last year, with container volume up 1.9 percent and trailer volume down 10.7 percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 335,282 cars for the week, down 4.7 percent from last year. Loadings were down 5.3 percent in the West and 4.0 percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at 34.3 billion ton-miles, down 2.8 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 21 weeks of 2007 totaled 6,767,487 carloads, down 4.5 percent from 2006; 4,785,303 trailers or containers, off 1.2 percent; and total volume of an estimated 688.7 billion ton-miles, down 3.1 percent from last year.


Paving project forcing changes
to Washington ferry schedules

CAMAS, WA — Washington State Ferries reports construction work has begun to repair and repave the dock at Friday Harbor, which includes portions of Front Street, East Street and the base of the holding lanes. Lakeside Industries of Anacortes was the low bidder for this $170,000 project. The work is expected to temporarily impact the traveling public with lane restrictions on the dock and vessel loading and unloading during mid-day sailings on Front Street. Drivers and pedestrians should pay close attention to construction signage and traffic control personnel or, if possible, avoid Front and East Streets near the dock between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Pick-ups and drop-offs should be done on side streets. Commercial trucks, RVs and other overheight vehicles over 7’4” will be limited on June 11-13 on the 6:10 a.m., 7:45 a.m. and 9:35 a.m. sailings from Anacortes due to transport of construction equipment and June 11-13 on the 1:40 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. from Friday Harbor. Travel for overheight/overwidth vehicles is not advised at these times. Vessel and terminal operations should return to normal by June 18.


IMO marks anniversary
of UN Atlas of the Oceans

LONDON — IMO and a group of 14 partner organizations are marking the fifth anniversary since the launch of the web-based UN Atlas of the Oceans (http://www.oceansatlas.org), in June 2002. The Atlas is a pioneering online encyclopaedia containing a wealth of information on the world's oceans that is maintained collaboratively by an international network of expert editors. The atlas was launched in 2002 by a group of UN agencies and their partners - constituting some of the world's foremost ocean agencies - amid mounting concern over the continuing deterioration of marine and coastal ecosystems and with the goal of helping to reverse this decline and promote the sustainable development of oceans. Currently, the Atlas contains over 4,000 entries which, aside from those related directly to maritime transport, range from fisheries biology to ocean law to undersea prospecting for pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. Each topic listing provides background information, records UN agency programme roles and involved organizations, describes relevant legal and policy frameworks, identifies research needs, and gives an assessment of what the future holds. These entries are maintained by a network of 42 volunteer expert editors, with another 7,000+ plus "members" who receive regular updates on new or altered atlas content, contribute to the content and give feedback to the editors. This collaborative method of contributing to and updating a website is known as a "wiki" system. About 100,000 people access the UN Atlas of the Oceans website each month.


Three transportation industry executives
to receive Admiral of the Ocean Sea honors

WASHINGTON, DC — The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2007 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to James S. Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company, Inc., Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. The maritime industry's most prestigious honors will be awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 2, 2007. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcements.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, June 7, 2007

Port of Vancouver, USA
nets $5.41 million Ecology grant

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA has been recognized by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Local Toxics Control Account for its work in groundwater cleanup efforts in the form of $5.41 million grant. Funding, which will be received by the port over the next two years, will help meet obligations under the agreed order with the Department of Ecology. Money will be used to install a groundwater cleanup system and continue monitoring at the site. The grant will help offset an estimated $36 million cleanup effort. The Port of Vancouver is currently cleaning up a plume of trichloroethylene (TCE) and other solvents in an aquifer in the general area of the port. The ongoing cleanup is showing positive results.


Port Tracker report predicts
busy August for container ports

WASHINGTON, DC — Traffic at the nation’s major retail container ports should reach a record high in August, then drop off slightly in September before hitting the year’s traditional peak in October, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Global Insight. August is forecast at 1.53 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of container traffic, breaking last October’s record of 1.51 million, while September is forecast at 1.49 million. October, traditionally the busiest month of the year as retailers bring in merchandise for the holiday sales season, is forecast at 1.54 million this year. All U.S. ports covered by Port Tracker – Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma and Seattle on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast – are currently rated “low” for congestion, the same as last month. Nationwide, the ports surveyed handled 1.3 million TEU of container traffic in April, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. That was down 5.8 percent from April 2006 but up two percent from this March. Volume continued up in May, which was estimated at 1.35 million TEU (down 1.2 percent from May 2006). June is forecast at 1.4 million TEU (down 0.17 percent from June 2006), July at 1.48 million TEU (up 6 percent from July 2006), August at 1.53 million TEU (up 3.3 percent from August 2006), September at 1.49 million TEU (flat from September 2006), and October at 1.54 million TEU (up two percent from September 2006). Port Tracker’s forecast period is six months, so numbers beyond October are not yet estimated, but cargo volume historically peaks in October before starting to slow in November. Port Tracker, which is produced by the economic research, forecasting and analysis firm Global Insight for NRF, looks at inbound container volume, the availability of trucks and railroad cars to move cargo out of the ports, labor conditions and other factors that affect cargo movement and congestion.


Port of Camas-Washougal
taps Walstra as planning director

CAMAS, WA — Rich Gunderson, president of the Port of Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners, recently announced the appointment of Scot Walstra as the port's new director of planning & development. Mr. Walstra will officially assume his new position at the port on June 11, and he will directly report to the Port of Camas-Washougal Board of Commissioners. Mr. Walstra will work closely with port’s Executive Director, Sheldon Tyler, who manages the overall port operations including a 400-acre industrial park, a 79-hangar general aviation airport, and a 350-slip pleasure boat marina. Mr. Walstra's responsibilities include planning and developing long and short term land-use strategies, and analyzing economic development impacts to meet the port’s business objectives. He will also actively market any available port industrial property and building space, in addition to managing the feasibility study of the proposed RiverWalk waterfront development efforts. Mr. Walstra’s professional experience includes 26 years of service at NW Natural in various capacities including director of business development for Clark County district; industrial/commercial segment manager; new construction segment manager; and residential energy consultant. Prior to that, Mr. Walstra worked several years for Yacht Constructors Inc. in Portland, a builder of large sailboats in the region.


Panama Canal Authority
looking for management firm

PANAMA CITY — The search is on as the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released its Program Manager tender (request for proposal) for canal expansion. The ACP is seeking a top-tier firm with a solid reputation in program management, and with experience working on various construction projects around the globe. The chosen firm will assist the ACP in the management of approximately 10 major contracts, interfacing with both design and construction teams. The ACP Board of Directors approved the use of an integrated program management model, wherein the authority will designate tasks between its own staff and the selected firm. Expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double its tonnage capacity and allow the passage of longer, wider and deeper draft vessels. The Program Manager will provide services that will include assisting the ACP in the integrated oversight and effective control of the following projects: the design and construction of the new Atlantic and Pacific Post-Panamax Locks; dredging (widening and deepening) of the Atlantic entrance channel; dredging of the Pacific entrance channel; the dry excavation of the access channel that connects the Gaillard Cut to the new Pacific Locks; dredging of the Gatun Lake channels; and, the further deepening of the Gaillard Cut, in addition to other improvements to existing canal structures. Information about this tender is now available through the ACP's online bidding system (SLI), http://www.pancanal.com/esp/procsales/buy.html or via the ACP's web site at www.pancanal.com. Interested parties have 48 days from the tender release date for bid submissions.


Three transportation industry executives
to receive Admiral of the Ocean Sea honors

OLYMPIA — The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2007 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to James S. Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company, Inc., Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. The maritime industry's most prestigious honors will be awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 2, 2007. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcements.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Audit finds Port of Seattle
should review some procedures

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle will review its contracting processes and focus in particular on documentation and record-keeping as a result of the recommendations contained in a performance audit made public by the Seattle Port Commission. It also will put more focus on developing its small and disadvantaged business programs. Those were among the recommendations of a performance audit performed for the Port by Talbot, Korvola & Warwick, or TKW, a Portland-based accounting firm specializing in performance audits. The performance audit was directed by the commission and primarily aimed at an investigation of how the port's capital program and capital costs compare to other agencies of similar size. Although port staff successfully brought online a number of major capital projects in recent years, the auditor noted that the port does not track and manage construction costs in a way that allows meaningful comparison with other agencies. The audit also called for an examination of organizational structures and more consistency in project record-keeping. A second area of emphasis for the audit was to look at the port's effort to allow small and disadvantaged businesses to take advantage of economic opportunities. The audit report called in particular for a more centralized and focused staff organization, additional outreach to the small-business community, and for communication and training both for port staff and others.


New agreement paves way
for US seafarers to crew LNG ships

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. seafarers will be able to get more jobs in one of the fastest growing segments of the international shipping trade, as a result of an agreement signed by Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton. The agreement implements a universal set of training standards developed by an industry working group facilitated by the Maritime Administration, and will expand opportunities for U.S. mariners on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tankers. In January 2006 there were 194 LNG tankers worldwide, and the expected number at the end of 2007 is 373. There have been few opportunities for U.S. mariners to sail on those ships. While several maritime academies offer training for LNG, their training was not standardized, and standardization of training and credentials in an internationally accepted set of competencies will make it easier for U.S. mariners to be employed on the worldwide LNG fleet. The majority of maritime training facilities, including the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and some of the state maritime academies, already have programs that train candidates for work on LNG tankers. The standards put forward in this agreement will be implemented at the maritime academies and at training facilities operated by maritime unions, whose representatives signed the agreement. Signatories include the Seafarers International Union, American Maritime Officers, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Masters, Mates, and Pilots; Sailor’s Union of the Pacific, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, California Maritime Academy, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the Maritime College of the State University of New York, and Texas Maritime Academy. The training standards and today’s agreement may be seen on the Maritime Administration’s web site, www.marad.dot.gov.


Evergreen launches
new S-series vessel

TAIPEI — EVER SAFETY, the ninth of ten 7024TEU S-series vessels being built for Evergreen in Japan, was launched on June 5, at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Kobe shipyard. Due for delivery in October 2007, EVER SAFETY is scheduled to join Evergreen Line's transpacific service. The eight earlier vessels are currently in the process of being transferred to Evergreen Line's new China Europe Shuttle (CES) service that will offer a link between Asia and North Europe. The Evergreen Group is approaching the end of a shipbuilding program comprising 18 large post-Panamax containerships. Eight 8073TEU C-series are already in service and the S-series will be completed in the near future.


Crowley Maritime receiving
new boxes, chassis, gen sets

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation’s liner services group has begun to take delivery of 929 new 40-foot refrigerated (reefer) high-cube containers, 1,453 new 45-foot (102” wide) containers, 1,453 chassis and 347 generator sets. The equipment, all of which is arriving in Jacksonville, Fla., during the next four months, is being deployed in the company’s Latin America, Caribbean and Puerto Rico liner services as soon as it is received to meet increased customer demand. The new containers will complement an order received in 2006 for 5,942 new 45-foot (102” wide) dry containers, 40- and 45-foot chassis, 40-foot high cube refrigerated containers and gensets. Like the containers delivered in 2006, the new boxes were built to Crowley’s high security specifications. Having containers that can be lifted on and off chassis also provides flexibility to shippers who use multiple Crowley services, including both Lift On/Lift Off (LO/LO) and Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO) services. Crowley Liner Services, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corporation and is part of its liner segment.


Peregrine falcon family
calls Port of Olympia home

OLYMPIA — A wooden box atop a 175-foot high gantry crane at the Port of Olympia’s marine terminal is home to a pair of Peregrine falcons and their offspring. Three chicks – two males and one female - hatched in early May and appear to be thriving. Falcon experts on contract with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, were at the port recently, to band the chicks’ legs for easier identification. Along with the regular Fish and Wildlife band, a Visual ID (VID) band was attached so observers can track the birds without handling them. In 2004, the port and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife installed plywood nesting boxes on the two port cranes, and falcons have nested on the southernmost crane every year since then with mixed results. One chick hatched in 2004, and in 2005, eggs were laid, but there were no chicks. Last year’s nesting resulted in three chicks. The adult birds are one of three known pairs in Thurston County. While encouraged by the chicks’ progress, experts caution that there is a high mortality rate for young falcons during their first year. Peregrine falcons were on the edge of extinction in the 1970s from exposure to pesticides but have since been removed from the endangered species list. The state currently monitors about 145 pairs.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, June 4, 2007

Washington budget includes funds
for Port of Vancouver, USA rail project

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA's West Vancouver Freight Access Project has been included in the Washington state budget, signed recently by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire in Olympia. The $2.5 million included in the state's budget is a portion of the $10 million sought by the port, and will aid in the construction of the West Vancouver Freight Access Project, which will ease congestion cause by the access and egress of unit trains at the Port of Vancouver. The project is also budgeted in the newly-created Freight Congestion Relief Account, which has not yet been funded. The Legislative Joint Transportation Committee has been instructed to identify funding of the Freight Congestion Relief Account and report to the legislature by December 1, 2007. Trains are currently entering and exiting the port on what is called the "Hill Track", which crosses the north-south main line owned by BNSF Rail Company. Each time a port train crosses the main line, it not only congests train traffic north and south of Vancouver - a key transfer point in the national railroad scheme - it also stops traffic on the BNSF east-west main line. The West Vancouver Freight Access Project will allow more 100-car unit trains to enter and exit the port, and will allow for the development of the Columbia Gateway property.


Federal Brownfields grant
earmarked for Gig Harbor cleanup

GIG HARBOR, WA — The city of Gig Harbor, Washington has been selected to receive a $200,000 Brownfields grant to clean upcontamination in and around the Eddon Park Boatyard, located in the downtown scenic waterfront. The federal funds will help move the environmental cleanup ahead in an around the historically important (1920's) Puget Sound boat building location. The site also serves as one of the few public access points to Gig Harbor, itself named after small watercraft associated with early European exploration of the Northwest. This funding announcement follows an EPA grant awarded in 2006 to clean up an adjacent property (3805 Harborview Drive) including a historic boat house, all of which will be redeveloped into a city park honoring the town's boat building heritage.


Ferry makes 'hard landing'
at Mukilteo terminal

MUKILTEO, WA — Service on the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route was suspended temporarily last Friday, while Washington State Ferries (WSF) worked to repair damage to the vehicle slip in Mukilteo. Just before 6:00 a.m. the M/V CATHLAMET landed hard and damaged a dolphin, the large group of pilings that guides the ferry into the slip. Because of the impact of the hard landing the dolphin collapsed and is blocking the slip. A tug boat was dispatched to clear the dolphin out of the way. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time. WSF is conducting an extensive investigation into the incident, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington State Patrol.


Coast Guard sets boater rules
for Portland's Fleet Week celebration

PORTLAND — The Coast Guard will enforce and maintain a controlled access area on the Willamette River in Portland while Navy and Coast Guard vessels are tied up at the seawall between the Steel and Morrison Bridges throughout the fleet's visit June 6-11. Boaters who need to pass through the restricted 100-yard Naval Vessel Protection Zone must contact the Coast Guard security escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. Commercial vessels have made special transit arrangements with the Captain of the Port, Portland, prior to this year's Fleet Week. All boaters, kayakers, personal watercraft operators and canoeists are asked to avoid the security zone altogether. However, if a boater does need to transit the controlled access area, they may experience a waiting period. Those wishing to transit the security zone must follow these rules: No firearms permitted inside the controlled access area. Boaters wishing to transit the controlled access area are required to wait in pre-identified staging areas for official patrol escorts. Staging areas are located on the east side of the river just north of the Steel Bridge and just south of the Morrison Bridge. Delays are expected and vessels may be boarded before being escorted through the controlled access area. Please plan accordingly. While transiting the controlled access area, all vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort. Vessels will follow the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort in a single file line and must stay to the east bank of the river. Do not break away from the escort line.Violations of a controlled access area may result in a penalty action under the provision of 33 USC 1231 (maximum fine of $37,500).


Construction project closes
PDX long-term parking spaces

PORTLAND — Two hundred long-term parking spaces at Portland International Airport are closed until June 9 for construction activities. The lot normally offers 1,560 parking spaces. Motorists can check on the availability of airport parking spaces before leaving home at www.flypdx.com or 877-PDX-INFO. TriMet’s MAX Red Line light rail is also an option for traveling to and from PDX, and details are available at www.trimet.org. The closure will allow construction crews to test the installation of four pilings in preparation to begin constructing a second parking garage later this summer. When completed, the new parking garage will provide an additional 3,000 long-term parking spaces for travelers, and 500 spaces for rental cars. A portion of the new parking garage will open in spring 2009, and the garage will fully open in spring 2010. Plans for parking and roadway expansion are driven by record air travel. Last year, PDX served an all-time record of more than 14 million travelers. The existing parking garage is reaching capacity midweek.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, June 1, 2007

NAFTA trading partners
see record month for transport

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 2.3 percent higher in March 2007 than in March 2006, reaching $69.8 billion. This is the highest monthly level ever recorded, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 16.9 percent in March from February. Trucks carried $49.1 billion of the March trade with Canada and Mexico, the highest monthly number ever recorded. Trade by truck with Canada in March was valued at $29.0 billion and trade by truck with Mexico was $20.1 billion. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 90 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.


Cargill taps Vandenakker
to head Ocean Transportation arm

COBHAM, UK — Cargill has announced the appointment of Gert Jan Vandenakker as head of its Ocean Transportation business, headquartered in Geneva. Mr. Vandenakker succeeds Tom Intrator, who will now lead Cargill’s newly formed Energy, Transportation and Industrial group of businesses, together with Norman Hay and David MacLennan. These new appointments are effective today. Mr. Vandenakker joined Cargill in Amsterdam in 1987 as a grain trader and held a number of positions of increasing responsibility in Asia before returning to Geneva and joining the Ocean Transportation business. In line with these changes, Tom Beney and Jan Dieleman have been jointly appointed to run the global Panamax business. These moves are also effective 1 June. Over the last few years Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business has experienced substantial growth, shipping in excess of 160 million tonnes in its last fiscal year – over half of which was with external third party customers. Cargill's Ocean Transportation business is headquartered in Geneva with offices in London, Amsterdam, New Jersey, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.


US rail freight numbers
continue downward trend

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down from last year during the week ended May 19, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Traffic was impacted by continued flooding in the Midwest. Intermodal volume totaled 236,313 trailers or containers, down 3.1 percent from last year, with container volume up 0.1 percent and trailer volume down 13.8 percent. Carload freight, which doesn't include the intermodal data, totaled 331,751 cars for the week, down 5.0 percent from last year. Loadings were down 5.9 percent in the West and 4.0 percent in the East. Total volume was estimated at 33.7 billion ton-miles, down 4.3 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 20 weeks of 2007 totaled 6,432,205 carloads, down 4.5 percent from 2006; 4,549,621 trailers or containers, off 1.2 percent; and total volume of an estimated 654.4 billion ton-miles, down 3.2 percent from last year.


Inspection user fees now set
for Canadian produce crossing border

WASHINGTON, DC — As of June 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, is enforcing inspection and user fee requirements for all commercial trucks and loaded railroad cars entering the United States from Canada. In an interim rule published Aug. 25, 2006, APHIS announced that it would remove the inspection exemption for Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables and the user fee exemption for commercial vessels, trucks, railroad cars and aircraft, as well as international passengers entering the United States from Canada. Implementation of the new requirements and collection of user fees was staggered to allow affected industries time to prepare for the change. This marks the final phase of implementation.


Coast Guard bringing back
Coastal Warning Display program

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced it is re-establishing a Coastal Warning Display (Storm Flag) program at selected Coast Guard boat stations throughout the U.S to warn the public of approaching storm conditions. Coast Guard stations participated in the National Weather Service’s official Coastal Warning Display program for over 100 years along with yacht clubs and marinas until it was discontinued in 1989. Starting June 1, selected boat stations will hoist display flags to warn of small craft advisories, gale warnings, storm warnings and hurricane warnings. Residents of coastal communities are urged to tune to National Weather Service radio broadcasts for the latest information when they observe a flag hoisted as part of this program. The flags are not intended to preclude mariners from taking necessary precautions as soon as possible to protect their vessel and crews.