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March, 2008

NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, March 31, 2008

Everett Port Commissioners
Ok Todd Shipyards lease

EVERETT — On March 25, the Everett Port Commission authorized a 45-year lease agreement with a newly formed subsidiary of Todd Shipyards Corporation, named Everett Ship Repair & Drydock, Inc., to occupy a portion of the port’s shipping terminals for large vessel repair services. According to the port, the facility, which was originally leased to Everett Shipyard, Inc., will provide Todd Shipyards the flexibility it needs to continue to grow its marine repair business in the Puget Sound region. The port began working on this lease agreement with Todd Shipyards’ new subsidiary after the company signed an agreement to purchase the assets of Everett Shipyard Inc., the port’s long-time tenant. With the lease finalized, Todd announced that it would maintain the leadership of current Everett Shipyard President and local resident, Kevin Quigley, to run the As part of the agreement, the port agreed to allow Everett Ship Repair & Drydock, Inc. to operate at the current 14th Street site until the lease expires in 2009. After 2009, all shipyard operations will occur in the port’s deep-water marine terminals, making way for the redevelopment of the north marina property. Another important agreement dealt with the environmental cleanup of Everett Shipyard’s current site on 14th Street. Everett Shipyard will lead the cleanup of the site, which has been identified as a high-priority under the Puget Sound Initiative, with support from the Port of Everett. Todd Shipyards will not be responsible for past cleanup costs associated with the 14th Street site.


Seattle port board eyes
new emissions rules for Sea-Tac

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle Commissioners have heard the results of a recently conducted greenhouse gas inventory at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Following the briefing, the commission adopted a motion which supports federal efforts to reduce aircraft emissions and directs staff to establish targets for emission reduction at the airport. Those targets will be presented to the commission by the end of 2008. The commission’s action calls for increased federal action in the areas of airspace protocols that help reduce fuel consumption and increased funding for research into aircraft propulsion. In addition, the motion supports California’s call for the EPA to develop global warming regulations for aircraft. Several initiatives are directed specifically toward reducing local airport-related emissions. In addition to the emission reduction plan, port staff members are directed to work in collaboration with aviation partners to set measurable targets for emission reductions by the end of 2008; if no targets are developed, the commission may consider carbon offsets or fees. Finally, staff will conduct greenhouse gas inventories at Sea-Tac Airport every five years to measure the effectiveness of emissions-reduction efforts.


Marcon acts as broker
in sale of crewboat

COUPEVILLE, WA — Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Washington reports that Indonesian based owners PT Baruna Raya Logistics have just completed the sale of their 2002 built welded aluminum crewboat, M/V POKSAY to private Middle East buyers. The unit built at Penguin Shipyard in Singapore had been owned by the same owners since delivery. Poksay is a 34.0m (112') x 7.6m (25') x 3.3m (10.8') vessel powered by three MTU 16V2000 M70 diesels producing approximately 4220BHP @ 2100RPM. In turn this drives three 4-bladed fixed pitch propellers via a ZF4540 gears. The vessel is to be renamed and reflagged to a new registry. Marcon International, Inc. represented the buyers and Frontier Offshore of Singapore represented the sellers in this transaction. To-date in 2008 Marcon has sold or chartered a total of 12 vessels and barges with sales on additional vessels expected momentarily.


Trucking group calling for
help with fuel prices

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging the Bush Administration to act quickly to ensure that strategies are in place to ensure an affordable supply of oil for the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers and American consumers. The trucking industry is experiencing the highest prolonged fuel prices in history. Historically, fuel represented the second-highest operating expense for motor carriers. For some motor carriers, however, fuel is beginning to surpass labor as their largest expense. This ultimately will increase the cost of everything delivered by truck. ATA recently issued letters to President Bush, the Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Treasury requesting that immediate steps be taken to address this crisis situation. The ATA reports the industry is making every effort to limit fuel consumption.


Transportation insurance club
announces gains for 2007

LONDON — The TT Club has announced positive results for the year ended December 31, 2007 with net worth once more showing a year-on-year increase of nine percent at USD 148.7 million, this for the sixth consecutive year. Total surplus and reserves rose to USD126.9 million, an increase on 2006 of some seven percent, and gross premium income was steady at USD 205.6 million. Despite a softening insurance market the results were satisfactory and capped a year of both consolidation and progress for TT Club. As in 2006, the 12 months ending December 2007 was largely ‘disaster-free’ for the insurance and reinsurance industry, although the long-term trends in natural and man-made catastrophes remain on the rise.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, March 28, 2008

Low bidder named
for new Washington ferry

SEATTLE — WSDOT Ferries Division has announced the apparent low bidder for a contract to construct a new 50-car vessel based on the Steilacoom II design. The formal bid opening was held March 27. One bid was received from Todd Pacific Shipyards. The proposed bid price is $25,985,125. The WSDOT engineer’s estimate is $16.8 million. WSDOT will conduct a bid evaluation over the next few days before announcing an award recommendation. Construction of the 50-car ferry is scheduled to take approximately 12 months. The new ferry is expected to begin service in May 2009. The ferry system is building six new ferries over the next four years. Later this year, WSDOT will begin a separate procurement process for two more vessels that will carry between 60 to 80 cars. The new vessels will replace the retired Steel Electric class ferries and could be in service by June 2010 and December 2010 respectively. New 144-car ferries will be under construction by next year. The three 144-car vessels will be used system-wide. The first 144-car ferry is expected to be in service by early 2011.


New expressway open
at Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle opened Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's new Northbound Airport Expressway and Return-to-Terminal Loop roadway March 27. This is a major step in the expressway relocation to accommodate more than a mile of light rail guideway between the northbound and southbound lanes. This construction replaces the old road system which was inadequate for current traffic levels and contributed to long vehicle queues during peak periods. Southbound lanes were rebuilt and relocated previously. The new loop ramp will reduce traffic congestion on the airport roads, particularly on the drop-off and pick-up curbs in front of the terminal. The new loop makes the return route simpler and faster, as traffic currently has been forced to exit off S. 170th St. to re-enter the expressway to the west. A new relocated exit for S. 170th St. moves to the east for easy access to International Boulevard.


Coast Guard Sector Portland
holding command change ceremony

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Sector Portland will hold a change of command ceremony at its Swan Island, Base today. Capt. Patrick G. Gerrity will retire after 25
years of active duty service. Cmdr. Russell Proctor, the current deputy sector commander will assume command. Steeped in formal military tradition, the change of command ceremony represents a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one officer to another, before an assembly of the command's crew and distinguished guests, to communicate the continuity of command. Capt. Gerrity has served as sector commander since July 2005. His long and highly decorated career included operational field assignments at Coast Guard Marine Safety Offices in Honolulu, St. Louis and Detroit; and program manager staff assignments at St. Louis, Cleveland, Honolulu and Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and he holds an MBA from Indiana University's Graduate School of Business. His top military awards include five Meritorious Service Medals, and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals. He along with his wife Dr. Dianne Gerrity and two young children will be relocating to Orlando, Fla., where Capt. Gerrity has accepted a position as the vice president for safety, Security, and environmental compliance for Disney Cruise Lines.


NYK plans to open
warehouse in Moscow

TOKYO — NYK has announced that it will open its first warehousing operation in Moscow, Russia. A long term contract was been signed with Russian developer Logo Group in February 2008 to rent a newly constructed class A, 13,380 m² warehouse in the Pokrov region of Moscow. The warehouse is scheduled to start operations in June.


US rail freight traffic
slides during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was off during the first week of March in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 323,323 cars, down 2.3 percent from last year. Volume was up 2.7 percent in the West but down 8.6 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 206,351 trailers or containers, down 15.1 percent from a year ago. Container volume fell 17.7 percent while trailer volume was off 6.0 percent. The decline in container volume was at least partly attributable to the
timing of Chinese New Year. Total volume was estimated at 33.5 billion ton-miles, down 0.9 percent from the tenth week of 2007. Seven of 19 carload commodities registering gains from a year ago. Loadings of metallic ores jumped 134.0 percent while grain rose 7.5 percent and farm products other than grain were up 36.7 percent. On the downside, lumber and wood products were off 19.5 percent, primary forest products dropped 18.0 percent and crushed stone, sand and gravel fell 17.2 percent. Cumulative volume for the first ten weeks of 2008 totaled 3,187,807 carloads, up 1.3 percent from 2007; 2,169,042 trailers or containers, down 4.6 percent; and total volume of an estimated 329.6 billion ton-miles, up 2.5 percent from last year.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, March 27, 2008

Washington Governor signs
port legislation in Seattle

SEATTLE — Washington Governor Christine Gregoire recently visited the Seattle waterfront to sign legislation important to the state’s ports: HB 3274, a bill that implements the state duditor’s recommendations for clarifying port contracting statutes. HB 3274, sponsored by Representative Geoff Simpson (D-Auburn), enacts many of the legislative recommendations included in the state auditor’s performance audit of the Port of Seattle. The audit cited several areas of Washington contracting law that were not clear in their scope and authority; the legislation stipulates which projects fall under the purview of “public works” and which can be considered personal service contracts – a type of agreement that carries different competitive bidding requirements. The bill also requires the state’s larger ports to maintain a publicly available database of all contracts, to be established by 2010. The Municipal Research Services Center, a state-funded organization that assists small municipalities in areas of regulation and compliance, will develop guidelines for port use of personal service contracts and will, in conjunction with the Washington Public Ports Association, provide training on those guidelines for all 75 of the state’s public port districts.


Pair of new staffers
join Port of Vancouver, USA

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver, USA has announced the addition of two new staff members. A Former Washington State Patrol Trooper Mike Kesler is the newest member of the Port of Vancouver’s security department. Recently retired from a 25-year career with the State Patrol, Mr. Kesler has been hired as the port’s security supervisor, where he will supervise security officers, and handle scheduling and training of the security staff. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Kesler was most recently one of eight Public Information Officers responsible for the WSP’s District 5 (Southwest) region. Bringing his experience in construction, Alan Hargrave is the newest member of the Port of Vancouver’s facilities staff, joining the port as a project manager. He will focus his efforts on the construction oversight of the West Vancouver Freight Access project schedule one, the Kinder Morgan bulk facility relocation at terminal three, and the expansion of the port’s maintenance building. Before joining the port, Mr. Hargrave worked as a construction management consultant, and completed 28 years of service to George Schmid and Sons, Inc., where he was an estimator/project manager in the family construction business. He is currently a commissioner at the Port of Camas-Washougal, and a member of the Columbia River Economic Development Council’s board of directors.


WTSA member carriers
to raise bunker fuel surcharge

OAKLAND — Member shipping lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have announced a schedule of recommended quarterly increases in their bunker fuel surcharges, aimed at restoring their existing bunker fuel surcharges to guideline levels that more accurately reflect rising marine fuel costs. In February, WTSA members announced a guideline minimum bunker surcharge of US$200 per 40-foot container (FEU) for wastepaper and $300 per FEU for agricultural products, chemicals, clay, forest products, hay, metal scrap, plastic scrap and freight-all-kinds (FAK) mixed container shipments, effective April 1, 2008. Customers already paying an equivalent or higher surcharge will not be affected. Effective July 1, 2008, WTSA lines intend to raise their bunker surcharges across the board to $600 per FEU, or the full formula surcharge level in effect at that time, whichever is lower. Effective October 1, the surcharge levels will be raised to $900 per FEU or the full formula surcharge level, whichever is lower. By January 1, 2009, lines say they expect all tariff and contract cargo to move under the full, floating bunker surcharge per formula.


Steel imports into US
fall during month of February

WASHINGTON, DC — Preliminary data released March 25 by the the International Trade Administration, show that overall steel imports in February 2008 decreased eight percent from January 2008. The change in February’s total amount of steel imports was due to an decrease in some goods, including galvanized sheets and strip, down 24 percent, and oil country goods down 31 percent. There was an increase in most stainless products except stainless pipe and tube down 20.5 percent. February 2008 imports of steel mill products were down eight percent compared to February 2007.


Ports of Seattle/Tacoma
plan commission study session

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle have scheduled a Joint Commission Study Session for Tuesday, April 1, to discuss trade and transportation issues of regional importance. The meeting is set for 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Kent Commons, Crystal Mountain Room, 525 4th Avenue North in Kent, Washington.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Port of Vancouver, USA
buys Renewable Energy Credits

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA has purchased green e-certified Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) in order to reduce the carbon footprint associated with its electricity consumption. The port has purchased the equivalent of 60 percent of its estimated annual electricity usage, for the buildings in which it controls the utilities, through RECs. Through its purchase, the port will be avoiding the emission of approximately 1,159 metric tons of carbon dioxide associated with conventional energy production. To put that in perspective, it is the same environmental impact as driving a car roughly 4.7 million miles; Recycling more than 10.4 million aluminum cans; Recycling more than 1.7 million pounds of newspaper; or taking more than 370 cars off the road annually. In recognition of that commitment, the port has been certified as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership Leadership Club. While other ports are in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership, the Port of Vancouver is the only port in the United States that is included among the Leadership Club.


TSA member carriers
see cost recovery results

OAKLAND — According to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA), shipping lines that carry U.S. import cargo from Asia are reporting early successes from their cost recovery efforts. While acknowledging short-term concerns due to the slower build up of post-Lunar New Year volumes, they are also reporting high utilization levels and, in some cases with some lines, insufficient capacity to carry all cargo tendered for certain sailings. Costs continue to dominate early discussions toward upcoming 2008-09 service contracts, which come up for renewal on May 1. TSA lines are seeking rate increases in their 2008-09 contracts of US$400 per 40-foot container (FEU) to the West Coast, and $600 per FEU for intermodal and East Coast all-water shipments, along with a $400 per FEU peak season surcharge in effect from June 1-October 31, 2008.


ILWU says security firm
broke laws at Port of Tacoma

TACOMA — The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has announced that a security firm contracted by the Danish shipping firm Maersk at the Port of Tacoma has repeatedly violated federal laws by threatening and firing employees, according to a complaint issued by the federal government last month. "We're going public now with these charges because efforts to solve the problem through negotiating a reasonable compromise have failed," said one guard who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. According to the ILWU, the National Labor Relations Board says managers for the Sweden-based Securitas Security Services violated federal labor laws by threatening employees who wanted to join the ILWU. The company tried to coerce workers into joining an employer-backed association instead. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) represents 60,000 working women and men in five states (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii) and Canada. Through more than 60 locals ILWU unites longshore workers, warehouse workers, watchmen, clerks, ferry and tugboat workers, tourism industry workers and agricultural workers.


Ports of LA/Long Beach go with
incentive program for emissions

LOS ANGELES — Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) has applauded the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports unanimous decision to approve an incentive program introduced by PMSA to reduce emissions at the two Southern California ports. Under the voluntary incentive program, the ports will offset the cost difference between currently used bunker fuel and costly low-sulfur distillate fuel for vessels that switch fuel at least 20 miles--and as far as 40 miles-- from the ports. If successful, the proposal would cut oxides of sulfur by 11 percent and diesel particulate matter by nine percent from vessels.


Crowley taps Lee
as human resources VP

JACKSONVILLE — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Bryan Lee has been promoted to vice president of human resources. In his new position, Mr. Lee is responsible for enterprise-wide human resources functions including employee relations, staffing services, HR programs and compensation and benefits for both stateside and international employees. Joining him in Jacksonville and Seattle are Zoraida Jirau, director, HR programs, Niel Nielsen, director, compensation and benefits and Loyda Rivera, director, international HR.



NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, March 24, 2008

Alaska Air Cargo adding
scanner-based tracking system

SEATTLE — Alaska Air Cargo is implementing a scanner-based cargo tracking system to give customers more timely information about the arrival of shipments on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. The airlines, which transport more than 500,000 pieces of cargo annually, are the first U.S. passenger carriers to implement the service. Using scanner-equipped cellular devices, the airlines scan cargo when it arrives at its final destination. The arrival information is wirelessly uploaded to the airlines' cargo data management system and to alaskaair.com, allowing customers to track arrival information online in near real time. Cargo arrivals previously were tracked manually, delaying the information provided to customers.


APL starting new service
calling Laem Chabang

SINGAPORE — APL is enhancing its Intra-Asia service offering with the introduction of a new Laem Chabang West Asia Express (LWX) service, starting on April 5. APL reports it is the first carrier to launch this direct service from Laem Chabang to Karachi. "APL continues to lead the market with this latest service offering. The new LWX service is driven by the strong growth potential of emerging markets like Thailand, Pakistan and the Middle East, particularly in consumer electronic goods," said Jason Wong, APL's vice president, Intra-Asia, Middle East & Australia Trade. The LWX service will deploy four, APL-operated 2,500 TEU vessels along the route. Port rotation for this service is: Laem Chabang, Singapore, Karachi, Jebel Ali, Damman, Karachi, Singapore and Laem Chabang. The APL BUSAN will be the first vessel deployed on this new route and will depart from Laem Chabang on April 5.


Tideworks opening office
to serve Singapore region

SEATTLE — Tideworks Technology® Inc., a provider of full-service terminal management and planning software solutions, has announced it has opened a regional representative office in Singapore. Thiagu Goundan will act as regional director, Asia Pacific for Tideworks to help strengthen the introduction of Tideworks products and services in the region. As Regional Director for Tideworks, Thiagu Goundan will serve as Tideworks representative in the Asia Pacific market and will cultivate new business opportunities in the region on behalf of Tideworks’ corporate headquarters in Seattle. Prior to this role, he spent eight years with the company as the development manager for one of Tideworks’ principal product lines, Mainsail Terminal Management System®.


Corps installing new weirs
to ease John Day fish passage

PORTLAND — Fish passage at the John Day Dam should get a little easier as the transport and installation of two overflow prototype structures, or weirs, to the dam began last weekend, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These top spillway weirs will support the Corps' efforts to increase survival for out-migrating juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River while spilling less water. The weirs, new vertical spillway gates and installation cranes were barged up the Columbia River to the John Day Dam, starting on March 22. The Corps installed the weirs and gates on March 24 in spillway bays 15 and 16 and began biological monitoring immediately. Advanced American Construction Inc. of Portland, built the weirs and gates at a cost of $1.4 million. The weirs are about 25 feet high and 54 feet wide and weigh about 50 tons. The structure can fit into any one of John Day's spillway bays to create surface spill. The crest of each weir is shaped to create an overflow trajectory that contacts the spillway at a relatively shallow angle. Juvenile salmon and steelhead using this surface overflow route can pass the dam near the water's surface under lower accelerations and lower pressures than passing through normal spill. According to the Corps, this is anticipated to provide a more efficient and less stressful route while reducing migration delays at the dam.


Port of Seattle backs biking
at Shilshole Bay Marina

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle is welcoming a different type of intermodal transportation. With the help of a customer advisory panel - as well as the input of many boaters - Shilshole Bay Marina now offers 30 bike lockers available for monthly rental and dozens of racks available for day use. An outdoor bike corral is also available for free bike storage for up to 30 additional bikes. For more information, contact Sharon Briggs at Shilshole Bay Marina - (206) 728-3387.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, March 21, 2008

Clatsop County Commission
sticks with Bradwood Landing Ok

PORTLAND — By a 4-1 vote, the Clatsop County Commission has re-affirmed its approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal near Astoria. The commission approved findings which reflect their December 13, 2007 vote on land use changes sought by NorthernStar Natural Gas and the County’s conditions for approval. Bradwood Landing developer NorthernStar Natural Gas also proposed – and the commissioners accepted – a contract with the county memorializing the company’s commitment to abide by the county’s conditions of approval and not to appeal those conditions to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. NorthernStar is seeking to build an LNG import terminal at Bradwood, 18 miles east of Astoria on property that was a lumber mill and deep water export dock for more than one hundred years. Among the commitments that NorthernStar has made to Clatsop County is a commitment to pay full count property taxes, estimated at more than $7.8 million per year after construction, and not seek inclusion of its facility in an enterprise zone. This will make the Bradwood Landing terminal the largest taxpayer in the County by a factor of three.


Bay Area ILWU members
call for reduction of air pollution

OAKLAND — Bay Area dockworkers with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 10 have responded to what they say is an alarming health risk assessment released by the California Air Resources Board and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “We work and live in this community,” said ILWU Local 10 President Melvin Mackay. “We breathe the same dirty air on the docks that West Oakland residents do on their streets. We’re very concerned about the cancer and asthma risks that this study found. The shipping industry needs to take more steps to reduce its pollution.” The ILWU launched its Saving Lives campaign in January 2006 to encourage multinational ship-owning companies to reduce oceangoing vessel smokestack emissions by at least 20 percent by 2010 in port cities along the Pacific coastal states and nationwide. Ship and commercial watercraft engines pump more than 1.2 tons of fine particulate matter into Bay Area air everyday, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “The technology now exists to create cleaner, greener ports and ships,” said ILWU’s Regional Saving Lives campaign representative Clarence Thomas. “The ILWU is encouraging the Port of Oakland and the shipping companies to take such steps as switching to lower-sulfur fuels and installing engine particulate filters so that the American economy and its children can remain healthy.”


Crowley christens new
articulated tug-barge

CHARLESTON, SC — On March 19, Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the fourth of ten new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company will take delivery of by the end of 2010. The vessels christened were the 9,280 HP-tug Integrity and barge 650-4. During ceremonies held at the Charleston Cruise Terminal on Concord Street, Marcia Bartholme, wife of Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager, Pacific/Alaska region, christened the INTEGRITY, while Barbara Baldwin, wife of Bob Baldwin, regional director, BP Shipping USA, christened BARGE 650-4. Crowley's petroleum services is chartering the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley's technical services group, and operating it for BP under a time-charter agreement. Crowley already has four, 155,000-barrel ATBs and three 185,000-barrel ATBs operating and has announced plans to build three larger 750-series (330,000-barrel capacity) ATBs for delivery by the middle of 2013. Once all vessels are received, the fleet will stand at 17.


US rail freight traffic
up during month of February

WASHINGTON, DC — Carload freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up from a year ago but intermodal volume was down during February, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. U.S. railroads originated 1,297,763 carloads of freight in February 2008, up 34,347 carloads (2.7 percent) from February 2007. U.S. railroads also originated 893,951 intermodal units in February 2008, a decrease of 31,007 trailers and containers (3.4 percent) from February 2007. Ten of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw U.S. carload increases in February 2008 compared to February 2007. Carload gains in February were paced by coal (up 31,178 carloads, or 5.7 percent, to 576,012 carloads); grain (up 20,051 carloads, or 24.5 percent, to 101,892 carloads); and metallic ores (up 4,739 carloads, or 40.1 percent, to 16,544 carloads). Carloads of chemicals in February were up 2.0 percent (2,402 carloads) to 124,474 carloads. Commodities showing carload decreases in February 2008 included coke (down 7,659 carloads, or 34.6 percent); crushed stone, sand, and gravel (down 5,060 carloads, or 6.9 percent); and lumber or wood products (down 3,608 carloads, or 19.3 percent). For the first two months of 2008, total U.S. rail carloads were up 48,223 carloads (1.7 percent) to 2,864,484 carloads. Commodities with the largest carload gains in 2008 through February were coal (up 44,127 carloads, or 3.6 percent); grain (up 36,207 carloads, or 18.8 percent); and chemicals (up 9,809 carloads, or 3.7 percent). In 2008, part of the increase in carloadings of coal, and decrease in carloadings of coke, is due to the expiration of a “synfuel” tax credit at the end of 2007 that resulted in some carloads that had been classified as coke being reclassified as coal. U.S. intermodal traffic, which consists of trailers and containers on flat cars and is not included in carload figures, was down 68,239 trailers and containers (3.4 percent) for the first two months of 2008 to 1,962,691. Total volume for the first nine weeks of 2008 was estimated at 296.1 billion ton-miles, up 2.8 percent from the same period last year.


Port of Bellingham presents
vacation boat charter event

BELLINGHAM — Now is the time to start planning that charter boat vacation you've been dreaming about. If you didn't know where to begin, here's your chance. Everyone is invited to come aboard and tour some of the many yachts of all shapes and sizes available for charter at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham and local charter companies are presenting the fourth annual CharterFest at Squalicum Harbor. CharterFest will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 12 and Sunday April 13, at the Gate 3 Visitor Dock, near the Bellingham Yacht Club, 722 Coho Way in Bellingham. There is no charge for admission and parking at the event. Both motoryachts and sailboats will be on display and representatives from the charter companies will be on hand to answer questions and even book that dream vacation. Several will be offering special CharterFest discounts. To help keep kids safe while touring boats at CharterFest, children's life jackets will be available to borrow, at no charge, from the Squalicum Harbor Office. As a public service, Vessel Safety Examiners from Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron and U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary from Flotilla 11 will be offering free boating safety information and vessel safety checks during CharterFest. For more information call the Harbor Office at (360) 676-2542 or visit the Port's website: www.portofbellingham.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, March 20, 2008

New medical guide
available for seafarers

LONDON — A new edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships has been published by the World Health Organization (WHO), on behalf of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and WHO itself. Copies of this book are now available from WHO and IMO. The third edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships provides the most up-to-date practical guidance for those who must render assistance when seafarers fall ill or are injured on board ship. Since it was first published in 1967, the International Medical Guide for Ships has been a standard reference for medical care on board ships. The recently adopted ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, stipulates that all ships should carry a medicine chest, medical equipment and a medical guide, such as this one. The second edition, written in 1988, was translated into more than 30 languages, and has been used in tens of thousands of ships. This, the third edition, contains fully updated recommendations aimed at promoting and protecting the health of seafarers, and is consistent with the latest revisions of both the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and the International Health Regulations.


PMSA joining California ports
in vessel pollution incentive program

SAN FRANCISCO — The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) has announced its partnership with the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angles on a program that provides financial incentives to vessel operators to voluntarily use cleaner-burning, low-sulfur fuel within the ports. Under the voluntary incentive program proposed by PMSA, the ports will offset the cost difference between currently used bunker fuel and costly low-sulfur distillate fuel for vessels that switch fuel within at least 20 miles- and as far as 40 miles-- from the ports. Vessels participating in the incentive program must also burn low-sulfur fuel in their electricity-generating auxiliary engines while at berth—as they do now. Further, ships will also need to participate in the ports’ voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program which limits speeds to 12 knots during the low-sulfur fuel switch. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have announced that the two harbor commissions will meet and vote on Monday, March 24th to provide funding for the voluntary incentive program. Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) is an independent trade association representing more than 60 operators of marine cargo terminals and owners/operators of U.S. and foreign-flagged cargo and passenger vessels. The association has offices in Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.


Bidders submit proposals
for Panama Canal dredging

PANAMA CITY — After months of preparation, interested bidders submitted proposals to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) March 19, for an opportunity to dredge the Expansion Program’s Pacific entrance. This phase of the project will widen the canal’s 8.9 mile-long (14.2 km) navigation channels at least 715 feet (218 meters) and deepen them to a maximum level of -51 feet (-15.5 meters) Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) to ensure that longer, wider ships can reach the new locks. The ACP will review the bids and award the contract to the bidder that offers the best price and meets the project’s terms and criteria established in the Request for Proposal (RFP). On August 30, 2007, the ACP released its RFP for the canal’s Pacific entrance dredging and has previously held site visits and an informational session to answer questions regarding the contract. The ACP expects to award the contract in the coming weeks and work will likely begin during the third quarter of this calendar year.


Top Ships board Oks
1:3 reverse stock split

ATHENS — TOP Ships Inc. has announced that at a special meeting of shareholders held on March 13, 2008, the company's shareholders approved a 1:3 reverse stock split. The reverse share split is expected to be effective on March 20, 2008. Shareholders will receive instructions as to how to exchange existing share certificates for new certificates representing the post-reverse split shares. Additional information about the reverse stock split is available in the company's proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2008, a copy of which is available at http://www.sec.gov/ or on the company's website at http://www.topships.org/. Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. will serve as the company's Exchange Agent in connection with the reverse split.


Free Port of Seattle seminar
set for Fishermen's Terminal

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal will be holding a free seminar for net locker and monthly moorage customers, commercial marine & fishing companies, boatyards & uplands tenants. The seminar is scheduled for April 17, 2008 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. It will be held at the Nordby Conference Center at Fishermen’s Terminal. The program is tailored specifically for the commercial fleet. Attendees will learn about hazardous waste reduction & disposal options and water pollution prevention. Handouts, coffee, cookies and will be provided, and attendees can participate in a raffle. The seminar is free, but space is limited. Interested parties can register in advance by calling Fishermen’s Terminal office at 206-728-3395 or email ft@portseattle.org.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Coast Guard adds Iran
to port security advisory list

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has alerted the maritime community that Iran has been placed on the port security advisory list. The Coast Guard determined that Iran has not maintained effective anti-terrorism measures. The determination was made in accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into account several factors, including whether a foreign port poses a high risk of introducing terrorism to international maritime commerce. Vessels will be targeted for increased boardings when arriving in U.S. ports if they have visited one of the countries in the port security advisory list during their last five port calls. The port security advisory list can be viewed at http://homeport.uscg.mil/cgi-bin/st/portal/uscg_docs/MyCG/Editorial/20080318/Port%20Security%20Advi
sory%20(3-08).pdf?id=f9a96b40104c20f0a64722b1d1e14e2f41e742a7


Port of Seattle celebrates
new Virgin America flights

SEATTLE — With a water cannon salute, the Port of Seattle has welcomed Virgin America's first flight from San Francisco to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport marking new daily non-stop service by the carrier. New service between Seattle and Los Angeles (LAX) will start on April 8. Virgin America's new routes will begin with three daily non-stop flights between Seattle and San Francisco International Airport. On April 8, 2008, three daily non-stop flights will begin between Seattle and Los Angeles International Airport. A fourth daily flight between Seattle and L.A. is scheduled to begin on May 11, 2008. This is the fourth new airline to announce service to Sea-Tac in the past 12 months: Air France started non-stop service to Paris; AeroMexico started non-stop service to Mexico City and Lufthansa begins non-stop service to Frankfurt on March 30. Northwest Airlines also announced new non-stop service to London.


Panama Canal Authority
awards contract for new dredge

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) officially awarded the contract to design and build a new, more powerful cutter suction dredge to IHC Beaver Dredgers B.V. on March 14, 2008. The new 12,000KW dredge will replace MINDI which has been in service at the canal since 1942 and has only a 9,000KW capacity. With an expected delivery date of May 2011, the new dredge will have the modern equipment, systems and components required for efficient operation. The new dredge will be constructed in The Netherlands and will have the capacity to dredge along the entire canal including the Gaillard Cut (the narrowest stretch in the Panama Canal), Gatun Lake, and both Atlantic and Pacific entrances, at a depth of 25 meters, even after the expansion concludes. The selection process for the construction of the new dredge began in September 2007, when the ACP released its request for proposals. The ACP awarded the $95.920 million contract to bidder IHC Beaver Dredgers B.V. after reviewing its proposal to ensure that all requirements were met. Dredge construction will begin within the coming months.


Evergreen Line adding
new Taiwan to Vietnam run

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line will commence a new weekly ocean service between Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the Vietnam port of Haiphong on March 21. Called the KHP service (Kaohsiung-Haiphong Shuttle Service), the trade will utilize the 580-TEU MV DONG DU. The goal of the new service is to promote greater import and export business for Vietnam. Additionally, the service can be used for transshipping Vietnam-bound cargo from the major Kaohsiung hub.


Port of Tacoma bringing
commission meetings to web site

TACOMA — Starting March 20, the Port of Tacoma will make commission meetings and study sessions available for viewing live and on-demand anytime via the port's website, www.portoftacoma.com. By utilizing streaming media to broadcast public meetings over the Internet, the port can deliver high quality content and archived meetings to a broader audience. In addition to port commission meetings and study sessions, The port will make its quarterly television program, "Pierce County Port Report," historical videos and other non-meeting content available over the Internet. The port has contracted with San Francisco-based Granicus, Inc., a provider of webcasting and public meeting management to nearly 400 government bodies spanning 39 states throughout the United States. Fife-based A.C.T. Video will work as a Granicus subcontractor, handling on-site camera management and video production. Starting in April 2008, the Port – working with Rainier Communications Commission (RCC) – will broadcast Commission meetings and study sessions on local cable television. RCC, a cooperative effort among regional cities and towns in Pierce County, will make the broadcasts available on Comcast and Click! Cable TV. The port is also exploring making these broadcasts available on Click! Cable TV's video-on-demand service. On December 20, 2007, the Port of Tacoma Commission authorized port staff to implement webcasting and television cable broadcasting. The first year cost will be approximately $170,000 which includes the purchase and installation of video equipment and webcast service through 2008.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, March 17, 2008

Top trader awards announced
by Washington World Trade Club

SEATTLE — The World Trade Club has announced the winners of the 2008 Governor's Trader of the Year and Emerging Trader of the Year Awards. Each award recognizes a Washington-based company that has significantly contributed to the expansion of Washington's international trade. The Governor's Trader of the Year is PACCAR Inc, based in Bellevue, WA. PACCAR is a Fortune 150 global technology company that manufactures high quality commercial vehicles around the world under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. nLIGHT Corporation, based in Vancouver, WA, is the winner of the Governor's Emerging Trader of the Year Award. nLIGHT Corporation is a privately held company established in 2000 that develops and manufactures photonics modules for industrial,
defense, and medical applications. Washington Governor Christine Gregoire will present the awards to these companies during Washington State Trade Week 2008 at the Governor's Trader of the Year Awards Reception. The reception and an export symposium are being held Thursday, March 20 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Tacoma Club in Tacoma, WA. Trade Week is hosted by the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and is taking place March 17-20.


Trucking association predicts
record highs for diesel fuel in '08

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations has announced that it is projecting a record high diesel fuel bill in 2008. ATA said the trucking industry will spend $135 billion on fuel in 2008, based on current fuel price forecasts. This marks a $22 billion increase over the $112.6 billion spent by trucking in 2007. ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said the trucking industry is experiencing the highest prolonged fuel prices in history. Historically, fuel represented the second-highest operating expense for motor carriers, accounting for as much as 25 percent of total operating costs. For some motor carriers, however, fuel is beginning to surpass labor as their largest expense. The cost to fill the fuel tanks on a typical tractor trailer has increased 116 percent, or $615, in just five years. Because trucks haul 70 percent of all freight tonnage, rising fuel costs have the potential to increase the cost of everything transported by truck, including food, retail and manufactured goods.


Horizon Lines taps Healey
as Guam general manager

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced the appointment of Hugh Healey to the position of general manager, Guam. Mr. Healey will be responsible for overseeing all of Horizon Lines’ Guam operations, as the Pacific island is poised for trade growth related to U.S. military expansion. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corp. and Air Force all plan expansion in Guam due to the island's strategic location. More than 8,000 U.S. Marines and their families are being transferred to Guam from Okinawa, Japan, driving trade demand for everything from building materials to household goods and groceries. In preparation, Horizon Lines has added five new container vessels to the Guam trade as part of the company’s long-term fleet enhancement program. Last year, Horizon Lines added 250 flat-racks in its Pacific service, where this special shipping equipment is particularly useful for construction and oversized machinery shippers. Mr. Healey joined Horizon Lines' predecessor company, Sea-Land Service, Inc., in 1997 and has since had diverse experience, including Puerto Rico logistics manager and director of military and government sales. Most recently, he was Southeast Regional sales manager. Mr. Healey is a graduate of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., with a BS in Marine Transportation. He earned an MBA from Pepperdine University.


Marcon acts as broker
in sale of cruise ship

COUPEVILLE, WA — Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Washington has announced that the small Danish flag passenger cruise ship Sikker Havn (ex-Flornes) has been sold by Stevns Shipping AS of Denmark to private buyers. The vessel was originally built in 1967 by Felszegi Shipyard in Trieste, Italy as the Norwegian flagged general cargo pallet carrier Trillingen. It was lengthened and converted to a passenger cruise ship in 2004. Marcon acted as the sole broker in this transaction.


TSA adding canine units
as air cargo facility inspectors

WASHINGTON, DC— The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new canine program to enhance explosives detection capabilities in air cargo facilities nationwide. The launch of this program marks the first time that TSA is training its own employees to be explosives detection canine handlers. The agency will train and certify more than 400 explosives detection canine teams, composed of one dog and one handler, during the next two years. Eighty-five of these teams will be TSA employee-led and will primarily search cargo bound for passenger-carrying aircraft. The first TSA teams began training in January and graduated after a 10-week training course at Lackland AFB, San Antonio. The teams are expected to be fully operational this Summer.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, March 14, 2008

Workers begin expansion
of arrivals roadway at PDX

PORTLAND — Workers will begin adding an additional traffic lane March 18, to the “arrivals” roadway approaching the Portland International Airport terminal building. To avoid motorist impacts, workers will maintain two traffic lanes during construction, except at slow traffic times. The new, approximately 500-foot lane is being constructed on the north side of the parking garage. Work will continue through mid-May. The expansion will allow development of a dedicated bus and taxi lane to expedite commercial transportation. Commercial vehicles currently mix with other vehicles near the terminal, causing delays at busy traffic times. During construction, motorists are encouraged to drive cautiously, adhere to posted speed limits, and watch for flaggers and directional signs. Motorcyclists should exercise extra caution because of a rough roadway surface at times. When needed, special instructions for motorists are planned on variable message signs on the roadway and at www.pdx.com and 877-PDX-INFO. Other roadway improvements planned later this year include the resurfacing of the roadway departing from the airport terminal, and the completion of a third traffic lane in each direction on Airport Way between Northeast 82nd Avenue and the terminal building. Roadway improvements are driven by record air travel. Last year, PDX served an all-time record of more than 14.6 million travelers.


Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
announces board of directors

VANCOUVER, BC — The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) has announced their board of directors. The 11-member board consists of directors from the boards of the three former Lower Mainland port authorities. The VFPA Board of Directors elected Sarah Morgan-Silvester as chair and Peter Podovinikoff as vice chair. The seven members nominated by the port user group and continuing in their director capacity include Doug Butterworth, Andrew Johnston, Ken Matchett, Jack Matthews, Peter Podovinikoff, Bob Wilds and John Willcox. Trevor Klassen continues as the Western Provinces appointee, Kazuko Komatsu continues as the federal appointee, Sarah Morgan-Silvester continues as the provincial appointee and Helen Sparkes continues as the municipal appointee. The VFPA Board of Directors also announced that they have unanimously appointed Capt. Gordon Houston as president and chief executive officer.


US rail freight traffic
reports positive week

WASHINGTON, DC — Sharp gains in loadings of grain, coal and metallic ores helped lead to a gain in overall rail freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended February 23 in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 324,868 cars, up 1.1 percent from last year. Volume was up 2.6 percent in the West but down 0.8 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 225,088 trailers or containers, down 3.0 percent from a year ago. Container volume fell 2.1 percent while trailer volume was off 5.8 percent. Total volume was estimated at 33.7 billion ton-miles, up 2.1 percent from the eighth week of 2007. Among 7 or 19 carload commodities registering gains from a year ago were grain, up 18.3 percent; metallic ores, up 59.4 percent; and coal, up 4.8 percent. Twelve carload groups were down, with lumber and wood products off 21.9 percent and primary forest products down 14.0 percent. Cumulative volume for the first eight weeks of 2008 totaled 2,527,679 carloads, up 1.4 percent from 2007; 1,738,760 trailers or containers, down 3.0 percent; and total volume of an estimated 261.2 billion ton-miles, up 2.5 percent from last year.


US/Croatia agree to
new open skies deal

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters has announced that the United States and Croatia concluded an Open-Skies agreement that will establish free trade in aviation services between the two countries. The aviation agreement is the first between the countries and comes after two days of negotiations in Zagreb, Croatia. Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand, without limitations on the number of U.S. or Croatian carriers that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate. The agreement also contains no restrictions on capacity and pricing, and provides opportunities for cooperative marketing arrangements, including code-sharing, between U.S. and Croatian carriers. The U.S.-Croatia agreement offers U.S. cargo carriers special benefits by allowing them to carry air cargo between Croatia and third countries without requiring a stop in the United States. With this agreement, Croatia becomes the 91st U.S. Open-Skies partner. The agreement will take
effect after it is signed.


International Maritime Organization
sets deadline for bravery nominations

LONDON — The closing date for nominations of candidates to be considered for the 2008 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is April 15, 2008. Nominations, for actions performed during the period 2 March 2007 to 29 February 2008, may be made by:
· United Nations Member States;
· intergovernmental organizations (IGOs); and
· non-governmental international organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with IMO.
Individuals wishing to highlight an act of bravery should approach their national maritime administration or one of the IGOs or NGOs to make the nomination. The nominations should be sent to:
The Secretary-General
International Maritime Organization
4 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7SR
United Kingdom
The winner of the award will be presented with a medal, which will be accompanied by a certificate citing the act of exceptional bravery performed. The annual award was established by the organization to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment. The nomination form can be downloaded on the IMO website at: http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id%3D20774/2837.pdf Details of the award and the 2007 winners can be seen at: http://www.imo.org/home.asp?topic_id=1681.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, March 13, 2008

WSF ferry HIYU
returns to service today

SEATTLE — WSDOT Ferries Division has announced that repairs on the 34-car HIYU will be completed today, and the vessel will go into service on the San Juan Islands inter-island route starting with the 5:25 p.m. sailing out of Friday Harbor. The HIYU’s return to service triggers two other vessel moves. The 87-car KLAHOWYA will move from the San Juans inter-island route to the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route. The KLAHOWYA is replacing its sister ship, the 87-car TILLIKUM, so the TILLIKUM can go into the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for engine repairs and its annual inspection. The 124-car KITSAP will remain on the Seattle/Bremerton route while engineers work to reschedule routine maintenance work for that vessel. On Friday, March 7, a damp area was discovered in one of the void spaces on the HIYU. The vessel had been at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes for maintenance and steel hull repair since December and was scheduled to begin service on the San Juan Islands inter-island route on Monday, March 10. The Hiyu is scheduled to serve the San Juans inter-island route until mid-May while the system’s larger vessels are undergoing repairs and maintenance. Complete information on schedules and service is available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ or by calling 1-888-808-7977. WSDOT will continue to provide updates on near-term service adjustments before they occur.


Barbara Bush christens
new OOCL container ship

HONG KONG — OOCL has announced the christening of its new 4,578 TEU vessel, built by Samsung Heavy Industries on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. The vessel was christened the m.v. OOCL TEXAS by the sponsor, Barbara Bush. The christening ceremony took place at Yangshan Deepwater Port, Shanghai. President George H W Bush; Tung Chee Hwa, vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Li Xiaolin, vice president, Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Tang Dengjie, vice mayor of Shanghai Municipal Government and J. W. Kim, president and CEO of Samsung, were the honored guests among 200 participants at the ceremony. The OOCL TEXAS departed from Yangshan Deepwater Port after the ceremony, phasing into the KTX1 service, which has a port rotation of Tokyo / Yokohama / Nagoya / Kobe / Osaka / Kaohsiung / Hong Kong / Singapore / Shekou / Hong Kong / Xiamen.


New year brings gains
for freight services index

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 2.4 percent in January from its December level, matching its largest monthly increase in the last two years, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The January increase was the third rise in the last four months. At 111.5, the freight TSI is down 1.5 percent from its peak of 113.1 achieved in November 2005 but up 3.2 percent in the four months since its recent low of 108.0 in September 2007. For additional historical data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml. With the January increase of 2.4 percent, the freight index had its largest climb to start the year since the January 1993 increase of 4.2 percent. 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. The January freight TSI of 111.5 was 2.7 percent higher than the January 2007 level and remains 0.3 percent below the January 2006 level and 1.3 percent lower than the January 2005 level. Despite declines from recent January levels, the freight index has increased 7.9 percent in five years and 13.5 percent in 10 years. The TSI is a seasonally adjusted index that measures changes from the monthly average of the base year of 2000. It includes historic data from 1990 to the present.


Mitsui joining "K" Line
in new Mexico/SAmerica run

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced the start of a new weekly service on two loops with "K" Line, covering Mexico and Chile on Loop 1 and Mexico, Colombia, and Peru on Loop 2. They have joint service on the Asia/Mexico-South America West Coast route (CWL), and will separate into two loops. This will greatly shorten the transport time between Asia and the South America West Coast, and help expand the service. Loop 2 will also add a call at Ningbo, China, to meet active seaborne trade from that area.
[Rotation]
Loop 1(WL1) - Weekly fixed-day service with nine 2,500 TEU-class full containerships Keelung (Taiwan) - Hong Kong - Chiwan (China) - Xiamen (China) - Shanghai (China) - Qingdao (China) - Pusan (S. Korea) - Manzanillo (Mexico) - Iquique (Chile) - Valparaiso (Chile) - Lirquén (Chile) - Yokohama - Keelung (Taiwan)
Loop2 (WL2) - Weekly fixed-day service with eight 1,700 TEU-class full containerships Yokohama - Ningbo (China) - Shanghai (China) - Pusan (S. Korea) - Manzanillo (Mexico) - Buenaventura (Colombia) - Callao (Peru) - Yokohama
(Both loops will be connected from/to additional Asian ports by feeder service.)


Port association schedules
annual Spring Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) annual Spring Conference event, being held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., March 31 and April 1, will bring together hundreds of port industry executives, federal legislators, legislative staff members and trade and transportation leaders to share information on key industry issues and challenges. In addition to discussions on international trade agreements, North American trade competitiveness and increasing the priority for goods movement in countries throughout the Western Hemisphere, the Association will honor Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) as its "Port Person of the Year" during its annual "Washington People" luncheon on April 1. More information about AAPA's Spring Conference is available at www.aapa-ports.org (click on the "Programs & Events" tab) or by calling AAPA's Aaron Ellis at 703-706-4714.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Port of Seattle net income
jumps 66 percent during 2007

SEATTLE — At its most recent commission meeting, Port of Seattle staff members reported to the commission on the port’s financial performance in 2007. Because of a record year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and reduced expenses throughout the organization, the port’s net income for 2007 was $73.4 million – 66 percent higher than the amount budgeted for the year. Each division provided a detailed summary of its performance in 2007. Highlights include: 1.97 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled at Seaport facilities; Over 31 million passengers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; Record number of cruise passengers (780,593) at cruise facilities. The Aviation Division accounted for nearly $176 million of the port's $219 million of operating income before depreciation. By federal regulation, all income earned by the airport must be reinvested there. Port staff also noted several awards given to the port in 2007. For the second consecutive year, the port received the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The award is considered to be the highest honor in of government accounting and financial reporting. In addition, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport received a perfect score on the annual FAA Airport Certification inspection, and the STIA concessions program was given several awards from Airports Council International, a respected trade association. Port of Seattle transportation facilities support nearly 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generate more than $12 billion in business revenue and $626 million in state and local taxes annually.


Horizon Lines introducing
fuel cost recovery programs

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has implemented a combination of newly enhanced fuel efficiency and cost management programs focused on conservation and fuel cost recovery. Horizon, through its EDGE process improvement program, has identified several initiatives to increase awareness of fuel conservation techniques to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing service levels. These initiatives include ship hull and propeller maintenance programs as well as working directly with each ship captain to identify appropriate changes in speed or course to lower overall fuel consumption while allowing ships to remain on schedule. Recent examples of cost recovery efforts to help mitigate the rising price of fuel in tandem with conservation efforts include fuel surcharge increases in Alaska, Puerto Rico and a pending increase in Hawaii. Horizon Lines also expects further fuel efficiency improvements throughout 2008 from its participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership. Horizon joined the partnership this year, earning the highest fuel efficiency and environmental performance rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SmartWay program is a collaborative effort by the EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.


NAFTA trading partners
report gains during year

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 4.9 percent higher in 2007 than in 2006, reaching an annual record of $797 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 4.9 percent rate of growth from 2006 to 2007 is lower than the 8.9 percent growth from 2005 to 2006. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported that freight valued at $137.0 billion entered the U.S. from Mexico by truck in 2007 while $93.0 billion of freight was exported to Mexico by truck. Freight valued at $150.4 billion entered the U.S. from Canada by truck in 2007 while $174.3 billion of freight was exported to Canada by truck. Total North American surface transportation imports rose 4.2 percent in 2007 from 2006, and exports rose 5.8 percent during the same time period. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 90 percent of U.S. merchandise trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. Total North American surface transportation trade value in 2007 was up 47.4 percent compared to 2002, and up 87.2 percent compared to 1997, a period of 10 years.


Orient Overseas reports
increase in profits for 2007

HONG KONG — Orient Overseas (International) Ltd (OOIL) has announced a profit attributable to shareholders of US$2,547 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to the profit of US$580.6 million recorded in 2006. The reported profit for year 2007 included a gain of US$1.99 billion from the disposal of the carrier's Terminals Division. Excluding the profit from discontinued activities and investment property revaluation gains, the continuing operations reported a net profit of US$553.7 million for the year, compared with US$428.3 million for 2006 – an increase of 29.3 percent.


Mitsui to begin marketing
large range product tankers

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it will begin independently marketing and chartering seven Large Range 1 (LR1) product tankers in the world market starting in June. MOL has participated in "The LR1 Pool" since December 2002, and entrusted the pool with operation of MOL's LR1 product tankers. However, MOL decided to withdraw from the pool in June. "The LR1 Pool," managed by LR1 Management K/S, entrusts MOL with marketing and chartering for Japanese and South Korean customers. This will terminate effective March 28, with closing of the business in U.S., prior to withdrawal from the pool. MOL will start marketing and chartering service in the worldwide market through the MOL Tokyo office, Mitsui O.S.K. Bulk Shipping (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd., Singapore office, and Mitsui O.S.K. Bulk Shipping (Europe) Ltd, London office, to flexibly meet expanding and diversifying needs of customers around the world.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, March 10, 2008

Port of Astoria looking for
applicants for port commisioner

ASTORIA — Interested applicants are being sought by the Port of Astoria Commission for appointment to fill the position of Commissioner Bernie Bjork who resigned February 25, 2008. As required by state law, the newly appointed commissioner will serve until June 30, 2009. The next port district election will be in May 2009. The Port of Astoria reprots it is a key constituent in the economic development of Clatsop County and faces many sensitive issues in the months and years ahead. Community-minded individuals with an interest in port activities willing to participate in creating a positive team environment and who can bring an entrepreneurial and creative perspective to the commission are encouraged to apply. This is a volunteer appointment and will require a significant investment of time and energy. Applicants for the position must reside in Clatsop County, Oregon and are requested to submit a resume and cover letter with completed supplemental questionnaire that will be available online at www.portofastoria.com or at port offices. Responses are due to the port administrative offices at 422 Gateway Avenue, Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon by March 26, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will review the applications and select candidates to be interviewed. Interviews will be conducted in public session at the port’s workshop session on April 8, 2008 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners intend to appoint the new commissioner at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. The commission reserves the right to modify the proposed schedule at any time as necessary to assure a fair and impartial process resulting in the best possible selection.


Port of Everett project
going back to bid process

EVERETT — The Port of Everett's website reports it is going out to bid for a portion of the Phase 1 infrastructure work for Port Gardner Wharf. The port had originally awarded this work to IMCO Construction, but in light of the change in scope, the port found it prudent to rebid the infrastucture work. Bids are expected in April, and the port expects to begin work on Phase 1 in May.


Washington State Ferries
testing biodiesel fuel

SEATTLE — Biodiesel testing on the 124-car ferry Issaquah will begin today, as the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Ferries Division launches the testing phase of the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project. WSDOT is partnering with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and other regional stakeholders to test the use of biodiesel in the marine environment. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, recycled cooking greases or animal fats. It contains minimal sulfur and is compatible with diesel-powered vehicles like WSDOT’s ferries. Using biodiesel instead of traditional petroleum-based fuels reduces emission of particulate matter and greenhouse gases, which impact air quality and the Earth’s climate. Next month WSDOT plans to begin testing biodiesel on a second ferry. The 87-car Klahowya will be fueled with five percent canola-based biodiesel. The third state ferry to receive biodiesel fuel will be the 87-car Tillikum. The tests are scheduled to run until February 2009. The Biodiesel Research team will publish a report based on findings from this project that will guide organizations in marine- and land-based uses of biodiesel.


Washington Ecology Department
checks shoreline for mystery canisters

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Coast Guard recently visited Ocean Shores, Wash., trying to track down the location of mysterious one-liter canisters that have been showing up on shorelines. According to reports from local residents, silver-colored containers with red or white plastic caps have been spotted on the beaches since last fall, but no one reported them to the agencies until last week. Calls received indicate they've been located as far north as La Push, Wash., south to Ocean Park. Ecology collected two canisters March 5. Tests confirmed the presence of a small amount of phosphine gas -- a product of aluminum phosphide - which is used to kill rodents and other pests aboard cargo ships. When aluminum phosphide is exposed to air, it becomes a toxic gas. If exposed to water, it changes to a more benign chemical compound similar to baking soda. So far, all of the canisters that have been found appear to be empty. But Ecology and Coast Guard caution people to leave the canisters in place and keep children and pets away. People who see or have picked up canisters are asked to report their find to Ecology by calling 360-407-6300. The Coast Guard plans to scan the beaches from Ocean Shores north to Ozette, Wash. Ecology will arrange to pick up any canisters reported by citizens.


NYK provides free shipping
for wave-powered vessel

TROKYO — Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has provided free sea transport for the wave-powered vessel of Japanese solo yachtsman Kenichi Horie.
The environment-friendly vessel, named SUNTORY MERMAID II, is solely propelled by the power of ocean waves. Further, the vessel generates its own electricity through solar energy. Successful testing of the innovative propulsion system has this vessel set to become the first practical wave-powered vessel in the world. The tests were conducted by Professor Yutaka Terao of the School of Marine Science and Technology at Tokai University, and were funded through the NYK-Heyerdahl commemorative projects. For his voyage on the vessel, the yachtsman is set to sail from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Osaka, Japan. In recognition of the fact that Mr. Horie stresses environmental preservation during his voyages - a mind-set shared by NYK - the company decided to support Horie by providing free sea transport of his vessel to Honolulu. SUNTORY MERMAID II was shipped on the NYK containership Izumo, which departed from Yokohama on February 22 and arrived in Honolulu on March 1. Mr. Horie’s vessel was then transported overland to the Hawaii Yacht Club, from where Mr. Horie will set sail on March 16. Mr. Horie's final destination is Kii Suido, Japan, which is located at the gateway to the port of Osaka. The yachtsman is looking to complete the 6,000-plus kilometer voyage by May.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, March 7, 2008

Port of Seattle ends
new project moratorium

SEATTLE — At its meeting March 6, the Port of Seattle Commission lifted the moratorium on new project approval instituted in mid-January. Under the moratorium, the commission refused to authorize new projects not essential for public health, safety or security until port staff demonstrated significant progress in key areas identified by the recent I-900 performance audit. The port commission had identified five areas where progress was needed before projects would be approved: governance issues, particularly those concerning commission and executive authority; internal review processes; project management; professional ethics; and training for capital project personnel. As demonstrated in the port’s Audit Response Action Plan, several of the audit’s 51 recommendations have already been implemented, and many more are well underway. Port staff provides a progress report to the commission twice a month during public session. The commission will likely consider several projects in the coming weeks, most notably construction of a new rental car facility at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.


Traffic at container ports
predicted to see slowdown

WASHINGTON, DC — Traffic at the nation’s major retail container ports will continue to reflect the slowdown in the nation’s economy with weak or negative growth compared with last year over the next several months, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Global Insight. The light traffic means few congestion worries. Ports surveyed handled 1.24 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of container traffic in January, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. The number was down 3.5 percent from December’s 1.28 million TEU, and 4.3 percent from January 2007. February was estimated at 1.18 million TEU, down 9.6 percent from February 2007, and was the seventh month in a row to show a year-to-year decline. March is forecast at 1.27 million TEU, unchanged from last year; April at 1.35 million TEU, up 1.8 percent from April 2007; May at 1.37 million TEU, up 0.7 percent from May 2007; June at 1.4 million TEU, down 3.6 percent; and July at 1.45 million TEU, up 0.2 percent. One TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent. Seattle and Tacoma, which were rated at “medium” for congestion last month because of the potential for short-term delays related to winter weather, have returned to a “low” congestion rating. All other U.S. ports covered by Port Tracker – Los Angeles/Long Beach and Oakland on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast – are rated “low” for congestion.


Trade between NAFTA partners
up during month of December

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 3.1 percent higher in December 2007 than in December 2006, reaching $60.9 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 13.4 percent in December
from November. 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 December was up 49.3 percent compared to December 2002, and up 73.5 percent compared to December 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in December were up 82.0 percent compared to December 1997, while exports were up 63.6 percent.


US rail freight traffic
posts gains for week

WASHINGTON, DC — Led by a 16.4 percent increase in grain loadings, freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended February 16 was up in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 320,059 cars, up 4.6 percent from last year. Volume was up 7.2 percent in the West and 1.2 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 219,727 trailers or containers, down 1.5 percent from a year ago. Container volume fell 1.1 percent while trailer volume was off 2.7 percent. Total volume was estimated at 33.2 billion ton-miles, up 6.4 percent from the seventh week of 2007. In addition to grain, 12 other individual carload commodities showed gains from last year, with metallic ores up 11.2 percent, coal up 9.7 percent and metals up 9.3 percent. Six carload groups were down for the week, with lumber and wood products off 21.2 percent; pulp, paper and paper products down 10.6 percent; and crushed stone, sand and gravel, down 8.2 percent. Cumulative volume for the first seven weeks of 2008 totaled 2,202,811 carloads, up 1.5 percent from 2007; 1,513,672 trailers or containers, down 3.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 227.8 billion ton-miles, up 2.7 percent from last year.


Portland Shipping Club
presents annual Pizza Night

PORTLAND — The Portland Shipping Club's 29th Annual Pizza Night is March 20th at Old Town Pizza. Call (503) 220-2092 to maker reservations. Deadline is March 14. Cost for club members is $20, non-members are $25. Ticket price includes pizza, salad and two beverages. There will be a raffle of many great prizes with proceeds going to the club's charitable works such as the annual Children's Shopping Spree in December and a charity event in the spring. This is a great chance to network with industry members and enjoy some great pizza.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, March 6, 2008

Seattle-based Cutter, HEALY
heading out on Arctic mission

SEATTLE — The nation's largest icebreaker, Coast Guard Cutter HEALY, departs Seattle today to prepare for its Arctic West summer 2008 deployment that will have the cutter in the northern polar regions for over six months. During the deployment, HEALY will travel more than 25,000 miles and conduct more than 2,000 individual science evolutions in the course of completing seven separate science missions. HEALY will spend six weeks between the second and third missions in Seattle conducting scheduled maintenance and training. Commanded by Coast Guard Capt. Ted Lindstrom, HEALY is the newest and largest of the nation's three heavy icebreakers and the only one with extensive scientific capabilities. The 420-foot cutter was commissioned in 2000 and has a permanent crew of 80. Scientific support is HEALY's primary mission, but as a Coast Guard Cutter, HEALY is also capable of supporting other potential missions in the Polar Regions including logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection, and the enforcement of laws and treaties.


Evergreen launching service
covering Mediterranean ports

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line has launched a new regional service to cover Mediterranean ports in Italy, Tunis and Libya, via its hub port of Taranto. With this new service, Evergreen is able to add these ports to its direct global coverage. The 612-TEU vessel, REECON EAGLE, has launched the service from Taranto to operate the 10-day rotation as follows: Taranto - Civitavecchia - La Spezia - Tunis - Misratah - Taranto


CIT rail leases
hopper cars to Canpotex

CHICAGO — CIT Group Inc., a global commercial finance company, has announced that CIT Rail, a unit of CIT, has signed an operating lease agreement with Canpotex, the world's largest exporter of potash for 1,000 covered hopper cars. The 4275-cubic foot covered hopper cars will transport potash from Saskatchewan, Canada to the West Coast to be exported globally.


Crowley moves to own team
providing Guatemala logistics service

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that its logistics unit has begun providing logistics services in Guatemala with Crowley staff instead of with third-party agent MAPA S.A. Customers will now have a single point of contact to access Crowley services, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, air cargo transport, warehousing, ocean freight transportation and domestic trucking within Guatemala and throughout most of Central America. Marvin De Paz will continue to serve as business manager with Byron Ardon serving as manager of freight services, and under his supervision, Victor Lainfiesta and Carmen Trujillo will be dedicated to the NVO commercial operation. The local sales team will consist of Sergio Mazareigos, sales manager and Lilian Giron, sales executive.


New Boeing 747-8 freighter
passes 50 percent design mark

EVERETT — The Boeing Company has completed 50 percent of the design releases for the new 747-8 Freighter. The program has released the 747-8 Freighter's detailed designs to Boeing factories and its suppliers in order to begin building parts, assemblies and tools for the new cargo airplane. The 747-8 Freighter, which launched in November 2005, is scheduled to start delivering in late 2009 to launch customers Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines. The airplane will be longer than the 747-400 Freighter by 18.3 ft (5.6 m) and enjoy a maximum structural payload capability of 154 tons (140 metric tonnes) with a range of more than 4,420 nmi (8,185 km). It will offer 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than its predecessor, allowing the airplane to accommodate four more main-deck pallets and three more lower-hold pallets. Powered by GEnx engines, the 747-8 Freighter will be 17 percent more fuel efficient than the 747-400 Freighter and 30 percent quieter.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, March 5, 2008

New crane arrives
at Port of Everett facility

EVERETT — The Port of Everett's new rail-mounted gantry crane (RMG) arrived by barge to the Mount Baker Terminal pier in south Everett in mid-February. The new crane, which was constructed by Morris Material Handling manager of P & H cranes for approximately $2.9 million, will be used to off-load oversized aerospace parts at the new satellite facility. The port is building this new facility in support of the local aerospace industry to improve the speed and efficiency of transporting oversized aerospace parts to Paine Field. The total project cost is approximately $30 million, which will be paid for through a Washington state grant and dock user fees. The facility is expected to be ready for operation in April.


AAPA taps Robert Byrd
as 'Port Person of the Year'

ALEXANDRIA, VA — U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will be honored as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) "Port Person of the Year" at the port association's annual Washington People's Luncheon on April 1 in Washington, D.C.'s historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. AAPA - a trade organization representing the leading public ports in the Western Hemisphere - selected Sen. Byrd to receive its most prestigious annual award based on his strong advocacy in Congress for increasing cargo and facility security at America's seaports. In addition to receiving the "Port Person" award, Sen. Byrd will serve as the luncheon's keynote speaker. Introducing the senator will be Port of Longview (Wash.) Executive Director Ken O'Hollaren, who is AAPA's 2008 Chairman of the Board. " Each year, AAPA presents its "Port Person of the Year" award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the port industry.


Hanjin takes delivery
of new 4,300teu vessel

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping announced March 4, the delivery of a new 4,300TEU vessel. HANJIN RIO DE JANEIRO, christened at Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje Island, is the first in a series of the eight 4,300TEU container ships ordered in 2005. Hanjin says this new 4,300TEU vessel, equipped with the state-of-the art engine, consumes less fuel than any other ships of the same class and can easily change its speed according to operational situations. HANJIN RIO DE JANEIRO will be replacing a chartered ship currently deployed in Hanjin’s CNX (China-North Europe Express) lane.


Past District 13 Commander
Rear Admiral David Spade dies

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL — Retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral J. David Spade of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., died February 26, 2008, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Rear Admiral Spade lost his 10-year battle with cancer after surviving three stem-cell transplants. Rear Admiral Spade retired from the Coast Guard in 1999 after serving as commander of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District in Seattle with operations in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He served as commanding officer of three cutters,enjoyed several tours of duty at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Florida and California.


US train accidents drop
for third year running

WASHINGTON, DC — The number of train accidents across the Nation declined for the third consecutive year according to preliminary 2007 data released by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. The Secretary stressed that some of the safety gains are attributable to aggressive implementation of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) National Rail Safety Action Plan first launched in May 2005. It focuses on the most frequent, highest-risk causes of train accidents; optimizes the use of data to target federal inspection and enforcement resources; and accelerates research initiatives that hold promise to mitigate the greatest potential safety risks, she explained. Comparing the preliminary full-year 2007 data to 2006, Secretary Peters stated that last year railroads had 406 fewer train accidents nationwide, or a 13.7 percent reduction. California (down 46), Texas (down 45), and New York (down 30) led the way among the 34 states that experienced reductions, she said. Also, last year the number of highway-rail grade crossing incidents fell by 6.9 percent and grade crossing fatalities decreased by 8.1 percent to 339. And, trespass fatalities, the number one cause of all rail-related deaths, decreased by 6.2 percent to 486.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, March 3, 2008

Corps reopens
John Day locks

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports it successfully removed the damaged gate at the John Day lock Sunday and re-open the lock to river traffic under restricted operations. Using two cranes, the Corps lifted the 125-ton upper gate out of its housing and placed it on two barges. The damaged gate will remain moored at the John Day project until engineers determine if the gate can be repaired or must be replaced. Crews prepared a temporary floating bulkhead that will act as a gate, allowing the lock to re-open. The gate at John Day was damaged late February 28 when the tug Sundial's barge came into contact with the upstream gate while the lock chamber was filling. The incident immediately halted all river traffic through the lock.


Port of Seattle puts hold
on Lora Lake Apartment transfer

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle (Port) and the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) have agreed to delay the transfer of the Lora Lake Apartments pending the outcome of environmental testing at the Burien property. The sale of the property from the Port to KCHA had been set to close last week. The apartments have been vacant since summer 2007. In the 1950s, the property was the site of an auto wrecking yard. Though the site was investigated and cleaned up before the apartments were built, recent underground testing of soil and groundwater show contamination below the paved surface of the site. The Port had originally planned to demolish the apartment buildings in order to re-use the property for commercial or industrial purposes in conjunction with the City of Burien. After KCHA took actions to obtain the buildings for family housing, the plan was changed, and the Port agreed to transfer the property to KCHA. Before reaching this agreement, as a part of its routine testing for demolition and development, the Port took samples at seven and 14 feet below ground. Results, which came in recently, showed that the chemicals found included by-products of fuels and waste burning, including dioxin and petroleum hydrocarbons.


Crowley adding VIGILANT
to fleet of Alaska tugs

ANCHORAGE — Crowley Maritime Corporation has taken delivery of the VIGILANT, a new Z-Drive tugboat that is being chartered from BayDelta Maritime, Inc., for use in Crowley's ship assist and escort business in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The ice-strengthened tug will be stationed at the Tesoro Alaska Company's Nikiski refinery in Cook Inlet on a year-round basis to provide enhanced safety and environmental protection for tankers docking there. The tug was built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Inc., in Langley, Wash., and is the second tug acquired by Crowley in the last year for use in its Pacific Northwest and Alaska operations. While the 100-foot-long VIGILANT looks very similar to its sister tug VALOR, which Crowley acquired last year, the boat has been modified for use in the harsh Alaskan waters. The tug's hull has been strengthened for use in ice, boasting a 3/8-inch belt of steel along the hull, which adds 80 additional tons of steel to the boat. The vessel's decks are also heated, along with some of the tanks, for added protection and improved operation.


ILWU executive board
endorses Obama for President

SAN FRANCISCO — The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President, concluding he is "the best candidate for workingfamilies." International Executive Board members made the decision after meeting with different campaigns and examining their positions on key issues that will impact working families in the coming years. "America’s working families are ready for a candidate with a fresh approach who will put people first and hold corporations more accountable," said ILWUInternational President Bob McEllrath. "Obama met with us, listened to our concerns, and we think he’ll do the best job on the issues that matter most to working families." The union represents 60,000 members in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Canada. Many members work on the docks where they move millions of shipping containers through America’s west coast ports. Other ILWU members work in warehousing, manufacturing, tourism, agricultural, and retail positions.


Washington State Ferries
streamlining pair of programs

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced a realignment of two key programs – Vessel Engineering and Vessel Maintenance. This step is part of Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond’s commitment to improve the organizational structure and performance of the ferry system. The two programs have become one under the direction of Paul Brodeur, the new Ferries Division director of Vessel Maintenance, Preservation and Engineering. Mr. Brodeur previously served as the Ferries Division director of Maintenance and Preservation. The realignment will create greater efficiencies in how the Ferries Division maintains the fleet and builds the six new vessels planned for the system. It also addresses a key finding in the report from the State Auditor’s Office to provide additional oversight of the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. The move eliminates four existing management positions and creates two new positions – a Chief Naval Architect and Vessel Engineering Construction Manager.