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November, 2007

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, November 30, 2007

Congressman wants NOAA
to locate facility at Port of Bellingham

BELLINGHAM — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) has announced his support for Bellingham's bid to be the new site for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Marine Operations Center Pacific (MOC-P) at the Port of Bellingham. For the past two years, the Port of Bellingham has been promoting the Bellingham Shipping Terminal as a new site for this fleet, citing the availability of deep-water docks, the business and educational relationships the community already has with NOAA's operations and the broad community support for NOAA's mission. This fall, NOAA began the process of identifying and assessing future sites for the facility, which is currently located in Seattle. Last week the port submitted its official request for NOAA's site selection process to consider Bellingham. This selection process is underway and will continue through much of 2008. Three to five finalist locations should be announced by the spring of 2008. It is possible that some of the locations being considered will be outside of Washington state. NOAA has a lease on privately owned facilities in Lake Union through mid-2011.


Trade between NAFTA partners
climbs during month of September

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 5.5 percent higher in September 2007 than in September 2006, reaching $66.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 3.5 percent in September from August. 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 September was up 45.8 percent compared to September 2002, and up 78.4 percent compared to September 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in September were up 88.8 percent compared to September 1997, while exports were up 66.6 percent.


Rail freight carload numbers
continue string of positive weeks

WASHINGTON, DC — Carload freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up for the fourth consecutive week compared with the same week a year ago during the week ended November 17, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 340,077 cars, an increase of 1.7 percent from last year, with loadings up 3.6 percent in the West but down 0.6 percent in the East. A total of 244,829 trailers and containers were loaded during the week, down 2.3 percent the comparable week last year. Container volume was off 2.6 percent while trailer loadings slipped 4.5 percent fr6m last year. Total volume was estimated at 35.8 billion ton-miles, up 2.6 percent from the comparable week last year. This was also the fourth straight week that total volume was above year earlier totals. Nine of 19 Individual carload commodities were up from last year, with grain up 15.8 percent, motor vehicles and equipment up 15.6 percent and chemicals up 6.2 percent. On the downside, farm products (excluding grain) fell 10.1 percent; pulp, paper and allied products posted a 17.3 percent drop, and coke slipped 23.0 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 46 weeks of 2007 totaled 15,077,812 carloads, off 2.6 percent from 2006; 10,723,649 trailers or containers, a downward nudge of 2.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 1.56 trillion ton-miles, a 1.2 percent slip down from last year.


Giant auto vessel
calling Port of Tacoma

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will welcome the crew of the Wallenius Lines M/V FIDELIO today, to Terminal 7 on the vessel's maiden voyage. For Puget Sound residents accustomed to seeing the very large 3,000- to 4,000-CEU (car equivalent unit) auto ships arriving and departing the Port of Tacoma, the 8,000-CEU FIDELIO will get second and third looks. The latest addition to the Wallenius fleet, the LCTC (large car truck carrier) FIDELIO is designed to handle both autos and breakbulk cargoes (heavy equipment, construction machinery, agricultural equipment and other rolling stock). The FIDELIO was christened in Yokohama, Japan on September 20. It is the second in a series of seven to be built at Daewoo Shipyard and Marine Engineering in Korea. The first, M/V FAUST, was delivered to Wallenius in May 2007. Built with the environment as a top priority, the FIDELIO is equipped with a state-of-the-art technology in ship design and environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, the vessel is equipped with PureBallast, the world's first IMO-approved Ballast Water Treatment system.


Coast Guard centralizing
mariner credential program

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) has reached a milestone in a major restructuring and centralizing project. In December 2007, the NMC will move into a new specially designed credential-production facility in Martinsburg, WV. Since 2005, the NMC has been managing a project to consolidate the functions of 17 independently operating Regional Exam Centers (REC) into one credential-processing facility. The goal of this effort is to improve customer service, decrease credential processing time, and improve the consistency of Coast Guard products and services. Mariners will continue to use the existing RECs in various ports across the nation for face-to-face customer service and to ensure their applications are ready for evaluation by the NMC. Once an application is accepted at an REC, it will be sent to the NMC for processing. The NMC will send issued credentials directly to Mariners. Centralizing has already made it possible for mariners to check the status of their credential application online via a Coast Guard website; http://homeport.uscg.mil/. (From the home page, select Missions > Merchant Mariners > Merchant Mariner Application Status) A new toll free call center is also available (1-888-IASKNMC / 1-888-427-5662) to answer questions and provide information.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, November 29, 2007

Greenbrier eyes changes
to executive make up

LAKE OSWEGO — The Greenbrier Companies has announced the promotions of Lorie Lesson to vice president, corporate finance & assistant treasurer and Anne Manning to vice president, corporate controller. On January 8, 2008, it is expected that Larry Brady, the current CFO, will retire and that the Board of Directors will appoint Mark Rittenbaum as executive vice president -- chief financial officer & treasurer. Mr. Rittenbaum has been with Greenbrier for nearly 20 years in various finance capacities, most recently as senior vice president & treasurer, a position he has held since 2001. His current responsibilities include managing corporate liquidity, capital markets, lease syndications, commercial and investment banking relationships, and investor relations. Early in his professional career, Mr. Rittenbaum was a Certified Public Accountant and an auditor with Deloitte Haskins & Sells. Mr. Brady and Mr. Rittenbaum have worked together as senior finance executives of the company for the past 14 years.


Olympia Port Commissioners
comment on recent protests

OLYMPIA — The following is a statement released by the Port of Olympia Commission concerning recent protests: "Recently our community experienced disruption and turmoil due to the actions of a few people who chose to break the law when protesting movement of military cargo through the Port of Olympia. The port commission recognizes the strong feelings of many people in our community who disagree with the government’s foreign policy. We respect their right to peacefully protest, and we know that there were many peaceful protestors involved. Unfortunately, the behavior of the few who blocked roads with unlawful and destructive means jeopardized their own safety and the safety of others. This cannot be ignored. We expect our justice system to hold them accountable for their actions. In addition, we feel it is our obligation to the taxpayers of Thurston County to recoup the extraordinary costs resulting from these unlawful acts. The port commission will consider pursuing any available civil remedies for damages. We believe we have the support of the overwhelming majority of county citizens in reaffirming our intention to continue to make Port of Olympia facilities available to whoever wants to use them. The Port of Olympia Commission would like to thank the Olympia Police Department and emergency responders for providing exemplary service while exercising restraint in the face of provocation. We also thank the military personnel, the longshore men and women, and port staff for their diligence and patience under frustrating circumstances. We apologize to the truckers, citizens, and business people who were negatively impacted by demonstrators who failed to exercise their free speech rights peaceably and lawfully."
Adopted November 26, 2007.
Paul Telford, Port of Olympia Commission president
Bob Van Schoorl, port commissioner
Bill McGregor, port commissioner


Seattle CBP officers
seize counterfeit 'Coach' belts

SEATTLE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and import specialists at the Port of Seattle recently seized a shipment of over 20,000 counterfeit “Coach” fashion belts from China worth more than $2 million in retail value or $30,408 domestic value. The 115 cartons, part of a larger shipment, were targeted for examination by the Seattle CBP unit and following a gamma-ray imaging examination on the dock, the shipment was moved to a local warehouse for an intensive exam. During fiscal year 2007, more than 17,000 trade enforcement seizures valued at $359 million were initiated, including more than 13,600 seizures of goods infringing intellectual property rights with a domestic value totaling more than $196 million.


Steel imports into US
jump during month of October

WASHINGTON, DC — Preliminary data show that overall steel imports in October 2007 increased 13 percent from September 2007. The change in September’s total amount of steel imports was due largely to an increase in blooms, billets and slabs; which increased by 119 percent from September to October. Changes were mixed in other carbon categories and most stainless categories decreased. October 2007 imports of steel mill products were down 30 percent compared to October 2006.


Marcon brokers sale
of seismic/survey vessel

COUPEVILLE, WA — Marcon International, Inc. has announced the sale of the seismic / survey vessel ROMANO (ex CAPE ROMANO, ex-DON BOLLINGER) from Victoria H LLC (part of the North American Marine Transportation Group) to Brone Positioning and Survey of Lagos, Nigeria on private and confidential terms. The 1965 American Marine Corporation built unit was originally commissioned by Cheramie BoTruc and rebuilt in 1983. The vessel was subsequently sold to Bollinger Machine Shop. in 1995 and then onto Sea Mar Equipment in 1996. Current sellers bought the vessel in 2003. To-date in 2007, Marcon International Inc., as shipbrokers, has sold or chartered a total of 49 vessels and barges - an average so far this year of one per week. Sales of several additional vessels and barges are expected to close within the next 30 days.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

NWMTA ports announce
security fee, general rate increases

BELLEVUE, WA — The Northwest Marine Terminal Association (a voluntary association of 13 deepwater ports in Oregon and Washington) has announced an increase to their Security Fee assessed at member port facilities. NWMTA ports implemented a Security Fee into their tariffs on January 1, 2006, to help offset the operating costs the ports have incurred following security requirements mandated under US laws and regulations. Effective January 1, 2008, NWMTA member ports that publish a $250 per vessel per day Security Fee will increase the rate to $295. The NWMTA also announced that general rate increases from CPI and/or three percent will be assessed to most member port tariffs effective January 1, 2008. Some ports have elected to assess their increases on July 1, 2008. The Northwest Marine Terminal Association has operated continuously since 1939, under an agreement approved by the Federal Maritime Commission subject to provisions of Section 15 of the Shipping Act of 1916, the Shipping Act of 1984 and more recently the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998. Northwest Marine Terminal Association members include the ports of Anacortes, Astoria, Bellingham, Everett, Grays Harbor, Kalama, Longview, Olympia, Port Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, USA.


Vancouver, USA port board
approves budget for 2008

VANCOUVER, USA — The Vancouver Port Commission has unanimously voted to approve the Final Statutory Budget for 2008. The budget totals $127.3 million, $48.9 million of which is set aside for property acquisition and $20.4 million for the West Vancouver Freight Access rail project. It is the largest budget in the port’s history due to a commitment to capital improvements that will help the port see out its needs for phased completion of the rail project and the possible acquisition of the Alcoa-Evergreen properties located just west of the port’s existing facilities. The port’s 2007 budget was $83.2 million, and included more than $26.6 million for capital improvements. The commission heard 30 minutes of public input and answered questions from attendees during the public hearing about the budget.


Crowley making changes
to management structure

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced a restructuring that will bring Rocky Smith from Jacksonville to Seattle to manage Crowley's services in the Pacific/Alaska region, and John Douglass from Seattle to Jacksonville to run several Crowley services based in the Atlantic/Gulf region. Both executives will continue to report to Tom Crowley, chairman, president and CEO. Mr. Smith has been named senior vice president and general manager, Pacific/Alaska, and will be responsible for petroleum distribution and sales throughout Alaska, tanker assist and escort services in Valdez and Prince William Sound, energy support services involving marine and all-terrain transportation on the North Slope, plus ship assist and escort services on the West Coast and contract towing and transportation in the Pacific and Alaska region. Mr. Douglass becomes senior vice president and general manager, Atlantic/Gulf, and will be responsible for petroleum transportation, international marine salvage and contract towing and transportation services in the Atlantic and Gulf region.


For-Hire trucking index
falls 1.5 percent in September

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.3 percent in October, after rising 1.5 percent in September. The not seasonally adjusted index gained 14.0 percent from September to 122.1. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the tonnage index slipped to 110.9 (2000 = 100) in October. Tonnage was also down 1.5 percent from a year earlier. Year-to-date, the tonnage index was 2.2 percent lower than during the same period in 2006. With only two months of data remaining for the year, the 2007-decrease could be the largest annual drop since a 5.2 percent reduction in 2000. The index fell 1.7 percent in 2006. ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s.


WTSA member carriers plan
changes to wastepaper rates

OAKLAND — Container lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have announced plans to begin recovering a greater share of fuel costs in their contracts with wastepaper shippers. Effective January 1, WTSA lines say they intend to assess bunker fuel surcharges separately from base freight rates for wastepaper, and allow those surcharges to float, adjusted on a regular basis to reflect fluctuations in world bunker fuel prices. Wastepaper contracts have
typically included provisions mitigating the bunker surcharge and folding it into an all-inclusive rate, owing partly to the low shipment value and unique price structure of U.S. wastepaper shipments to Asia.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, November 26, 2007

McLean family making plans
to sell Trailer Bridge shares

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Trailer Bridge, Inc. has announced that it intends to work with the McLean family, which collectively filed an amended Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2007 disclosing that the group members intend to actively pursue a sale of their Trailer Bridge shares. The group members, which include the sister and children of Trailer Bridge's founder, the late Malcom P. McLean, beneficially own approximately 5.8 million shares, or 47.8% of Trailer Bridge's outstanding common stock. Trailer Bridge provides integrated trucking and marine freight service to and from all points in the lower 48 states and Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic


Marcon brokers sale
of DSV SUN CARRIER

COUPEVILLE, WA — As exclusive brokers, Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, WA has sold the 270' x 55' x 23' multi-purpose DSV SUN CARRIER (ex-MIDNIGHT CARRIER, CABLE CARRIER, CABLE PROTECTOR, STAR ARCTURUS) from Offshore Energy Holding LLC to private U.S. Gulf Coast interests. The Lloyds +100A1 classed, Vanuatu flagged vessel was built in 1976 by Smith's Dock; Middlesborough, U.K originally as an offshore pipe carrier for Star Offshore Services Marine Ltd. of Aberdeen. At the time of the sale the SUN CARRIER had been laid up in Louisiana with certificates lapsed for several years. Marcon acted as sole broker in the sale and has represented the buyers in over a dozen sales and purchases over the last 20 years. To-date this year Marcon has sold or chartered a total of 49 vessels and barges, an average of one per week.


OOCL christens
new container ship

HONG KONG — OOCL announced on Tuesday, October 16, the christening of its third in the line of 16 4,578-TEU vessels, ordered with Samsung Heavy Industries since 2004. The new vessel has been named the m.v. OOCL HOUSTON by sponsor Tania Martin-Dowd, the wife of Stephen Dowd, vice-president infrastructure for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. The m.v. OOCL HOUSTON will be deployed on the Asia-Australia AEA 1 service. The port rotation is: Kaohsiung / Hong Kong / Shanghai / Shekou / Hong Kong / Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane and back to Kaohsiung in a 35-day round trip.


Old Dominion Freight Line
opening Eugene, Oregon facility

THOMASVILLE, NC — Chuck Powell, vice president of the Pacific Northwest region for Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., announced the opening of a new service center in Eugene, Ore. The 20-door facility is located on a two-acre site at 32160 Old Highway 34, Tangent, Ore. According to Mr. Powell, the Eugene Service Center will begin operations under the leadership of Terminal Manager Quinn Ransom, who will direct a staff of 10. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is a less-than-truckload (LTL) super regional carrier. Through its work force and four operating groups, OD•Domestic, OD•Expedited, OD•Global and OD•Technology, Old Dominion offers an array of products and services and provides complete nationwide coverage within the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Central States, Gulf States and West regions of the country, including 38 states with 100 percent full-state coverage and international services around the globe.


BELUGA ENDEAVOR calls
Port of Olympia terminals

OLYMPIA — On Sunday, November 18, the vessel BELUGA ENDEAVOR arrived at the Port of Olympia to discharge a cargo of about 4,000 metric tons of bagged garnet from India. This product is low-grade garnet that is ground very fine and used in high-speed water cutting applications. From Olympia, it is loaded on trucks and shipped to western U.S. and Canadian manufacturing operations. "Garnet is a regular cargo at the port," said Jim Amador, Marine Terminal director. "As the larger Puget Sound ports continue to specialize in containers, we have the facilities, equipment and longshore labor to handle breakbulk products such as this efficiently. These cargoes bring jobs and revenues to our community. " The vessel also transported three yachts to Olympia for yacht distributors in Seattle. The yachts were taken off the vessel and put directly into the water using a waterside crane.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, November 23, 2007

Vancouver, USA port board meeting
will discuss 'Pay as we grow plan'

VANCOUVER, USA — The Vancouver, USA Port Commission will hear staff and public input on the proposed 2008 Port of Vancouver USA budget at its regular meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 27 in the Commission Room at the port’s administrative offices. After defeat of Proposition 1 over the summer, the Port of Vancouver reports it has reprioritized its future development plans, and has put together the “Pay As We Grow Plan,” which will allow expansion of services to existing customers and continue attracting new customers to the port. When voters told the Port of Vancouver they didn’t want to pay for the port’s rapid expansion – which included rail, the purchase of the vacant brownfield properties owned by Alcoa Aluminum and Evergreen Aluminum, and development of more than 500 acres of port property at Columbia Gateway – in the primary election, port staff and commission began re-prioritizing to determine what could be accomplished within the port’s financial means. Current and future customer needs include expanded rail facilities, and the West Vancouver Freight Access project is the number one priority of the “Pay As We Grow Plan.” The rail project will go forward in the plan, but will be phased over a slower schedule than originally planned. In order to complete the rail project to suit needs of the customers of the port – who expect to use enough rail to move the port from being nearly 70 percent dependent on rail for cargo movement into and out of the port today to being more than 80 percent dependent on rail – the port needs to move forward with a purchase of the Alcoa and Evergreen properties. To build the rail infrastructure necessary to serve customers needs appropriately, the former aluminum smelter and extrusion properties are necessary. The port’s current rail network is not sufficient for bringing unit trains (trains with 100-110 cars) into the port, which means the assembly of unit trains spills out to the Vancouver rail yard, which contributes to congestion of the system. The West Vancouver Freight Access project will also create new rail access to the port that will help reduce congestion on the BNSF Railway Company’s mainlines through Vancouver by 40 percent upon completion. The preliminary 2008 budget reflects those purchases and the West Vancouver Freight Access project. Financing for the development will come from a re-prioritized budget, port reserves, revenue bonds and possibly loans. What will not happen in the near future is the development of Columbia Gateway.


WPPA taps two members
as 2007 Ports of the Year

OLYMPIA — The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) presented its 2007 President’s Port of the Year Award jointly to the Port of Benton and the Port of Ephrata at its Board of Trustees Meeting on November 16 in Bellevue. Each year, WPPA honors a WPPA member port for leadership and innovation in economic development efforts. The Association’s Executive Committee chooses the winning port from a pool of nominees. The Port of Benton was honored for their economic development work in the region and for projects like Crow Butte Park near Paterson. Other factors included a biomass gasification project in Whitstran, which turns agricultural waste into heat and/or energy. The port has a patent pending on the proprietary pelletizing process. The Tri-Cities Research District & Innovation Zone is another project the Port of Benton was instrumental in completing in 2007. The new zone will act as a springboard for future development in the north Richland area. The Port of Ephrata was honored for its leadership in creatively leveraging funding opportunities to build infrastructure that positions the community for future development, while locating a major new employer providing family-wage jobs. Specific accomplishments include the implementation of a new Glider Only runway incorporated as part of the expansive ramp area and construction of a new $2 million taxiway; infrastructure investments allowed Katana Industries to expand its wind tower manufacturing operations providing jobs to the citizens of Ephrata at a pay rate 60 percent higher than the average county wage; and the rehabilitation of a 1.5 mile long rail spur began this fall after the port creatively partnered with local entities in securing the necessary grant monies.


US rail freight delivers
good numbers for week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up compared with the same week last year during the week ended November 10, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 342,929 cars, an increase of 5.1 percent from last year, with loadings up 9.6 percent in the West but down 0.6 percent in the East. A total of 244,060 trailers and containers were loaded during the week, down 0.8 percent the comparable week last year. Container volume bumped up 0.3 percent while trailer loadings slipped 4.5 percent from last year. Total volume was estimated at 36.2 billion ton-miles, up 6.2 percent from the comparable week last year. Individual carload commodities helped boost traffic for the week with metallic ores posting a gain of 17.9 percent from last year, motor vehicles & equipment showing a 16.1 percent gain and grain rising 13.8 percent. On the downside, farm products (excluding grain) fell 15.1 percent; pulp, paper and allied products posted a 12.8 percent drop, and coke slipped 12.6 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 45 weeks of 2007 totaled 14,787,735 carloads, off 2.7 percent from 2006; 10,478,820 trailers or containers, a downward nudge of 2.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 1.5 trillion ton-miles, a 1.3 percent slip down from last year.


Nominations being accepted
for American Merchant Marine award

KINGS POINT, NY — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. The trophy is awarded on behalf of America’s maritime industry to U.S. merchant mariners for deeds that exemplify the highest traditions of seamanship performed in the current calendar year. Nominees for the 2007 Seamanship Trophy must be U.S. citizen seafarers who have performed feats of distinguished seamanship while aboard a civilian-crewed U.S.-flag vessel, yacht or other craft during calendar year 2007. “Distinguished seamanship,” as defined by the Trophy by-laws, is an act representing the highest standards of professional competence at sea in the presence of extreme peril to life and/or property, or under adverse and severe weather conditions. Nominations for the Seamanship Trophy should include the following information: the name of the candidate, the vessel and its owner; the date, time and place of the incident; and pertinent weather conditions. If possible, an abstract or photocopy of the ship’s log, eyewitness accounts, U.S. Coast Guard reports, newspaper stories and other supporting documents should accompany the nomination. All nominations for the 2007 award should be sent by December 15, 2007 to: The Secretariat, American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy, Public Information Office, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024-1699.


Vessel Captain, crew earn honors
for rescue of balloonists at sea

TOKYO — On November 16, Japan’s red-ribbon Medal of Honor was awarded to the officers and crew of NYK STARLIGHT for their daring rescue of two balloonists off the coast of Japan in January 2004. Captain Peter Damian Misquitta, the master of NYK STARLIGHT at the time of the incident, attended the award ceremony with his wife and accepted the award on behalf of the crewmen. The ceremony was held at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and was followed by an audience with the emperor. The red-ribbon Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who have risked their own lives to save the lives of others. In the early morning hours of January 27, 2004, the officers and crew manning NYK STARLIGHT demonstrated the integrity that NYK seeks in its seafarers by saving two Japanese balloonists who had landed in rough seas some 1,500 kilometers off the coast of Miyagi.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Washington State Ferries
pulling Steel Electric class vessels

SEATTLE — Washington State Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond has announced that Washington State Ferries (WSF) is pull all of the Steel Electric class vessels out of service. This decision means that the Port Townsend-Keystone car ferry route will be closed until further notice. Washington State Ferries owns four 80-year-old Steel Electric class vessels – QUINAULT, KLICKITAT, ILLAHEE and NISQUALLY. These vessels predominantly serve the Port Townsend-Keystone and San Juan Islands inter-island routes. They are the only ferries in the system capable of operating in Keystone’s narrow and shallow harbor. “After meeting with staff concerning the most recent inspections of the Steel Electric hulls, I have decided that we must pull these ferries from service to examine each of the hulls more extensively,” said Ms. Hammond. “Ongoing work on the QUINAULT has revealed significant hull pitting along the keel that likely extends to all four Steel Electric vessels.”


Horizon Lines revising
fourth quarter, full year numbers

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has revised its financial guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2007. Based on current market conditions, the company now expects for the fourth quarter of 2007, operating revenue of $310 - $315 million, earnings before interest expense, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $35 - $38 million, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $.28 - $.35. Previous fourth quarter 2007 guidance included operating revenue of $300 - $310 million, EBITDA of $43 - $48 million, and diluted EPS of $.53 - $.65. The company also updated its financial guidance for the full year 2007, with projections of operating revenue of $1,200 - $1,205 million, EBITDA of $160 - $163 million, diluted EPS of $1.31 - $1.38 and free cash flow of $19 - $22 million. Prior full year 2007 guidance projected operating revenue of $1,190 - $1,200 million, EBITDA of $168 - $173 million, diluted EPS of $1.56 - $1.68, and free cash flow of $27 - $31 million.


US sees trade numbers jump
with Canada, Mexico during '06

WASHINGTON, DC — Goods valued at more than $866 billion crossed the U.S. border in trade with Canada and Mexico in 2006, 9.7 percent higher than the previous record set in 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, released the data as part of the third annual update of the North American Transportation Statistics (NATS) online database. Freight weighing nearly 475 million tons was transported through U.S. land borders, airports, and seaports to and from locations in Canada and Mexico in 2006. U.S. merchandise trade with Canada and Mexico, its two largest trading partners, rose by more than $252 billion or by 41.1 percent between 2001 and 2006. The value of freight shipments moving between the United States, Canada and Mexico grew at an average rate of nearly 7.1 percent per year between 2001 and 2006. The total value of U.S. freight shipments with Mexico grew 42.7 percent or 7.4 percent annually. Goods shipped in trade with Canada grew 40.2 percent or 7.1 percent annually. Trucks carried 62 percent of this freight measured by value - $534 billion in 2006. Rail carried 15 percent, followed by maritime with eight percent, pipeline with seven percent, and air with four percent. Trucks saw the largest modal increase in shipment value from 2005 to 2006 - $43 billion, followed by rail (up $12 billion), and maritime (up $12 billion).


Cargill adds web site
focusing on grain industry

MINNEAPOLIS — Cargill has launched CargillAg.com, a website developed to give grain producers a one-stop, online grain marketing resource. The new site, which is free of banner ads, offers streaming grain and livestock futures market quotes, continuously updated cash bid prices at every elevator in the Cargill AgHorizons network, local weather and news, and exclusive grain markets commentary by Cargill. A password-protected “Online Account Access” capability will be added in Spring 2008 that will enable customers to electronically track the status of their Cargill grain marketing activities including grain sold, contracts by type, actual sales versus estimated annual production, average final prices received and other vital information. An electronic signature feature will be available in many locations, eliminating the burden of receiving, signing, and returning paper contracts. Site developers point to producer input, together with the increasingly time-sensitive demands of today’s global grain markets, as key factors in building the new online tool.


Entry deadline nearing for
Bellingham gingerbread contest

BELLINGHAM — The deadline for sending the Port of Bellingham entry forms for the Holiday Port Festival's 12th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is Monday, December 3. Gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, December 5. All entries will be on display during The Holiday Port Festival from December 7-9 at Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This popular community event attracts everyone from professional cake decorators to preschoolers. All ages and skill levels are invited to see what they can create and prizes donated by local merchants will be awarded to first place winners in all categories. The gingerbread structures will be judged on presentation, quality of construction, detail and design, and originality. The public is invited to vote for their favorite gingerbread structure in the "People's Choice Award". The winner will receive two round trip cruises to Victoria -- including a delicious dinner -- donated by Victoria San Juan Cruises. Contest participants are encouraged to donate their Gingerbread Houses to the Festival's silent auction. The silent auction will be held throughout The Holiday Port Festival, with bids closing at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. All funds raised from the auction will go to the Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. Last year this event raised more than $3500. Entry forms containing rules and contest divisions can be picked up at the following locations:
• Port of Bellingham Administrative Offices - 1801 Roeder Avenue, Bellingham
• Bellingham Cruise Terminal - 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham
• Squalicum Harbor Marina Office - Marina Square, Bellingham
• Blaine Harbor Marina Office - 275 Marine Drive, Blaine


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, November 19, 2007

Washington governor names Parker
to state transportation commission

OLYMPIA — Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has announced the appointment of Philip A. Parker, 61, of Vancouver to the Washington State Transportation Commission. The commission is composed of seven citizen members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Transportation Commission works with the Washington State Department of Transportation and elected officials to define the state’s transportation plan, transportation investment plan and transportation policy. Mr. Parker has been a journeyman electrician for 35 years and an instructor in the electrical apprenticeship program. He serves on the Clark County Public Facilities District Board, is a member of the Washington State Electrical Board and is a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #48, where he serves as a member of the executive board. In addition to his work as an electrician, Mr. Parker is the chairperson of the Labor Roundtable of Southwest Washington and a member of the executive board of the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council. He is a member of the Tech Prep Advisory Committee for Clark College, the Columbia River Economic Development Council and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.


Port of Newport manager
named AAPA president

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport’s Port and Starboard newsletter reports that Port Manager, Don Mann, has been elected president of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). Mr. Mann will lead a 40-member Board of Directors representing navigational interests in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Northern California and Alaska.


Boeing delivers freighter
to AirBridge Cargo fleet

EVERETT — Boeing has delivered the first Boeing 747-400 Freighter to enter the fleet of AirBridgeCargo, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, under lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). The new airplane is the sixth 747 freighter in the AirBridge fleet, joining five 747-200/-300 Freighters. It is also the first of two 747-400 Freighters that AirBridgeCargo will lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services, and the carrier will take an additional 747-400F on lease in the second quarter of 2008. The Volga-Dnepr Group has also ordered five of Boeing's new 747-8 Freighters, the highly efficient and more capable next model in the 747 freighter family. GECAS has another 747-400F delivery in early 2008; which also will be leased to AirBridgeCargo.


Mitsui partnering with Rubis
for Antwerp shipping terminal

TOKYO — Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. (Mitsui USA) has announced its subsidiary Intercontinental Terminals Company LLC (ITC), Mitsui & Co., Europe Plc (Mitsui), and Rubis Terminal S.A. (Rubis) have entered into an agreement to invest jointly in a new 110,000 cbm terminal in Antwerp, Belgium for the storage and handling of various liquid chemicals, gases and petroleum products. Under the agreement, Mitsui and ITC will jointly acquire a 50 percent share, and Rubis will retain 50 percent of the shares. The company will be renamed ITC Rubis Terminal Antwerp S.A. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval. The construction of the first phase will start in 2008 while the start up of operations is planned for the second half of 2009. The terminal will have a deepwater jetty with six berths capable of handling large size chemical tankers, coasters and barges. The terminal will have the required rail and truck handling facilities and is authorized to handle a wide range of chemical liquids and gases.


Portland Shipping Club
needs shopping spree help

PORTLAND — The Portland Shipping Club is calling everyone who loves children and wants to help provide many disadvantaged kids with a happier holiday season. The club still needs volunteers and donations for their 19th Annual Children's Shopping Spree for kids living in shelters on Saturday, December 1. The club needs your help.You can make a difference. Whether you can spare a few hours on a Saturday morning or a few dollars, the children will never forget the caring and kindness they receive during this event. Go to http://www.pdxmex.com/bulletins/PSC/PSCSPREE2007.pdf for more information.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, November 16, 2007

HORIZON FALCON crew
honored for bravery at sea

NEW YORK — The captain and crew of the containership HORIZON FALCON were commended for bravery and heroism at the United Seamen's Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea event in New York on November 2. The vessel belongs to the fleet of Horizon Lines America's largest domestic ocean container carrier, which is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Before an audience of some 1,000 international transportation leaders, Captain Tom McDorr accepted the AOTOS Mariners' Plaque for the rescue of Chinese crewmembers of a sinking vessel in typhoon-heavy seas some 300 nautical miles northwest of Guam which took place in July of this year. United States Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton who cited the seafarers for "extraordinary selfless actions in the spirit of the
brotherhood of the seas" presented the award saying, "The HORIZON FALCON crew acted as a well-rehearsed group of professionals in putting themselves at great risk to save fellow seafarers who were in treacherous waters."


Carriers adding Qingdao call
to Asia-Mexico/SAm service

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line) have announced that the Asia-Mexico/West Coast South America container service called "CWL" will improve port coverage by adding direct calls at Qingdao. The rotation will be: Keelung(Taiwan) - Hong Kong - Chiwan(China) - Xiamen(China) - Shanghai (China) - Qingdao(China) - Pusan(Korea) - Manzanillo(Mexico) - Buenaventura (Colombia) - Callao(Peru) - Iquique(Chile) - Valparaiso(Chile) - Lirquen(Chile) - Yokohama(Japan) - Keelung(Taiwan) .


Rail freight numbers drop
during month of October

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. railroads originated 1,686,928 carloads of freight in October 2007, down 5,109 carloads (0.3 percent) from October 2006. U.S. railroads also originated 1,210,127 intermodal units in October 2007, a decrease of 46,775 trailers and containers (3.7 percent) from October 2006, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Six of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw U.S. carload increases in October 2007 compared to October 2006. Commodities showing carload gains in October 2007 included grain (up 17,137 carloads, or 14.2 percent, to 137,477 carloads); chemicals (up 5,760 carloads, or 4.0 percent, to 148,917 carloads); and metallic ores (up 2,171 carloads, or 6.1 percent, to 37,508 carloads). \ Commodities showing carload decreases in October 2007 included crushed stone and gravel (down 5,422 carloads, or 4.6 percent, to 111,539 carloads); pulp and paper (down 4,654 carloads, or 11.9 percent, to 34,448 carloads); and coke (down 4,472 carloads, or 14.2 percent, to 26,939 carloads). Carloads of coal, which account for approximately 42 percent of total U.S. carloads, were down 0.2 percent (1,210 carloads) in October to 711,653 carloads. For the first 10 months of 2007, total U.S. rail carloads were down 431,622 carloads (2.9 percent) to 14,394,806 carloads. U.S. intermodal traffic, which consists of trailers and containers on flat cars and is not included in carload figures, was down 225,617 trailers and containers (2.2 percent) for the first 10 months of 2007 to 10,234,760 units.


Panama Canal breaking records
during first part of new fiscal year

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reports it opened the 2008 fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) setting a monthly transit record in October for ships spanning 900 feet or more in length. A total of 164 ships of these dimensions transited the canal last month, breaking the previous record of 159
ships, achieved in December 2006. Additionally, the daily average for registered ships 900 feet or more in length transiting the canal in October was 5.29 per day,
surpassing the previous record of 5.17 per day, reached in November 2006. The record for transits 900 feet or greater is attributed to the growing use of container vessels by shippers to transport goods to market. Moreover, the canal’s customer-focused business model has encouraged a strong surge in the Asia-U.S. East Coast trade route, which has also rapidly increased demand for the waterway’s services.


NYK ship uses shore power
during Port of Los Angeles call

TOKYO — NYK Line and the Port of Los Angeles have announced a successful implementation of a “direct” shoreside electric power connection to a container vessel at berth. The 6.6 KV Alternative Maritime Powered (AMP) NYK ATLAS arrived at Yusen Terminals on November 10 and was connected to shoreside power a few hours after docking. The vessel continued utilizing the shoreside power until its departure three days later. The NYK ATLAS is the first of 38 NYK flagged vessels that will be equipped to utilize shoreside electric power.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, November 15, 2007

TSA member carriers eye
bunker cost recovery program

OAKLAND — Container shipping lines in the Asia-U.S. trade lane have announced a series of recommended action steps to improve bunker cost recovery, noting that the unprecedented escalation in fuel prices to recent record levels has created a critical situation that potentially threatens the industry’s ability to service the trade. The 14 major lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) estimate a gap in excess of $5 billion between what they spent on marine bunker fuel during the period from February 2006 through August 2007, and the total fuel surcharges they collected for that same period. Carriers say it is essential that they be able to recover a greater share of costs quickly and that fuel surcharges in all their contracts float with world fuel price fluctuations in world markets. Carriers say failure to fully recover fuel costs in their service contracts to date is not sustainable given current extraordinary fuel price levels. In response to this situation, TSA carriers have agreed to the following guidelines:
* All new service contracts for the 2008 contract season will be subject to full floating bunker surcharge in accordance with TSA’s bunker formula.
* Where current contractual commitments have been met, carriers will seek an immediate adjustment in the contract to bring bunker recovery to a full floating basis. Some carriers may seek to accomplish this through application of a separate extraordinary bunker charge.
* Where contractual commitments are ongoing, carriers intend to contact customers who do not have the full floating bunker provision in their contracts to seek
mutual agreement to increase the level of BAF recovery now, to a full floating basis.
These steps in connection with the bunker surcharge are in addition to the other revenue recovery steps for 2008 contracts that have already been announced.


PDX construction project
will aid checked bag screening

PORTLAND — Construction will begin in January on a project that will make security screening for checked bags more convenient and comfortable for travelers at Portland International Airport. Port of Portland Commissioners have approved contracts for construction, and construction support services for the improved checked bag screening system. The system will move screening equipment out of the airport ticket lobby and behind the scenes. When the system is finished in fall 2010, travelers will give checked bags to airline representatives at ticket counters, and bags will travel on conveyor belts out of the ticket lobby and through screening equipment enroute to aircraft loading. Currently, travelers must carry their bags from ticket counters to bag screening machines located in the ticket lobby. The project is a partnership involving the port, airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration, which conducts baggage screening. PDX airlines will provide major funding for the project, and the TSA will provide bag screening equipment. Commissioners awarded a $101.3 million construction management/general contractor construction contract to Hoffman Construction Company. Commissioners amended an existing design contract by $5.7 million with PGAL Architecture, LLC for construction support services.


Freight services index
drops to new low in September

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.7 percent in September from its August level, declining for the fifth time in the last six months, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The September fall was the largest decline since November 2006 and the sixth decline this year. At 108.1, the freight TSI is at its lowest level since January 2004 and is down 4.5 percent from its peak of 113.1 achieved in November 2005. The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries. The index consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. For the first nine months of 2007, the freight TSI was down 0.7 percent, recording its fourth decline in the past five years for the first nine months of the year. The index had been slightly positive for the year through August but the September decline pushed it into negative territory.


NASSCO delivers latest
T-AKE vessel to US Navy

SAN DIEGO — On November 14, General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, delivered USNS RICHARD E. BYRD (T-AKE 4) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is the third T-AKE-class ship delivered by the San Diego shipyard in 2007, the fourth overall. USNS RICHARD E. BYRD is the fourth in an expected class of 14 dry cargo-ammunition ships for the Navy. Construction of the 689-foot-long ship began in February 2006. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the T-AKE class ships, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs during their projected 40-year service life. With a cargo capacity of more than 10,000 tons, the primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions from shore stations to combat ships at sea. The RICHARD E. BYRD is named in honor of the Medal of Honor recipient who made the first-ever flights over the North and South Poles. The previously-delivered ships by NASSCO in 2007 are USNS SACAGAWEA (T-AKE 2) in February and USNS ALAN SHEPARD (T-AKE 3) in June. USNS LEWIS AND CLARK (T-AKE 1) was delivered in June 2006. The fifth through eighth ships of the class are currently under construction for deliveries through the third quarter of 2009.


Boeing's Everett tour center
welcomes three-millionth guest

EVERETT — The Boeing Company's Tour Center welcomed its three-millionth visitor Nov. 12. The Boeing Tour Center is part of the Future of Flight Aviation Center, which is a learning and interpretive facility designed to let visitors experience the marvel of commercial jet aviation and production. The Boeing Tour Center is one of Washington state's most-often-visited tourist attractions. Al Varness, 71, from Kirkland, Wash., was the lucky three-millionth visitor. Mr. Varness, a U.S. Navy veteran and high school teacher for more than 30 years, visited the Boeing Tour Center with his grandchildren, Michael Petter, 11; and Adam Petter, 7. Mr. Varness and his grandchildren were given a personal tour of the Everett factory. The tour included a close-up look at a Boeing 747-400 freighter and a Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliner. The Boeing Tour Center is located at the Future of Flight just west of the Boeing Everett site in Mukilteo, Wash. For more information on taking the Boeing tour see http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/tours/.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

TNWA member carriers
announce winter capacity plans

TOKYO — The New World Alliance (TNWA) carriers - APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) - have announced their winter capacity plans for the Transpacific trade. In the face of an unprecedented rise in operating costs - particularly for fuel - the TNWA has made the decision to withdraw more capacity and earlier than in previous years. In addition to an immediate winter reduction of around 10 percent, the TNWA will from early December also withdraw a further five to 10 percent of its joint capacity in the Transpacific. The withdrawal may also run longer than in past years, according to the TNWA. TNWA anticipates that it will have plenty of capacity to meet demand for cargo transportation services in the Transpacific during this winter season. Service will continue to be provided at all existing port locations. The carriers did not rule out future additional network adjustments in order to minimize the impact of dramatically higher costs on their respective businesses.


Matson Navigation boosting
fuel surcharge three percent higher

OAKLAND — With fuel related costs continuing to escalate to record highs, Matson Navigation Company has announced that it is revising its previously announced adjustment to its fuel related surcharge by increasing it by an additional three percentage points, and has postponed the effective date to December 14, 2007. The fuel related surcharge applies to the company’s Hawaii, Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services. On October 19, Matson announced it would increase its current surcharge by two percentage points, from 24 to 26 percent, effective December 2, 2007. With the revised increase, Matson’s fuel related surcharge will increase by five percentage points, from 24 to 29 percent.


Port of Vancouver, USA
schedules public tours

VANCOUVER, USA — There is a lot going on at the Port of Vancouver USA, and once a month, citizens have an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at their local port. The November VIP (Vancouver International Port) Tour is scheduled for Thursday, Nov.29 from noon-1:30 p.m., at the port’s administration building (3103 NW Lower River Road). It is the final tour of 2007, but the monthly tours will begin again in January. Deputy Executive Director Todd Coleman will deliver a presentation and take questions from the audience while a light meal is served. The tour provides a look inside the secure area of the port. Visitors will see – up close – the Port of Vancouver’s mobile harbor crane, capable of lifting 140 metric tons (the equivalent of two space shuttles). It’s the largest mobile harbor crane in North America. Did you know that the port uses B20 Biodiesel in all of its heavy equipment and diesel vehicles? Did you know that port tenants provide barley to local microbreweries, make the “Rest-A-Phone”, and process the Subaru cars sold in the western United States? That’s just a sample of some of the things visitors will see and learn during the Port of Vancouver’s VIP Tour. Photo identification and RSVPs are required, as space is limited. For more information, or to RSVP for the VIP Tour, contact Andrew Ness at the port, by November 20 – by calling 360-992-1137 or by emailing amness@portvanusa.com.


Washington State sees jump
in exports during third quarter

TACOMA — Washington State exports have increased 22.7 percent in the third quarter to $16.6 billion as compared with the same quarter in 2006, according to the World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA). The positive trend is nearly double the national export growth rate in the third quarter of 11. 6 percent. Washington continues to rank fourth in the nation for exports, behind Texas, California and New York. China was Washington State's largest export customer. The state exported $2.48 billion in the third quarter, comprising 39.5 percent of the total exports to China in 2007. Canada and Japan followed China as top export markets for Washington State. India was the state's fourth largest export market, growing a staggering 521.04 percent in the first nine months of 2007 as compared with the same period in 2006. This can be attributed to an increase in aircraft sales to India. Already this year, $3.45 billion worth of aircraft and aircraft parts have been exported to India.


NOAA accepting applications
for Ernest F. Hollings scholarships

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is accepting applications for a scholarship program in honor of retired South Carolina Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, who promoted oceanic and atmospheric research throughout his career. This is the fourth year this scholarship is being made available to students interested in pursuing degrees in ocean and atmospheric sciences and education. In 2008, the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program will provide approximately 100 college undergraduates up to $29,050 each for their academic studies related to NOAA science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. The program also offers a multi-disciplinary summer internship providing students the opportunity to work with NOAA scientists. Applications will be accepted through February 8, 2008. Scholarship students will be eligible for up to $8,000 of academic assistance per year for full-time study during their junior and senior years; a paid 10-week, full-time internship position during the summer at a NOAA facility ($650 per week); a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship; and travel expenses to attend and participate in a mandatory orientation and conference. Applications for the Hollings Scholarship Program are available on-line. Requests for applications may also be made via e-mail at StudentScholarshipPrograms@noaa.gov, by telephone 301-713-9437 x150, or in writing
to:
NOAA Hollings Scholarship Program
1315 East-West Highway, Room 10703
Silver Spring MD 20910


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, November 12, 2007

Boeing Portland facility
earns ISO 14001 certification

PORTLAND — The Boeing Company has announced that its Fabrication manufacturing facility in Portland, has received International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification. ISO 14001 confirms Boeing's Portland facility has a certified system in place to monitor, manage and continuously improve its environmental management system. Boeing's Portland facility, located in Gresham, Ore., comprises 124 acres and is a center for complex machined parts within the company.


Oakland port workers
begin TWIC enrollment

OAKLAND — On November 8, port workers, longshoremen, truckers and others at the Port of Oakland becAme the first in the region to enroll in the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The program's goal is to ensure that any individual who has unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels has received a thorough background check and is not a security threat. Thousands of workers are expected to enroll over the coming months at the Port of Oakland and Port of San Francisco, which begins enrollment spring 2008. Nationwide, more than 1 million workers with unescorted access to secure areas will apply during the rest of 2007 and 2008.


Grain association predicts rise
in feed grain exports to Australia

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is projecting increased export potential for U.S. feed grains to Australia as a result of Australia’s federal government authorizing livestock producers to import grains due to ongoing drought conditions. According to the USGC, this is consistent with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) recently revising its forecast for the 2007-08 winter feed grains harvest down significantly from previous estimations. For example, ABARE expects barley production to amount to five million tons, previously forecast at 5.9 million tons. Total production of Australia’s top three grains is forecast to be 18 million tons — around 42 percent below the five year average.


Diana Shipping agrees to
time charter deal for vessel

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Jiangsu Shagang Group Co., Ltd, People's Republic of China, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the DIONE, at a gross rate of US$82,000 per day for a minimum twelve (12) to a maximum 14 month period. This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$29.1 million of gross revenues for the minimum scheduled period of the charter. The charter is expected to commence at the middle of January, 2008. The DIONE is a 75,172 dwt Panamax dry bulk carrier built in 2001. The previous time charter contract for the DIONE was at the gross charter hire rate of US$28,500 per day.


Bellingham Cruise Terminal
set for Holiday Port Festival

BELLINGHAM — The Bellingham Cruise Terminal will be in its entire holiday splendor, beautifully decorated, and the Holiday Port Festival will fill it with music, dancing and gingerbread houses December 7 - 9, 2007. The Port of Bellingham invites everyone to enjoy this fun community event, which is free of charge and open to all. Music groups and dance performers from around Whatcom County take center stage each day of the festival filling the building with the sights and sounds of the season. During the three-day festival, more than 1,100 local performers will help ring in the season. You won't want to miss the 12th Annual Gingerbread Houses Decorating Contest and Silent Auction which will be featured this year at Holiday Port. The contest is free and anyone of all baking abilities is encouraged submit an entry and use their imagination! Creatively designed and beautifully decorated ginger-structures will be on display-all made by local families, students, professional bakers and local businesses. Many of the entries are donated in a silent auction throughout the Holiday Port Festival. Auction proceeds will go to the Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. Contest entry forms for the sugary masterpieces will be accepted through December 3. Entry forms and rules are now available in all port offices and at the port's website www.portofbellingham.com under the calendar section. Event Hours are: Friday: Noon - 8 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, November 9, 2007

Washington governor calls for
quicker cleanup of Alcoa property

OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Gregoire has issued the following statement regarding a Toxic Cleanup project in Vancouver: “Today (Nov. 8), I asked Jay Manning, state Ecology Director, to immediately develop and implement a strategy for accelerating cleanup of Alcoa’s former aluminum smelter site in Vancouver. We must remove the high levels of PCB contamination from the Columbia River sediments at this site as soon as possible. They pose a threat to people and fish and the sooner we get the cleanup started the sooner we can get it done. I am confident that Alcoa will work with Ecology to get this important work completed. The work in the river must take place as soon as it is legally possible. I have asked Ecology to develop immediately a schedule for significant cleanup milestones that can be published and which can track progress. In the meantime, every effort will be made to protect public health and to remove remaining sources of PCB contamination on the Alcoa property. I've also asked Jay to ensure that the department keeps the local community and other interested stakeholders fully informed about the progress of the cleanup.”


Gunderson Rail Services
changing name to Greenbrier

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — Gunderson Rail Services has announced that it has changed its name to Greenbrier Rail Services. All former Gunderson Rail Services, Meridian Rail Services, and Rail Car America facilities will now operate under the name Greenbrier Rail Services. Greenbrier Rail Services (GRS), a full service provider of railcar repair, maintenance, wheel and refurbishment services, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies.. Greenbrier Rail Services operates one of the largest railcar service networks in North America with 35 strategically located facilities specializing in railcar repair and maintenance, complete wheel services, axle finishing, and the manufacturing and sale of freight car components, such as doors, cushioning units, couplers, yokes, and associated parts.


The New World Alliance boosting
coverage of Asia-Europe market

TOKYO — The New World Alliance (TNWA) carriers - APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) - have announced their intention to significantly upgrade ship capacity and enhance the port coverage of a major Asia-Europe service offering. In response to continued customer demand in the Asia-Europe trade, the TNWA will from January 2008 phase in eight ships with capacity ranging from 8,100-8,500 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) on the South China Express (SCX) service. The SCX will also make new calls at the major Chinese ports of Ningbo and Shanghai as well as making a westbound call at the UK's Thamesport facility. The enhanced port rotation will be Zeebrugge, Thamesport, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Singapore, Chiwan, Ningbo, Yangshan, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Singapore, Zeebrugge. TNWA member lines APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), serve more than 40 ports using in excess of 100 containerships in the major East-West container trades.


US rail freight traffic
comes in up/down for week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was mixed compared with the same week last year during the week ended October 27, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 341,396 cars, an increase of 0.8 percent from last year, however loadings were up 2.5 percent in the West and down 1.4 percent in the East. A total of 240,657 trailers and containers were loaded during the week, down 4.4 percent the comparable week last year. Container volume dropped 3.4 percent while trailer loadings fell 7.8 percent from last year. Total volume was estimated at 36.0 billion ton-miles, up 2.3 percent from the comparable week last year. Among individual carload commodities, grain was up 15.9 percent from last year, waste & scrap metals posted a 7.0 percent gain and nonmetallic minerals rose 5.1 percent. On the downside, farm products (excluding grain) fell 17.6 percent; pulp, paper and allied products showed a 15.6 percent drop, and lumber and wood products posted a drop of 15.1 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 43 weeks of 2007 totaled 14,056,298 carloads, off 3.0 percent from 2006; 9,993,400 trailers or containers, a dip of 2.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 1.45 trillion ton-miles, a 1.5 percent drop from last year.


Washington transport board
looking for public ferry input

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Transportation Commission is working with Opinion Research Northwest to gather opinions on issues and plans concerning the future of service at Washington State Ferries. WSTC invites interested parties to participate in one of a several small group discussions or online forums. Interested? To sign up, call (866) 461-0700 and ask about the Ferry Recruit or email FerryRecruit@nwrg.com. To learn more about the project go to www.nwrg.com or call Katie at 206-624-6465.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, November 8, 2007

Johnson, Petrich elected
to Tacoma Port Commission

TACOMA — Pierce County voters have elected Don Johnson and incumbent Clare Petrich to the Port of Tacoma Commission in the November 6, 2007 general election. While Commissioner Petrich was first elected to the port commission in 1995, Mr. Johnson is new to the position. He will take the place of longtime commissioner Jack Fabulich, who will retire at the close of 2007 after 31 years on the port commission. Election results are not final until certified by the Pierce County Auditor on November 27, 2007. Based on data available the morning after the election, following are the election results (with percentage of votes received):
Port of Tacoma Commission - Position 3
* Don Johnson: 64.45%
* Bill Casper: 34.86%
Port of Tacoma Commission - Position 5
* Clare Petrich: 70.93%
* Bernard Tuma: 28.43%


Corps set to dredge
mouth of Cowlitz River

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging at the mouth of the Cowlitz River Tuesday, Nov. 13, as an interim measure to manage the sediment flowing downstream from Mount St. Helens. Dredges will work through Feb. 28, 2008 to remove three million cubic yards of sediment from the mouth of the Cowlitz River up to River Mile 1.3 to maintain the Corps' authorized level of flood protection for the cities of Kelso, Lexington, Longview and Castle Rock, Wash. The Port of Portland's dredge OREGON will work at the mouth of the river. The Corps will award a contract for work within the narrower portion of the channel by the end of November. The Coast Guard will establish a temporary safety zone on the Cowlitz River to protect individuals and vessels from hazards associated with dredging operations. The safety zone will be in effect throughout the duration of the project. It will begin in the vicinity of Howard Island at the mouth of the Cowlitz River and extend 1.5 miles upriver. Entry is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard.


Navy vessel unloads cargo
at Port of Olympia terminal

OLYMPIA — The USNS Brittin BRITTIN recently docked at the Port of Olympia to discharge a cargo of military equipment returning from Iraq. The cargo was used to support the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team that celebrated its return to Ft. Lewis in October after a 15-month deployment. After the vessel leaves port, part of the cargo will be driven or trucked back to Ft. Lewis while the rest will be sent to other destinations. Some of the soldiers who manned these vehicles in Iraq will soon be driving them up I-5. The military has a long and valued presence in Thurston County and at the port. This is the 13th military vessel to call at the port since 2004. The port commission has consistently reaffirmed its support of the port's handling of military cargoes and the significant economic role played by the military in Thurston County. The Port of Olympia is considered an alternative port to Tacoma as a "strategic port" for the military. The port's marine terminal infrastructure is well suited for this type of cargo, and the port's longshore labor force is well respected for their experienced handling of these cargoes and vessels.


Corps closing Chitttenden Locks
for annual maintenance program

SEATTLE — The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard will be closed to maritime traffic for its annual maintenance beginning at midnight on Nov. 18 (Sunday morning.) The Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks, expects to have the large lock back in operation by 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 after completion of scheduled maintenance. The maintenance crews will make maximum efforts to minimized disruptions and the small lock is scheduled to remain fully operational throughout the closure period. The small lock can accommodate vessels up to 25 feet wide and 100 feet long. Vessels and boaters who normally make use of the large lock to transit in either direction will be directed to use the small lock for the two weeks of the closure and should ensure they have any additional handling equipment and crew required on board before entering the chamber. For current information about activities at the Locks, check the Corps of Engineers website at: http://www.nws.usace.army.mil and select "Dams and Locks" then "Lake Washington Ship Canal" from the left-most column. The Chittenden Locks, often referred to as the Ballard or Government Locks, safely transit about 60,000 vessels each year.


NYK receives new ship
built to carry iron ore

TOKYO — On November 6, 2007, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has taken delivery of a new 200,000 DWT bulk carrier, BAO GUO, built at the Tsu Shipyard of the Universal Shipbuilding Corporation (location: Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Japan). The bulk carrier will engage in long-term transport of iron ore for Baoshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd., based in China. Except for the first year of the contract period, which began in 2006, 600,000 tons of iron ore is expected to be transported from Brazil each year over the final 11 years of the 12-year transport agreement.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Workers at Port of Tacoma
begin TWIC program enrollment

TACOMA — Today, port workers, longshoremen, truckers and others at the Port of Tacoma, become the first in the region to enroll in the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The program's goal is to ensure that any individual who has unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels has received a thorough background check and is not a security threat. Thousands of workers are expected to enroll over the coming months at the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle which begins enrollment mid-December. Nationwide, more than one million workers with unescorted access to secure areas will apply during the rest of 2007 and 2008.


Port Tracker report finds
box count down for September

WASHINGTON, DC — Traffic at the nation’s major retail container ports dropped below last year’s levels for the second month in a row in September, and is expected to continue either flat or below last year’s levels for the remainder of the peak shipping season, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Global Insight. Ports surveyed handled 1.46 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of container traffic in September, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. That’s down about 6,000 containers, or 0.4 percent, from August, and 1.9 percent from September 2006. (August 2007 was down 1.4 percent from August 2006.)


Lufthansa adding daily flight
from Sea-Tac to Frankfurt

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle and Lufthansa Airlines have announced the start of new daily international non-stop service between Seattle and Frankfurt, Germany, beginning March 30, 2008. Lufthansa is the largest carrier of international passengers in the world and Frankfurt is the eighth largest airport in the world.
Lufthansa's service not only will connect Seattle to Germany, but also will allow their passengers to make connections to Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and India. Lufthansa's flight service between Seattle and Frankfurt will be a daily service aboard a 221-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft.


Greenbrier sees increases
for fourth quarter, fiscal year

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — The Greenbrier Companies has reported results for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2007. Revenues for the quarter were up $85 million or 32 percent to $351 million vs. the prior year's fourth quarter, driven by acquisition-related growth in refurbishment & parts. Net earnings for the quarter were $13.2 million, or $.82 per diluted share vs. $12.3 million, or $.76 per share, in the prior year's fourth quarter. These results include a special charge of $2.3 million, or $.14 per diluted share, with no related tax benefit, associated with closure costs of the company's Canadian railcar manufacturing facility. Earnings before special charges for the quarter were $15.5 million, or $.96 per diluted share. EBITDA before special charges for the quarter was $43.0 million, or 12.3 percent of revenues. Revenues for the year were up 28 percent, to a record $1.224 billion, driven by acquisition-related growth in refurbishment & parts. Net earnings for the year were $22.0 million, or $1.37 per diluted share. These results include special charges net of a related tax benefit, of $13.7 million, or $.85 per diluted share, associated with closure costs and investment write-off for tax purposes of the Company's Canadian railcar manufacturing facility. Earnings before special charges, net of a related tax benefit, for the year were $35.7 million, or $2.22 per diluted share. EBITDA before special charges for fiscal 2007 was $130 million, up 16 percent over 2006 EBITDA of $112 million.


Trucks in US/Mexico program
will be fitted with tracking gear

WASHINGTON, DC — Starting later this month, trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a new demonstration program will have equipment on board that allows them to be monitored as they pick up and deliver their loads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced its plans, noting the decision to require the installation of satellite tracking technology on trucks in the program was made after members of Congress expressed a desire to know whether participants are complying with federal safety and trade laws. The agency will initially spend approximately $367,000 to outfit all trucks from the United States and Mexico that take part in the program, and use the information gathered from the equipment to ensure trucks comply with hours-of-service laws and rules that govern the trips into and out of the country. The GPS-based technology also will allow real-time tracking of truck location, documenting every international-border and state-line crossing. According to FMCSA, the technology will help continue to ensure that trucks operating as part of the program are complying with the agency’s rigorous safety standards and U.S. trade laws.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, November 5, 2007

Port of Seattle works deal
for BNSF rail corridor

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with King County and BNSF Railway Company that will result in the port’s acquisition and receipt by donation of the 42-mile Eastside rail corridor in King and Snohomish counties from the railroad. Under this MOU, the port would lease the corridor to King County, which would then develop a major public-access trail on the southern portion of the corridor that is within the county. The trail would connect to approximately 130 miles of existing trails and to sidewalks and streets in Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Woodinville. Key points in the MOU are: The port’s acquisition for $103 million and receipt by donation of the corridor consisting of the freight corridor north of Woodinville to the City of Snohomish and the corridor south of Woodinville to Renton, together with a spur to Redmond; The port’s intent to negotiate a long-term lease on the property with King County so that the county can develop biking and walking trails from Renton to Woodinville; Commercial freight use will continue on the section from Woodinville to Snohomish; Transfer of the Fisher Flour Mill site located on Harbor Island from the County to the port; The county agrees to consult with the port regarding future significant development at King County International Airport (KCIA). The details outlined in the MOU will be submitted for approval by the Metropolitan King County Council and the Port Commission no later than December 11, with final closing of the transaction by July 2008.


AAPA calls for Congress to overide
president's water resources act veto

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) reports that as they expected, President Bush has vetoed the 2007 Water Resources Development Act (HR 1495), which would authorize critically needed legislation to advance water resources projects throughout the United States, including those that would improve navigation, repair hurricane damage, restore wetlands and prevent flooding. In response, America's seaports and related port industries-which are challenged with handling unprecedented cargo volume growth and demands from increasingly larger ships-will mount a "full-court press" on Congress to lock-in the first veto override of the Bush Administration. AAPA is urging its 86 member ports in the U.S. to act quickly and decisively to ensure members of Congress understand the importance of voting to override the President's WRDA bill veto. The bill received overwhelming support from both houses of Congress prior to its trip to the President's desk, receiving votes of 91-4 in the Senate and 394-25 in the House. The American Association of Port Authorities was founded in 1912 and today represents 160 of the leading public port authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, the AAPA represents 335 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in the seaports of the Western Hemisphere.


NASSCO lays keel
for seventh T-AKE ship

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has laid the keel for the seventh dry cargo-ammunition ship in the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program and started construction of the eighth ship. Both ships will be delivered to the Navy in 2009. The keel of T-AKE 7 was laid on November 2, while construction of T-AKE 8 began on October 31. NASSCO recently launched USNS ROBERT E. PEARY (T-AKE 5) and successfully completed sea trials for USNS RICHARD E. BYRD (T-AKE 4). Since June 2006, NASSCO has delivered three T-AKE ships to the Navy, and will soon deliver the RICHARD E. BYRD. The shipyard has contracts to build the first nine ships of the T-AKE class and recently reached an agreement to terms for ships 10 through 14. The primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver as much as 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea.


Coast Guard looking into
new Arctic shipping route

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a C-130 departed Barrow, Alaska to fly 1,183 miles to the North Pole as part of an increase in Arctic orientation flights. The crew, which includes a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Barrow community, will assess changes in maritime activity in the region as recently observed climate changes provide greater access to the Arctic. The Arctic region is the focus of increasing interest as a shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering a potential route between Europe and Asia that is 4,000 miles shorter than a transit through the Panama Canal . Among the needs the Coast Guard has identified is the potential for a traffic routing system to define shipping lanes in rapidly changing waterways.


Nike making move to LNG
for Los Angeles vehicle fleet

SACRAMENTO — Nike, Inc. and its affiliate company Converse have announced that they would be switching a significant portion of their Los Angeles area harbor drayage fleet from diesel to new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fueled vehicles. The "green fleet" announcement was made in conjunction with news that Nike has joined the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT), a group advocating for policies and public/private partnerships that encourage the use of cleaner truck technologies in port communities.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, November 2, 2007

TSA member carriers plan
revenue/cost recovery program

OAKLAND — Container shipping lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have established a voluntary guideline revenue/cost recovery program for the 2008-09 contract season. The program, which is subject to all applicable filing and consultation requirements, addresses rising operating costs in the coming year, including record marine fuel prices in 2007-08. In combination with further steps to be taken in 2009-10 contracts, it also will establish over time a level of profitability required to meet anticipated asset and service expansion in the Asia-U.S. freight market. Elements of the plan proposed by TSA include: Freight rate increases of US$400 per 40-foot container (FEU) for U.S. West Coast port-to-port and door cargo, and US$600 per FEU for all other traffic, including intermodal and U.S. East Coast all-water shipments. Restoration of a floating bunker fuel surcharge – broken out from base rates and adjusted on a regular basis to reflect bunker fuel price fluctuations – in all contracts that have had bunker surcharges mitigated, capped or folded into base rates. A US$400 per FEU peak season surcharge will be applied to all shipments on TSA member line vessels during the period of June 1 through October 1, 2008, subject to adjustments relating to the timing, duration and strength of the 2008 peak. TSA lines also intend to modify the timing of service contracts, extending 2008-09 contracts by an additional two months, to expire on June 30, 2009. This will give shippers the benefits of two additional months at 2008 contract rates, and will also mean that future 12-month contracts will have July 1 start dates. Finally, carriers plan to include provisions in upcoming contracts that will enable them to recover increased West Coast trucking costs which may arise from legislative and/or regulatory changes, such as implementation of the transport worker identification card (TWIC) and the proposed Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor truck plan.


Foss fleet moving to
low sulfur diesel fuel

SEATTLE — Foss Maritime Company has announced that, effective immediately, its vessels are switching to ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSDF) from low sulfur diesel fuel, significantly reducing emissions of particulate matter and other pollutants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and port officials in Seattle and Portland lauded Foss for taking an important step to reducing the air emissions in Elliott Bay, Puget Sound and the Columbia and Snake rivers. Foss’s fuel switch to ultra low sulfur diesel from low sulfur diesel will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by about nine tons per year in the Seattle/Puget Sound region and eight tons per year in the Columbia and Snake Rivers area including Portland. Use of ultra low sulfur diesel by Foss will also reduce particulate matter by about 0.7 tons per year for Seattle/Puget Sound and 0.6 tons per year for Columbia Snake River.


US rail freight totals
continue downward slide

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down compared with the same week last year during the week ended October 20, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload freight totaled 332,461 cars, down 2.1 percent from last year, with loadings down 1.7 percent in the West and down 4.9 percent in the East. A total of 242,558 trailers and containers were loaded during the week, down 4.3 percent the comparable week last year. Container volume was down 3.4 percent while trailer loadings dropped 7.2 percent from last year. Total volume was estimated at 35.1 billion ton-miles, down 0.6 percent from the comparable week last year. Among individual carload commodities, grain was up 17.0 percent from last year, petroleum products rose 7.4 percent from last year and waste & scrap metals delivered a 5.0 percent gain. On the downside, lumber and wood products fell 15.4 percent; pulp, paper and allied products slipped 13.5 percent and primary forest products dropped 11.3 percent from last year. Cumulative volume for the first 42 weeks of 2007 totaled 13,713,219 carloads, down 3.1 percent from 2006; 9,752,743 trailers or containers, a decline of 2.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 1.4 trillion ton-miles, down 1.6 percent from last year.


Retirements, new hirings
at Port of Longview

LONGVIEW — The Port of Longview’s Latitudes publication reports Patty St. Onge, operations bulk cargo coordinator for 30 years, Diane Manasco, director of information services for 30 years and Sheila Morrison, accounts receivable manager for 30 years have all announced their plans to retire. Jennifer Brown, who has been with the port since 2000 as an environmental engineer and analyst programmer, has been promoted to Information Services director, replacing Ms. Manasco. The Port of Longview has also welcomed new employees Chris Bray, operations bulk cargo coordinator and Randy Toney, analyst programmer I. Other employees marking years of service to the port are: Judy Grigg, manager of environmental affairs -- 25 years; Doug averett, director of terminal operations -- 20 years; Bruce Staggs, engineering coordinator -- 20 years; and Robin Johnson, executive assistant/deputy auditor -- 10 years.


Airport Futures meetings
scheduled to discuss PDX

PORTLAND — The City of Portland and the Port of Portland have just begun "Airport Futures," a three-year planning process for Portland International Airport. Learn more about the planning effort and other changes planned at PDX by attending these events: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 -- Airport Futures Open House: Portland International Airport, 7000 NE Airport Way – 1st floor, south end of bag claim, 1-4 p.m. Airport Futures project facilitated workshops at 1:30 and 3 p.m. See the airport in action; a limited number of tours of the PDX airfield will be available (RSVP recommended). Secure a spot on the tour bus by logging onto www.flypdx.com/pdxrsvp/or by calling 503-944-7151. Refreshments, childcare, and parking validation provided, or take TriMet’s MAX light rail Red Line to the PDX terminal and receive a free all-zone ticket for the ride home. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 -- Airport Futures Open House: Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd. in Vancouver, 6-8 p.m. Airport Futures project facilitated workshops at 6 and 7 p.m. Refreshments and childcare provided. At both meetings, in addition to learning more about Airport Futures, share your input and suggestions on several key large-scale projects currently underway at PDX: North Runway Extension and PDX Deicing System Enhancements. For more details and accessibility information for any of these events, please call the Port of Portland at 503-944-7047 or 800-547-8411, ext. 7047; or, call the City of Portland at 503-823-5869.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, November 1, 2007

Port of Bellingham sets
public budget review meeting

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham is forecasting another year of investment into major capital projects in its 2008 Draft Strategic Budget, which has been released for public review. Copies of the budget are available online or at Port Administrative offices, 1801 Roeder Avenue. The port commission will have a public hearing on the proposed budget at 3 p.m., Tuesday, in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue. The draft budget anticipates an 11.65 percent increase in operating revenues for a total of $15.8 million. All revenues are reinvested into port infrastructure and facilities. The budget also shows a projected 13 percent increase in operating expenses, compared to the 2007 budget.


NAFTA partners see gains
in surface transportation count

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 4.2 percent higher in August 2007 than in August 2006, reaching $69.2 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 11.9 percent in August from July. 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 August was up 48.0 percent compared to August 2002, and up 96.2 percent compared to August 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in August were up 109.4 percent compared to August 1997, while exports were up 81.1 percent.


Alfred Popp named winner
of IMO maritime prize

LONDON — The International Maritime Prize for 2006 has been presented to Alfred Popp (Canada), former chairman of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Legal Committee. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, secretary-general of the IMO, presented the prize during a special ceremony October 22, during the 93rd session of IMO’s Legal Committee. The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to the individual or organization judged to have made the most significant contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. The 98th session of the IMO Council in June 2007 took the decision to award the prize to Mr. Popp in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the cause of maritime safety and security and the protection of the marine environment, highlighted by his work representing Canada at IMO and his chairmanship of the IMO Legal Committee from 1993 to 2006.


Comment period now open
for Shoalwater Bay erosion project

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Seattle District is accepting comments through Nov. 30, 2007 on the impacts of a change in the Shoalwater Bay Shoreline Erosion Project preferred alternative. The project is at North Cove on the north side of the entrance to Willapa Bay near Tokeland, Wash., in Pacific County, and is adjacent to the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe’s reservation on the northern edge of Willapa Bay, between Cape Shoalwater/Washaway Beach and Toke Point. Designed to provide coastal erosion protection for the tribal reservation of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, the project was authorized by Section 545 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. According to Steven Babcock, project manager, the preferred alternative was selected as a result of new information and issues identified in comments on the draft Environmental Assessment, which was circulated for review and comment earlier this year.The submission of factual comments on the impacts of the change in project scope need to be sent to the Environmental Resources Section, Attn: Nicolle Rutherford (PM-PL-ER), P.O. Box 3755, Seattle, WA 98124-3755, no later than Nov. 30. Comments may also be e-mailed to nicolle.r.rutherford@usace.army.mil. Requests for additional information should be directed to Mr. Babcock, Plan Formulation Section, at (206) 764-3651 or steven.d.babcock@usace.army.mil or Ms. Rutherford at (206)764-6716


AAPA schedules workshop
on Panama Canal expansion

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The administrator of the Panama Canal Authority. The U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) top executive. Senior executives of major shipping lines such as Zim, CMA-CGM and Maersk. The U.S. Army's assistant secretary for civil works. These are just a few of the luminaries who will be leading discussions at the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) Panama Canal Expansion Workshop in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 23-24, 2008. Cosponsored by MARAD and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority, this 1½ -day program will examine shifting international trade routes, anticipated waterside and terminal development needs, landside infrastructure requirements, financing opportunities and a host of other topics related to the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal, which got underway in September. More information about AAPA's Panama Canal Expansion Workshop is available at http://www.appa-ports.org/ (click on the "Programs & Events" tab) or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703-684-5700.