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October, 2009

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, October 30, 2009

Port of Bellingham draft budget
eyes gradual economic recovery

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham's 2010 Draft Strategic Budget shows cautious optimism that the economy will gradually improve in the coming year and focuses on local job creation through special programs and through more than $33 million in capital projects. The draft budget, which the Bellingham Port Commission will consider in November, was developed anticipating the port would again forgo the allowed property tax rate increase. The port will have a presentation on the draft budget at the regular Board of Commissioners meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue. The presentation will be followed by a public hearing on the budget. The public will have a second opportunity to comment on the budget at a 3 p.m. hearing on Nov. 17, before the Commission votes on the budget. Copies of the budget are available in print and on cd at the port's Administrative Office, 1801 Roeder Avenue. Public comments also can be submitted to the port in writing.


AAPA taps Michael Leone
as chairman of the board

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Massachusetts Port Authority Port Director Michael A. Leone has been formally installed as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) chairman of the board for 2009-2010. Mr. Leone accepted his new chairmanship duties at the association's annual membership meeting in Galveston, during which the entire slate of 2009-2010 officers was inducted as part of AAPA's 98th Annual Convention. Mr. Leone-the first person to serve twice as AAPA's board chairman (2003-2004 and 2009-2010)-was appointed port director of Massachusetts Port Authority in 1998 after serving as counsel to the port authority's maritime department. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 22 years in numerous positions, including regional counsel for all Coast Guard commands in the Northeast, and as a military judge. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from George Washington University Law School. In addition to his role as AAPA board chairman, Mr. Leone will serve as AAPA's U.S. Delegation chairman for 2009-2010.


Trade between NAFTA partners
slows during month of August

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 24.9 percent lower in August 2009 than in August 2008, dropping to $54.3 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, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 5.3 percent in August 2009 from July 2009. 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 88 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 1.3 percent compared to August 2004, and up 26.0 percent compared to August 1999, a period of 10 years. Imports in August were up 18.8 percent compared to August 1999, while exports were up 35.5 percent.


Rail freight traffic count
drops again during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads has reported that for the week ended Oct. 3, 2009, rail traffic continues to reflect the down economy – originating 277,734 carloads, down 17.2 percent compared with the same week in 2008. All of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from the same week last year, with declines ranging from 2.7 percent for chemicals to 53.2 percent for metallic ores. Intermodal traffic of 206,293 trailers or containers on U.S. railroads was down 15.7 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 10 percent and trailer volume dropped 37 percent. Regionally, carloads were down 16.4 percent in the West and 18.3 percent in the East. For the first 39 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 10,381,905 carloads, down 18.1 percent from 2008; 7,347,299 trailers or containers, down 16.8 percent, and total volume of an estimated 1.11 trillion ton-miles, down 17.3 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending October 3 was estimated at 29.7 billion ton-miles, off 16.6 percent from the same week last year.


Crystal continues record string
of best cruise ship line wins

TOKYO — For a record 16th year, Crystal Cruises wholly owned subsidiary of NYK has been voted the “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” for 2009 by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine (U.S.). Crystal’s overall score of 92.7 is one of its highest in the survey’s history. The luxury line’s 16 “wins” is unprecedented by any cruise line or hotel in the world. Considered one of the highest honors in the travel industry, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies and islands. More than 25,000 subscribers voted in the 2009 survey. Travelers evaluated cruise lines on their Activities/Facilities, Cabins, Crew/Service, Design/Layout, Food/Dining, Itineraries and Shore Excursions to determine the overall score.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Port of Bremerton eyes lease
with General Dynamics Electric Boat

BREMERTON — The Port of Bremerton has announced it has come to agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat to lease more than 9,000 square feet of office and industrial space in the port’s new building in Olympic View Business Park. The lease is subject to approval by the port’s Board of Commissioners. Electric Boat, headquartered in Groton, Conn., is known for its construction of the Virginia Class submarine, and as the prime contractor for conversion of Trident SSBNs to SSGN submarines at Bremerton’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and at Virginia’s Norfolk Naval Shipyard. But the company’s history dates back even farther to the Navy’s original submarine force, and the company has been involved in construction and overhaul of every submarine class in the Navy. The company’s workforce has worked on Navy projects in the Puget Sound area since 2003. The lease gives the company a new building to meet the continuing demands of its ongoing work with the Navy.


Boeing selects Charleston
as Dreamliner assembly site

SEATTLE — Boeing has announced that it has chosen its North Charleston, S.C., facility as the location for a second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program. Boeing evaluated criteria that were designed to find the final assembly location within the company that would best support the 787 business plan as the program increases production rates. In addition to serving as a location for final assembly of 787 Dreamliners, the facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of the airplanes. Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Across the street, Global Aeronautica, which is 50 percent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural partners. Until the second 787 assembly line is brought on line in North Charleston, Boeing will establish transitional surge capability at its Everett location to ensure the successful introduction of the 787-9, the first derivative model of the 787. When the second line in Charleston is up and operating, the surge capability in Everett will be phased out.


Hanjin shareholders Ok
transformation of company

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping has announced it has held a special meeting of shareholders with regards to transforming into a holding company. At the meeting, shareholders approved dividing Hanjin Shipping into Hanjin Shipping Holdings, a holding company and Hanjin Shipping, an operating company, which had been agreed by the Board of Directors on September 16. With this transformation, current Hanjin Shipping will be divided into Hanjin Shipping Holdings, a holding company focusing on investment and corporate governance and Hanjin Shipping, an operating company concentrating on its main shipping business.


Navios Holdings sells vessel
to Navios Maritime Partners

PIREAUS, Greece — Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. has announced that it has agreed to sell NAVIOS APOLLON, a 2000 built Ultra-Handymax vessel with a capacity of 52,073 dwt to Navios Maritime Partners L.P. for $32.0 million in cash. NAVIOS APOLLON has been chartered out at a net rate of $23,700 per day for the remaining period of three years expiring in November 2012. The vessel is expected to be delivered to Navios Partners before November 2009. Navios Holdings intends to use the proceeds from the sale of this vessel for operating purposes, such as repayment of indebtedness or reinvestment in vessels.


Port of Seattle phone numbers
now start with same 787 prefix

SEATTLE — All Port of Seattle phone numbers now share the same prefix – 787. So whether you’re calling the main number at port headquarters or a port seaport office or Sea-Tac Airport - the first three digits of the number are now 787. The last four digits stay the same. For example, the port's main number was 728-3000; it is now 787-3000. The new prefix affects port phones only; not the phone numbers of outside businesses operating on Port of Seattle properties. Examples of outside business include airlines at Sea-Tac Airport and cruise lines and cargo carriers at Seaport terminals. If you need to reach a specific person and don’t know their extension, dial the port's main number, 787-3000, and press 5 for a directory. The old numbers will roll over for a short time.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Port of Seattle cruise season
breaks records during 2009

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has announced that the 2009 cruise season, which brought in a record 218 vessel calls and welcomed 875,433 passengers, continues to validate Seattle's strong position in the Alaska cruise market. The cruise business in Seattle generates over $312 million in annual business revenue, over $16 million in annual state and local taxes, and 3,781 jobs. The 2009 season saw the opening of the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, a new two berth facility on Pier 91 near the Magnolia Bridge. For next year’s cruise season, it is estimated that 222 vessel calls will arrive in Seattle bringing with them 846,000 passengers.


Everett Port Commission
Oks scaled back budget

EVERETT — The Everett Port Commission adopted a $51.4 million operating and capital budget for 2010. Similar to other governmental agencies, the port has been reducing expenses and deferring projects in an effort to weather the economic storm. Compared to 2009, the port trimmed its 2010 operating budget by 10 percent, and its capital budget by 21 percent. The adopted budget forecasts additional reductions in trade and marina occupancy in the first half of 2010, with a slight rebound by the end of the year. The Port of Everett’s activities stimulate the local economy through the creation of jobs and tax base. The Port of Everett supports 31,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in our region. It also generates approximately $247 million in state and local taxes, which go toward supporting necessary programs at the city, county, school and state levels.


Public meetings set
for Port of Tacoma budget

TACOMA — Port of Tacoma commissioners have scheduled three public meetings to consider the port’s 2010 budget, cargo forecast, finance plan and tax levy. The first budget meeting on Nov. 5 will include an update on the third quarter of the 2009 budget and a preliminary look at the 2010 capital plans, revenue projections, tax levy and finance plans. This general business presentation will not call for public comment, but community members are encouraged to attend to hear how the port’s budget is formed. More information and materials are available on the port’s Web site at www.portoftacoma.com/budget. The Nov. 12 meeting will include a more in-depth look at cargo forecasts, capital building plans, tax levy and the 2010 budget. Commissioners will invite public comment at this meeting. The final meeting Nov. 23 is a special public hearing to formally adopt the 2010 statutory budget, tax levy and authorization to bank excess tax levy capacity. All three meetings will be held in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center, at 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. in Tacoma. The public is encouraged to attend. Meetings also are streamed live from the port’s Web site at www.portoftacoma.com/webstreaming and are later broadcast on Click! and Comcast throughout Pierce County.


Ceremony marks christening
of new Crowley ATB vessels

JACKSONVILLE, FL — On October 23, Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the seventh of 10 new 185,000-barrel Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company will take delivery of in 2010 and 2011. The vessels christened were the tug PRIDE and BARGE 650-7. During the ceremonies, which took place at the Port of New Orleans, Cruise terminal #2, Susan Rodgers, Crowley senior vice president of corporate services christened the 10,728 Hp-tug Pride, while Rita McKain, wife of Bradley McKain, manager, terminal, transport and marine for Marathon Petroleum Company, christened the barge 650-7. Crowley Petroleum Services will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley's vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and operate it for Marathon Petroleum under a time charter agreement. Crowley already has six, 185,000-barrel and four 155,000-barrel ATBs in the Jones Act trade.


Corps plans blasting project
to deepen Columbia channel

PORTLAND — Workers under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin blasting basalt from the bottom of the Columbia River Nov. 1. The work is taking place to complete the deepening of the Columbia River Federal Navigation Channel from 40-feet to 43-feet. The blasting work will take place along a one-mile stretch of the river between River Miles 87 and 89 near St. Helens, Ore. The contractor will drill holes into the basalt from a barge-mounted rig and detonate blasting agent to fracture the rock before removing the rock with an excavator. Blasting will take place twice each day, once after sunrise and again before sunset. The contractor must complete blasting operations by Feb. 28. A 1,500-foot safety zone is planned for both upstream and downstream from blasting operations. When a vessel approaches these signs, the drill boat must be contacted on Marine VHF Channel 16 for permission to navigate through. Paddlers and recreational boaters without marine radios can call the Marine Transportation Coordinator cell phone on the drill boat (503) 396-9893. This cell number will be posted at local boat launches and marinas. The project site will be patrolled by security guards and the US Coast Guard. Fines may be imposed on boaters entering the safety zone during restricted times. Additional information about the blasting work is available on the contractor’s website at www.crci-project.info.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, October 26, 2009

Port of Everett completes
Port Gardner Waterfront Loop

EVERETT — The Port of Everett has opened the final segment of its marina trail system completing Everett’s newest public access path -- Port Gardner Waterfront Loop. The nearly four mile pathway, located between 10th and 18th Street off West Marine View Drive, provides pedestrian access throughout the marina facilities. This link allows visitors to walk or ride continuously from the port’s Pigeon Creek Public Access trail, which is behind the shipping terminals, down West Marine View Drive, throughout the marina waterfront and beyond Legion Park. A large portion of this six-mile stretch is along the shoreline. To complete the final segment of the trail system, the port constructed an interim asphalt pathway around the northwest perimeter of the North Marina Redevelopment area. This interim walking and biking corridor advances the port’s commitment to public access until the permanent esplanade can be constructed as part of the overall development.


Truck tonnage index
down during September

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.3 percent in September, after increasing 2.1 percent in both July and August. The latest decline lowered the SA index to 103.9 (2000=100). The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 107.9 in September, up two percent from August. Compared with September 2008, SA tonnage fell 7.3 percent, which was the best year-over-year showing since November 2008. In August, the index was down 7.5 percent from a year earlier.


Congressman helps pass
Coast Guard Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings has assisted in the U.S. House of Representatives passing of H.R. 3619, the “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.” Congressman Cummings was “floor manager” for the bill. The Congressman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, also sponsored the bill. The Coast Guard authorization, which passed 385-11, will allow the Coast Guard to add 1,500 additional personnel, bringing the total number of authorized service members to 47,000. Also, the number of authorized officer slots will increase to 6,700.


Horizon Lines releases
third quarter numbers

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has reported results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 20, 2009. On a GAAP basis, net income totaled $8.4 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, on revenue of $308.0 million. This compares with net income of $11.1 million, or $0.37 per diluted share on revenue of $352.6 million for the same period a year ago. Adjusted third-quarter 2009 net income totaled $11.4 million, or $0.37per diluted share, after excluding antitrust-related legal expenses and vessel impairment charges totaling $3.0 million, or $0.10 per share after tax. Adjusted net income for the 2008 third quarter totaled $14.7 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, which excludes antitrust-related legal fees totaling $3.6 million, or $0.11 per share after tax.


Port of Olympia holding
NorthPoint open house events

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia invites the community to hear MJR Development, the developer who qualified through the port’s process, present its two conceptual designs for the NorthPoint District at public open houses on Oct. 27, 28 and 29 at 6:30 p.m. Following the presentations, the developer will be at its displays to answer the community’s questions. MJR Development is a Kirkland-based firm established in 1991. Its experience encompasses 17 projects, such as Woodinville Village, Madison Lofts, Lakewood Office Building and other mixed-use developments. MJR submitted two proposals for NorthPoint.
The port will accept written and verbal comments from Thurston County residents about the NorthPoint proposals at the open houses:
Oct. 27 Tues. - Lacey Community Center - 6:30-8:30 p.m. - 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey
Oct. 28 Wed. - Olympia Center - 6:30-8:30 p.m. - 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia
Oct. 29 Thurs. - Tumwater Comfort Inn - 6:30-8:30 p.m. - 1620 74th Avenue SW, Tumwater
The port will continue to accept written comments at port offices until 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 4: Port of Olympia, 915 Washington Street NE, Olympia 98501 or at: northpoint@portolympia.com


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, October 23, 2009

WorleyParsons-Westmar
tapped for Everett terminal project

EVERETT — The Port of Everett Commission has awarded an on-call engineering contract to WorleyParsons-Westmar to continue work on the port’s South Terminal Intermodal Freight project. This $43.1 million project would upgrade the load capacity of the port’s aging dock structure to accommodate modern cargo operations, improve rail and yard functions, and incorporate high-voltage power which will allow ships to plug into shore power while at port. Cold ironing, as it is referred to, allows ships to shut down their diesel engines, hence reducing carbon emissions. This project is contingent upon the successful grant award through the U.S. Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. WorleyParsons-Westmar will be hired on an on-call basis as the port works to transform its South Terminal facility to accommodate emerging cargo and modern cargo handling equipment. Preliminary engineering services will include design studies, evaluations, cost estimating and final professional engineering design services. The Port of Everett selected the company, which has a local office in Bellevue, out of ten firms that responded to the port’s Request for Qualifications.


Delta to use Sea-Tac Airport
as major gateway to Asia

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle and the Washington Governor's office have welcomed the announcement from Delta Air Lines that they are positioning Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as a major gateway to Asia with the addition of nonstop routes to Beijing, China and Osaka, Japan in summer 2010. Delta also announced additional nonstop flights to Amsterdam. Delta Air Lines last year merged with Northwest Airlines, becoming the world's largest airline. Delta's Asian expansion is powered by its partnership with Alaska Air Group. The new nonstop flights to Beijing and Osaka will be timed to connect with Delta and Alaska's 267 combined daily departures to 64 destinations from Sea-Tac, and will complement Delta's existing daily service to Tokyo-Narita. Delta and Alaska offer customers reciprocal code share, lounge and frequent flyer benefits to make it easier to connect between the airlines' domestic and international networks at Seattle. Currently, Delta nonstop service from Sea-Tac to Tokyo-Narita, Amsterdam (in partnership with Air France KLM), Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York - Kennedy, Paris Charles de Gaulle (in partnership with Air France KLM) and Salt Lake City. Connections through Alaska and Horizon would add 64 nonstop destinations.


Corps to begin repair work
on Tillamook north jetty

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $16.1 million contract to repair and cap the Tillamook north jetty to Kiewit Pacific of Vancouver, Wash. The contractor will begin delivering the 36,600 tons of stone needed for the 100-foot jetty cap Oct. 22. The rocks, which average 35 tons each, will be delivered to the staging area near the north jetty via public roads and through the Barview County Campground and Park. Rock delivery will continue through August 2010. The jetty cap will be constructed between June and September 2010, and is designed to last 50 years. A revetment that was constructed in 2004 is showing signs of deterioration and also will be repaired as part of this project. The revetment helps prevent shoreline erosion and protects the jetty root and parking lot. The Tillamook jetties have experienced damage, including significant loss of length. This repair work will stabilize the north jetty -- protecting the federal investment at this location and reliability of the navigation channel. A Major Maintenance Report was written in December 2003 to lay out the minimum repair plan that maintains the federal investment and protects the jetties from further deterioration. The most important repairs mentioned in the report were 100-foot head repairs to the north and south jetties, and construction of a revetment at the root of the north jetty.


US rail freight traffic
falls again during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports 271,659 carloads for the week ending Sept. 26, 2009, down 17.1 percent compared with the same week in 2008. The traffic numbers were affected by severe flooding in Tennessee and Georgia which halted freight shipments in those areas from Sept. 21-23. Flooding also impacted the western freight carriers who operate through Atlanta. At this time, freight rail operations have returned to normal. Regionally, carloadings were down 15.5 percent in the West and 19.3 percent in the East. Intermodal traffic of 205,627 trailers or containers on U.S. railroads was down 16.5 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 11 percent and trailer volume dropped 37.2 percent. All of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year with declines ranging from 6 percent for chemicals to 38.5 percent for metals and products. For the first 38 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 10,104,171 carloads, down 18.2 percent from 2008; 7,141,006 trailers or containers, down 16.8 percent, and total volume of an estimated 1.08 trillion ton-miles, down 17.3 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending September 26 was estimated at 28.8 billion ton-miles, off 17.2 percent from the same week last year.


APL announces plans to begin
new Japan/Thailand/Vietnam run

SINGAPORE — APL has announced the launch of the Japan-Thailand-Vietnam (JTV) service, which will serve key manufacturing and consumption markets within Asia. From October 30, the JTV offers shippers a dedicated service linking the key markets of Japan, South China and Hong Kong with the emerging South East Asian manufacturing locations of Thailand and Vietnam. The service will also enable importers and exporters to access APL's global mainline services network via Hong Kong and Kaohsiung. APL will deploy three ships, each with a capacity of 1,200 TEU. Port rotation for the JTV will be: Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Kaohsiung and Tokyo.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, October 22, 2009

Flood woes have Port of Seattle
declaring emergency for Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle reports it has conducted an ongoing review and associated preparations of operational impacts from Green River flooding due to water releases from the Howard Hanson Dam. The port has moved to proactively lease back-up electric generators, fuel, and other necessities to ensure Sea-Tac International Airport is able to operate in the event of Green River flooding. The need for this action stems from the Puget Sound Energy substation that provides electricity to the airport is located in the Green River flood area; in the event flood level water is released from Howard Hanson Dam, the substation could be prevented from providing electricity for days, weeks, or longer. To provide port staff the necessary authority to secure this back-up power capability in time for potential flooding this winter, port CEO Tay Yoshitani has announced a Declaration of Emergency as provided for by Resolution 3605, which governs how commission authority is delegated to the CEO. The declaration ensures that port staff members are authorized to move quickly to keep facilities safe and operating.


Monthly Port Tracker report
pushes 2009 box predition up

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is now expected to total 12.7 million containers for 2009, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight. The revised number is significantly below last year’s total but shows continuing growth over what was forecast this summer. The 12.7 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units now forecast for 2009 would be a drop of 16.8 percent from last year’s 15.2 million TEU and the lowest since the 14 million TEU imported in 2004. In August, Port Tracker forecast 12.3 million TEU for the year and in September increased the number to 12.5 million. The numbers have been revised upward to reflect higher projected imports for the remainder of the year as retailers anticipate that economic conditions will begin to ease.


The New World Alliance carriers
plan changes in Transatlantic trades

TOKYO — The New World Alliance (TNWA) carriers - APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have announced revised capacity and service plans for the Transatlantic trade. TNWA and Maersk Line have been exchanging space in the Transatlantic trade. The carriers have determined that market conditions require capacity reductions and service rationalization in certain deployments. Enhancements on other routes will ensure continued service reliability and rapid transit times for shippers.
The changes are:
ATN/TA3- Maersk Line loop
Currently APL and HMM have the space on this loop. From December 2009, the ATN/TA3 service between the US East Coast (USEC) and Europe will be suspended.
APX/TA1-TNWA loop
The USEC-Europe segment of the APX/TA1 will include additional calls at Antwerp and Le Havre. The revised port rotation for this segment will be: Manzanillo-Miami-Jacksonville-Savannah-Charleston-NewYork-Antwerp-Bremerhaven-Felixstowe-Rotterdam-Le Havre-New York-Norfolk-Charleston-Manzanillo-Los Angeles-Oakland. Maersk Line will continue to participate in this loop as a slot charterer.
ATS/TA2- Maersk Line loop
The ATS/TA2 rotation will include additional calls at New York, Savannah and Miami. An additional ship will be added to make this a six-vessel loop. The revised rotation will be Houston-Mobile-Norfolk-Rotterdam-Felixstowe-Bremerhaven-New York-Charleston-Savannah-Miami-Houston
Currently, APL, HMM, and MOL have the space. After this change, APL and HMM will continue to charter slots.
The changes will reduce existing capacity of the TNWA and Maersk deployments in the Transatlantic by around one-third.


Crowley taps EZ Shipping
as liner agent in Tortola

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Caribbean Services has announced that EZ Shipping of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is now the company's local liner services agent on the island. EZ Shipping will be responsible for cargo sales, documentation, collections, dispatching and equipment control for Crowley customers wishing to move cargo to and from the island. For over six years, EZ-Shipping has served Crowley as a connecting carrier offering feeder service within the islands including St. Thomas and St. Croix, Virgin Gorda, Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, St Eustatius, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, Montserrat and Antigua. The company is also Crowley's agent for St. Eustatius, St. Barts, Saba and Montserrat.


Shipper pleads guilty
in pollution discharge case

WASHINGTON, DC — A Panamanian company that operated a 40,000-ton oil tanker ship that regularly made calls in multiple ports in Texas has pleaded guilty in federal court in Houston for deliberately concealing pollution discharges from the ship directly into the sea, the Justice Department announced. Styga Compania Naviera S.A., the operator of the M/T GEORGIOS M, pleaded guilty to three felony violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships for failing to properly maintain an oil record book as required by federal and international law. According to a plea agreement filed with U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the company has agreed to pay a $1 million criminal fine along with a $250,000 community service payment to the congressionally-established National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The money will be designated for use in the Flower Garden and Stetson Banks National Marine Sanctuary, headquartered in Galveston, Texas, to support the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources located in and adjacent to the sanctuary.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Port of Tacoma director
plans to leave position

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma Commission has approved the terms of a transition in leadership. Transition plans call for Executive Director Timothy J. Farrell to work full time through the end of the year, with Port employment officially ending May 31, 2010. According to the terms, Mr. Farrell and the commission will set priorities for Farrell’s focus through the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership At its Oct. 1 meeting, the commission approved agreements to bring NYK Line to Tacoma. Following that meeting, Mr. Farrell initiated the discussion with commissioners about a transition in port leadership. Mr. Farrell sent employees an e-mail late Monday to notify them of the agreement, and he and commissioners are scheduled to meet with port staff to discuss the transition.


Corps plans dredging project
to maintain Quillayute River

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that maintenance dredging for the Quillayute River will begin in late October. Nehalem Dredging, based out of Nehalem, Ore., was awarded a $998,000 contract on Sept. 30. The work is scheduled to be 24-hours a day, seven days a week over a 90-day period. Up to 80,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed through hydraulic pipeline dredging. The Quillayute River was dredged in October of 2007. The clean material will be used for both beach and upland nourishment. This will take place on the James Island and Rialto Beaches, as well as, on the tribal land above the beaches. The marina, which borders the Pacific Ocean, is the prime economic waterway for the Quillayute Nation. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to maintain a search-and-rescue operation making the marina the only emergency point between Gray’s Harbor and Neah Bay. The dredging will ensure that the Coast Guard will operate continuously, allowing unfettered access of their rescue vessels.


Port of Anacortes nets
Homeland Security grant funds

ANACORTES — The Port of Anacortes is pleased to announce the award of a $575,155 grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security. The port applied for the grant several months ago under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Port Security Grant Program for Infrastructure Protection Activities. Port of Anacortes Executive Director Bob Hyde praised the work of Port Director of Operations & Facilities John Hachey and Port Engineering Office Manager & Contract Grant Administrator Teri Switalski in securing the grant for the port, noting there was a great deal of competition for the grant funding. Only six ports in Washington received funding. The port will use the grant to fund security improvements at its Pier 2 Marine Terminal facility, including a camera surveillance system, lighting, gate improvements, a security guard house, and patrol vehicles.


ATA, Port of Long Beach
reach trucking agreement

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) Executive Committee and the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioners have each approved a settlement negotiated between port officials and ATA and trucking industry representatives. The settlement is based upon motor carrier registration process, referred to as a Registration and Agreement, which will replace the port’s Concession Agreement. The settlement is also expected to end litigation with the Port of Long Beach, however litigation with the Port of Los Angeles will continue. Both the Port and ATA emphasized that the new registration apparatus, which includes an agreement by carriers to provide the port necessary operating information, will allow the port to strictly oversee and enforce motor carrier’s compliance with federal, state, and port safety, security, and environmental regulations. In particular, motor carriers registering to operate at the port must agree to enter all truck and driver information into the port’s Drayage Truck Registry and to equip each truck with Radio Frequency Identification tag or other technological device to allow the port to monitor and control truck entry to port facilities. Motor carriers must also certify, among other things, that any truck dispatched to the port will comply with all federal, state, and Port safety, security and environmental--including the port’s Clean Trucks Program--regulations.


Vessel crews honored
for acts against piracy

NEW YORK — The officers and crew of the MAERSK ALABAMA, who fought off a pirate attack earlier this year, will be represented by Captain Richard Phillips, Chief Engineer; Michael Perry, and Bosun William Rios in accepting an Honored Seafarers plaque at the 40th annual United Seamen's Service (USS) Admiral of the Ocean Sea dinner on November 13, 2009. The officers and crew of LIBERTY SUN, who were fired upon and sustained damage from a pirate attack, but were able to ultimately evade the pirates without injury near the Gulf of Aden will also be honored.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, October 19, 2009

Anthony's inks 30 year lease
for Port of Anacortes restaurant site

ANACORTES — The Anacortes Port Commission at their regular meeting of August 20, 2009 authorized the port’s Executive Director to execute a 30 year lease agreement with Mad Anthony’s, Inc., parent company for the Anthony’s restaurant chain, for the portion of the port’s west basin property immediately north of the boat launch at Cap Sante Boat Haven. Final negotiations were completed on August 25th, and the lease signed on October 14th. Present at the signing were Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell, City Councilman Brian Geer, City Planning Director Ryan Larsen and members of the City staff, as well as Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mitch Everton, Port Commissioners Pat D. Mooney and Bill Short, and port staffers. Anthony’s will build a new 14,700 square foot restaurant on the site, facing the Trailer Boat launch and Boat Haven promenade, and will develop the remainder of the property behind the restaurant, approximately 42,000 square feet, for parking. Anthony’s has had an ongoing dialog with the port for several years and recently approached the port in earnest regarding the possibility of locating a restaurant at the Boat Haven.


Recovery Act funds pay for
Grays Harbor dredging project

SEATTLE — On Sept. 26, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, awarded a $1.754 million dredging contract to Hickey Marine Enterprises, Inc. of Vancouver, Wash., funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The contractor is using a 21-cubic yard clamshell bucket to dredge 270,000 cubic yards of shoal materials from the Inner Crossover Channel Reach. Port of Grays Harbor pilots have indicated that restored Inner Crossover Channel depths are a high priority and critical to safe movements of deep draft vessels in the inner harbor. Hickey Marine started dredging Oct. 12. Completion is expected in November. The dredged materials will be placed by bottom dump barge in the existing Point Chehalis open water disposal site near Westport, Wash.


Canadian Prime Minister announces
funds for Vancouver, BC Trade Area

VANCOUVER, BC — Canada's Prime Minister visited Port Metro Vancouver on October 13th to make a funding announcement. At a news conference held at the Ballantyne Cruise Terminal, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced funding to enhance Vancouver's South Shore Trade Area. The Federal Government, along with Port Metro Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway will jointly fund a number of infrastructure projects, at a total cost of $125 million.


Ship captain sentenced
for pollution violations

WASHINGTON, DC — Panagiotis Lekkas, the captain of the cargo ship, M/V THEOTOKOS, has been sentenced in federal court in New Orleans to 10 months confinement, the Justice Department announced. Capt. Lekkas pleaded guilty on July 15, 2009, to one count of obstruction of justice, one count of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and two counts of violating the Ports and Waterways Safety Act. According to the sentence, Capt. Lekkas will serve the 10-month confinement as follows: six months in prison, followed by four months in a community confinement facility in Louisiana. Lekkas must also pay a fine of $4,000. The sentence requires Capt. Lekkas to depart the United States within 72 hours after release from community confinement and thereafter be banned from entering the U.S., U.S. ports, or being present upon a vessel that enters into the territorial waters of the United States for a term of three years.


Coast Guard, Canadian Navy
holding maritime security drills

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is participating in joint exercises with U.S. and Canadian naval forces in Washington area waters during the week of Oct. 18-24, 2009. Naval vessels will be seen practicing maritime security in and around the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Wash., and in area coastal waters. Helicopters and other aircraft may be seen overhead as their crews familiarize themselves with the unique geography of the region. The exercise encompasses the training of naval surface assets, command and control and aviation operations as well as several other multilateral events. The exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and improve readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Canadian forces. Some aspects of the exercise will be visible to the public.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, October 16, 2009

Vancouver, BC cruise season
finishes with positive numbers

VANCOUVER, BC — When Celebrity Cruises’ MERCURY casted off from its berth at Canada Place October 12, it was the last cruise ship to call Vancouver in 2009. Beginning with the arrival of the BALMORAL on April 24, the 2009 cruise season saw 37 cruise ships visiting Vancouver, making a total of 257 calls and bringing approximately 897,000 passengers to the city through the Canada Place and Ballantyne cruise terminals. This represents a 4.5 percent increase from 2008. In contrast to 2009, Port Metro Vancouver is projecting a 30 percent decline in cruise passenger volumes for 2010. Most of the decline can be attributed to ships leaving the Alaska market as a result of the unfavourable business and taxation climate in the market.


Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
extends Port of L.A. lease

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that its wholly owned terminal operator TraPac, Inc. (Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, U.S.) renewed its long-term lease contract for a container terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. The signing ceremony for the new contract was held on October 15, with participation by the Interim Deputy Mayor of the City of Los Angeles Romel Pascual. Under the new pact, the terminal's total space will be extended to approximately 226 acres, 1.3 times more than the current area. The number of berths will also increase from three to four. New on-dock rail facilities will be constructed on the terminal site, as well as multilevel additions to the existing terminal access roads, which will reduce traffic congestion in and around the terminal. The gate facility and terminal office will also be relocated to further enhance the terminal's operating efficiency. Furthermore, the new contract also includes a provision for shore power to supply vessels berthed at the port, which will significantly reduce emissions of environmental hazardous substances such as NOx, SOx, and PM from the vessels' exhausts, as they will not be required to operate engines for power purposes.presented, it will reduce it even further to 33.2 percent.


Freight Transport Index
up for second straight month

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.7 percent in August from its July level, the second consecutive monthly increase, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI has now gone four consecutive months without a decline after dropping in 9 of the previous 12 months. This is the first four month period without a decline in the index since 2002. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. The August Freight TSI of 96.2 is a 2.7 percent increase from the recent low of 93.6 reached in April. In April, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.8 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.


Weekly rail carload count
falls nearly 10 percent

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports a total of 282,341 carloads for the week ending Sept. 19, 2009, down 9.6 percent compared with the same week in 2008. While the weekly year-over-year percentage decline was better than for the previous week ending Sept. 12, 2009, down 19.8 percent, this week in 2008 was impacted by service disruptions associated with Hurricane Ike. Regionally, carloadings were down 4.8 percent in the West and 15.8 percent in the East. Intermodal traffic of 205,137 trailers or containers on U.S. railroads was down 12.4 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 6.29 percent and trailer volume dropped 35.5 percent. Fifteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year. However, chemicals were up 17.4 percent, petroleum products were up 6.7 percent and farm products (excluding grain) were up slightly by 3.3 percent. For the first 37 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 9,831,638 carloads, down 18.2 percent from 2008; 6,936,253 trailers or containers, down 16.8 percent, and total volume of an estimated 1.05 trillion ton-miles, down 17.3 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending September 19 was estimated at 30.2 billion ton-miles, off 8.5 percent from the same week last year.


Port of Camas-Washougal
wants public input at meeting

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas-Washougal invites the community to attend the upcoming commission meeting scheduled for October 26 as the board nears a critical decision about the future of Grove Field Airport. Previously, commissioners voted on the preferred alternative at the August 17 port commission meeting that included the relocation of Delp Road and shifting, widening and extending the runway. The upcoming October 26 meeting will include a presentation by WHPacific that will provide a description of the findings of the draft environmental assessment submitted by the port to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA's environmental finding, based on the information in the Environmental Assessment is a critical step toward federal funding of airport safety improvements. In addition to discussing the Environmental Assessment, the commission will discuss the issue of becoming an "obligated airport" by accepting FAA funding for the proposed improvements. Grove Field is designated an "essential public facility" by the state, county and Federal government. The Port of Camas-Washougal values and encourages input from the community about this project and other port initiatives.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Washington State Ferries
gives Ok to Todd contract

SEATTLE — Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division (WSF) announced Oct. 13, that it is awarding a contract to Todd Pacific Shipyards to build two additional 64-car ferries. Todd Shipyards submitted a $114 million bid on October 8 to build two more 64-car ferries. With the contract award, Todd will begin constructing the second and third ferries in this new class of vessels. WSF awarded a contract to Todd to construct the first 64-car ferry in December 2008. That vessel is under construction and scheduled to go into service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route in late-summer 2010. The timeline for vessel construction is approximately 20 months each for the second and third vessels. WSF must exercise the option to construct the third vessel in the contract, the fourth overall, no later than May 31, 2011. The fourth vessel would be either a 64-car ferry or 144-car ferry depending on the availability of funds. These additional 64-car ferries will be similar in design to the one currently under construction with capacity for up to 750 passengers. The next steps include a signed contract and contract security returned from Todd Shipyards. Once those documents are received, the state will issue a notice to proceed with construction.


Port of Bremerton budget
will not increase property tax

BREMERTON — Port of Bremerton CEO Cary Bozeman told Port Commissioners Tuesday he will present a preliminary budget October 27 that does not include the one percent tax property tax increase allowed under state law. Mr. Bozeman said his budget would contain that revision and others in response to feedback from commissioners and the public on the working document presented at last week's budget workshop. The staff's initial budget draft reduced the port's reliance on property taxes for operating its core businesses from 51 percent to 33.7 percent. When the actual preliminary budget is presented, it will reduce it even further to 33.2 percent. The port operates three business divisions: its airport, two marinas and its industrial and business parks.


DHS announces funding
for new inspection equipment

WASHINGTON, DC — Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced $88 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment—enhancing border security by expanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) capabilities to scan commercial traffic for contraband through X-ray and other imaging technologies. Secretary Napolitano's announcement includes eight contracts for NII technologies to provide fixed and mobile detection capabilities for deployment by CBP at and between U.S. ports of entry—part of the nation's layered and interconnected border security network. As part of the Obama Administration's Southwest Border Initiative announced in March, CBP now screens 100 percent of all rail traffic headed southbound to Mexico using NII equipment. In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS has obligated 63 percent of its ARRA funds through Sept. 30—more than $1.7 billion.


Port of Tacoma schedules
next workshop for Spanaway

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will host a “Port 101” workshop Oct. 21 in Spanaway to educate the public about the port, its history, operations and future development plans. This is the fifth and final workshop in a series that expanded last year’s launch of the program to connect with citizens throughout the community. The 90-minute workshop will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pierce County Central Maintenance Facility, 4812 196th St. E., in Spanaway. The public is welcome. No reservations necessary. The workshop visited Steilacoom, Gig Harbor, Fife and Sumner earlier this year.


Coast Guard to present
Meritorious Public Service Award

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard will present a Meritorious Public Service Award to Matt Loughran, of Westport, Wash., today, for his performance rescuing a young man at the Westport Jetty. Rear Adm. Gary Blore, Commander, 13th Coast Guard District, will preside over the ceremony at Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, Westport. While surfing on Sept. 17, 2009 Mr. Loughran noticed a young man struggling against severe weather conditions, and with quick action put himself in danger, swimming into a zone of large waves and hazardous rocks to assist. He then towed the young man out of a rip current, through a heavy surf zone and onto the beach, an effort taking more than twenty minutes. The Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award is given, “to recognize unusual courage in advancing a Coast Guard mission, substantial contributions to the Coast Guard that produce tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public.”


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

West Coast ports teaming up
to compete for new business

SEATTLE — During a joint commission study session held this week, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma demonstrated how the two ports are working together to promote the Pacific Northwest as a regional gateway for trade. Ports in British Columbia are competing for U.S.-bound cargo, and expansion of the Panama and Suez canals offers new possibilities for shippers. As new global trade routes emerge, the region’s major seaports have implemented long-term competitive strategies to ensure the state’s continued success as an efficient, green gateway for shippers worldwide. Newly-focused collaborative efforts between the six major West Coast ports are also bearing fruit. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma have joined with the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Portland, the BNSF Railway Company and Union Pacific Railroad to promote the West Coast as the greenest and most efficient gateway for Asian cargo. Chief executives from the six ports and the two railroads will travel to the World Shipping Summit in China next month to showcase the benefits of West Coast ports to shippers across the globe.


Corps re-opens The Dalles lock
following emergency repair work

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re-opened The Dalles navigation lock at 3 p.m. Oct. 12 after two weeks of repairs to the downstream gate. The Corps found extensive cracking on the downstream gate after the lock was inspected Oct.1. Although the repairs meant the Corps could re-open the lock, additional work will still be needed, said Col. Steven R. Miles, Portland District commander. “We feel confident about the repairs, but we will keep an active eye on the gate,” Col. Miles said. Additional sensors were installed to monitor how the gate functions and dive inspections will be scheduled to visually check the welding and plate repairs. A second lock closure may be needed later this year to verify the repairs are stabilizing the gate, Col. Miles said. “Because the gate is under considerable stress we may need to dewater the lock and inspect how well the emergency repairs to the lower sections are holding up.” The Corps has been monitoring the downstream gate at The Dalles for three years and plans to overhaul the gate during an extended 16-week lock outage in December 2010. During the outage engineers will remove the gates and replace the parts that help the gate swing open and closed.


Evergreen Line plans
Europe to Med rate increase

TAIPEI — In a continued effort to provide customers with the same level of services in the Europe to Mediterranean Sea trade, Evergreen Line plans to bring freight rates to a sustainable and viable level. In view of this, Evergreen will implement a rate increase in the trade listed below, as follows: Service Scope : From Europe to Mediterranean Eastbound Trades. Effective Date : November/01/2009 (on board date), Quantum per 20' : Euro 50 - USD 75 - GBP 40. Quantum per 40' : Euro 100 - USD 150 - GBP 80. The increases apply to all cargo and commodities, including reefers and special equipment.


Annual AAPA convention
set for Port of Galveston

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Among the hardest-hit U.S. port cities from Hurricane Ike last year was Galveston, Texas, which has made a remarkable recovery since the hurricane's vicious winds and storm surge caused billions of dollars in damage. As a testament to Galveston's phoenix-like revival, it will be the site of the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) 98th Annual Convention and Exhibition, Oct. 25-29. Hundreds of seaport and maritime transportation leaders, industry experts and service providers from throughout the hemisphere have already registered to participate in the AAPA convention, which features many of the seaport industry's key issues and experts. Additional information about AAPA's 98th Annual Convention and Exhibition, including its business program agenda, exhibitors and sponsors, is available at http://www.aapa2009.com/


Reed Smith adding partners
in Washington, DC office

WASHINGTON, DC — Reed Smith LLP has announced the addition of two maritime lawyers to its global Shipping Group. C. Jonathan Benner and Matthew J. Thomas will join the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, as partners, effective immediately. Mr. Benner was formerly the practice group leader of Troutman Sanders’ Transportation Practice in Washington, D.C. and Mr. Thomas was a member of that group. Their practice focuses on domestic and international maritime and shipping matters as well as trade regulation issues incidental to global commerce. In addition to representing ship owners and managers, container, tanker and cruise line operators, maritime trade associations, international marine insurance groups, and investment entities, a primary element of their practice is the representation of major U.S. ports and marine terminals in legal disputes concerning environmental and infrastructure development. The maritime practice that Mr. Benner headed has been Chambers-ranked in Band 1 for several years.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, October 12, 2009

The Dalles navigation lock
scheduled to re-open today

PORTLAND — The Dalles navigation lock is scheduled to re-open by 6 p.m. today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced. The Corps found extensive cracking on the downstream gate after the lock was inspected last week. Advanced American Construction, the Corps’ contractor, has managed an aggressive repair schedule that includes welding and bolting plates to stabilize the gate. Despite these repairs, the lock will require continued monitoring and future repairs. The Corps will implement a disciplined monitoring plan with additional sensors and regular dive inspections. The lock will require significant repairs during a 16-week lock outage scheduled to begin in December 2010.


Port of Portland gives Ok
to Air National Guard flight plan

PORTLAND — Port of Portland will support a request from the Oregon Air National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing to conduct continuous descent overhead approach landings with some restrictions when training at Portland International Airport. The landing procedure increases pilot safety when landing in combat situations. During the procedure, F-15 pilots begin their descent from a high altitude, reduce power and then circle close to the airport while landing. Last month, the PDX Citizen Noise Advisory Committee recommended the Port support the military’s request with the following restrictions: Weekdays only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. only. South runway only. Weather ceiling of at least 5,000 feet. Minimum of five mile visibility. Two jet maximum formation. Status reports to committee every six months.


Crowley taps Cosgrove
as ESQA vice president

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Cole Cosgrove has been named vice president of the company's Environmental, Safety and Quality Assurance (ESQA) group working from Crowley's corporate headquarters in Jacksonville. In his new role, Mr. Cosgrove reports to Susan Rodgers, senior vice president administration and replaces Charlie Nalen who has been named general manager, Valdez operations. As vice president of ESQA, Mr. Cosgrove is responsible for the strategic leadership of the company's number one core value "safety" which focuses on individual safety, security and environmental stewardship. Under his direction, the ESQA team provides expert support in the development of corporate wide policies and guidelines to enhance Crowley's safety culture.


Washington State Ferries
opens ferry construction bids

J, DC — The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division (WSF) reports it has taken the next step in the process to build new ferries, opening bids October 8, on a contract to construct up to three new 64-car vessels. Todd Pacific Shipyards submitted the only bid. Bids were solicited for construction and delivery of two 64-car ferries with an optional third vessel. Todd’s proposed bid price for the first two vessels in the contract was $114 million. The WSF engineer’s estimate is $109.9 million. The timeline for vessel construction is approximately 20 months each for the first two vessels. The decision to exercise the option to add the construction of a third vessel will be made no later than May 31, 2011. WSF intends to award the contract within ten days, after evaluating to ensure it meets contract requirements.


Coast Guard suspends search
for owner of grounded Bayliner

SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended their active search for the owner of an 18-foot Bayliner that was found ashore on a private beach in the vicinity of Totten Inlet near Olympia, Wash., Sunday. Coast Guard Sector Seattle received a report from 911 dispatch at 4:31 p.m. of the 18-foot Bayliner being washed ashore. The keys were in the ignition and there were other signs that show that the vessel was not derelict. At 5:38 p.m. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., launched an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew to conduct a search. The Port Angeles Police Department and the Seattle Fire Department also launched crews to assist. The Coast Guard contacted the owner listed on the vessel’s registration. He stated that he had sold the vessel approximately one year ago. The helicopter crew performed four searches over an area of approximately 25 square nautical miles. Thurston County Sheriffs and the reporting source performed a sweep of the beach. At 9:01 p.m., the Coast Guard suspended the search pending further developments. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Coast Guard at (206) 217-6002.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, October 9, 2009

Cocaine smugglers nabbed
at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

SEATTLE — Officers and detectives from the Port of Seattle Police Department, in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), arrested three individuals and seized 11 kilograms of cocaine last week as part of the largest drug seizure ever at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Three suspects were taken into custody immediately and have been indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. On September 30, the suspects checked-in bags prior to boarding a flight to Alaska. TSA officers discovered five kilograms of cocaine in one bag during routine X-ray procedures for all checked baggage and notified port police. The bag owner was located at the departure gate and, with the help of airline personnel, was determined to be traveling with other companions. Further investigation by police – including assistance from Officer Lilly, a member of the port’s K-9 unit - led to the search of two more bags where an additional six kilograms were discovered. The suspects have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The penalty is a mandatory maximum 10 years to life in prison and up to a $4 million fine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes the 11 kilos of cocaine is one of the largest seizures of its kind in the region.


Washington State Ferries wins grant
to lower vessel engine pollution levels

SEATTLE — The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) has received a $2.3 million federal grant to retrofit vessel engines to produce fewer harmful emissions. WSF participated in a national competition for the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Discretionary funding program. This grant will be used to leverage existing funding in an effort to upgrade existing diesel engines throughout the fleet to burn less lubrication oil and produce fewer harmful emissions. WSF also recently received a $2.1 million federal grant as part of the Puget Sound Regional Council Surface Transportation Program/Congestion Mitigation Air Quality 2009 regional competition.


AAPA set to honor
ports/executives at convention

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), a trade group representing leading seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere, will present six executives with a special seaport manager designation and seven ports with awards for exemplary achievements in environmental improvement, facilities engineering and information technology at its annual awards program luncheon on Oct. 28. The awards program is part of AAPA's 98th Annual Convention (http://www.aapa2009.com/) in Galveston, Texas, which runs Oct. 25-29. For additional details on the winners in AAPA's 2009 awards programs, click on http://www.aapa-ports.org/Programs/content.cfm?ItemNumber=691&navItemNumber=517


Labor Day holiday hits
weekly rail freight numbers

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down during the Labor Day holiday week compared to the same week last year. The comparison week from last year, however, did not include the Labor Day holiday. For the week ended Sept. 12, 2009, U.S. railroads reported originating 263,349 cars, down 19.8 percent compared with the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 18.4 percent in the West and 21.8 percent in the East. Intermodal traffic of 175,813 trailers or containers on U.S. railroads was down 25.8 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 20.9 percent and trailer volume dropped 43.9 percent. All 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 1.5 percent for farm products not including grain to 52.3 percent for metallic ores. For the first 36 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 9,549,297 carloads, down 18.4 percent from 2008; 6,731,116 trailers or containers, down 16.9 percent, and total volume of an estimated 1.02 trillion ton-miles, down 17.5 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending September 12 was estimated at 28.2 billion ton-miles, off 19 percent from the same week last year.


MarAd guarantees loans
for New Orleans barge firm

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has agreed to guarantee loans of $40.8 million to enable the Canal Barge Company, Inc. of New Orleans, LA, to order nine asphalt barges and 30 open hopper barges. The asphalt barges will be used to carry home heating products, and the hopper barges will carry coal for the generation of electricity. All the vessels will be built by Trinity Marine Group, at its yards in Missouri and Louisiana. The total cost of the barge construction project is $46.6 million. The Maritime Administration loan guarantees are for 87.5 percent of the actual value of the project. Loan guarantees are not loans, but are roughly the equivalent of co-signing for a consumer loan. If the transaction proves sound, then the cost to the federal government is minimal. Based on shipyard cost estimates, the project will result in 270,000 hours of work for Trinity Marine. Assuming a 40-hour week, this works out to a year’s employment for 130 workers. The Canal Barge project brings the Maritime Administration’s loan guarantee portfolio to approximately $2.5 billion. The portfolio includes a variety of vessel types including tankers, tugs, barges, dive support vessels, drill rigs, ferries, offshore supply vessels, and container vessels.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, October 8, 2009

Port Townsend dredging work
set to begin this weekend

SEATTLE — Dredging will commence this weekend weather permitting in the Port Townsend federal navigation channel. American Construction of Tacoma, was awarded the $108,000 contract on Sept. 30. It will remove 2,000 cubic yards from the navigation channel, which will provide better emergency access by the U.S. Coast Guard Vessel OSPREY. Disposal of sediment will go to Port Townsend Dredged Material Disposal site managed by Washington State department of Natural Resources.


Schnitzer Steel making moves
in self-service auto parts field

PORTLAND — Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has announced it has completed a transaction to acquire from LKQ Corporation the assets of six self-service used auto parts facilities and to sell to LKQ its full-service used auto parts operation. In addition, Schnitzer is receiving an undisclosed amount of cash. Four of the self-service operations to be acquired are located near the Company’s Metals Recycling Business export facility in Portland, with a closing effective October 2, 2009. These four stores will represent the company’s first used auto parts operations in the Pacific Northwest. The additional two facilities, the purchase of which will be effective January 15, 2010, will bring to four the number of self-service stores the company operates in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. All of the acquired operations will operate under the company’s Pick-n-Pull brand. Greenleaf Auto Recyclers, LLC, the full-service operation sold, operates 17 full-service parts stores in nine states. The sale of Greenleaf is also effective as of October 2.


Crowley Maritime taps Nalen
as Valdez operation general manager

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Charlie Nalen has been named general manager of the company's Valdez operation. In his new position, Mr. Nalen will be responsible for the entirety of Crowley's marine operations in Valdez including ship assist and escort services for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (SERVS). He will report to Bruce Harland, vice president of contract services, Alaska and will relocate from Jacksonville, Fla. to Valdez. Mr. Nalen has held a number of related positions during his 29 years with Crowley. He joined the company in 1980 as manager of loss control for Crowley's California division. In the years that followed, he assumed positions of increasing responsibility in the risk management and loss control areas of the corporation.


Port of Astoria reopens
public access to Pier One

ASTORIA — The Port of Astoria has announced the re-opening of Pier One for public access. Due to heightened security requirements following 911, the Port of Astoria was forced to close the pier to public access. Port staff has worked closely over the past year with the Coast Guard to provide a means to allow access to the pier during periods of inactivity. Pier One will be open to the public on a daily basis from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pier One may be accessed from U.S. Highway 101/West Marine Drive in Astoria via traveling north on Portway Street and following the signs for Pier One. Persons wishing access to the pier will be required to sign a Hold-Harmless Agreement and agree to the rules and regulations posted at the facility. The agreement and rules are available at the port’s administrative office at 422 Gateway Avenue and at the Marina office located adjacent to the pier.


Port of Tacoma workshop
heading to Sumner October 13

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will host a “Port 101” workshop Oct. 13 in Sumner to educate the public about the port, its history, operations and future development plans. This is the fourth in a series of workshops that expand last year’s launch of the program to connect with citizens throughout the community. The 90-minute workshop will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Sumner City Hall, 1104 Maple St. in Sumner. The public is welcome. No reservations necessary. The workshop will travel to Spanaway on Oct. 21. It visited Steilacoom, Gig Harbor and Fife earlier this summer.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, October 7, 2009

TSA member carriers set
rate restoration guidelines

OAKLAND — As transpacific container lines continue to report serious financial losses and major service consolidations, member carriers in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have adopted voluntary guidelines for the upcoming service contracting season aimed at substantially restoring rates closer to 2008 levels. The guidelines represent an effort not only to reverse a sharp decline in rates during early 2009, but also to fully recover volatile equipment and fuel-related costs. At the same time, carriers are taking their case for rate restoration to the shippers and regulators well in advance of the 2010 contracting season. Carriers understand they need a different approach, and need to work with shippers more closely to help them understand the challenges facing the industry and the implications for global trade. Specific elements of the TSA revenue program, to take effect with renewal of current contracts – most of those over May and June 2010 – include: A general rate increase (GRI) of US$800 per 40-foot container (FEU) for local West Coast and Group 4 Western coastal states cargo, and US$1,000 per FEU for intermodal and U.S. East and Gulf Coast all-water cargo, with per formula increases for other equipment sizes. A $400 peak season surcharge (PSS), effective from August 1, 2010, to address higher cargo handling, equipment positioning and contingency planning costs during periods of peak cargo volume. Full collection of fuel and other accessorial charges.


Crowley making changes
to marine personnel department

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that it has restructured its marine personnel department to work more closely with its labor relations group. The move promotes Margaret Reasoner to managing director and gives her responsibility for developing programs, policies and procedures specifically for Crowley's vessel personnel. Ms. Reasoner will report to Steve Demeroutis, vice president, labor relations. Scott Craig, director West Coast/Alaska, who now reports to Ms. Reasoner, will continue to have responsibility for the Seattle, Long Beach, Valdez and Anchorage crewing locations that service operations from southern California to northwestern Alaska encompassing more than 70-crewed vessels and 800-plus mariners. Ira Douglas has been promoted to director East Coast and Gulf also reporting to Ms. Reasoner. Mr. Douglas will have day-to-day responsibility for more than 65-crewed vessels and approximately 1,200 mariners in locations from Lake Charles, La. to Petty's Island, N.J., including deep sea and towing operations that encompass tankers, container ships, government and commercially owned vessels as well as Crowley's new 750 series ATB fleet.


McKenna, McEllrath presented
Connie Awards at West Coast event

LONG BEACH, CA — James McKenna, president and CEO of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), and Robert McEllrath, president of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU), were presented with Connie Awards by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) at the first ever Connie dinner held on the West Coast. Mr. McEllrath was appointed in 1993 to the union’s Coast Committee, the body that oversees the Longshore Division contract covering more than 15,000 dockworkers in California, Oregon and Washington. He has extensive contract negotiating experience, having served as the representative for five small ports in the Columbia River area on the Longshore Negotiating Committee for the 1993 and 1996 contracts and in 1999 he served as co-chair of the negotiating committee for contracts. In 2000, Mr. McEllrath was elected international vice president for the Mainland and co-chaired a committee during the 2002 West Coast longshore negotiations. Mr. McKenna oversees all operations, including administration of payroll and benefits, pension and training to the ILWU workforce and PMA staff. Prior to joining in July 2003, mR. McKenna was chief operating officer at Horizon Lines (formerly CSX). Mr. McKenna has nearly 30 years of domestic and international maritime industry experience that includes overseeing vessel operations, procurement, terminal operations and labor relations activities. The membership of the PMA consists of domestic carriers, international carriers, stevedores and terminal operators that conduct business in California, Oregon and Washington. Each recipient received a plaque and traditional Waterford crystal decanter. The Connie has been awarded since 1972 to honor those who have significantly contributed to world trade and transportation.


Heroic acts at sea
to be honored at AOTOS dinner

NEW YORK, NY — The officers and crews of five American ships and a seafarer who extinguished a fire on a vessel will he honored for heroism by United Seamen's Service at the 40th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea dinner on November 13, 2009. The AOTOS honors this year will go to Donald Kurz of Keystone Shipping Co., Ron Widdows of Neptune Orient Lines and the United States Coast Guard, which will receive a special award. The Honored Seafarer awards will go to the officers and crew of the MAERSK ALABAMA, who fought off a pirate attack while maintaining control of the ship 350 miles off the coast of Somalia and whose captain was taken hostage, April 8-13, 2009. In addition, the officers and crew of LIBERTY SUN, who were fired upon and sustained damage from a pirate attack, but were able to ultimately evade the pirates without injury near the Gulf of Aden on April 15, 2009, will also be honored. Others are the officers and crew of NEW YORK WATERWAY rescued 143 passengers from a downed US Airways plane in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009; the USNS LEWIS & CLARK eluded a pirate attack by taking evasive action to prevent a successful attack off the coast of Somalia on May 6, 2009 and the officers and crew of MV MIDNIGHT SUN fought and extinguished a fire preventing the spread of the fire and the damage of the cargo on July 15, 2009. The seafarer who will receive a Mariners' Rosette is Third Mate Victor Manoli III, who fought and extinguished an on board fire preventing a catastrophic incident on the SEALAND QUALITY on February 14, 2009 in Charleston, SC.


Port of Tacoma plans
free bus tour for October 23

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will be offering a free Bus Tour on Friday, October 23, 2009. The tour will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. Photo ID is required for passengers over 17 years of age. Children age six and older are welcome. This free tour departs from the South Hill Park & Ride (Located at 10416 94th Ave E) at 9:00 a.m. and visitors will return to the park & Ride by noon. Reserve your seat by calling (253) 383-9463 or email us at bustours@portoftacoma.com. For more information, follow the link at www.portoftacoma.com


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, October 5, 2009

The Dalles navigation lock
remains closed for repairs

PORTLAND — The Dalles navigation lock will remain closed for eight to 10 days as engineers repair the downstream gates, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced. Engineers found extensive cracking on both sides of the lower portion of the downstream gate. An aggressive repair schedule began Friday night that includes welding and bolting plates to stabilize the gate. “The situation is worse than we anticipated,” said Col. Steven R. Miles, Portland District commander. “The Corps team has completed its inspection and we have a team of engineers and welders working around the clock to repair the cracks.” “We understand how important the navigation lock is to the shippers who transport their goods and commodities on the Columbia River. That’s why we are working 7 days a week, 24 hours a day until the repairs are done,” Col. Miles added. Despite these repairs, the lock will require continued monitoring and future repairs.


Hamburg Sud gives report
on state of operations in Samoa

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Expressing deep regret and sadness over the loss of lives and damage to property caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in the Samoas, Hamburg Süd is communicating the following information to its Pacific Island Service customers: The ports of Apia and Pago Pago are open. The terminals are fully operational with limited damage reported in Pago Pago. Damage to containers and equipment is still being assessed. Hamburg Süd agency offices in Apia and Pago Pago are open and staff are assisting customers with cargo inquiries. Company officials and agents are working closely with government and relief agencies, as well as local charitable organizations, to deliver needed supplies as quickly as possible. Customers with questions or concerns are being advised to contact Hamburg Süd toll-free at 800 833-6638.


Nickelsville residents arrested
for refusing to leave Port Seattle site

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle reports that most of the residents at the homeless encampment called Nickelsville chose to leave Port of Seattle property voluntarily September 30, departing the property peacefully. Twelve homeless advocates refused to leave in an act of civil disobedience to raise awareness of the issue, and were subsequently arrested for trespassing. The arrests were made without incident. The individuals were processed for identification, issued a written trespass warning, and released. Encampment organizers announced shortly thereafter that St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Seattle would provide a temporary location for the encampment. The Port of Seattle will store any belongings left behind. Encampment members were given information about how to reclaim their property. The public park at Terminal 107 will remain closed temporarily while the port’s maintenance staff conducts necessary repairs.


Corps extends comment deadline
for application for LNG facility

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Portland District has extended the deadline for public comments on an application by Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P. and the International Port of Coos Bay to conduct work in United States waters. The applicants propose to construct an access channel and boat slip on the North Spit in North Bend, Ore., an onshore liquid natural gas import and storage terminal on the bay side of the North Spit, and a 234-mile natural gas pipeline and associated infrastructure in Coos, Douglas, Jackson and Klamath counties. Public Notice NWP-2007-855/2008-592, available on the District’s Regulatory Branch Web site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/g/public.asp, describes the proposal in detail. Comments may now be mailed until Dec. 27 to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ms. Anita Andazola, North Bend Field Office, 2201 N. Broadway St., Suite C, North Bend, Oregon 97459-2372. Comments may also be emailed to anita.m.andazola@usace.army.mil. Include the abbreviation “LNG” in the subject line. The District will issue or deny a permit only for those project-related activities that fall under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.


Coast Guard trains gunners
at Air Station Port Angeles

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard's ports, waterways and coastal security program in the Pacific Northwest, achieved a new level of readiness when the air crews and aerial gunners from Group/Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., completed their final phase of armed helicopter training evolutions. The air station crews have been conducting extensive land-based and open-ocean firing range training and hostile-boat intercept maneuvering drills since the initial phase of training began in the spring of 2008, when the air station received the upgraded MH-65C helicopters outfitted with M-14T rifles and M-240 machine guns. The armed helicopter capability joins the Coast Guard's existing fleet of armed boats, cutters, and maritime security boarding teams equipped to prevent actions that could adversely impact a large number of U.S. citizens. The armed helicopters add another tool that the Coast Guard, operating in the Pacific Northwest, can utilize to save lives as well as protect vital maritime assets.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, October 2, 2009

NYK agrees to new deal
for Port of Tacoma calls

TACOMA — A series of three agreements approved by the Port of Tacoma Commission on October 1 highlight a revised plan in which NYK intends for NYK vessels to call in Tacoma starting in July 2012. Although NYK had planned to come to a proposed new, 168-acre terminal on the Blair Waterway, its ships will instead call at the APM Terminals (APMT) container facility on the port’s Sitcum Waterway. The three agreements approved by the Tacoma Port Commission are: A new agreement that affirms and defines the long-term relationship between the port and NYK. Under this agreement, NYK commits to bring all NYK independently-operated container vessels bound for the Pacific Northwest to the APMT container facility at the Port of Tacoma. This agreement also affirms NYK’s commitment to bring its ships and intermodal rail volumes to Tacoma for a 25-year period, starting in 2012. A Memorandum of Agreement with NYK, Yusen Terminal Tacoma, Inc. (YTTI) and APMT, acknowledging their new business relationship. A formal termination of the existing lease that called for the port to build a 168-acre facility for NYK on the Blair Waterway. This action is called a lease termination and surrender agreement.


Cal. Maritime students
earn Crowley scholarships

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley awarded three Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships to California Maritime Academy students Alesi Alapa, Todd Michel and Sean Sabeh during the Containerization and Intermodal Institute's Connie Awards presentation in Long Beach, Calif. Chris Peterson, Crowley's vice president of marine operations and also a former Cal Maritime graduate, presented the students with the scholarship awards. Ms. Alapa, Mr. Michel and Mr. Sabeh were all recognized for their strong academic records, financial need and for their interest in a maritime career. Since 1984, Crowley has provided more than half-a-million dollars in scholarship funding for more than 200 students studying at maritime academies and other select institutions. In 2006, the program expanded to Central America and to date has provided financial assistance to more than 20 students in that region.


Holiday hits totals
for US rail freight

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that recent rail traffic gains have slowed in the week preceding the Labor Day Holiday. For the week ended Sept. 5, 2009, U.S. railroads reported originating 284,715 cars, down 6.7 percent compared with the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 7.1 percent in the West and 6.0 percent in the East. Intermodal traffic of 201,239 trailers or containers on U.S. railroads was up 0.2 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 6.5 percent and trailer volume dropped 23.9 percent. Seven of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up the same week from last year, with improvements ranging from 2.3 percent for motor vehicles and equipment to 11.4 percent for chemicals. Of the remaining freight commodity groups, declines ranged from 5.4 percent for crushed sand, stone and gravel to 46.2 percent for metallic ores. For the first 35 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 9,285,936 carloads, down 18.4 percent from 2008; 6,555,303 trailers or containers, down 16.7 percent, and total volume of an estimated 988.6 billion ton-miles, down 17.5 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending September 5 was estimated at 30.5 billion ton-miles, off 5.3 percent from the same week last year.


New parking rate scheme
set for Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The parking experience at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has becme easier to use. As of Thursday, parkers are now met with two clear, flat-rate pricing options – General Parking and Terminal Direct. Responding to feedback from customers, the new program eliminates the Hourly and Daily designations and the multi-tiered rates, which proved confusing and difficult to calculate. A new parking option, called Terminal Direct gives parkers the fastest and most convenient place to park at the airport – the 4th floor with its direct access to the terminal. The new rates will be simple and straight-forward, $3 per hour for General Parking, $4 per hour for the convenience of Terminal Direct – on the 4th floor or sky bridge level. Rates will be clearly posted at the garage entrances. All parking will be available for short-term or long-term access. Full day rates do not change, General Parking remains at $26 per day, with Terminal Direct at $35 per day (the same rate as the previous Hourly designation).


Road repaving project
to begin near Portland Airport

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland reports repaving work begins Monday, Oct. 5, at the traffic circle on N.E. Mt. Hood Avenue near the entrance to the economy parking lot at Portland International Airport. The roundabout will be closed at times during project work, however, the parking lot will remain open at all times, and shuttle buses will continue regular service. Access to the lot, Cascade Station, Frontage Road and the multiuse bike/walking path will remain open with signs giving directions around the construction area. Drivers might experience some delays and are encouraged to drive cautiously and watch for construction signs. The project, which will replace worn asphalt with concrete, is scheduled to be complete by mid-November.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, October 1, 2009

Foss uses new river route
to deliver turbine to Canada

SEATTLE — Foss successfully pioneered a new commercial route deep into Canada on the Columbia River in August, navigating through strong currents and shallow water to safely deliver a new 190-ton turbine for British Columbia’s largest hydro-electric dam. In 2002, Foss reports it became the first to use the upper Columbia for commercial navigation, demonstrating its ability to operate in extreme environments by towing a 135-ton turbine from Coulee City to Trail, B.C. just north of the boarder. This summer’s trip was about 155 miles farther upriver. The voyage took a small convoy up Lake Roosevelt and then through the river to Northport. After crossing the border, the boats passed Waneta Dam, where the Pend Oreille river flows into the Columbia, then traveled stretches of the narrow river below, between and above the Arrow Lakes before arriving in Shelter Bay, where the turbine was unloaded at a ferry landing. It was carried from there over land to the hydro plant by a prime mover. The journey into Canada was the last leg of a long trip for the turbine. It was manufactured in Brazil and arrived by ship in Vancouver, Wash., and Foss towed it aboard the barge 185 C-3 to Pasco with the tug Lewiston. From there, a Prime Mover moved it over land to Coulee City.


Some Nickelsville residents
refuse to leave Port of Seattle site

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle officials expressed regret that some members of the homeless encampment known as ‘Nickelsville’ have thus far refused to leave port property voluntarily. The group set up the encampment on port property without permission and has been at the public park illegally for 69 days. The group’s presence violates city land use and shoreline codes as well as prohibitions against camping and lighting fires within the City of Seattle. In addition, the Port of Seattle does not have the authority to provide land for housing or housing purposes. Nickelsville organizers and residents have been given multiple warnings that if they did not leave by September 30th, they would be subject to arrest for trespassing. Many residents are choosing to leave, seeking help from resources offered throughout the county. Encampment organizers issued invitations Tuesday to other tent cities across the region to join with them in choosing to be arrested to send a political message about the larger issue of homelessness in the community. While the port respects the right to civil disobedience, encampment members have been asked repeatedly to leave voluntarily. The port has repeatedly stated that the Terminal 107 public park is not an appropriate location for housing or an encampment. Independent of the numerous code violations, there are not acceptable human services and hygiene facilities and lacks access to public transportation.


Inspection forces closure
of The Dalles navigation lock

PORTLAND — The Dalles navigation lock was closed Tuesday for an unscheduled inspection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced. Engineers noted irregularities in the downstream gate operation that need to be investigated. As a result, the Corps closed the navigation lock to river traffic and it will remain closed until an assessment is completed. A previously scheduled extended lock outage will occur in December 2010, when major repairs to the gates are planned. The Dalles Dam is part of a system of navigation locks that ships more than 12 million tons of commodities between Portland, and Lewiston, Idaho. It began generating hydroelectric energy after its completion in 1957.


Tsakos inks time charters
for pair of suexmax tankers

ATHENS — Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited has announced a two-year time charter extension with profit sharing up to a maximum level with the same charterer, for the 2002-built double hull suezmax tanker DECATHLON. TEN also announced a three-to-six month time charter for the 2006-built suezmax tanker ARCHANGEL through the initiation of a relationship with an international oil major. Prior to this new charter, the ARCHANGEL was operating in the spot market. Assuming the minimum rate on the DECATHLON and the minimum duration on the ARCHANGEL, the charters should generate gross revenues in excess of $17.5 million. Should the ARCHANGEL charterer exercise its option for an additional 90 days, the total gross revenues could grow by another $2.5 million, providing up to $20 million in cash flow contribution. Following this charter extension, TEN's fixed employment, including pool vessels, for remainder of 2009 and 2010 operating days, is revised upward to 67 percent and 52 percent, respectively.


Panama Canal Authority
extends cost reduction program

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that it will continue until April 30, 2010 a program that provides short-term cost reduction and greater flexibility to its Reservation System. The program, which consists of temporary measures designed to help mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on the canal’s clients, was the result of consultations with customers and was initially introduced June 1, 2009 for four months ending September 30. Upon request of its customers and the Round Table of International Shipping Associations, the ACP has agreed to extend the program. The two primary components of the temporary measures are: A redefinition of ballast (ships without passengers and cargo) for full container vessels transiting the canal; and, Modifications to the Reservation System to increase flexibility and reduce fees.