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April, 2010

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 30, 2010

Port of Portland Executive Director
offers views to Senate Subcommittee

PORTLAND — Bill Wyatt, executive director for the Port of Portland, testified before a Senate Subcommittee April 29, to emphasize the importance of seaports to the nation’s exports and to identify existing transportation infrastructure constraints that threaten to hamper growth. Mr. Wyatt joined fellow port officials and industry leaders involved with trade and transportation for a hearing titled, “Doubling U.S. Exports: Are U.S. Seaports Ready for the Challenge?” The session was convened by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, chair of the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness. He identified four primary challenges for moving forward: the poor condition of ground transportation infrastructure, deferred maintenance and improvement of waterways, lacking investments in terminal infrastructure at seaports, and limited industrial property near seaports for export and import facilities. He also cited the availability of containers and equipment as a going concern — but as a commercial problem more than a policy problem. Mr. Wyatt offered up a series of recommendations and solutions to these challenges, such as establishing a national freight strategy, creating an office focused on freight mobility and dedicating federal funds to freight projects in the surface transportation authorization bill. He also advocated funding for waterway improvements, incentives for investment in freight rail service and removal of obstacles to brownfield remediation and redevelopment. He expressed support for the President’s National Export Initiative and encouraged Congress to stimulate U.S. exports through the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.


Washington Senator supports
national freight mobility plan

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) called for the development of a national freight mobility plan to support President Barack Obama’s goal to double exports in the next five years. In a letter to President Obama, Sen. Cantwell proposed adding the Secretary of Transportation to the roster of official’s in the President’s ‘export cabinet,’ because of the critical role of transportation infrastructure in moving exports. And at yesterday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing – “Doubling U.S. Exports: Are U.S. Sea Ports Ready for the Challenge?” – Sen. Cantwell called for infrastructure improvements throughout the transportation supply chain, including road, rail, and sea transportation, and for the removal of bottlenecks to rapidly increase exports. Washington state boasts one of the most robust export economies in the nation. In 2009, Washington was fourth in the nation for exports and first in the nation for exports per capita. In 2009, Washington state exported $51 billion worth of goods. One in three Washington jobs depends on trade. Last month, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Port of Tacoma Executive Director John Wolfe sent Commerce Secretary Gary Locke a letter with concrete ideas to support export expansion. The suggestions included soliciting comments from stakeholders throughout the nation, leading the Export Promotion Cabinet to work with other federal agencies to address shortage of export containers and employee international trade specialists with expertise in logistics.


WL Ross/Greenbrier
work new railcar lease deal

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — WL Ross & Co. LLC (WL Ross) and The Greenbrier Companies (Greenbrier) have announced that newly formed WL Ross - Greenbrier Rail Holdings LLC (WLR - GBX) has acquired a lease portfolio of nearly 4,000 railcars valued at approximately $230 million. WLR - GBX is owned by affiliates of WL Ross for the purpose of acquiring railcar assets in North America to be managed by Greenbrier. Greenbrier will receive management and other fee income and incentive compensation tied to the performance of the portfolio. WLR - GBX intends to seek additional opportunities to acquire railcar lease portfolios utilizing this structure.


Fleet Management Ltd. hit
with pollution indictment

WASHINGTON, DC — A federal grand jury in Corpus Christi, Texas, has returned an indictment charging Fleet Management Limited with obstruction of agency proceedings, making false statements and failing to keep accurate pollution control records, the Justice Department announced. Fleet Management Limited of Hong Kong is charged with one count of failing to maintain an accurate oil record book as required by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), a U.S. law which implements the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, commonly known as "MARPOL;" one count of making false statements to the U.S. Coast Guard; and one count of obstruction. If convicted of all counts, the company may be punished with a fine of up to $3 million. The two individuals, Prem Kumar, a ship superintendent for Fleet Management Limited and Prasada Reddy Mareddy, the second engineer of the M/V LOWLANDS SUMIDA, have both been charged with conspiracy. Mr. Kumar was also charged with obstruction of a Coast Guard investigation. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, both face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. If convicted of obstruction of justice, Mr. Kumar faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.


Baltic Trading Limited
takes delivery of vessel

NEW YORK — Baltic Trading Limited, a drybulk company focused on the spot market, has announced that it has taken delivery of the BALTIC PANTHER, a 2009-built Supramax vessel. The BALTIC PANTHER is the second vessel to be delivered to the company under agreements signed in February 2010 to acquire four 2009-built Supramax drybulk vessels from an unaffiliated third party as well as two Capesize newbuildings from another unaffiliated third party. The BALTIC PANTHER is expected to be delivered to its charterer, Oldendorff GMBH and Co. KG., on or about May 1, 2010 to commence a spot market-related time charter for 11 to 13.5 months. The rate for the spot market-related time charter will be based on 95 percent of the average of the daily rates of the Baltic Supramax Index (BSI), an index published by The Baltic Exchange reflecting the average freight rate for six major Supramax time charter routes, as reflected in daily published reports. Hire will be paid every 15 days in arrears net of a five percent brokerage commission, which includes the 1.25 percent commission payable to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited. Baltic Trading will not be responsible for voyage expenses, including fuel.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 29, 2010

Cruise season underway
at Port of Seattle terminals

SEATTLE — The 2010 cruise season got underway April 26, with the arrival of Holland America Line's ms AMSTERDAM at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. A record 223 vessels are expected this season, bringing an estimated 858,000 passengers to Seattle. The port’s cruise business creates thousands of jobs and millions in revenue, boosting the economy while using new technology that protects the environment. Per an agreement between the port and the cruise lines, all cruise ships that homeport in Seattle will use either low-sulfur fuel or shore power while docked. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal can provide shore power for two ships at once, eliminating the need to run engines while at berth. Seattle’s cruise industry is responsible for more than 4,447 jobs, $425 million in annual business revenue, and nearly $19 million annually in state and local tax revenues.


"K" Line vessel attacked
by high-speed pirate boats

TOKYO — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. has announces that the owned vessel of its subsidiary company VLCC ISUZUGAWA, Panama flag, Indian/Philippine crew, was attacked and fired on by pirates in high-speed boats at Arabian Sea Position Lat :17 degrees 57 minutes North / Long : 065 degrees 55 minutes East, around 11:15 JST on Sunday, April 25. The ship sustained minor damage to the hull, but accelerated and took evasive maneuvers. After about 60 minutes, the pirates ended the pursuit. No injuries were reported in the attack, and no oil leaked from the hull. ISUZUGAWA continues its intended voyage to Japan for discharging cargo operation under its own power.


Ports America taps Svendsen
as new chief process officer

ISELIN, N.J. — Ports America Group (Ports America) recently announced the appointment of Claus Michael Svendsen to the position of chief process officer. Mr. Svendsen, who joins Ports America as of May 1, will report directly to President and CEO, Michael Hassing and be responsible for activities and actions currently under the Program Office as well as defining, structuring, and further optimizing Ports America’s processes. Mr. Svendsen has more than 10 years of experience in the maritime industry. He has held various functional, operational, organizational restructuring and commercial leadership roles throughout Europe and Asia within Scandlines and A.P.Møller – Maersk, most recently as Scandlines CPO, group senior vice president, where he was responsible for the turn-around of the company through Change Management Projects and restructuring of the organization and processes.


Vessel Chief Engineer cleared
in 'Magic Pipe' pollution case

HOUSTON — A jury in Houston federal court has cleared Greek maritime officer Ioannis Mylonakis of charges that he engineered the dumping of oil tanker waste off of the Texas coast in early 2009, according to the Berg & Androphy law firm. The jury rejected claims by U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section that Mr. Mylonakis, as chief engineer of the 40,000-ton M/T GEORGIOS M, ordered his crew to use a so-called "magic pipe" to bypass pollution control equipment and discharge sludge and oily waste into the seas near Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas. Mr. Mylonakis is represented by lead attorneys Joel Androphy and Kathryn Nelson, of Berg & Androphy, of Houston, and assisted by George M. Chalos and George A. Gaitas, of the Chalos & Co., P.C., of New York. Eight crewmembers testified for the government that Mr. Mylonakis orchestrated the magic pipe bypass during his tenure on the vessel. The defense team demonstrated that the crew misled the government about the involvement of Mr. Mylonakis in return for grants of immunity. The jury found that the Filipino crewmembers were not credible. In an extraordinary ruling, presiding Judge Kenneth Hoyt struck the testimony of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Lab's expert chemist, ruling it confusing and irrelevant.


Coast Guard warns boaters
to stay clear of large passenger vessels

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and recreational boaters to avoid approaching large passenger vessels (LPV), such as cruise ships and Washington State Ferries, whether these vessels are underway, moored or at anchor. An LPV is defined as any cruise ship, auto ferry or passenger ferry over 100-feet in length, carrying paying passengers. This includes Washington State Ferries and Alaskan Marine Highway ferries. The security zones enforced by the Coast Guard are a 500-yard radius around all LPVs and are necessary to enhance public and maritime safety. These security and safety zones are in effect at all times whether or not the Coast Guard is present. Specifically the Code of Federal Regulations states that: When within a large passenger vessel security and safety zone all vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and must proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 100-yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, unless authorized by the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master. No vessel or person is allowed within 100-yards of a large passenger vessel that is moored. To request authorization to operate within 100-yards of a large passenger vessel that is underway or at anchor, contact the on-scene official patrol or large passenger vessel master on VHF-FM channel 16 or 13.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Port of Everett adds
new rail loading ramp

EVERETT — In an effort to enhance its cargo handling capabilities and attract new business, the Port of Everett recently built a new rail loading ramp at its terminal facilities. The 70-ton ramp supports cargo operations by aiding in the loading and unloading of wheeled cargo, such as military tanks, farming and mining equipment, onto and from rail cars. Certified welders on the port’s Marine Terminals maintenance crew constructed the ramp to meet U.S. Military design specifications. The Port of Everett’s facilities handle a wide variety of roll-on roll-off cargo, also known as RoRo cargo. This cargo mix includes heavy machinery for the construction and mining industry, such as excavators and bulldozers, as well as heavy equipment for the farming industry, such as tractors. By using the ramp, the port can better serve its current customers and attract new business. The ramp allows crews to drive machinery on and off rail cars, in turn saving time and money, increasing capacity and providing a safer alternative to lifting with a crane or other cargo handling equipment.


ATA Truck Tonnage Index
jumps again during March

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.4 percent in March, following a revised 0.3 percent decrease in February. The latest improvement put the SA index at 109.2 (2000=100), which is the highest level since November 2008. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 116.4 in March, up 19.1 percent from the previous month. Compared with March 2009, SA tonnage jumped 7.5 percent, which was the fourth consecutive year-over-year gain and the largest increase since January 2005. For the first quarter of 2010, SA tonnage was up 4.9 percent compared with the same period last year.


Panama Canal Authority
to hold line on tolls in 2010

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced it will not adjust tolls in 2010. On April 26, 2010, the ACP Board of Directors approved a proposal to modify the Panama Canal pricing structure. The adjustments are scheduled for January 2011. This proposal modifies the pricing structure for all canal segments: container, dry bulk, liquid bulk, vehicle carriers, reefers, passenger, general cargo, and others. For the container segment, the ACP proposes a change in the way tolls are calculated, with a slight price adjustment to the capacity charge, and an additional new charge that would only apply to the number of loaded containers aboard the vessel at the time of transit. In June 2009, the ACP provided temporary measures to help users mitigate the effects of the economic crisis. Once these measures reached their term, they were extended until April 30, 2010, at the industry’s request. In view of the current world economic situation, the ACP has decided not to proceed with a tolls adjustment in 2010 and set January 2011 as the new date for implementing the tolls presented in this proposal.


Congressman holds hearing
on Coast Guard diversity progress

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, (MD-07), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, convened a hearing Tuesday regarding Civil Rights programs and diversity initiatives in the United States Coast Guard. The hearing examined a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concerning changes made by the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights Directorate. The Subcommittee also examined diversity at the Coast Guard Academy. Consultants at Booz Allen Hamilton made 53 recommendations in an assessment of the Coast Guard Civil Rights Services released in early 2009. The Civil Rights Directorate reported that it has implemented 52 of Booz Allen Hamilton’s 53 recommendations. However, the GAO report indicated that implementation of these recommendations may not be fully completed. The report argues that achieving long-term changes in the Civil Rights Directorate requires development of a clear vision of outcomes to be achieved by reform, and of measurable steps that can be used to assess progress toward the achievement of these outcomes.


CMA CGM Group
boosting Iraq service

MARSEILLES — The CMA CGM Group has announced the April 30 opening of its newly renovated deep water quay in Umm Qasr port. This quay is dedicated exclusively to CMA CGM vessels and equipped with the most modern cargo-handling facilities, allowing CMA CGM a complete autonomy in the handling of its containers into and out of Iraq. Due to these new facilities and for the first time in Iraq, CMA CGM will be able to offer its customers a direct reefer service. The CMA CGM Group offers a weekly service from Umm Qasr port to Khor Fakkan - UAE (two vessels of 880 TEU) providing worldwide connections to main CMA CGM services. Present in Iraq since 1978 without interruption, CMA CGM has three offices in Baghdad, Basra and Umm Qasr and offers door-to-door transport solutions to and from Iraq.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 26, 2010

Construction begins on
new WSF 64-car ferry

SEATTLE — Construction of the state’s second Kwa-di Tabil Class (64-car) ferry officially got underway April 19, at Todd Pacific Shipyards (Todd) in Seattle. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Secretary Paula Hammond and Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries (WSF) David Moseley were on hand to help Todd officials commemorate the event. Secretary Hammond struck the first arc weld on the keel signifying the start of construction of the second vessel of the class. The first Kwa-di Tabil Class Ferry, CHETZEMOKA, was towed to Todd’s subcontractor, Everett Shipyard, earlier this month for final outfitting, system testing and sea trials. The CHETZEMOKA is scheduled to go into service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route late summer after several weeks of WSF sea trials and crew training. In October 2009 WSDOT awarded a $114 million contract to Todd to build two more 64-car ferries, in addition to the CHETZEMOKA. Todd is working with over 30 significant subcontractors and creating or preserving some 360 jobs for highly skilled workers. The contract contains an option to build a fourth vessel, which WSDOT must exercise by May 31, 2011. The fourth vessel would be either a 64-car ferry or 144-car ferry depending on the availability of funds.


Port Metro Vancouver
plans for cruise season start

VANCOUVER, BC — Holland America’s M/S AMSTERDAM will be the first cruise ship of the 2010 cruise season to call at Port Metro Vancouver when it arrives on April 25, and the first of 58 scheduled calls expected to connect to the port’s new shore power system. The ship will arrive in Vancouver after sailing from Petropavlovsk, Russia as part of a 114-day Grand World voyage. The shore powr system, completed in 2009, is a $9-million initiative by the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, BC Hydro and Port Metro Vancouver which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver by up to 3000 tonnes/year. It was also a key component in Port Metro Vancouver’s Air Action Program, which was recognized recently with an ecoFREIGHT Sustainable Transportation Award at Globe 2010, an international conference focussed on environmental issues. Despite forecasting declines this year to just under 600,000 passengers and 179 ship calls from 898,473 passenger and 256 ship calls last year, Port Metro Vancouver remains highly optimistic about its future cruise business.


Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
takes bite out of emissions

OSLO — Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), a global shipping and logistics company, reports it managed to cut its green house gas emissions by 32 percent last year. The company also cut its sulphur dioxide emissions (SO2) emissions by 135,000 tonnes in a nine year period from 2000 to 2009, an amount nearly equal to all the SO2 emissions from road vehicles in the United States for an entire year. These figures are contained in the company's 2009 Environmental and Social Responsibility Report (www.2wglobal.com/esr), the shipping industry’s first emissions inventory report to receive 3rd party verification that it conforms to the accounting requirements of ISO 14064-1 and The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol).


APL taps Gene Seroka
as President in Americas

SINGAPORE — APL has announced that Gene Seroka has been named its new president in the Americas. Mr. Seroka, a 21-year-veteran of the company, replaces John Bowe who is leaving in June. Until recently the Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Mr. Seroka will relocate to the company’s regional headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. He’ll be responsible for all of the shipping, intermodal transportation and terminal activities of APL, the world’s fourth-largest carrier. APL is the principal business of container transportation and logistics company NOL Group. Mr. Seroka, who joined the company in 1988, has a management background in both container shipping and logistics. He has worked in five countries for NOL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s in Management, both from the University of New Orleans. In his new role, he’ll be the company’s top executive in one of its most important markets. Many of APL’s largest customers are based in the Americas. The company operates a number of marine terminals in the U.S. and is one of the largest users of intermodal rail transportation.


Alaska Airlines adding flights
from Portland/Seattle to Hawaii

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air has announced expanded service to Hawaii and Mexico and new service between San Jose, Calif., and Los Angeles that will strengthen international connections with the airlines’ alliance partners. Alaska Airlines will inaugurate daily service between San Diego, Calif., and Kahului, Maui, beginning Oct. 1, and daily seasonal service between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, starting Nov. 12, 2010. It will also begin seasonal flying between Portland, Ore., and Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, four times a week starting Nov. 12. Additionally, it will add a second flight between Seattle and Kona that will operate thrice weekly from Nov. 11 to April 10, 2011. These new flights are in addition to the new daily service between Portland and Honolulu the carrier recently announced.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 23, 2010

Port of Tacoma calls for
Hylebos Creek project bids

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma marks Earth Day by calling for bids to enhance and restore a premier habitat site near Hylebos Creek. Plans for the 23-acre site on Marine View Drive include excavating contaminated and unsuitable soils and creating freshwater and intertidal marsh, forested upland and riparian habitat. The port bought the former Parsons property in 2005 for future habitat mitigation and restoration. Its tidally influenced location at the mouth of the salmon-bearing Hylebos Creek makes it especially valuable as restored habitat. It also sits next to habitat sites restored by other organizations, providing broader environmental benefit by connecting several restored areas along the creek. Plans for the port property are divided into five separate projects to fulfill current or future habitat restoration requirements. Designs for the projects, however, took into account the whole parcel to provide the most valuable environmental benefit. When the restorations are complete, the property will provide about 23 acres of freshwater and intertidal marsh, forested upland and riparian habitat along Hylebos Creek. It will provide resting and feeding areas for young salmon before they head out to Puget Sound, as well as a home to native plants, water birds and other wildlife. The site’s design, restoration and ongoing monitoring is expected to cost about $12 million. This call for bids seeks a contractor to remove contaminated and unsuitable soils, fill and grade a former gravel mine, demolish structures from a former concrete recycling facility, create suitable habitat and plant native vegetation to meet local, state, tribal and federal requirements. Bids are due May 12. Find maps, descriptions of the habitat and updates on its progress at http://www.portoftacoma.com/hylebos-creek.


Horizon Lines reports
first quarter numbers

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has reported results for its fiscal first quarter ended March 21, 2010. On a GAAP basis, the first-quarter net loss totaled $13.2 million, or $0.43 per share, on revenue of $286.1 million. This compares with a net loss of $10.0 million, or $0.33 per share on revenue of $272.4 million for the same period a year ago. The adjusted first-quarter 2010 net loss was $12.0 million, or $0.39 per share, after excluding charges totaling $1.2 million pre-tax, or $0.04 per share after tax adjustment, for antitrust-related legal expenses and for a voluntary separation program for certain union employees. The adjusted net loss for the 2009 first quarter totaled $4.7 million, or $0.15 per share, which excluded antitrust-related legal fees and restructuring charges totaling $53 million pre-tax, or $0.18 per share after tax adjustments.


US rail freight traffic
increases during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads is continuing to show solid signs of recovery with carload freight volume hitting its highest level since November 2008 during the week ended March 27, 2010, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 293,114 carloads during the week, up 16.5 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 11.6 percent from 2008. This was the highest weekly carload total since the week ended November 29, 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR now reports 2010 weekly rail traffic with comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 210,914 trailers and containers, up 12 percent from last year but down 5.3 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 14.4 percent and trailer volume edged up 0.3 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume was up 2.1 percent while trailer volume fell 32.3 percent. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.7 billion ton-miles, up 17.4 percent from last year but down 9.2 percent from 2008.


Genco Shipping extends
time charter for Handymax ship

NEW YORK — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited has announced that it has reached an agreement to extend the time charter for the GENCO MARINE, a 1996-built Handymax vessel, with STX Pan Ocean Co. Ltd. for approximately 11 to 13.5 months at a rate of $20,000 per day, less a five percent third-party brokerage commission. The time charter is expected to commence following the expiration of the vessel's current time charter on or about May 4, 2010 and is subject to the completion of definitive documentation. Currently, Genco has approximately 65 percent of its fleet's estimated available days secured on contracts for the remainder of 2010.


Port of Everett schedules
Working Waterfront Harbor tours

EVERETT — The Port of Everett will partner with the Everett Parks Department to kick-off its 2nd Annual series of Working Waterfront Harbor Tours. The series consists of five tours exploring the Everett waterfront. During each free tour, port staff will host 75 guests on a ferry ride while providing a unique look at the port’s diverse roles along the waterfront. Topics of discussion will include international trade, property development, marina facilities, public access amenities and environmental stewardship. This summer, the port has expanded its program to include one extra tour and alternative tour times to accommodate additional guests. Furthermore, the port is offering three extended tours, traveling down to the port’s satellite shipping facility, Mount Baker Terminal, which handles oversized airplane parts. This season’s harbor tour dates include:
• Wednesday, June 23 at 6:30 – 8 p.m. – extended tour
• Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 – 8 p.m. – extended tour
• *Sunday, July 18 at 10 – 11 a.m.
• *Sunday, Aug. 15 at 10 – 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 – 8 p.m. – extended tour
The ferry will board at the port’s 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park 15-minutes before each set departure time. *Sunday guests must pay a $3 parking fee per vehicle. Space is limited, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To check availability and make seat reservations, call the Jetty Island Kiosk at 425.257.8304.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 22, 2010

Port of Tacoma sees jump
in intermodal container lifts

TACOMA — In March 2010, the Port of Tacoma handled a total of 30,716 intermodal container lifts at its four intermodal yards, up 20 percent from its March, 2009 intermodal volume. It also marks the highest monthly intermodal volume for the port so far in 2010, and the most monthly intermodal lifts the port has handled in the last 18 months. The port saw increases in both international and domestic intermodal rail volumes in March. Two major factors are the port’s intermodal rail incentive program, which encourages the use of rail for short-haul containers, and the new Union Pacific domestic service that is bringing new container volumes through the port’s South Intermodal Rail Yard. The Port of Tacoma has three dockside intermodal yards and one near-dock intermodal yard. The port’s North Intermodal Yard, which opened in 1981, was the first dockside intermodal rail facility on the West Coast. Overall, the port’s March year-to-date intermodal volumes are down about two percent from 2009.


Port of Seattle offers reward
to ships burning cleaner fuel

SEATTLE — In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Port of Seattle is highlighting its environmental stewardship with one of its green initiatives, the At Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels program. The program encourages carriers to burn low-sulfur fuels (0.5 percent sulfur or less) in their auxiliary engines while at berth in Seattle by providing an incentive of $2,250 for each call during which ships comply with the fuel requirements. ABC Fuels is a partnership that includes some of the port’s ocean carriers and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The ABC Fuels program began in 2009 and to-date has eliminated more than 96 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emissions. The low-sulfur fuel reduces sulfur dioxide emissions by 80 percent and diesel particulate matter by 60 percent. More than 60 vessels from nine carriers participate in the program. Participating carriers include Hapag Lloyd, APL, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Evergreen Line, Hamburg Süd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line.


Port of Vancouver, USA
welcomes HYPERION LEADER

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the HYPERION LEADER, commanded by Capt. Quazi Mukit Hossain of Bangladesh, on the vessel's maiden voyage to the United States on April 16, 2010. Capt. Hossain and his 21-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Gary Martinke, local agent for Inchcape Shipping Services, Jay Orrell and Ann Tetreault of Subaru America, and Craig Beatty of Cascade Awards along with port representatives Lars Uglum, Addison Jacobs, Jonathan Eder, Alan Hargrave, Leonard York and Sarah Ettl. The HYPERION LEADER was built in Japan and launched March 25, 2010. The vessel is 623 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 14,381 metric tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA is from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The vessel is owned by Hyperion Maritime SA. and operated by Wilhelmsen SM. Inchcape Shipping Services is the agent for the vessel. The ship discharged 2,000 Subaru vehicles and loaded back 140 for Korea while in port. After leaving Vancouver, the vessel sailed to Port Hueneme to complete its discharge.


Diana Shipping inks
bulk vessel time charter

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Daelim Corporation, Seoul, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the m/v CLIO, at a gross charter rate of US$25,000 per day for a period of minimum 23 to maximum 25 months. The charter is expected to commence during the first half of May 2010. This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$17.3 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the charter. The m/v CLIO is a 73,691 dwt Panamax dry bulk carrier built in 2005.


Holland America Line adding
ecosystems protection program

SEATTLE — Holland America Line and Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) announced a new partnership to promote sustainable and compatible use of the oceans to protect the world's marine ecosystems. Called "Our Marvelous Oceans," the new program will start with a three-year commitment that includes adopting sustainable seafood purchasing onboard, new programming for guests and support for the MCBI education program under which annual grants are made by MCBI to graduate students and young scientists in historical marine ecology. "Our Marvelous Oceans" will embrace three elements: guest and staff education; support for marine conservation biology research; and promotion of healthy marine economic practices by identifying more sustainable choices for the premium line's seafood menu offerings.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Port of Portland employees
eye move to new headquarters

PORTLAND — Monday, May 3, will mark the first official day in a new headquarters building for more than 450 Port of Portland employees. Staff from the downtown Portland headquarters and the airport terminal are consolidating in offices situated on three floors built atop the new seven-story long-term parking garage at Portland International Airport. A showcase for sustainable practices, the 205,000-square foot office building incorporates many state-of-the-art green technologies; its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, gold rating is pending. Visitors to the new building’s lobby will see what looks like a large indoor garden but which actually is a functioning indoor wetland. Called a Living Machine® system, this ecological wastewater treatment alternative treats wastewater for reuse in the building’s toilets and cooling tower. It is the largest commercial office building with the Living Machine® system in the western United States. Underneath the building, more than 200 pipes provide ground source heating and cooling in a closed loop system, serving the passive radiant ceiling panel heating and cooling inside. This is the first coupling of these heating and cooling systems in the United States. Features like daylighting, window glazing, fixed exterior shading, water-efficient fixtures, and a 10,000-square foot eco-roof help save energy, water and money. All combined, the building will use 75 percent less water and 36 percent less energy compared to a standard building of the same size.


Seattle-based seafood firm
hit with EPA civil penalty

WASHINGTON, DC — Westward Seafoods Inc., the operator of a seafood processing plant in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, will pay a $570,000 civil penalty as part of a settlement agreement to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced. Under the settlement agreement filed in federal court in Alaska, Westward Seafoods, a Seattle-based company, will be required to undertake four measures designed to improve the company's environmental compliance. The agreement requires the company to create a preventative maintenance and operations plan, develop and implement an annual training plan for all employees responsible for operating generating equipment, develop and submit to EPA an organizational chart that outlines staff that have environmental compliance responsibilities and develop internal procedures for submitting required reports to federal, state and/or local environmental agencies. The settlement resolves a complaint that alleged that Westward Seafoods had multiple violations of the Clean Air Act from 2002 until 2006. The complaint alleged violations including the burning of approximately 1.3 million gallons of diesel fuel with excessive sulfur; operating three diesel generators while air pollution control devices were inoperable, resulting in excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides; and failing to respond to repeated requests for information from state and federal inspectors.


Olympia Port Commission
adding two meetings

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia Commission has decided to add two additional regular meetings each month. The meetings will occur from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Port Administration Building, 915 Washington St. NE, on the Thursdays preceding the commission’s regular meetings, held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (5:30 p.m. in the LOTT Board Room, Second Floor, 111 Market Street). The purpose of the Thursday meeting is to prepare for agenda items set for the following Monday meeting, and to discuss any other items which the commission chooses to place on the Thursday agenda. Notice of the meetings and agendas will be provided as required by law. Meeting information and agendas will also be available on the Port’s website www.portolympia.com. Dates of the Thursday regular meetings in 2010 are: April 22, May 6 and 20, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19, September 9 and 23, October 7 and 21, November 4 and 18, and December 9. As with any regular meeting, a Thursday meeting may be cancelled at the commission’s direction.


NOAA sets contract
for new survey vessel

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a $73.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract to Marinette Marine Corporation located in Marinette, Wis., for the construction of a new fisheries survey vessel, which will improve NOAA’s ability to conduct surveys for fish, marine mammals and turtles off the U.S. West Coast and in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The vessel will be the fifth in a series of state-of-the-art Oscar Dyson-class ships built for the agency. The ship will be equipped with a full suite of modern instrumentation for fisheries and oceanographic research, including advanced navigation systems, acoustic sensors, scientific sampling gear and extensive laboratories. The high-tech ship will also produce much less noise than other survey vessels, allowing scientists to study fish populations and collect oceanographic data with fewer effects on fish and marine mammal behavior. The ship will be operated by NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and will primarily support NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center.


Ceremony marks naming
of newest OOCL vessel

HONG KONG — OOCL announced on April 13, the christening of its newest vessel, the OOCL LONDON, the 15th SX class vessel (8,063 TEU) in OOCL’s line of 16 SX class vessels ordered from Samsung Heavy Industries. The OOCL LONDON was named by sponsor Lady Rebecca Jane Purves, wife of Sir William Purves, former Group Chairman of HSBC. CC Tung, chairman and CEO of OOIL Group, hosted the ceremony which was held at Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard on Geoje Island. The OOCL London will be deployed on the EU Loop C service, in response to the recovery of demand on the Asia-Europe trade.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 19, 2010

Port of Bellingham meeting
to define director job description

BELLINGHAM — What type of candidate is the Port of Bellingham seeking for its new executive director? That's the question Port Commissioners will address today, when the commission has a special meeting to review and discuss a draft job description for the port's top position. The commissioners are working with executive search firm Waldron & Company, which they hired in March to undertake a complete search process. Since then, the firm has conducted interviews with community stakeholders, port staff and the individual commissioners to learn more about role of the executive director, the challenges and opportunities facing the port and the necessary skills for the position. At 3 p.m. Monday (April 19) in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue, the commission will review a draft job description prepared by Waldron and is likely to approve a final job description during the meeting. The meeting is open to the public, although no public comment will be taken. The port also has created an Executive Search Process web page to keep the community informed. The web address is www.portofbellingham.com\executivesearch.htm


Sea-Tac Airport adding
green recycling system

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle is continuing its efforts as the "Green Gateway" with the debut of another innovative environmental program - a centralized off-aircraft recycling system that will reduce waste sent to landfills, improve ramp safety, decrease air emissions, and save more than $250,000 each year. Six pairs of large capacity (30 cubic yards) computer-monitored compactors have been installed at convenient locations for all airlines to access. The larger compactors allow more collection while computer-monitoring provides alerts when they are full, thus reducing the amount of pickup trips by 75 percent. Previously, airlines coordinated their own trash pickups. The new system has resulted in 89 fewer pickups per month and could reduce pickups to as few as one or two per month at most locations. Reducing pickups also mean fewer vehicles on the ramp which increases safety, reduces air emissions and saves money.


CKYH Alliance summit meeting
results in several planned changes

TOKYO — On April 15, CKYH Alliance (COSCO, “K” LINE, Yang Ming, and Hanjin Shipping) announced complete success of its 2010 Summit Meeting held in Zhenjiang, China. At the annual CKYH Summit meeting, CKYH Alliance members, being all fully aware of the severe challenges in the “post-crisis” era, re-affirmed to further strengthen the collaborative partnership and confirmed the direction of future development. CKYH Alliance announced they would update the name as “CKYH - the Green Alliance” which embodies its strong determination on environmental protection. CKYH - the Green Alliance calls for collective efforts of implementing “Green Shipping” in order to fulfill the responsibilities of Corporate Citizens. All Alliance members will take further measures such as eco-steaming for energy-saving and emission reduction, etc. To overcome challenges facing the shipping industry, CKYH - the Green Alliance will continuously harmonize its services to enhance its core competitiveness. At the same time, all members will take positive action to take full advantage of regional transship hubs, build up extensive feeder networks, extend cooperation to the North/South trades & new emerging markets, widen the scope of cooperation to other sections of the Transport Chain by optimizing the alliance’s resources such as terminals, chassis, inter-modal facilities and equipment.


TriMet nets federal funding
for new US-made streetcars

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff have announced that Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) of Portland, Oregon will receive $2.4 million in federal research funds to support the development of streetcar components that will be made in the U.S.A. TriMet will use the funds to support the development of a domestically-produced streetcar propulsion system, as well as initial work to develop a streetcar that can operate for short distances without power from overhead wires, allowing the potential for streetcar service to be introduced where historic, environmental, or other concerns limit the installation of overhead wires. The work will be done by the Clackamas, Oregon-based manufacturer Oregon Iron Works, the parent company of United Streetcar LLC.


Coast Guard searching for
owner of bike found on ferry

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is searching for the owner of an bicycle left on the Washington State Ferry (WSF) Kaleetan, after the 9:05 p.m. sailing from Seattle to Bremerton, Wash., Thursday. Coast Guard Sector Seattle was notified by WSF personnel after they found an unclaimed olive green commuter bicycle and a white helmet and conducted two full sweeps of the ferry without finding the owner. Coast Guard Station Seattle launched a 41-foot utility boat crew and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., launched an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew to search the ferry's course in case the bicycle's owner fell overboard. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Coast Guard at 206-217-6002.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 16, 2010

Coast Guard District Commander
temporarily relieved of duties

SEATTLE — Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore, Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, has temporarily relieved Capt. Suzanne E. Englebert of her duties as commander of Coast Guard Sector Seattle, citing a loss of confidence in the officer’s ability to command. “The decision to relieve a commanding officer is never easy and is taken very seriously," said Blore. "Due to an unacceptable command climate this commander no longer had my confidence to command an effective unit. I firmly believe this decision was made in the best interest of the unit and the Service.” Pending a final determination by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C., Capt. Scott Bornemann has been temporarily assigned to command Sector Seattle. The Sector is conducting normal operations.


Northwest firms in-line
for MarAd grant funds

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $14.7 million in grant awards to help improve 17 small shipyards in 16 states. The funds will help these shipyards become more competitive by purchasing modern equipment and training workers. The grants, which are part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program, will go to shipyards around the country that provide essential services to commercial and government ships. MARAD received over 160 grant applications requesting $180 million in assistance. The grants support a vital segment of the America’s maritime economy and promote long-term job creation and retention opportunities. Northwest businesses included in the program are:
Puglia Engineering, Inc. (Bellingham, WA)- $1,333,267 for floating drydock enhancements, 80-ton rough terrain crane and coating equipment
Sause Bros., Inc. dba Southern Oregon Marine, Inc. (Coos Bay, OR)- $173,749 for water blast system, sandblasting machine and big top shelter
Pacific Fishermen Shipyard and Electric LLC (Seattle, WA)- $643,095 for worker training program, sand blast paint and booths, sand blast grit recovery systems, man lifts and 15-ton crane


NASSCO begins construction
on thirteenth T-AKE vessel

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has begun construction of the future USNS MEDGAR EVERS, the thirteenth ship of the U.S. Navy's T-AKE program. The MEDGAR EVERS is named in honor of the U.S. Army veteran and civil rights pioneer from Mississippi. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the second quarter of 2012. When it joins the fleet, the MEDGAR EVERS will be used primarily to stage U.S. Marine Corps equipment abroad by the Navy's Military Sealift Command. General Dynamics NASSCO employs approximately 4,200 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. NASSCO has delivered the first nine T-AKEs, which are also known as Lewis and Clark-class ships. The shipyard also has construction contracts for five additional T-AKEs for a total class of 14 ships. More information about NASSCO can be found at www.nassco.com.


US rail freight traffic
continues upward swing

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that for the fourth consecutive week, freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up compared with the same period a year ago during the week ended March 20. U.S. railroads originated 287,639 carloads during the week, up 4.3 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 10.7 percent from 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR now reports 2010 weekly rail traffic with comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 201,300 trailers and containers, up 9.5 percent from last year but down 4.6 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 12.3 percent and trailer volume dipped 3.2 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume was up 3.6 percent while trailer volume fell 33.1 percent. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.3 billion ton-miles, up 5.4 percent from last year but down 7.7 percent from 2008.


Port of Seattle honors ties to Japan
with cherry tree planting ceremony

SEATTLE — Members of the Japanese community, the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival and the Port of Seattle joined together for a cherry tree planting ceremony at Elliott Bay Park on Monday, April 12, 2010. The event commemorated Japan’s first overseas mission to the U.S. in 1860 and the ratification of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. “Two-way trade between Washington and Japan surpassed $11.4 billion in 2009, making Japan the Port of Seattle’s second largest trading partner in air and sea cargo,” said Port Commissioner Rob Holland. “We are grateful for our long trade relationship with Japan, for the many business and cultural relationships, and most of all for the friendship between our countries.” The cherry trees were provided by the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival as part of its statewide campaign to plant 7,000 cherry trees. The five “Akebono” cherry trees planted at Elliott Bay Park were donated by the John Sato Foundation. Elliott Bay Park, located between Myrtle Edwards Park and the Grain Terminal, is one of the port’s 22 parks and public access areas which are all maintained by the port’s landscaping crew using 100 percent organic landscaping. The port incorporates environmental stewardship into all its management strategies and business decisions.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 15, 2010

Oregon, Washington governors
form Columbia River Crossing panel

OLYMPIA/SALEM — Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire have announced the appointment of eight transportation experts to an independent panel to review the Columbia River Crossing project. The governors convened the panel to ensure that key project assumptions and methods are reasonable for this one-of-kind transportation project. “Replacing the bridge over the Columbia River is essential to maintaining the economies and enhancing the livability of the communities in our two states. The project combines light rail, bike and pedestrian facilities, and will improve the movement of people and goods all in a little over five miles,” said Gregoire. “The independent expert review will provide us assurance that the project has the implementation and financial plans in place to get the job done on time and on budget.” “The CRC is an investment that is critical to the economy of the entire Pacific Northwest because of its importance as the major north-south transportation link of the western United States,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said “We have selected the members of this panel because they each bring key areas of expertise to assess this unique project and ensure the project meets our goals of improved flow of commerce and goods, new green transportation alternatives for commuters, and improved safety at the most dangerous interchange in Oregon.”
The panel has been asked to:
• Assess the implementation plan for the CRC project
• Review the financial plan for the project
• Review and evaluate post-construction performance measures
The panel will meet for the first time May 19-20, 2010, and will meet at least three more times throughout the summer. The panel is charged with reporting its findings to the governors by July 30, 2010.


Coast Guard holding vessel
while captain checked for intoxication

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Puget Sound, Wash., has issued an order requiring the cargo vessel STX DAISY to remain at anchor in Port Angeles. The Coast Guard conducted a routine boarding of the vessel in the Strait of Juan de Fuca early Wednesday morning and found that the vessel’s master showed signs of intoxication. The STX DAISY, a 587-foot Panamanian flagged vessel, was en route to Olympia, from Qingdao, China, to load timber. The U. S. Attorney’s office is investigating the incident for evidence of a possible violation of U. S. law.


Port of Seattle projects
environmentally friendly

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle reports it is a leader in sustainability – both economic and environmental – working each day to generate jobs and revenue in ways that also protect the environment. While those efforts happen every day, commissioners and staff took time April 13, to recognize the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, highlighting efforts large and small throughout the organization. The port commission authorized an agreement with the Washington Conservation Corps, a statewide Americorps program. Twelve young adults will work on wetland mitigation projects at Sea-Tac Airport, gaining valuable work experience and developing environmental leadership skills. The port’s recently-released annual environmental report details many of the sustainable business practices used at all port facilities, but one of the port’s current capital projects deserves special recognition. The consolidated rental car facility currently under construction is the first LEED project to be built by the Port of Seattle. Though the project is only forty percent complete, 28 percent of materials used thus far are recycled and 29 percent are locally-sourced. Those two percentages will increase as the project is completed, but one statistic is already eye-popping: 99 percent of the construction waste generated has been recycled.


Freight Transportation Index
climbs again during February

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.3 percent in February from its January level, rising for the second consecutive month, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI index has risen 3.6 percent over the last nine months, starting in June, after declining 15.3 percent in the previous 10 months beginning in August 2008. The index has increased in seven of the last nine months. The index started 2010 with an increase of 0.7 percent in the first two months. 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 February Freight TSI of 96.9 is a 3.6 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May 2009. In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.1 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.


Port of Tacoma schedules
Earth Day bus tour

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma will host a free Earth Day bus tour April 22. Celebrate Earth Day with a behind-the-scenes peek at Port of Tacoma wildlife habitat and environmental projects. The free narrated bus tour will include Gog-le-hi-te II wetlands along the Puyallup River and property near the Hylebos Creek, where construction will begin this year on what eventually will become 23 acres of restored freshwater and intertidal marsh, forested upland and riparian habitat. Visitors also will view the port’s pioneering “tree in a box” to prevent water pollution. This pilot project is the first time the low impact development technology has been used in an industrial setting. Latest results show the native trees filter out 90 percent of zinc from stormwater runoff.
Tour details: Thursday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. to about noon. Begins and ends at the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd.
Space is limited for this free tour, and reservations are required. Children age six and older are welcome. Photo identification is required for passengers 17 years of age and older. This tour will involve minor hiking; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Reserve your free seat for the special April 22 Earth Day tour by calling (253) 383-9463 or e-mailing bustours@portoftacoma.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Port of Tacoma breakfast
to look at supply chain thrends

TACOMA — Supply chain trends and an update on the Port of Tacoma will be two of the major topics at the port's annual breakfast on Wednesday, April 28. The event is being held at the Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The program will feature remarks from Don Johnson, president of the Port of Tacoma Commission, John Wolfe, the port's interim executive director, and Scott Mason, president of ILWU Local 23. In addition, Kate Vitasek, founder of Supply Chain Visions, will provide keynote remarks about new supply chain trends and challenges that are changing how companies operate. She will also moderate a supply chain panel featuring:
Rocky Griese, Export and Logistics Manager, Costco Wholesale
John Keenan, President and COO, Horizon Lines
Linda Leary, President, Carlile Transportation Systems, Inc.
Dan Wall, Senior Vice President of Ocean Cargo Services, Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
Attendance at the event is $20. For more information and to register, contact Mariam Anderson at the World Trade Center Tacoma at 253-396-1022 or manderson@wtcta.org.


Alaska Airlines to offer
second Portland to Hawaii flight

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines has announced it will add a second nonstop flight between Portland and Hawaii, with year-round, daily service to Honolulu beginning
Sept. 20, 2010. The airline already flies between Portland and Kahului, Maui. Flights will be available for booking on April 15, 2010, at alaskaair.com or by calling
1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 1-800-392-0228). They are timed for convenient connections to and from Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air points in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The new flights are operated with fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin.


Washington Governor marks opening
of S. Royal Brougham Way bridge

SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and state and local leaders gathered on Mariner’s opening day to celebrate two achievements that mark significant progress toward replacing the seismically vulnerable Alaskan Way Viaduct. Gov. Gregoire celebrated the completion of the new S. Royal Brougham Way bridge, a signature feature of the SR 519 Intermodal Access project located between Seattle’s sports stadiums. The bridge eliminates the at-grade crossing of the railroad tracks on Royal Brougham for vehicles and pedestrians. The April 12th bridge opening will be followed in May by the opening of the new I-5/I-90 westbound off-ramp to S. Atlantic Street/Edgar Martinez Drive S providing an important freight connection to the waterfront and Port of Seattle terminals. Opening these two structures this spring meets the state Department of Transportation’s goal of completing the SR 519 project before major construction begins this summer to replace the southern mile of the viaduct. Gov. Gregoire, Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant and Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani signed a memorandum of agreement to commit $300 million in port funding to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program. The funding is a critical share of the $3.1 billion budget to replace the viaduct and completes the funding plan for the proposed bored tunnel. The Port of Seattle also contributed to the SR 519 project.


Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
earns greenhouse gas emissions nod

OSLO — Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, a global shipping and logistics company, reports it has become the first shipping company to receive formal 3rd party verification of its inventory processes for greenhouse gas emissions. “Guided by our future vision of a zero-emissions supply chain, WWL has adopted rigorous emissions inventory processes based upon the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol. This will enable us to better manage and reduce carbon emissions and related costs from our customers’ global supply chains,” explained Kai Kraass, COO of Ocean Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics contracted Det Norske Veritas AS (DNV), the global independent provider of risk management services, to provide an independent third-party limited assurance verification that WWL’s Ocean Transportation GHG inventory conforms to the accounting requirements of ISO 14064-1 and the GHG protocol.


Diana shipping places order
for pair of Newcastlemax vessels

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping transportation company specializing in dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has signed, through its 100 percent owned subsidiaries, two shipbuilding contracts with China Shipbuilding Trading Company, Limited and Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipbuilding Co., Ltd for the construction of two Newcastlemax dry bulk carriers of approximately 206,000 dwt each for a contract price of US$59 million per vessel. The company expects to take delivery of the vessels during the second and third quarters of 2012, respectively. The company is considering obtaining pre- and/or post-delivery financing for the specific acquisitions.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 12, 2010

Port of Portland schedules
proposed budget public hearing

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland Commission will hold a public hearing next Wednesday, April 14 on the port’s Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11 Budget which begins on July 1st. The budget reflects a projected slow economic recovery, flat revenues and a transition from an unprecedented high capital project activity level. Total port operating revenues and operating expenditures are budgeted at $241.7 million and $172.8 million respectively for FY 2010-11, compared to the Adopted FY 2009-10 Budget of $239.7 million and $173.8 million. About $750 million in large multi-year port projects have been completed in recent months or will be completed in the year ahead. They include the second parking structure, the port’s new headquarters building, the extension of the north runway, the baggage screening improvement project, and airfield deicing system enhancements at PDX, as well as several General Fund projects such as rail improvements in South Rivergate and the Ramsey Rail Yard, marine terminal and berth improvements, and several taxiway and runway improvement projects at the port’s general aviation airports. FY 2010-11 will also mark the completion of the more than two-decade-long Columbia River channel-deepening project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will complete this project at least a year ahead of schedule, thanks to an infusion of almost $30 million in federal stimulus money last spring.


Newest Washington ferry
in Everett for final outfitting

EVERETT — On April 3, 2010, Washington State’s newest ferry, CHETZEMOKA, arrived at Everett Shipyard for final outfitting and completion. Work will be completed at the Port of Everett’s Pier 3 North. The CHETZEMOKA was towed from Todd Pacific Shipyards’ (Todd Shipyards) Seattle Shipyard to the Port of Everett to commence its final building stage. The final outfitting work to be complete by Everett Shipyard will include the insulation, crew and passenger accommodations, galleys, flooring and the addition of lifesaving and emergency evacuation equipment. Everett Shipyard’s leases property from the Port of Everett, and is utilizing part of Pier 3 to complete the vessel work.


Hapag Lloyd vessel participates
in Port of Seattle clean fuels program

SEATTLE — Hapag Lloyd’s Budapest Express made its first call at the Port of Seattle on Friday, April 2 and became the latest ship to participate in the port’s At-Berth Clean Fuels program (ABC Fuels). ABC Fuels is a partnership that includes some of the port’s ocean carriers and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The program encourages carriers to burn low-sulfur fuels (0.5 percent sulfur or less) in their auxiliary engines while at berth in Seattle by providing an incentive of $2,250 for each call during which ships comply with the fuel requirements. The ABC Fuels program began in 2009 and to-date has eliminated more than 87 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions. The low-sulfur fuel reduces sulfur dioxide emissions by 80 percent and diesel particulate matter by 60 percent. More than 60 vessels from nine carriers participate in the program. Participating carriers include Hapag Lloyd, APL, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Evergreen Line, Hamburg Süd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line.


Port of Longview welcomes
two new staff members

LONGVIEW — The Port of Longview has announced two additions to staff. The port welcomes new Environmental Manager, Lisa Hendriksen, who is replacing retiring manager Judy Grigg. Ms. Hendriksen has worked for many years in the environmental and planning profession, most recently as planning manager for Cowlitz County Building and Planning. The port also welcomes Kara Metzger as the new purchasing manager. She comes to the port with more than 13 years of exprience in procurement and contract administration. Prior to joining the port, Ms. Metzger was employed as budget analyst for the Cowlitz County Office of Financial Management.


"K" Line continues string
of Port of Long Beach green awards

TOKYO — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line) has been recognized once again for its contribution on behalf of environmental conservation during the past year by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. The commission has been promoting a voluntary ship speed reduction program to aid in curbing air pollution from exhaust gas in certain designated offshore waters. "K" Line has been given this award for five consecutive years--2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010--by the port in recognition of our company's excellent performance during each of the preceding years. "K" Line was first honored with this award in 2006.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 9, 2010

Port of Camas-Washougal
closing book on lawsuit

WASHOUGAL, WA — The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced it has ceased legal proceedings against Riverwalk on the Columbia, LLC. "We determined after a comprehensive financial analysis of the business entity known as Riverwalk on the Columbia, LLC, that there are no assets that would allow us to recover legal costs, " said David Ripp, executive director. "Although we're disappointed that the individuals involved forced us into this legal process nearly three years ago, the port has acted responsibly and with integrity. Riverwalk and its remaining members, Mark Benson and John McKibbin, have not honored the courts judgment to fully reimburse taxpayers for the attorney's fees and costs associated with this lawsuit. We determined that the fiscally responsible decision is to immediately conclude the process and put it behind us."


Mitsui plans to begin
new service with "K" Line

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced a new all-water service to expedite cargo moving from major Asian ports to key destinations on the U.S. East Coast, via the Suez Canal. From May 15, the "SVE" (South China/Vietnam - the US East Coast) service will be jointly operated by MOL and "K" LINE. MOL will provide two ships and "K"LINE seven ships, with the average capacity of approximately 5,500 TEU, replacing the existing service operated by "K"LINE. The introduction of the new service will enable MOL to offer direct connections from Vietnam/South China/Singapore to the U.S. East Coast, including a call at Jacksonville and brand-new coverage to Halifax, with competitive transit times. Port rotation: Cai Mep (Tue/Wed) - Shekou (Fri/Sat) - Hong Kong (Sat/Sun) - Yantian (Sun/Mon) - Singapore (Thu/Thu) - Halifax (Tue/Wed) - New York (Thu/Fri) - Norfolk (Fri/Sat) - Jacksonville (Sun/ Mon) - Savannah (Mon/Tue) - Singapore (Sun/Mon) - Cai Mep (Tue)


US rail freight traffic
continues gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up from a year ago during the week ended March 13, the third consecutive week of gains on a year over year basis, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 287,837 carloads during the week, up 3.2 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 12 percent from 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR now reports 2010 weekly rail traffic with comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,626 trailers and containers, up 15.1 percent from last year but down 5.9 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 19.4 percent and trailer volume dipped 3.8 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume was up 3.4 percent while trailer volume fell 37 percent. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.3 billion ton-miles, up 4.3 percent from last year but down 9 percent from 2008.


Genco inks deal
to extend time charter

NEW YORK — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited has announced that it has reached an agreement to extend the time charter for the GENCO KNIGHT, a 1999-built Panamax vessel, with Swissmarine Services S.A. for approximately 11 to 13.5 months at a rate of $25,000 per day, less a five percent third-party brokerage commission. The time charter is expected to commence following the expiration of the vessel's current time charter on or about April 23, 2010 and is subject to the completion of definitive documentation. Currently, Genco has approximately 63 percent of its fleet's estimated available days secured on contracts for the remainder of 2010.


Fourth of July event
returning to Bellingham

BELLINGHAM — Despite cancellations of fireworks shows in many communities, the expanded Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration will return to Bellingham's Zuanich Point Park this year. Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores, in partnership with the Port of Bellingham and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will continue to be title sponsor of this year's festivities on Sunday, July 4. Haggen has been the primary sponsor of the Bellingham fireworks display, one of the largest in the state, since 1995. Live music, children's activities and vendor booths offering food, crafts and more - all introduced for the first time last year - will be presented at Zuanich Point Park during the hours leading up to the fireworks show. All activities will be free, but vendors will charge for their wares. Last year's Fourth of July festivities drew 10,000 people to Zuanich Point Park, the Port of Bellingham estimated, and many more watched the fireworks show from other locations along Bellingham Bay. Businesses interested in sponsorship and vendor opportunities may contact Sheila Connors of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber at (360) 734-1330. Singers, musicians and bands interested in performing may contact Marie Duckworth at the Port of Bellingham, (360) 676-2500.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 8, 2010

Ag Processing Inc.
plans Grays Harbor expansion

ABERDEEN, WA — After a record year of soybean meal exports, the Port of Grays Harbor’s largest shipper, Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) has announced plans to expand their agriculture product export facility at Washington State’s only deep-water port on the Pacific Coast. Expansion will include construction of on-site storage silos and infrastructure to increase unloading capacity at the AGP Terminal 2 facility at the Port of Grays Harbor. Over the past year, AGP conducted market analysis and considered preliminary designs for the 13.5 acre expansion. The expanded facility will provide a gateway destination for soybean meal, grains, distillers grains, gluten meal, and beet pulp pellets. Detailed engineering has begun and construction is expected to begin this fall with operations slated for early 2012.


Port of Bellingham backs
projects in local cities

BELLINGHAM — Five local cities got an economic boost April 6, when the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners approved $80,000 in funds to support projects in Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, Ferndale and Sumas. For the past six years, the port has provided money through its Small City Economic Development Fund to support economic development projects in Whatcom County communities. During the 2010 budget process, Port Commissioners directed staff to increase funding for the small cities program because of its high value to the small cities. This year, the port increased development fund support by $30,000 to a total of $80,000. In 2009, the fund supported three small cities with $50,000 in matching funds.


MarAd looking to expand
short sea shipping program

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has unveiled a new initiative to move more cargo on the water rather than on crowded U.S. highways. Under the “America’s Marine Highway” program, the Department’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) will help identify rivers and coastal routes that could carry cargo efficiently, bypassing congested roads around busy ports and reducing greenhouse gases. Under the new regulation, regional transportation officials will be able to apply to have specific transportation corridors – and even individual projects—designated by the Department of Transportation as a marine highway if they meet certain criteria. Once designated, these projects will receive preferential treatment for any future federal assistance from the department or MARAD. The Marine Highway initiative stems from a 2007 law requiring the Secretary of Transportation to “establish a short sea transportation program and designate short sea transportation projects to mitigate surface congestion.” Earlier this year, Secretary LaHood announced $58 million in grants for projects to support the start-up or expansion of Marine Highways services, awarded through the Department’s TIGER grants program. Congress has also set aside an additional $7 million in grants which MARAD will award later this year. The final rule can be found on the MARAD website at www.marad.dot.gov.


Navios Maritime Acquisition
buying fleet of 13 vessels

PIRAEUS — Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which it will acquire a 13-vessel fleet, comprised of 11 product tankers and two chemical tankers. The aggregate purchase price is $457.7 million, of which $123.4 million will be paid from existing cash and $334.3 million from debt financing. Navios Acquisition will also have options to purchase two additional product tankers for $40.5 million per vessel. The purchase price for the 13 vessels is payable in multiple installments. The initial installment of $191.8 million will be paid on or about the closing of the transaction, of which $30.1 million will be paid from Navios Acquisition's existing cash and $161.7 million from debt financing. The $265.9 million balance will be paid using $93.3 million of available cash and $172.6 million of debt financing. These amounts will be paid in installments as vessels are constructed and delivered. The $334.4 million of acquisition debt financing consists of three term loans aggregating to $277.0 million and a $57.3 million revolving credit facility.


Sea-Tac Link Light Rail
gives Mariner fans a break

SEATTLE — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invites Mariner fans to "go green to the ballpark" with a 50 percent parking discount if you take Link Light Rail to Safeco Field. Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link Light Rail. You'll park on the 4th floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the SeaTac/Airport station. During the Mariners opening homestand April 12 - 21, customers parking in Terminal Direct will enjoy a $2 per hour rate. The discount period begins two hours before game time and you get the chance to see the Mariner's game without the hassle of downtown parking. Discounted parking is available for up to eight hours and will automatically be credited at the special rate when you exit the airport parking garage. Catch Link Light Rail on the Terminal Direct parking level and travel to the Stadium Station, where you're an easy walk to Safeco Field. The airport's Terminal Direct parking is a perfect way to make the connection to Link Light Rail and stay out of the traffic hassles on game days.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Evergreen Line to reintroduce
US West Coast/Asia/Med service

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line will enhance coverage of the U.S. West Coast-Asia-Mediterranean trade routes by reintroducing a 20-port pendulum service for the region that will range from Tacoma to Valencia, Spain, via the Far East, Middle East and Suez Canal. The U.S. West Coast - Asia -Mediterranean (UAM) service, starting on May 10 from Kaohsiung, will replace current Asia-Pacific-North West Coast (PNW) and Far-East Mediterranean (FEM) services, which were introduced last October as an interim measure. The UAM service will operate with a total of 14 U-type (5,364 TEU) vessels. The first vessel to depart will be 'EVER UNISON 0132-104E' from Kaohsiung on May 10, 2010. The first sailing from the Port of Tacoma will be May 23. The port rotation is as follows: Tacoma - Vancouver - Tokyo - Osaka - Qingdao - Shanghai - Ningbo - Kaohsiung - Hong Kong - Yantian - Tanjung Pelepas - Colombo - Ashdod - Alexandria - Taranto - Genoa - Barcelona - Valencia - Taranto- Colombo - Tanjung Pelepas - Kaohsiung - Hong Kong - Yantian - Shanghai - Ningbo - Tacoma.


Seattle port board Oks
Spokane Street investment

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle commissioners have voted to authorize a $3.4 million investment in the Spokane Street Widening Project. The port’s contribution is the final amount needed to fund the project, an improvement to the primary east-west corridor that links port terminals to I-5 and I-90. Bus riders and drivers alike will benefit from a new Fourth Avenue South off-ramp that separates buses, cars, and trucks from three rail crossings – eliminating delays caused by trains moving goods to markets across the country. Improvements to Spokane Street will ease congestion during the major construction on the viaduct’s replacement. The port’s investment in the Spokane Street Widening Project is part of the organization’s overall support of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program.


Greenbrier seeks shelf registration
with Securities and Exchange

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — The Greenbrier Companies has announced that it has filed a $300 million universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The registration statement is subject to review by the SEC and has not yet been declared effective. "We currently have no plans to offer or sell securities under this registration statement," stated Mark Rittenbaum, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Having a universal shelf registration statement in place provides us with greater financial flexibility, and is a proactive step which will help facilitate our ability to raise capital which we may use for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to, refinancing and repaying debt as well as funding new opportunities." If and when declared effective by the SEC, the shelf registration statement will remain effective for three years and will give the Company the ability from time to time to access capital utilizing various types of securities including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities (senior and subordinated), warrants, rights, units or a combination thereof subject to business and market conditions and the Company's capital needs. The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC.


Spyglass Vision Clinic
nets Port of Bellingham lease

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners has approved a five-year lease with Spyglass Vision Clinic. The optometry business will be located in the Bellwether Building in the space formerly occupied by Bergsma Gallery. In addition to offering comprehensive eye exams, the Spyglass Vision Clinic also features a wide array of eye glass styles, including eye glasses from European designers. Spyglass Vision Clinic is known for offering distinctive eyewear that is not available in other optometry practices. The business is currently located on North State Street and it plans to be operating in its new location by June 1, 2010. The business owner, Jeffrey A. Young, O.D., moved to Bellingham in 2004 and opened Spyglass Vision Clinic in 2005. He has been practicing optometry for nearly 20 years.


Diana Shipping investing
in containership project

ATHENS — Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, has announced that it has completed its investment of US$50 million in the previously announced new project involving a company formed for the purpose of investing in containerships. Due to a change in the size of the offering, the investment by Diana Shipping is equivalent to an interest of approximately 60 percent of the common shares of the new company. The balance of the new company's common shares were purchased by institutional and accredited investors in a private transaction. The proceeds raised in the private transaction from Diana Shipping and the other investors are expected to be used primarily to invest in containerships over the next 12-18 months.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, April 5, 2010

Port Tracker report predicts
box gains during summer

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be up eight percent in April compared with the same month a year ago, and solid increases are expected to continue through the summer as the U.S. economy improves, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. U.S. ports handled 1.01 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units in February, the latest month for which actual numbers are available. That was down six percent from January as shipping hit its traditional slow point for the year but up 20 percent from the unusually low numbers seen during February 2009. It was also the third month in a row to show a year-over-year improvement after December broke a 28-month streak of year-over-year monthly declines. One TEU is one 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent. March was estimated at 1.02 million TEU, a six percent increase over last year as spring products began to head for store shelves. April is forecast at 1.07 million TEU, up eight percent from last year; May at 1.12 million TEU, up seven percent’ June at 1.18 million TEU, up 17 percent; July at 1.24 million TEU, up 12 percent; and August at 1.32 million TEU, up 15 percent.


Moorage reservations being taken
at Port of Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal

SEATTLE — In 2008, a two-year, $22 million remodel was completed, bringing a whole new look for Port of Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal. The newly dredged inner harbor now sports brand new floating docks with individual finger piers at each moorage slip, plus new utilities on the docks, with plenty of space to maneuver your vessel making it easier for recreational boaters. Reserve your space at Fishermen’s Terminal and you get access to:
Recreational moorage available June 1 -Sept 15
Free parking, restrooms, self serve sewage & bilge water pumpouts
Showers and new shore power available
Sorry, no live aboards
Moorage available for boats up to 150’
Fishermen’s Terminal, historic home of the North Pacific fishing fleet, is located on the Ship Canal at the southwest corner of the Ballard Bridge – adjacent to shops, restaurants, and all the services boat owners need to keep their vessels in good working order. Summer recreational moorage is available from June to September, and slips are filling fast. Long-term moorage may be available for recreation vessels as well. For more information, including rates and availability, boaters can call (206) 787-3395 Monday - Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or VHF 17. In addition, daily, monthly, and year-round moorage is available for commercial vessels up to 250 feet.


NYK-TDG academy students
begin onboard training program

TOKYO — The NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) held a preboarding ceremony on March 26 to launch onboard training for the first 116 students enrolled at the academy. NTMA is jointly run by NYK and business partner Transnational Diversified Group (TDG). After completing one year onboard training on NYK vessels, students will acquire a seaman's certificate of competency, and be ready to start their careers as officers and engineers operating on the world's oceans. The first students enrolled at the academy when it opened in June 2007. They have now completed their three-year academic requirements in line with the educational curriculum defined by NYK. The academy offers a wide range of maritime programs, including basic classes, training courses using operational simulators and an engine plant, and lectures on preparedness to be senior officers responsible for safe navigation.


Nominations being accepted
for annual Connie Awards

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) is seeking nominations for the annual Connie Awards. Named for the container, the Connie Award has been presented every year since 1972 to those who have made outstanding contributions to the containerization and intermodal industry, including those involved with rail, shipping, ports, importers and exporters, 3PLs, technology, government officials and the media. This year's events will take place on September 30, 2010, in Long Beach, CA, and December 6, 2010, in Newark, NJ. All nominations must be received by April 23, 2010. To nominate a person or company, contact CII Executive Director, Barbara Yeninas, at execdir@containerization.org or visit www.containerization.org/nominations.htm. In addition to the awards, CII will present scholarships to deserving students studying logistics or transportation. To celebrate CII's 50th anniversary, CII is offering special discounts on "The Box That Changed The World" books detailing the first 50 years of containerization. Any company that would like to become involved in sponsoring a scholarship or purchasing books should contact Barbara Yeninas at ExecDir@containerization.org or (732) 817-9131.


ATA backs DOT plan
to battle distracted driving

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) applauds Transportation Secretary LaHood for his ongoing dedication to combating distracted driving. ATA strongly supports the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal of a permanent rule to prohibit text messaging on handheld devices by interstate commercial truck and bus drivers. Many ATA member fleets have already adopted company policies designed to reduce distractions while driving and manufacturers of in-cab communication devices include mechanisms that “lock out” the device or system while the vehicle is in motion. ATA supports states’ efforts to ban texting by automobile drivers and will continue to work with affiliated state trucking associations and stakeholder groups to make that happen. As proof of the trucking industry’s highway safety progress, over the last 5 years the truck-involved fatality rate has declined 22 percent, the truck-involved injury rate has declined 25 percent, and both are at record lows.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, April 2, 2010

Vessel capacity hearing
set for April 8, in Portland

WASHINGTON, DC — Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye, as Fact Finding Officer, will conduct hearings concerning vessel capacity and equipment availability in the United States export and import liner trades. In order to reach out and provide an opportunity for face-to-face discussion for as many U.S. exporters and importers, carriers, ports, and other industry participants as possible, the Fact Finding Officer will hold hearings in locations around the country. Commissioner Dye urges anyone wishing to participate in these hearings or offer information relevant to the development of the record in this proceeding to contact her office at (202) 523-5715, or email factfinding@fmc.gov. The first scheduled hearings in this proceeding will be held on April 6 -7, 2010 in San Francisco, California and April 8, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. These hearings will be conducted in closed, non-public sessions as authorized by the Commission's Fact Finding Order. Future hearing locations and schedules will be developed primarily based on the location of persons who have expressed interest in participating and offering their testimony or documents. The Fact Finding Officer's initial report is due June 15, 2010, therefore it is important that interested parties contact the Fact Finding Officer as soon as possible. In addition to having an opportunity to participate in hearings, parties interested in contributing to the record in this proceeding may also do so by phone, by email, or by scheduling a meeting with the Fact Finding Officer at the Commission's Washington, DC headquarters. Information voluntarily submitted in this proceeding will be treated as confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law.


AAPA taps Reixach
as new board chairman

ALEXANDRIA, VA — At its annual Spring Conference on March 22, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)-representing the interests of seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere-elected A.J. "Pete" Reixach Jr., executive port director and chief executive officer of Port Freeport, Texas, to serve as the international trade association's 2010-11 chairman of the board. Mr. Reixach is slated to be installed as chairman for a one-year term on the final day of AAPA's 99th annual convention, set for Sept. 19-23 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He will assume the AAPA chairmanship from Michael A. Leone, port director of the Massachusetts Port Authority, who began his one-year term as the association's chairman in October 2009.


Port Metro Vancouver
earns environmental honor

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver was selected as the 2010 recipient of the ecoFREIGHT Transportation Award at the recent 2010 GLOBE Conference on March 23, 2010. The award recognizes shippers, carriers, and other transportation service providers that include sustainable transportation choices in their environmental strategies, and demonstrate a leadership role in addressing the impact of freight transportation on the environment. Port Metro Vancouver reports it is committed to conducting operations in a responsible and sustainable manner that safeguards and promotes continual protection of the environment, through a number of initiatives. The port is working towards effectively reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions, resulting from transportation activities in Canada, successfully incorporating sustainable transportation choices in their environmental strategies, and actively being environmentally conscious/responsible in the production processes through its Air Action Program, Canada Place Shore Power, Differentiated Harbour Dues Program, Environmental Requirements through its Truck Licensing Program, and the Land Side Air Emissions Inventory.


US rail freight traffic
shows gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Rail freight volume on U.S. railroads is continuing to show some signs of recovery, with both carload freight and intermodal traffic during the week ended March 6 registering gains from last year, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 285,160 carloads during the week, up 3.7 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 11.5 percent from 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR now reports 2010 weekly rail traffic with comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 212,296 trailers and containers, up 17.9 percent from last year and up 2.9 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 22.6 percent and trailer volume slipped 3.2 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume was up 15.3 percent while trailer volume fell 36.2 percent. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.1 billion ton-miles, up 5.1 percent from last year but down 8.3 from 2008.


Federal government to remove
remaining vessels from Suisun Bay

WASHINGTON, DC — The federal government has announced that it would remove the remaining 52 ships that are currently moored in the Suisun Bay as part of an agreement with environmental groups that was filed in federal court in Sacramento, Calif., the Department of Justice and Department of Transportation announced. The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has already begun removing obsolete ships from Suisun Bay for recycling, including four ships that have been removed since November 2009 and a fifth that was removed March 31. The agreement outlines MARAD’s commitment to remove 20 of the ships that are in the poorest condition prior to Sept. 30, 2012.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, April 1, 2010

Foss Maritime earns
ISO 14001 designation

SEATTLE — Foss Maritime has earned the ISO 14001 environmental certification to use as a blueprint to achieve its “zero trace” corporate goal. With its new certification, Foss’ entire marine division, both shoreside and marine, moves to the forefront of American maritime companies that have publicly committed to sound environmental practices and continual improvement, bringing in outside auditors to certify their safety, quality and environmental (SQE) processes. The SQE audit, which incorporates ISO 14001, was conducted by ABS(American Bureau of Shipping), an international classification society with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The ABS SQE certification program allows ship owners to demonstrate adherence to the highest levels of safety, quality and environmental standards. The ISO 14001 Standard is an internationally accepted specification for environmental management systems created by the International Organization for Standardization to help organizations minimize how their operations affect the environment and comply with related laws, regulations and requirements.


Maritime Administration inks
increased piracy advisory

WASHINGTON, DC — The Maritime Administration has issued advisories to U.S. ships in the waters off the Horn of Africa and in the Indian Ocean. The warnings advise that pirate activity could increase between now and May, due to the end of the Northeast monsoon season and increased range of recent pirate attacks. The Maritime Administration advisories provide guidance and information to the U.S. maritime industry on the risk of operating ships in the affected areas. With the end of the monsoon season, calmer weather and seas create a greater opportunity for pirates to operate their skiffs further away from shore and larger base ships. This area of activity has expanded to more than 1,000 nautical miles off the Horn of Africa into the Indian Ocean. The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration routinely issues advisories, which usually warn of possible hazards and inform ships at sea of the measures they can take to avert danger. The text of the advisory can be found at the Maritime Administration web site, www.marad.dot.gov.


Crowley takes home award
from Toyota Logistics Services

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Toyota Logistics Services recently presented Crowley's Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services group with its Award for Excellence in Quality in the marine division for 2009. It was the eighth consecutive year the company has received recognition from Toyota. During the meeting in Long Beach, Calif., John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico/Caribbean services accepted the award on behalf of Crowley. Crowley reinvests profits to maintain and enhance the car decking on its vessels. The vessels are equipped to stow up to 240 vehicles per voyage in protected and dedicated auto decking space. A team of auto checkers and traffic specialists play a large role in ensuring that load lists are correct and documentation is complete prior to sailing. Additionally, the company has reserved, fenced terminal space for approximately 225 Toyota vehicles located directly across from the vessel-loading ramp, minimizing the need for terminal transit of Toyota vehicles.


FreeSeas announces
new vessel time charters

PIRAEUS, Greece — FreeSeas Inc., a transporter of dry-bulk cargoes through the ownership and operation of a fleet of eight Handysize vessels and two Handymax vessels, has announced new charters for three of its vessels. The M/V FREE ENVOY, a 1984-built, 26,318 dwt Handysize vessel, has been chartered for a time charter trip of approximately 35 days at a daily rate of $22,500. The M/V FREE GODDESS, a 1995-built, 22,051 dwt Handysize vessel, has been delivered in direct continuation to its existing charterers for an additional time charter trip of approximately 40 days at a daily rate of $15,000. The M/V FREE NEPTUNE, a 1996-built, 30,838 dwt Handysize vessel, has been chartered for a time charter trip of approximately 60-100 days at a daily rate of $25,000.


Aegean Marine Petroleum
completes bunkering firm deal

PIRAEUS, Greece — Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. has announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Verbeke Bunkering N.V., a leading physical supplier of marine fuel in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, the world's second largest bunkering market.