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December, 2011

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, December 30, 2011

SeaPort Airlines adding flights
from Portland Airport to Yakima

PORTLAND — SeaPort Airlines has announced that it will launch new service between Yakima (Yakima Air Terminal) and Wenatchee (Pangborn Memorial Airport) in Washington and Portland, beginning March 1, 2012. The new service will include three daily nonstop roundtrip flights between Yakima to Portland Monday through Friday, one nonstop flight from Yakima to Portland on Saturday, and one return nonstop flight from Portland to Yakima on Sunday. All flights from Portland to Yakima will continue to Wenatchee after a brief stop. The same pattern will be operated on return flights. Customers traveling to and from Portland will have the convenience of SeaPort’s private terminal at Portland International Airport that offers comfortable seating, complimentary coffee, tea, hot cider, and world-famous Voodoo Doughnuts that are all removed from the crowds and long lines of the main terminal. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between SeaPort’s terminal and the main airline terminal for those customers connecting with other flights or wishing to use light rail service to and from downtown Portland.


US rail freight traffic count
posts gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 297,400 carloads for the week ending Dec. 10, 2011, up 3.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 240,899 trailers and containers, up three percent compared with the same week last year. Thirteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: metals and products, up 26.6 percent; motor vehicles and equipment, up 23.1 percent, and metallic ores, up 21.9 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products excluding grain, down 16.6 percent, and iron and steel scrap, down 10.9 percent.


FESCO adding to holdings
with TransContainer share purchase

VLADIVOSTOK — FESCO Transportation Group has announced an increase of its shareholding in OJSC “TransContainer” from 12.5 percent to 18.5 percent. Currently, FESCO is the second largest shareholder in Transcontainer, the leading rail container operator in Russia. According to FESCO President Sergey Generalov “acquisition of additional shares in Transcontainer goes in line with FESCO strategy aimed at consolidating 100 percent in this company, including through expected further privatization of the company under the reform of the Russian rail industry”.


Coast Guard calling for input
on Atlantic Coast port access

MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting to hear from mariners, maritime industries, commercial fishermen, recreational boaters and other port and waterway users that operate offshore along the Atlantic Coast. In an effort to ensure everyone affected is represented in the process, the Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register a notice of study and reopening of comments entitled “Port Access Route Study: The Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida” to evaluate the applicability and need for potential modifications to current vessel routing measures off the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida. The notice of study addresses the need to enhance navigational safety by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses and if practical, reconcile rights of navigation with other potential waterway uses such as the leasing of outer continental shelf blocks for the construction of renewable energy facilities. The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemaking and appropriate international agreements. The original notice of study and comment period was opened in May 2011, and resulted in 26 comments. After reviewing the comments, the Coast Guard determined that it needed to reopen the comment period to seek more information to ensure the study is comprehensive in its data collection and analysis. The Coast Guard encourages the public to participate in this study by submitting comments and related materials on or before January 31, 2012 at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number USCG-2011-035. For alternate forms of submission, read the Federal Register notice at http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/ACPARS/default.asp. All comments received will be posted without change. The Coast Guard may arrange subject matter expert interviews at upon request.


Scoular presents OOCL
with award of excellence for 2011

HONG KONG — OOCL has announced that the carrier has been recognized by one of its major customers in the United States, the Scoular Company, for operational excellence in providing the best customer-centric services amongst all major carriers. Scoular is one of the largest exporters of grain and agricultural products in the United States and OOCL was honored with the ‘Award for Operational Excellence 2011’ based on outstanding performance in the following key areas:
• Bill of Lading issuance,
• Customer service and booking fulfillment,
• Effective e-commerce tools, and
• Consignee satisfaction.
The award was presented to OOCL at an Agriculture Transportation Coalition workshop held in Minneapolis, on December 12, 2011, by Doug Grennan, senior manager of Scoular Company’s International Container Trade Group.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, December 29, 2011

Grant helps Port of Olympia
with habitat restoration project

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia has received a grant to help restore Mission Creek Estuary in Priest Point Park. “This habitat restoration project will remove an earthen road and culvert built early in the 20th Century, open the creek to fish passage, and return the area to estuarine functioning,” said Alexandra Smith, port sr. environmental program manager / environmental legal counsel. Collaborating on the project are the port, South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group and the City of Olympia. They anticipate completing the project by the end of 2012. The grant to the port was among nearly $30 million in Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants to organizations around Washington to help restore vital salmon habitat, protect pristine areas and put people to work in the process. Funding for the grants comes from the federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund and from the sale of state bonds.


MarAd warns shipping industry
of possible trouble with Iran

WASHINGTON, DC — In an advisory released Dec. 23, 2011, the Maritime Administration said that reports from maritime forces and commercial maritime interests indicate concern with the potential for localized disruption to shipping in conjunction with future Iranian Naval exercises. During previous exercises Iranian maritime forces conducted boardings and inspections of merchant ships, including those flagged to European nations. The possibility exists that Iran will attempt to conduct boardings and inspections during exercises between December 2011 and March 2012. The most likely location for this activity would be in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, particularly in areas closer to Iranian territorial waters. The advisory goes on to say that if a US-Flag vessel is hailed for boarding by the Iranian Navy in international waters, the ship's master should "protest but comply", if circumstances warrant. US-Flag vessels are advised to report incidents to the COMUSNAVCENT Battlewatch Captain (Maritime Operations Center) at 011-973-1785-3879, and Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain at 011-973-3940-1395.


NOL Group reports
board chairman to retire

SINGAPORE — NOL Group has announced that its Chairman, Cheng Wai Keung, will retire from the NOL Board after its annual general meeting scheduled for April 2012. Mr. Cheng will be replaced by Kwa Chong Seng, who will be appointed as director of the NOL Board with effect from January 1, 2012. Mr. Kwa will assume the chairmanship of the NOL Board when Mr. Cheng retires after serving the board for 20 years, the last 10 years as chairman of the Board. Mr. Kwa is the deputy chairman of the Board of Directors of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited. He was chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Private Limited before retiring in October 2011.


NYK to support victims
of deadly Philippines typhoon

TOKYO — NYK has announced it will donate 1.5 million pesos to the people and regions of the southern Philippines that were struck by a deadly typhoon over December 16 and 17, through the NYK-TDG Friendship Foundation. The carrier will also provide free ocean transport for relief supplies and a fundraising campaign will be conducted within the NYK Group. In 2004, the NYK Group established the NYK Group-JPF Joint Aid Supplies Transportation with Japan Platform (JPF), an international humanitarian assistance organization. The free ocean transport of aid supplies will be arranged based on a request from JPF.


Maritime Commerce Club
schedules January lunch meeting

PORTLAND — The Columbia River Maritime Commerce Club has scheduled their January luncheon meeting for Tuesday, January 17 at the Doubletree Hotel - Lloyd Center. Networking begins at 11:30 with lunch served at noon. Guest speaker, Mark McMullen of the Oregon Office of Econic Analysis, will an outlook of the Oregon economy. Cost is $40 for club members and $55 for non-members. For more information, or to register, go to: http://www.pdxmex.com/media/Maritime_Commerce_Club/Jan_flyer-registration.pdf


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Port of Everett welcomes
new Commissioner, Tom Stiger

EVERETT — On December 27, 2011, Everett Port Commissioner-elect Tom Stiger was sworn in for a six-year term representing the port's District 2. Commissioner Stiger is a life-long resident of Everett and has maritime roots in the shipping and commercial fishing industries. Commissioner Stiger, who served on the Everett Port Commission from 1964-1972, ran on a platform of seaport investment and jobs. Commissioner Stiger also invested many years in the education arena and has a boat in the Port of Everett Marina. Commissioner Stiger fills Mark Wolken’s seat. Mr. Wolken was elected in 2009 to fill the balance of Connie Niva’s term when she moved out of the port district.


TOTE executive retires
for second time in career

TACOMA — Richard Griffith, TOTE’s vice president of Marine Operations, is giving retirement a second shot. The career mariner came to work in the Alaska trade in 1977, accompanying the WESTWARD VENTURE, a ship he was responsible for designing at Sun Shipbuilding. Just over four years later, in 1982, Mr. Griffith and seven associates formed Totem Resources to purchase the business and its two ships from Sun, turning TOTE into what is now Saltchuk Resources. Mr. Griffith’s first attempt at retirement was in 1986. He remained active in the industry as a maritime consultant, but when TOTE decided to add a third ship to its fleet in 1993, Mr. Griffith was called back to TOTE full time. He lead the $50 million expansion and refitting of the NORTHERN LIGHTS and stayed to bring another generation of ships, the Orca class vessels, to TOTE’s fleet. Mr. Griffith’s retirement was celebrated at TOTE’s annual holiday party. Surrounded by long- time customers and employees, TOTE president John Parrott presented Mr. Griffith with the WESTWARD VENTURE’s captain’s bell.


Mitsui O.S.K. Lines orders ship
with new fuel efficiency technology

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it has ordered a new cape-size bulker that will adopt element technologies of the next-generation ISHIN-III vessel program to achieve high fuel efficiency. Universal Shipbuilding Corporation will construct the new ship, slated for completion in late 2014. MOL has repeatedly studied various technologies to realize the concept for the ISHIN-III series of next-generation vessels (large-scale iron ore carriers) announced in April 2010. The newbuilding vessel will adopt the following element technologies which are at the core of the ISHIN-III concept. New technologies will boost fuel efficiency of the new ship by more than 20 percent compared to conventional cape-size vessels, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. Advanced features include:
• A steam turbine that generates electric power using exhaust heat from the engine.
• A hybrid power generation system to convert rotational force from the supercharger into electric power.
In addition, the electric power gained through the steam turbine and hybrid systems will assist vessel propulsion.


DOT shuts down company
as 'imminent hazard' to public

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered Double Happyness Travel, Inc., of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., to immediately cease all intrastate and interstate passenger service declaring the carrier an “imminent hazard” to public safety. This order follows an extensive review of the company’s operations, which found multiple hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance, and controlled substance and alcohol testing violations. Double Happyness Travel was immediately shut down after FMCSA safety investigators found the company failed to comply with hours-of-service, records of duty and driver qualification requirements. Double Happyness Travel provided service between New York City and Albany, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and Wilmington, Del.


Coast Guard continues search
for missing recreational boater

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and Navy continue to search for a recreational boater aboard a 36-foot sailboat who departed Kauai Dec. 17 and was expected to arrive on Oahu Dec. 18. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu personnel were notified at 3:15 p.m. Saturday that 66 year-old Ira Foreman was missing. Mr. Foreman’s wife made the notification and explained that her husband departed Port Allen, Kauai late in the morning Dec. 17 and was expected to arrive at Keehi Lagoon, Oahu Dec. 18. An HC-130 Hercules airplane search crew from Air Station Barbers Point and a Navy P-3 Orion airplane crew from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay launched at 10 a.m. Tuesday to continue the search. On Sunday watchstanders from Station Kauai conducted callouts and a boat from Station Honolulu conducted harbor checks along Ohau’s south shore. Since Sunday 10 searches were conducted by Hercules crews and one search by the Orion crew. The search area has expanded 200 miles north, 300 miles south and 400 miles west of Kauai and has covered approximately 178,000 square miles. Search crews plan to search through the night. Mr. Foreman’s wife reported he was sailing from American Samoa to Oahu but mistakenly arrived in Port Allen, Kauai. He remained aboard the vessel at anchor for a few days before departing for Oahu on Dec 17. The sailboat ARCTURUS is described as having a white hull, white sails, no name on the transom and four portholes on both sides of the cabin. Anyone with any information regarding Mr. Foreman's whereabouts is urged to contact Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, December 27, 2011

IMO announces list of revisions
to seafarer standards of training

LONDON — The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports major revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention), and its associated code enter into force on January 1, 2012, with a five-year transitional period until January 1, 2017. The “Manila Amendments” were adopted at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, the Philippines, held in June 2010, and are aimed at ensuring that the necessary global standards will be in place to train and certify seafarers to operate technologically-advanced ships for some time to come. The important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code include the following:
• Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties' compliance with the Convention).
• Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
• New certification requirements for able seafarers.
• New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS).
• New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork.
• New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers.
• Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers.
• New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates.
• Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning.
• New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters.
• New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems.


Pair of railroad unions
onboard with new contracts

WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, members of the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU) and the Brotherhood Railway Carmen-Division TCU/IAM (Carmen) ratified new contracts with the nation’s largest freight railroads. The TCU and the Carmen, which represent about 16,500 employees in collective bargaining, began negotiations with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) in January 2010. The agreements implemented recommendations made by Presidential Emergency Board No. 243 (PEB 243), which President Obama appointed in October to help resolve the disputes between the railroads and 11 unions. The agreements are the first to be ratified since PEB 243 was appointed and the third and fourth to be ratified in this bargaining round; the first two were with the United Transportation Union and its Yardmasters Department. Eight other unions have reached tentative agreements that are awaiting member ratification. The only union without a settlement, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE), has agreed with the railroads to extend the “cooling off” period until February 8, 2012, eliminating the immediate threat of a national rail strike. The NCCC represents more than 30 railroads, including BNSF, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in national bargaining with the 13 major rail unions.


Evergreen joining CKYH
in upgrades to service loops

TAIPEI — CKYH-the Green Alliance has announced that, together with Evergreen Line (Evergreen), all parties intend to enhance the frequency of service loops, expedite delivery terms and edxpand the scale of port coverage in their services and have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the Asia-Europe and Asia-Mediterranean trade lanes from the second quarter of 2012. Although Evergreen will not be joining CKYH-the Green Alliance, the carriers will coordinate with each other to provide more weekly sailings to the level of eight service loops from Asian ports to Northern European base ports, and four service loops from Asian ports to Mediterranean ports. The majority of the vessels operated in these total 12 loops will be ranging from 8,000TEU to 13,000TEU.


Coast Guard suspends search
for missing cruise ship crewmember

SAN JUAN — The Coast Guard reports it suspended a search, pending further developments, for a missing CELEBRITY SUMMIT cruise ship crewmember Monday night off the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. Missing is a 30-year-old woman, Filipino national, who worked as a bartender aboard the cruise ship and reportedly was last seen jumping overboard Sunday morning, approximately six and a half nautical miles off the northeastern coast of Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. The CELEBRITY SUMMIT was transiting from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the eastern-most Caribbean island of Barbados at the time the incident occurred. Coast Guard Watchstanders received notification of the incident from the cruise ship at approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday. Since the search began Sunday, Coast Guard rescue crews conducted 10 aerial and seven surface searches, spanning out approximately 2,000 square nautical miles, covering a total search area approximately two thirds the size of Puerto Rico. Coast Guard rescue crews conducted the search aboard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen, Aguadilla, an HC-130 aircraft from Clearwater Fla., a Coast Guard 45-foot response boat medium and the Coast Guard Cutter CUSHING. A Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine unit also assisted with the search efforts. Coast Guard Cutter CUSHING is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.


General Dynamics NASSCO
earns Blue Sky environmental nod

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO was recently honored by the Air Pollution Control District for its proactive efforts in protecting and preserving air quality. During the Industrial Environmental Association’s 2011 Statewide Environmental Summit, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District presented General Dynamics NASSCO and BAE Systems with its Blue Sky Leadership Award. The award recognizes companies that have made significant contributions to improve air quality. NASSCO and BAE received the award for their combined efforts in developing an environmental compliance training program and streamlined reporting system for marine painting contractors operating at San Diego shipyards and naval installations.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, December 26, 2011

Port of Woodland budget
cuts property tax levels for 2012

WOODLAND, WA — At its most recent regular meeting, the Port of Woodland Board of Commissioners adopted the port’s 2012 budget with a 9.3 percent reduction in the property tax the port receives. In approving the financial plan, which totals $1,066,647.77 in 2012 – up from $990,918.24 in 2011 – the port commission was pleased to see the revenues earned from property and building leases in the port’s agricultural and industrial land and buildings. Lease revenue is projected to reach $654,292 in 2012. Add a guarantee of $100,000 in sand sales, and tax and fee revenues and the port’s total revenue balances with the expense side of the budget. The port commission also adopted a resolution to request a tax levy of $200,000 in 2012, which is $16,000 less than 2011, and reduces the tax rate from 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2011 to 18 cents per $1,000 in 2012. The 2012 port budget includes expenses planned for a comprehensive maintenance review and repairs (as needed) at the Down River Drive Industrial Park and a road improvement project in the light industrial area. The port also expects to use outside services for a 2012 feasibility study for construction of a boat launch.


FMC extending comment period
for Canada/Mexico port proceeding

WASHINGTON, DC — The Federal Maritime Commission reports it has received a request from the Shipping Federation of Canada for an extension of time until January 9, 2012, to file responses in a proceeding regarding U.S. inland containerized cargo moving through Canadian and Mexican seaports. The commission has determined to grant this request. The due date for responses is therefore extended to January 9, 2012.


Trucking association blasts
new hours-of-service rules

ARLINGTON, VA — Leaders of the American Trucking Associations expressed their frustration and disappointment that the Obama administration issued an unjustified final rule governing hours-of-service that will do nothing to improve highway safety, but will very likely increase the risk of truck-involved crashes. “Today’s (Dec. 22) announcement of a new rule on the hours-of-service is completely unsurprising. What is surprising and new to us is that for the first time in the agency’s history, FMCSA has chosen to eschew a stream of positive safety data and cave in to a vocal anti-truck minority and issue a rule that will have no positive impact on safety,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “From the beginning of this process in October 2009, the agency set itself on a course to fix a rule that’s not only not broken, but by all objective accounts is working to improve highway safety. Unfortunately, along the way, FMCSA twisted data and, as part of this final rule, is using unjustified causal estimates to justify unnecessary changes.” “This rule will put more truck traffic onto the roadways during morning rush hour, frustrate other motorists and increase the risk of crashes,” Mr. Graves said. “By mandating drivers include two periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. as part of a 'restart' period, FMCSA is assuring that every day as America is commuting to work, thousands of truck drivers will be joining them, creating additional and unnecessary congestion and putting motorists and those professional drivers at greater risk. The largest percentage of truck-involved crashes occur between 6 am. and noon, so this change not only effectively destroys the provision of the current rule most cited by professional drivers as beneficial, but it will put more trucks on the road during the statistically riskiest time of the day. “If there is a positive in this rule, it is the lengthy period of time before it becomes effective,” Graves said of the 18-month delay in the rule’s compliance date. “This will give ATA time to consider legal options. And, by delaying implementation of this rule, the agency is acknowledging there is no safety crisis on our highways.”


OOCL plans to boost
Atlantic Express Service

HONG KONG — OOCL has announced upgrades to the Atlantic Express Service (ATX). Starting from March 2012, ATX will be upgraded by four larger vessels of 5,400 TEU in a weekly fixed-day service. The upgraded service will maintain the current port rotation between the North European ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, Le-Havre, and Southampton, and the U.S. East Coast ports of New York, Norfolk and Charleston.


COSCO making changes
to executive board makeup

BEIJING — The COSCO Group announced adjustments at the executive level, following a meeting held on December 14. Li Yunpeng, former director of the Party Disciplinary Inspection Office was appointed executive vice president of COSCO Group. Ye Weilong was appointed as the Party Committee member and executive vice president of COSCO Group. Song Dawei was appointed director, Party Committee member and director of the Party Disciplinary Inspection Office of COSCO Group. Zhang Liang will no longer be party committee member of the company. The meeting was presided over by Ma Zehua, director and president of COSCO Group and was also attended by senior officials from the Administration Commission of State Council (SASAC) and CPC Central Committee for Discipline Inspection.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, December 23, 2011

Port of Coos Bay nets Ok
for North Spit development

COOS BAY — The Oregon Department of State Lands has approved a removal-fill permit for the development of an access channel and multi-purpose vessel slip on the North Spit of Coos Bay. The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay submitted the permit application in January 2007. This culmination of that effort opens the way for development of modern marine cargo facilities, expansion of the southern Oregon coast maritime industry and increased use of the Coos Bay rail line. This permit approval further reinforces the viability of the Coos Bay’s deep-water harbor for the enhancement of the economy and quality of life in the region. The port and its public and private partners have worked since the early 1980s to develop transportation and utility infrastructure to support marine and marine industrial development on the North Spit. Investments have funded construction of the TransPacific Parkway, extension of utilities including natural gas, construction of the North Spit rail spur, and purchase and rehabilitation of the Coos Bay rail line. The proposed multi-purpose cargo slip would accommodate the two berthing areas, one for the proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project liquefied natural gas terminal and a second for inbound and/or outbound bulk and/or breakbulk commodities. Jordan Cove continues to pursue permitting for its LNG project, while the port continues to have discussions with entities investigating marine industrial property opportunities. Construction of the slip and channel access would occur over 18 months and create an estimated 75 construction and 195 indirect support jobs. Payroll over that time period would total an estimated $26.2 million overall, bringing essential employment and added stability to Oregon’s construction industry. Longer-term port vessel operation employment tied to ongoing traffic through the berths could total between 26-280 direct jobs and 60-173 indirect jobs, for an annual payroll ranging between $4.7 million and $26.7 million annually.


National Retail Federation
eyes FMC tax proposal

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Retail Federation (NRF) has told the Federal Maritime Commission that imposing a tax on U.S.-bound cargo brought into Mexican and Canadian ports could violate international trade laws and would not drive traffic back to U.S. ports. According to NRF, the FMC, is examining whether the federal Harbor Maintenance Tax should be imposed on cargo that is brought into Mexican and Canadian ports and then delivered to U.S. destinations by train or truck. The commission began the examination at the request of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both D-Wash., who voiced concern this summer that ports in Tacoma and Seattle are losing traffic to the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia. House members from other port states have also asked the commission to look at the issue. Importers bringing retail merchandise and other cargo into U.S. seaports pay a Harbor Maintenance Tax of 0.125 percent of declared value, averaging $137 per cargo container and amounting to more than $1 billion a year. The tax was created in the 1980s to help pay for port projects and maintenance but NRF and others have expressed concern that most of the money collected has been diverted to other uses or left in reserves while critical infrastructure work goes unfunded. Most U.S.-bound retail merchandise from Asia enters the country through U.S. ports on the West Coast while most other merchandise comes into the country through East Coast ports, as followed by NRF’s monthly Global Port Tracker report. However, shippers began diversifying their use of ports after 9/11 and labor issues at West Coast ports in 2002 and 2004. A NRF spokesman said retailers have found that total transit times from northern Asia to distribution centers in the U.S. Midwest can be two to three days shorter when using a Canadian port than using West Coast ports. Faster and more efficient rail service between Prince Rupert and Chicago play a key role in the advantage, he said. Nonetheless, the comparatively small size of marine terminals at Prince Rupert limit the port’s capacity, and the amount of cargo that goes to either Canadian or Mexican ports is only about six percent of the U.S. total, he said. NRF believes taxing cargo brought in through Canada or Mexico could violate provisions of both the North American Free Trade Agreement and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs enforced by the World Trade Organization.


Boeing to convert freighter
for Evergreen International

SEATTLE — Boeing and Evergreen International Airlines, a subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation, have announced the airline will introduce the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter to its fleet with delivery to Evergreen in 2012. The conversion will be the 50th 747-400 jetliner to be modified to a freighter configuration by Boeing, which provides overall management of the conversion, including engineering and materials. Boeing contracts with Taikoo Aircraft Engineering (TAECO) in Xiamen, China, for the modification work. Evergreen International Airlines, based in McMinnville, Ore., currently operates 10 747s, including one 747-400 Freighter and nine 747-200 Freighters. Evergreen provides air cargo transportation and charter services for major airlines, freight forwarders and the U.S. government.


Rail freight traffic count
up during month of November

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported gains in November 2011 rail traffic compared with the same month last year, with U.S. railroads originating 1,476,635 carloads, up 2.3 percent, and 1,162,249 trailers and containers, up 3.8 percent. November 2011 saw the largest year-over-year percentage increase in carload traffic since March 2011. In November 2011, 13 of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by AAR saw increases on U.S. railroads compared with November 2010. The largest gains were: motor vehicles and parts, up 11,069 carloads or 18.7 percent; crushed stone, gravel and sand, up 9,740 carloads or 12 percent; and coal, up 8,455 carloads or 1.3 percent. On a percentage basis, the biggest increase in November was in carloads of petroleum and petroleum products, up 6,058 carloads or 18.8 percent. Commodity groups seeing a decline in November included grain, down 15,037 carloads or 12.4 percent; chemicals, down 1,599 carloads or 1.1 percent; and food products, down 1,498 carloads or 4.5 percent. AAR also reports gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 311,356 carloads for the week ending Dec. 3, 2011, up 2.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 243,997 trailers and containers, up 3.5 percent compared with the same week last year.


Washington Ferries to mark arrival
of last Kwa-di class vessel, KENNEWICK

OLYMPIA — The communities of Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, and Kennewick will join Washington State Ferries (WSF) and state and local officials to welcome the new ferry KENNEWICK to the state ferry fleet at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6. The event celebrating completion of the ferry will take place aboard the KENNEWICK at the Port Townsend ferry terminal. This celebration also marks the successful completion of the Kwa-di Tabil class (64-car) ferry construction program. The three-vessel program was completed three months early and $6.7 million under budget.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Port of Port Angeles sets date
for new composit facility ribbon cutting

PORT ANGELES — On January 9, 2012 at 3 p.m., the Port of Port Angeles will celebrate the completion of the first building of the Composite Manufacturing Campus (CMC) with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The CMC is 20 acres of the 120 acre Airport Industrial Park with one completed 25,000 sq. ft. building, a second building under construction and a third building pad site available. All structures are dedicated to both the hot and cold composite manufacturing processes. The CMC will complement existing Port tenants as well as the composite manufacturers in the aerospace, marine and alternative energy fields. The public is invited to attend this event for the port, the local community and Clallam County. The CMC is located at 2138 West 18th Street in Port Angeles.


Bellingham Port Commission
makes appointments for 2012

BELLINGHAM, WA — The Bellinghan Port Commission reports it has selected officers and made board appointments for 2012. The commission also said it elected the same officers to its Industrial Development Corporate Board for the coming year. At the same meeting, the commissioners decided who would serve on key community boards. They selected:
• Northwest Economic Council: Commissioner Scott Walker
• Whatcom Council of Governments: Commissioner Michael McAuley
• Washington Public Ports Association: Commissioner Scott Walker
• Whatcom County Economic Development Investment Program Committee: Commissioner Jim Jorgensen
• Port Public Art Advisory Committee: Commissioner Scott Walker through June, then Commissioner Michael McAuley from July through the end of the year
The three-member Bellingham Port Commission consists of: Jim Jorgensen - District Three Commissioner; Michael McAuley - District Two Commissioner; and Scott Walker - District One Commissioner. Regularly scheduled Commission meetings in 2012 will continue to be on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 3
p.m. in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue. The public is welcome at all port commission meetings, and agendas are posted for upcoming meetings on the port’s website: www.portofbellingham.com


DOT sets new final rule
for truck driver hours of service

LONDON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced a final rule that employs the latest research in driver fatigue to make sure truck drivers can get the rest they need to operate safely when on the road. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. FMCSA’s new HOS final rule reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s work week to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit. FMCSA will continue to conduct data analysis and research to further examine any risks associated with the 11 hours of driving time. The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. The final rule allows drivers to use the restart provision only once during a seven-day period. Companies and drivers that commit egregious violations of the rule could face the maximum penalties for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit by 3 or more hours could be fined $11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013. The rule is being sent to the Federal Register and is currently available on FMCSA's Web site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/HOSFinalRule.


Carriers plan to restructure
Mediterranean to SouthAm service

HAMBURG — In view of continuous poor trading conditions and replacing its current service set up, effective from mid January 2012, Hamburg Süd and MSC will restructure their services between the Mediterranean and South America East Coast. The two currently separate services will be fused into one common service that will be operated by eight vessels of 5,900 TEU nominal capacity. Of those, Hamburg Süd is to provide initially one vessel and MSC seven vessels. The new port rotation will be as follows: Valencia – Gioia Tauro – Livorno – Genoa – Fos – Barcelona – Valencia – Suape – Rio de Janeiro – Santos – Buenos Aires – Montevideo –Rio Grande – Navegantes – Itapoá – Santos – Rio de Janeiro – Suape – Tangier – Valencia. The new service allows for more comprehensive port coverage in South America and connects to the Hamburg Süd network to Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East destinations via the hub port Tangier.


Crowley donates $10,000
to fund UAF scholarships

ANCHORAGE — Crowley Maritime Corporation recently continued its commitment to education by presenting $10,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). The donation will fund scholarships for students in the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at UAF, and is part of a company initiative to help support the Alaskan communities where Crowley does business and its employees reside. Crowley created this scholarship program to help young people - primarily, but not exclusively - from the rural communities it serves achieve their dreams. Preference is given to native Alaska students and students from Anchorage, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, Nenana, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Glennallen, Valdez, Fort Yukon, Galena, St Mary's, Iliamna, Bethel, Aniak, McGrath, Hooper Bay, St. Michael, Nome, Kotzebue and Prudhoe Bay. Crowley serves as the main petroleum distribution and sales company in these communities. Since 1984, Crowley has provided more than half-a-million dollars in scholarship funding for more than 200 students studying at maritime academies and other select institutions in the U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico and Central America.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

All Nippon Airways to begin
Dreamliner calls at Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has welcomed an announcement that All Nippon Airways (ANA) of Japan chose Seattle to be one of the initial international destinations for their Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In a Tokyo press conference, ANA Group President and CEO Shinichiro Ito announced the company’s intent to inaugurate nonstop service to Sea-Tac Airport from their Tokyo Narita hub from fiscal year 2012 onwards. ANA is positioning its new Tokyo-Seattle service to play a key role in its strategic initiatives of long-haul expansion as part of their 2012 business plans. In addition, the service is expected to connect passengers to connections including Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka in Japan as well as ANA’s international network to cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Bangkok.


ATA truck tonnage index
up during month of November

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.3 percent in November after rising a revised 0.4 percent in October 2011. October’s increase was less than the 0.5 percent gain ATA reported on November 22, 2011. The latest gain put the SA index at 116.6 (2000=100) in November, up from the October level of 116.3. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 115.3 in November, which was 2.6 percent below the previous month. Compared with November 2010, SA tonnage was up 6.0 percent, the largest year-over-year gain since a 6.5 percent increase in June 2011. In October, the tonnage index was 5.7 percent above a year earlier. Year-to-date, compared with the same period last year, tonnage is up 5.4 percent. ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 10th day of the month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.


IMO measures gaining ground
on piracy numbers during year

LONDON — At the end of a year in which the World Maritime Day theme of “Piracy: orchestrating the response” has been central to the work of International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organization can look back on 12 months of relatively good progress that have laid the foundations for cautious optimism about the future. Recently compiled statistics show that the number of ships and seafarers held captive by Somali pirates have reduced from a peak of 33 and 733 in February to 13 and 265 respectively, at the beginning of December. The number of reported attacks has also declined from a high of 45 per month in January 2011 to 14 for the month of November 2011; and the proportion of successful attacks has been cut from 20 percent in January 2011 to seven percent in November 2011. Throughout 2011, IMO engaged at the political level (mainly through the UN Security Council) to bring about a solution to the piracy problem and thus facilitate and expedite the release of seafarers and any other persons held hostage. In addition, the organization intensified its work to strengthen the protection of persons (seafarers, fisherman and passengers), ships and cargoes in piracy-infested areas and also preserve the integrity of shipping lanes of strategic importance and significance, such as the Gulf of Aden. Improvements were made to the accessibility and distribution of IMO guidelines and industry best management practice guidance; steps were taken to ensure that ships’ crews are aware of how to access naval protection and implement effectively the preventive, evasive and defensive measures recommended by IMO and the industry. The Organization also addressed the issue of carriage of privately contracted armed security personnel aboard ships and developed guidelines on the subject, involving, in this particular instance, flag, port and coastal States.


Jensen designing vessels
for Caribbean TugZ

SEATTLE — Jensen Maritime Consultants, a Crowley subsidiary, recently started the design of two 92-foot, 50-ton-bollard-pull Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboats for Caribbean TugZ, an affiliate of SEACOR Holdings Inc., for operation in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The tugs are being specifically designed with environmental protection in mind. Oil tanks are being isolated from the hull, which reduces the chances of an oil spill in the event the hull is breached. This feature is neither standard nor required, but was added to protect the environmentally sensitive areas where these vessels will operate. The pair of tugboats will be built at Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland. Seattle-based Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc., is a full service naval architecture and marine engineering firm owned by Crowley Maritime Corporation.


Port of Kennewick selects
2011 Friend of the Port

KENNEWICK, WA — The Port of Kennewick Board of Commission has announced that Ken Hohenberg, chief of police for the Kennewick Police Department, had been chosen as the 2011 Friend of the Port. The port commission presented Mr. Hohenberg with a plaque in recognition of his efforts to transform Clover Island and as a champion for the revitalization of historic downtown Kennewick. “Every so often the port has an opportunity to recognize someone special for making an extra effort; for taking time to share of their talent and their energies; for caring enough about our community to go above and beyond what is expected, what they are paid to do, or what most people would even consider necessary. This year we chose to recognize Ken Hohenberg for doing all of that and more,” stated Port Commission President, Skip Novakovich. Port officials honored Mr. Hohenberg for his work to safeguard the community, for his vigilance in patrolling Clover Island and Columbia Drive, and for his efforts to improve historic downtown Kennewick.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Maritime Commerce Club
calling for 'Old Salt' nominations

PORTLAND — The Portland Maritime Commerce Club is calling for nominations for the 2012 "Old Salt" Award. This honor is presented each year to someone who, through longevity and service, has advanced the Willamette and Columbia River maritime industry. Nominees should be contributors to the maritime community and have made a significant effort to progress the industry outside of their regular job activities. For more information on the "Old Salt" nomination process, click on the following link: http://www.pdxmex.com/media/Maritime_Commerce_Club/Old_Salt_Nomination_Request_Flyer.pdf


Alliances joining forces
to serve Far East/Europe trades

TOKYO — Six container shipping lines have agreed to create one of the largest vessel networks in the Far East-to-Europe trade lane. The comprehensive agreement will bring together members of The New World and Grand alliances to create The G6 Alliance. New World Alliance members are APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine, and Mitsui O.S.K Lines. Grand Alliance members are Hapag-Lloyd AG, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and Orient Overseas Container Line. The new partnership will create one of the leading networks in the Far East-to-Europe and Far East-to-Mediterranean container shipping markets with more than 90 ships in nine services calling at more than 40 ports in Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The integrated cooperation of these six lines will enable product and service features to be easily adjusted to market requirements. The new alliance is scheduled to begin operation by April 2012, with seven joint services operating between Asia and Europe and two services to the Mediterranean.


Jensen designing tugs
for Moran Towing Corp.

SEATTLE — Jensen Maritime Consultants, a Crowley Maritime Corp. subsidiary, has completed the design of three additional tugboats for Moran Towing Corp., a New Canaan, CT, tug-and-barge operator on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The additional boats will bring Moran's Jensen-designed series of tugboats to five. The tugs are currently under construction at the Washburn & Doughty Shipyard of East Boothbay, Maine. The three new boats are nearly identical in design to the two previously Jensen-designed, Z-Drive tugs, the CAPT. JIMMY MORAN and the SHINEY V. MORAN - which were built in 2008 and 2009, respectively - with the exception of upgrades to the internal elements. These upgrades will ensure that the piping and electrical systems are consistent with Moran's larger fleet of tugs and barges. At 86' in length and 36' in breadth, Jensen has designed this series of tugboats to provide a maneuverable and powerful fleet for ship assist and escort work on the East Coast. Construction of the three new tugs began earlier this year. Delivery is scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2012.


Mitsui nets first contract
to haul LNG from Indonesia

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the company was selected to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) operated by PT Nusantara Regas off Jakarta. The project marks Indonesia’s first domestic transport of LNG. It will ship up to three million tons of LNG from Bontang and other Indonesian ports. It is also MOL’s first offshore business in Indonesia. MOL established a joint venture with Indonesian ocean shipping company PT Trada Maritime Tbk which owns and operates the LNG carrier LNG AQUARIUS. Operation is scheduled to start in late January, 2012, and the transport contract runs through the end of 2022.


Hamburg Sud restructuring
Eurosal, Europe to America runs

HAMBURG — Subject to approval by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), as from February 2012, Hamburg Süd reports it will restructure its services from North Europe and Mediterranean to Central and South America West Coast as well as to North America West Coast. The current EUROSAL loop 2, featuring eight 1,800 TEU ships, will be upgraded to an eight-vessel system of 3,500 TEU nominal capacity. Hamburg Süd and Hapag-Lloyd will provide three vessels each and CMA CGM two. EUROSAL loop 1, connecting North Europe with Central and South America West Coast, will remain unchanged and be operated by eight Panmax vessels, Hamburg Süd and Hapag-Lloyd providing four vessels each. Hamburg Süd will further join Hapag-Lloyd in the Mediterranean – North America West Coast service (MCPS) by providing two out of ten vessels with 2,500 TEU nominal capacity. The revised service will be upgraded from an 11-day to a weekly frequency. With this participation Hamburg Süd is extending its portfolio and replacing the current service between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean (CAMS). The port rotation of the MCPS service will be as follows: Cartagena – manzanillo (Mexico) – Los Angeles – Oakland – Seattle – Vancouver – Portland – Oakland – Los Angeles – Manzanillo (Mexico) – Manzanillo (Panama) – Cartagena – Caucedo – Tangier – Valencia – Cagliari – Livorno – Genoa – Fos – Barcelona – Valencia – Tangier – Cartagena. The current Hamburg Süd West Coast service (WAMS) will concentrate on the North America West Coast – Caribbean range. The system will be operated with four vessels of 1,750 TEU nominal capacity, of which Hamburg Süd provides three and CCNI one. The port rotation will be as follows: Cartagena – Puerto Quetzal – Manzanillo (Mexico) – Long Beach – Oakland – Manzanillo (Mexico) – Lazaro Cardenas – Puerto Quetzal – Cartagena.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, December 19, 2011

Port of Coos Bay sets reward
to track down rail equipment thieves

COOS BAY — The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for vandalism or theft to the Coos Bay rail line on or around Thursday, November 10, 2011. Vandals removed hundreds of rail spikes and tie plates through two segments of the tracks. The vandalism caused minor derailment of one rail car, but more than $20,000 damages related to stolen materials and repairs. Railroad tracks are industrial property with restricted access as defined by Federal Railroad Administration regulations. It is illegal to walk or drive on the railroad right-of-way except at designated crossings. Individuals convicted of trespassing in the railroad right-of-way can face fines and/or jail time. Anyone who has information that might be related to this case is encouraged to contact the Port office at 125 Central Ave., Suite 300, Coos Bay; by phone, 541.267.7678; or by email to portcoos@portofcoosbay.com.


Carriers coming together
to expand Transatlantic service

HAMBURG — In collaboration with Hamburg Süd and ZIM, Grand Alliance members Hapag-Lloyd, NYK and OOCL have decided to upgrade their tonnage deployed in the Transatlantic Service between Europe and North America East Coast. As from March 2012 instead of four 3,700 TEU vessels, four 5,400 TEU ships are then to come into operation. Hamburg Süd and ZIM will each provide one vessel and Grand Alliance two. The weekly fixed-day service continues to have the port rotation: Rotterdam – Hamburg – Le Havre – Southampton – New York – Norfolk – Charleston – Rotterdam


Maersk Line selects
Soren Skou as new CEO

COPENHAGEN — Søren Skou has been appointed new CEO of Maersk Line with effect from January 16, 2012. Mr. Skou was previously CEO of Maersk Tankers and replaces Eivind Kolding who is leaving Maersk Line to become chairman of the Executive Board of Danske Bank. Mr. Skou previously held various positions in Maersk Line, from 1983 to 1998. In addition to being CEO of Maersk Tankers since 2001, Mr. Skou has played an important part in the group’s Executive Board. He has headed the group’s initiatives to reduce costs in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he has been the leader of the group’s preparations for further expansion in the new growth markets. In order to concentrate fully on the tasks in Maersk Line, Mr. Skou’s additional positions will gradually be transferred to others in the group. These include the board positions of DFDS and Danish Shipper’s Association, where the group will nominate CEO of Maersk Drilling Claus V. Hemmingsen, and Maersk Container Industry, where CEO of APM Terminals Kim Fejfer will take over the chairmanship. The group expects to fill the position as new CEO of Maersk Tankers internally. Until then, all of Mr. Skou’s direct reports will report directly to Group CEO Nils S. Andersen.


Boeing taps Kim Smith
as environment, health and safety VP

CHICAGO — The Boeing Company has named Kim Smith as vice president of Boeing Environment, Health and Safety. She is responsible for leading Boeing's ongoing effort to continuously reduce the environmental footprint of its global operations, products and services. In addition, she leads the company's workplace safety programs. Ms. Smith will report to John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations & Technology. Ms. Smith, 37, succeeds Mary Armstrong, who has announced her retirement after 27 years with Boeing. Ms. Armstrong will continue with the company through February to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Since May 2009, Ms. Smith has been Boeing Commercial Airplanes' director of Supplier Management for Spirit AeroSystems, a Boeing supplier of airplane sections and fuselages.


Crystal Cruises luxury liner
rescues two stranded rowers

TOKYO — On December 14, Crystal Cruises’ CRYSTAL SERENITY rescued two rowers who had capsized overnight 480 miles west of the Canary Islands. The rowers, 23-year-old Tom Fancett from the U.K. and Tom Sauer from the Netherlands, were competing against 16 other teams in a row across the Atlantic in the 2011 Atlantic Rowing Race. Prior to their rescue, the two rowers had spent 10 hours in a tiny life raft after a large wave had capsized and sunk their boat. The CRYSTAL SERENITY was 120 nautical miles north of the rowers, on its own trans-Atlantic cruise en route to St. Maarten, when it received the rescue assist call from the Falmouth Coast Guard. Captain Økland posted lookouts throughout the night and sailed full speed to the stranded boaters, through worsening weather and the very small crafts of the other contest participants. The boaters’ flare was located five hours later, and Captain Økland then maneuvered close to the raft and brought the rowers aboard at 6:00 a.m. Both rowers were then given checkups at the ship’s medical center, and confirmed to be in good health. CRYSTAL SERENITY arrived on schedule in St. Maarten on Sunday.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, December 16, 2011

Former Bellingham Port Commissioner
receives WPPA industry service honor

BELLINGHAM — The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) selected former Port of Bellingham Commissioner Douglas “Doug” G. Smith for its Outstanding Service to the Industry Award earlier this month. The award was given to Mr. Smith at the port association’s annual meeting in Bellevue and was presented by current Port Commissioner and WPPA President Scott Walker. Mr. Walker noted Mr. Smith’s 16 years of service on the Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners and spoke about Mr. Smith’s leadership role as the port diversified its assets, launched the Bellingham Waterfront redevelopment and expanded the Bellingham Airport. He also was very involved in decisions regarding expansion and improvements to the Squalicum and Blaine Marinas. Mr. Smith was a strong proponent for job creation and worker training and supported port partnerships with the local university and colleges. In recognition of his accomplishments, the port named its conference room at the Technology Development Center in his honor. Mr. Smith has continued as an advocate for the Port of Bellingham since leaving the commission in 2010, bringing diverse people together and educating them about the port. The Washington Public Ports Association was formed by the Legislature in 1961. WPPA promotes the interests of the port community through government relations, ongoing education, and advocacy programs.


Port of Ridgefield business park
in line for Fish and Wildlife headquarters

RIDGEFIELD, WA — The state of Washington is currently considering a proposal by the Port of Ridgefield regarding a facility on port property that could potentially become home to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s southwest region headquarters office after their lease of a building in Vancouver expires. The property is part of the port’s Discovery Ridge office park. If an agreement is reached, the port will finance and construct office space to house up 100 state employees. Plans also call for indoor storage, covered outdoor storage, and fenced yard storage for research, boats and other field equipment along with 150 public/employee parking spaces and additional secured parking spaces for agency vehicles. In addition to WDFW staff, some of the space may be sublet by the State Department of Ecology and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Long term lease rates to the state would be negotiated, but the initial rate would match rates being paid by the WDFW at their current location in Vancouver. Terms of the lease will also include a negotiated option to purchase the facility. Construction and occupancy timelines have not been determined, but are projected to be 12 to 24 months after an agreement has been reached.


Rail freight traffic numbers
post gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 265,304 carloads for the week ending Nov. 26, 2011, up four percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 190,866 trailers and containers, up 3.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Ten of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: motor vehicles and equipment, up 42 percent; crushed stone, sand and gravel, up 30.3 percent, and petroleum products, up 28.4 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products excluding grain, down 18.1 percent, and waste and nonferrous scrap, down 10.8 percent.


Third round of TIGER grants
announced by Dept. of Transporation

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) reports that U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that 46 transportation projects in 33 states and Puerto Rico will receive a total of $511 million from the third round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants program. The Department of Transportation received 848 project applications requesting a total of $14.29 billion. Four of the 46 capital project funding requests selected for awards go directly to America’s port-related infrastructure, totaling $62,238,246, or about 12 percent of the total $511,423,147 in capital grant funds available. Millions more go to projects that indirectly aid the efficient movement of goods to and from America’s seaports. Since the program’s inception as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, AAPA has been a strong supporter of the TIGER multimodal discretionary grant program. In the first round of TIGER grant awards, port-related infrastructure projects received only eight percent of the original $1.5 billion. In the second round of grants, port-related infrastructure did better, garnering approximately 17 percent of the total $556.6 million in capital grant funds available.


Merchant Marine academy vessel
to be handed over to Texas A&M

KINGS POINT, NY — The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Department of Transportation have announced that the training vessel KINGS POINTER will be transferred to Texas A&M University in Galveston. The transfer facilitates the upcoming reconstruction of Mallory Pier, the Academy’s main ship docking facility. The Mallory Pier project has been in the planning stages for several years, and work is now scheduled to begin in early 2012. The project will take 12 to 18 months, during which time there will be no docking facilities available to tie up vessels as large as the KINGS POINTER. In addition, academy leadership has determined that the KINGS POINTER no longer meets its training needs in a cost effective manner. Currently, USMMA midshipmen obtain the sea time needed for their U.S. Coast Guard license aboard commercial merchant ships, and only use academy training craft, like the KINGS POINTER, for basic familiarization, ship handling and seamanship instruction. The TV KINGS POINTER can be more cost effectively used in the maritime training curriculum at Texas A&M University, which is dependent upon a dedicated school ship. The academy will use other vessels, such as the TV LIBERATOR, for midshipman training until a new vessel is acquired.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, December 15, 2011

Port of Grays Harbor named
top Washington port by WPPA

ABERDEEN, WA — The Port of Grays Harbor has been named Port of the Year by the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA). Each year the WPPA, a coalition of the 76 public port districts in Washington state, honors one port for exceptional success in the port industry. The Port of Grays Harbor was selected from a slate of nominees for successful growth and diversification. For the past 10 years, the Port of Grays Harbor has transformed their marine terminal operations from a heavy dependence on forest products to a diverse cargo mix employing hundreds in this rural community. Working closely with private partners, Grays Harbor has attracted over $200 million in private investment in the marine complex, resulting in steady shipping calls and increased cargo shipments by truck and rail. In addition, the Port of Grays Harbor operates the largest fish landing port in Washington State, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport and hundreds acres of industrial property round out the port’s portfolio. Port tenants include manufacturers, distributors, retail operations, tourism businesses and service providers.


Port of Everett celebrating
arrival of Boeing parts shipment

EVERETT — The Port of Everett reports A ceremony will be held today at the port’s Mount Baker terminal marking the first shipment of parts from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the 1,000th Boeing 777. Since the first shipment of parts arrived in 1993 from Japan, the Port of Everett and Boeing have grown and adapted together to support 4,500 shipments for the 777 program. The parts are for the 1,000th 777 which will be delivered to Emirates Airlines next March. The 777 will be the fastest twin-aisle airplane in history to reach the 1,000 mark.


Global Port Tracker Report predicts
gains in December container traffic

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports should be up 0.3 percent in December compared with the same month last year as retailers head to the finish line of the holiday shopping season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.28 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units in October, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was down 3.5 percent from the peak for the year hit in September, and down five percent from October 2010. November was estimated at 1.18 million TEU, down 4.4 percent from a year ago, while December is forecast at 1.15 million TEU, up 0.3 percent from last year. After the holidays, January 2012 is forecast at 1.15 million TEU, down 4.8 percent from January 2011. February, traditionally the slowest month of the year, is forecast at 1.04 million TEU, down 5.7 percent; March is expected to see 1.17 million TEU, an increase of seven percent; and April is forecast at 1.22 million TEU, the same as last year. The total for 2011 is forecast at 14.73 million TEU, down one-tenth of one percent from last year’s 14.75 million TEU. Global Port Tracker counts only the number of cargo containers imported, not the value of their contents, so cargo volume does not directly correlate with retail sales. NRF is forecasting 2.8 percent growth in holiday sales during November and December over last year, for a total of $465.6 billion. Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, covers the U.S. ports of Long Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at www.nrf.com/PortTracker or by calling (202) 783-7971. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalportracker.com.


FedEx Express places order
for 27 new 767-300 freighters

SEATTLE — The Boeing Company has announced that FedEx Express has ordered 27 767-300 Freighters and has exercised existing options for two additional 777 Freighters. The new 777 Freighters will support FedEx's growth in the international cargo market. The 767 Freighter will be a new model for the Memphis, Tenn.-based freight carrier's fleet of more than 690 airplanes. This order builds on a record year for the 777 program bringing the 2011 net order total to 200 airplanes.


ATA pleased with proposals
in draft transportation bill

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves has thanked the members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for advancing several key highway safety initiatives as part of their draft of a transportation reauthorization bill. Among the ATA-backed proposals in the bill are: a mandate for electronic onboard recorders; establishment of a drug and alcohol clearinghouse; crashworthiness research and possible standards; improved new entrant standards and the creation of an employer notification system for employers. “As a leading advocate for highway safety and for the trucking industry, ATA has endorsed all of these measures as ways of continuing the progress that’s been made on making our roads safer for trucks, as well as cars,” Mr. Graves said.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Freight transport services index
falls during month of October

WASHINGTON, DC — The amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry fell 0.2 percent in October from September, the first monthly decrease after four consecutive increases, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics' (BTS) Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI). BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that at 109.4 the level of freight shipments, measured by the Freight TSI, declined slightly from the recent peak achieved in September, but still remained higher than any other month since July 2008. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments by mode of transportation 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. For the first 10 months of 2011, freight shipments measured by the index were up 2.3 percent.


Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
taps Marcella Szel as vice chair

VANCOUVER, BC — The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority board of directors has elected Marcella Szel as vice chair for a two year term. Ms. Szel was appointed to the board of directors in June 2010. She has experience in the transportation industry and business community. She was with Canadian Pacific Railway from 1977 to 2009 where she held a number in increasingly senior positions. As Senior Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, from 2006 to 2009, Ms. Szel had North American responsibility for customers, freight revenues, logistics, and intermodal terminals and auto compounds. In previous roles she was vice president of various functions, including marketing, government affairs, corporate strategy, law and corporate secretary. She is currently a director of Global Transportation Hub (Saskatchewan) and a trustee of the Vancouver Police Foundation. She is a past board member of Export Development Canada and Consolidated Fastfrate (trucking). She has been extensively involved in the business community, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Chairman 1998-1999), Western Transportation Advisory Committee (Chairman 2007-2009), Coal Association of Canada, Canadian Unity Council, BC Business Council, Canada-US Law Institute, Alberta Economic Development Authority, University of Calgary Medicine Dean's Advisory Committee, and a member of a group that founded a Calgary chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors.


Alaska Airlines bringing back
Portland to Long Beach service

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines has announced it will resume daily nonstop service between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Long Beach, Calif., starting March 12, 2012. Alaska Airlines previously served Portland-Long Beach for about one year until April 2010. The flights will be operated for Alaska Airlines by SkyWest Airlines with a 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet.


Evergreen Lines plans to boost
Far East/India to Europe rates

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line has announced it plans to implement a rate restoration program for the Far East(including Japan) / Indian Sub-Continent to Europe and Mediterranean Westbound Trade. The increase quantum will be USD$200/20', USD$400/40', USD$400/40' HQ effective Dec. 25, 2011, and will apply to all cargoes and commodities, including temperature-controlled and special equipment.


Trucking association announces death
of U.S. Xpress founder/ATA chairman

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations has expressed their deepest sympathies and condolences following the passing of U.S. Xpress Inc. founder and past ATA Chairman Patrick Quinn. Mr. Quinn served at chairman of ATA twice, first October 2005 to October 2006, then again from October 2006 to June 2007 following the unexpected passing of C.J. “Mac” McCormick III. American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Port of Kalama welcomes
maiden voyage vessel

KALAMA — The Port of Kalama welcomed the vessel STORM RIDER on the vessel's maiden voyage this past weekend. The 22-ton bulk carrier is loading wheat at the port for shipment to Manzanita, Mexico. The ship, which hails from Cyprus, is operated by Grecomar Shipping & Agencies and is captained by Konstantinos Pantazis. According to Port of Kalama marketing manager, Liz Newman, the STORM RIDER utilizes state-of-the-art technology for auto-navigation and a monitoring system that alerts the entire ship if there is a problem at the bridge or wheelhouse. The Port of Kalama, which is located on the deep-draft Columbia River immediately adjacent to Interstate 5 and the mainline railroad, is home to some of the largest grain terminals on the west coast.


Evergreen Line expanding
service covering Southeast Asia

TAIPEI — Evergreen Line has introduced a weekly Vietnam-Malaysia-Indonesia (VMI) service to enhance its Southeast Asia service network. The new loop is created by extending its recently-launched PTP-Indonesia (PIS) feeder service to Port Kelang and Ho Chi Minh City, encompassing its Vietnam-Straits Shuttle (VSS) feeder service. The VMI service will turn in 14 days with the 1,164 teu EVER APEX and 1,038 teu UNI-CONCORD. It serves Ho Chi Minh City, Kuantan, Tanjung Pelepas, Jakarta, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Kelang and back to Ho Chi Minh City.


Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers
inks deal with Standard Marine

TOKYO — Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, of which NYK has a 50 percent share, has entered into a time-charter contract with Standard Marine Tønsberg AS (SMT), owned by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, for 10 years plus an option for a new built dynamic positioning 112,000 DWT offshore shuttle tanker to service SMT for their North Sea offshore fields. The vessel will be delivered to SMT in the first quarter of 2014. The vessel will be built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and equipped with bow-loading equipment. The tanker will also be a dynamic-positioning system Class 2 vessel in order to satisfy the stringent North Sea shuttle tanker requirements.


Coast Guard joins search
for person who jumped from ferry

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is assisting local responders in the search for a person that jumped from the Washington State Ferry (WSF) Cathlamet, at approximately 11 p.m., Sunday. WSF contacted Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, notifying that a person had jumped from the ferry Cathlamet, crossing from Mukilteo, Wash. to Clinton, Wash. Coast Guard Station Seattle launched a 45-foot response boat medium (RB-M) crew, and Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., launched an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew, to conduct a search of the area. South Whidbey Island Fire Rescue and Camano Island Fire Rescue crews are also searching the area.


Maersk Line bringing back
service linking Mexico with Europe

COPENHAGEN — Maersk Line has announced the re-introduction of the CRX as per January 2012, the weekly liner service connecting Mexico and Costa Rica directly with UK, Netherlands and Germany. The CRX and the Ecubex services have been merged into one service since mid 2011. However, Maersk Line is now separating the two services and confirming the CRX as a standalone service for the years to come. The service will deploy 6 x 2500 TEU vessels with the following rotation: Bremerhaven – Veracruz – Altamira – Big Creek – Manzanillo – Puerto Moin – Cork– Tilbury – Rotterdam – Bremerhaven


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, December 12, 2011

MarAd opening new round
of small U.S. shipyard grants

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced that $9.98 million in federal funding is now available to help enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of qualified small U.S. shipyard. The grants are available for capital and related improvements projects that foster efficiency, and competitive operations; quality ship construction, repair and reconfiguration; and employee training projects. Grants are limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs. Application packages must be received by 5 p.m. on January 17, 2012. Additional information is available in the Federal Register at http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-31830 or by contacting the Maritime Administration, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering, Room W21-318, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington DC 20590, (202) 366-5737.


Maersk joining U.S. Navy
in test of algae-based biofuel

COPENHAGEN — Maersk reports that it and the U.S. Navy are testing algae-based biofuel on the container ship MAERSK KALMAR. The ship is en route from Northern Europe to India. MAERSK KALMAR has two key attributes that make it a suitable vessel for biofuel testing. The 300 meter-long container ship has a dedicated auxiliary test engine and its fuels system has special biofuel blending equipment and separate tanks. In October 2010, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Maersk headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and learned of energy conservation initiatives across Maersk’s fleet of over 1,300 vessels. The biofuels test is the first collaboration between Maersk and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). During its month-long, 6,500 nautical mile voyage from Bremerhaven, Germany to Pipavav, India, the ship will use 30 tons of biofuel. Engineers and crew onboard are testing blends ranging from seven percent to 100 percent. The team is also analyzing emissions data on NOx (nitrogen oxides), SOx (sulphur oxides), CO2 and particulate matter from the fuel use, along with effects on power efficiency and engine wear and tear. Tests are scheduled to conclude this month, with an analysis of results following soon thereafter.


Shipping agencies calling for
more info regarding container weights

TOKYO — The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has joined with the World Shipping Council (WSC), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and BIMCO in the effort to encourage the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require, as a condition for stowing a loaded container on board a ship, that the ship and the port facility have a verified actual weight of the container. All four organizations have consultative status at the IMO. The announcement comes as the IMO's Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) subcommittee, which is responsible for improving the safety of container stowage and ships operations, continues its efforts to construct a SOLAS requirement that loaded export containers have a verified weight prior to vessel loading. As instructed by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), DSC will consider such a requirement at its next session in September 2012 (DSC 17). All four organizations noted that governments around the world continue to focus on obtaining more complete knowledge of what is actually in cargo containers arriving in their countries, and that Customs authorities would welcome having accurate cargo weights as they screen import cargoes. WSC,ICS, BIMCO, IAPH and other industry parties and interested governments will consult during 2012 about the development of recommended guidelines for how to implement the container weighing requirement.


ATA finds driver turnover rate
jumps to 89 percent for quarter

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations (ATA) Chief Economist Bob Costello said the turnover rate for truckload drivers at large fleets rose to 89 percent in the third quarter of 2011, the fourth straight quarterly increase. According to ATA, the large fleet truckload turnover rate is an indication of increased demand and competition for drivers. The third-quarter increase follows a previously reported turnover rate of 79 percent in the second quarter of the year and sets the benchmark rate at its highest level since the first quarter of 2008. Since bottoming out in the first quarter of 2010, the turnover rate has risen 50 percentage points and has averaged 81 percent so far this year. Elsewhere in the trucking industry, the turnover rate at small truckload fleets rose 10 points to 57 percent, the highest level since the third quarter of 2008, and less-than-truckload turnover remained at 10 percent.


New Washington state ferries
make list of top boats for 2011

SEATTLE — Washington state’s first new ferries of the 21st century, CHETZEMOKA, SALISH and KENNEWICK were recently named Significant Boats of 2011 by U.S. maritime industry publication WorkBoat Magazine. The magazine notified Washington State Ferries (WSF) in early November that the three 64-car vessels were among the 50 boats nominated for the annual award. Each year, WorkBoat editors review the boats they’ve featured in the magazine and choose the 10 vessels deserving of special recognition. Winners were announced Nov. 30 at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans, and will be featured in the January 2012 issue of WorkBoat Magazine.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, December 9, 2011

Commerce Department report finds
drop in exports during October

WASHINGTON, DC — The October 2011 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that U.S. exports of goods and services in October 2011 decreased 0.8 percent from September 2011 to $179.2 billion, with this month’s exports of capital goods ($42.3 billion) the highest on record. U.S. imports of goods and services also decreased by 1.0 percent to reach $222.6 billion, causing the U.S. trade deficit to improve by 1.6 percent to reach $43.5 billion in October 2011, the lowest monthly deficit level in 2011. U.S. goods and services exports in the first 10 months of 2011 are up 15.5 percent or $234.7 billion from the same period of 2010 to reach $1.75 trillion. This consists of gains in sectors that support U.S. jobs like automotive vehicles, where U.S. exports of passenger cars have increased nearly 25 percent, or $7.7 billion, in the first 10 months of 2011. Although our trade deficit year-to-date has increased, this increase is due entirely to our dependence on foreign oil; year-to-date, petroleum represents more than 58 percent of our total goods and services deficit. However, growth in exports, minus petroleum are actually outpacing imports in both dollar and percentage terms, meaning that our deficit in non-petroleum goods and services has improved through the first ten months of 2011 by more than $6 billion.


Horizon Lines shareholders Ok
1 for 25 reverse stock split

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that stockholders at the company's special stockholders meeting on December 2, 2011, voted to approve, among other things, a 1-for-25 reverse stock split. Stockholders also approved the other three proposals presented at the special meeting. Stockholders approved amending the company's certificate of incorporation to authorize the issuance of warrants in lieu of cash or redemption notes in consideration for "Excess Shares" to holders who cannot establish U.S. citizenship to facilitate compliance with the Jones Act. Stockholders also approved the company's restated certificate of incorporation to combine into one document all of the provisions of the prior certificate of incorporation, the elimination of certain inapplicable provisions and the amendments approved by stockholders at the special stockholders meeting. Additionally, stockholders approved the company's proposal to increase the authorized number of shares to 2.5 billion from 100.0 million; however, the share increase proposal would only have become effective if the reverse stock split had not been approved by stockholders. Approximately 83.4 percent of the company's 56.6 million shares eligible to vote were represented in the voting, which was open to stockholders of record as of October 7, 2011. With the proposals passed, the company on December 7, 2011, filed its restated certificate of incorporation to, among other things, effect the 1-for-25 reverse stock split. The reverse stock split reduces the number of shares of common stock outstanding to 2.3 million from 56.7 million.


US rail freight traffic numbers
roll to positive side during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 301,919 carloads for the week ending Nov. 19, 2011, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 243,234 trailers and containers, up three percent compared with the same week last year. Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: nonmetallic minerals up 306 percent; petroleum products, up 21.3 percent, and motor vehicles and equipment, up 16.3 percent. The groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: primary forest products, down 13.8; farm products, excluding grain down 12.4, and grain, down 11.9 percent.


K Line adding service
calling China, Vietnam

TOKYO — Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has announced a newly-added weekly service from North China to Ho Chi Minh City as a slot operator. This service will be called Jaseco-V. “K” Line aims to expand the service coverage to/from China to Vietnam with this weekly direct service calling: Xingang - Dalian - Qingdao - Lianyungang - Hong Kong - Shekou - Ho Chi Minh - Hong Kong - Xingang. The service will begin on December 10, with the arrival of the BARENTS STRAIT XK151S, IN Xingang.


Bellingham holiday festival
raises thousands for Red Cross

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham reports the Holiday Port Festival raised $2,000 for the Mt Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross, with around $1,000 of that coming from a silent auction of gingerbread houses, and the other $1,000 coming from donations at the Red Cross cookies and cider station at the event. The Festival Food Drive collected 709 lbs of food for the Bellingham Food Bank, with 499 lbs of that collected by port employees and the rest from event patrons. The Festival’s Gingerbread House Contest received 86 entries this year from bakers of all ages and abilities. The "People's Choice Award" this year went to Jim Hildenbrand for “Enchantment,’” an edible scene that included a castle, a spinning windmill and three town houses. This award is chosen by event visitors who voted for their favorite gingerbread creation during the festival. The People's Choice winner received a cruise trip for two donated by San Juan Cruises. Gingerbread House Contest entries were judged based on originality and creativity, difficulty and precision, and overall appearance. In addition to houses and castles, there were underwater scenes, a chess board, several hen houses, the Shire, a kayaking Santa, and many more. This was the 21st Holiday Port Festival and the Port event continues to grow in popularity with each year.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Columbia Crossing bridge project
nets Department of Transportation nod

WASHINGTON, DC — Plans to replace the aging Interstate 5 Columbia River Crossing Bridges and build an interstate transit link can now move forward, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced. The approval – known as a “record of decision” (ROD) – represents the final clearance of the project's environmental review and allows Oregon and Washington to begin right-of-way acquisition and construction. The Columbia River Crossing project will replace the I-5 bridges over the Columbia River that connect Vancouver to Portland At a cost of approximately $3 billion for bridge, transit and highway improvements. The project is considered a long-term, comprehensive solution to address safety and congestion problems on five miles of I-5 from State Route 500 in Vancouver to Victory Boulevard in Portland and will be funded through a combination of state and federal sources. In addition, numerous improvements to bike/pedestrian facilities will accommodate the bridge’s 1,000 daily pedestrians and 5,000 daily bicyclists anticipated by 2030. Freight congestion is one of the key reasons behind the bridge replacement project. I-5 is the most important freight freeway on the West Coast linking international, national and regional markets in Canada, Mexico and the Pacific Rim with destinations throughout the western United States. Freight volumes moved by truck to and from the area are projected to increase over the years, causing additional delays and cost to shippers. Currently, the bridge serves nearly 130,000 vehicles daily with travel demand expected to grow to 180,000 vehicles daily by 2030. The nearly three-mile light rail portion of the project will extend from Portland’s Expo Center MAX station to Clark College in Vancouver. It is expected that the transit rail project will reduce the duration of daily congestion on I-5 near the Columbia River by 60 percent. By 2030, the light rail line is expected to carry more than 22,000 daily passengers. The current I-5 crossing of the Columbia River consists of two side-by-side bridges. The bridge carrying northbound traffic was built in 1916, and the bridge carrying southbound traffic was built in 1958. Both bridges are inadequate to carry the current traffic volumes, and the mechanical lift spans that are raised to accommodate river traffic bring interstate traffic to a standstill. The geometry of the bridges makes the existing crossing one of the most unsafe highway locations on the I-5 corridor – its crash rate is double that of similar bridges. In addition, the bridge does not meet the current bridge design standards for earthquakes.


Machinist union Oks
new contract with Boeing

SEATTLE — Boeing has applauded the decision by members of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) to approve a four-year contract extension. The agreement covers employees represented by the union in Washington, Oregon and Kansas, and extends the contract to September 2016. The vote ratifies an agreement between the company and union that places production of the 737 MAX in Renton, Washington. Boeing announced last week that the company would produce the 737 MAX in the existing Renton facility if IAM members ratified the tentative agreement. To date, Boeing has received more than 700 commitments from customers for the 737 MAX. The new airplane is expected to enter service in 2017. The contract calls for annual wage and pension increases in each of the four years of the agreement along with a one-time ratification bonus of $5,000, which employees will receive Dec. 15. It also introduces an incentive pay plan for hourly employees based on performance to metrics tracking safety, quality and productivity. Health care plan changes include improvements in benefits for IAM-represented employees, along with cost increases reflecting a desire to make benefits more comprehensive while moving toward a market- based payment plan that shares costs between the company and employees. The agreement also establishes a Joint Council for the company and union to regularly discuss issues including workforce, market, competition and performance.


Foss tugs move Alaska drilling rig
to safer waters during winter season

SEATTLE — Foss Maritime Co. tugs JUSTINE FOSS and JEFFREY FOSS have completed a successful tow of a jackup drilling rig to its winter harbor in Port Graham, Alaska. The Spartan 151 jackup drilling rig was moved from its drill site at Nikiski, in the Cook Inlet, which becomes choked with ice during the winter. Foss was contracted by Spartan Offshore, which owns the drilling rig that is chartered to Furie Operating Alaska LLC, formerly Escopeta Oil Co. The company managed the marine operations involved in getting the rig off of the drill site, which would soon be choked with ice. It was taken into Port Graham where the rig will remain for the winter. In addition to the Foss tugs, Anchorage based Cook Inlet Tug and Barge's tractor tug the STELLAR WIND was also engaged during this operation. The STELLAR WIND was used for final positioning of the rig and provided additional maneuverability when the rig was going into Port Graham. The rig will be towed back out to the Nikiski drill site when conditions allow next spring.


Carriers combining services
in advance of slowdown period

HAMBURG — In an effort to balance supply and demand during the forthcoming traditional period of weaker demand, Hamburg Süd and Maersk Line on the one hand and CMA-CGM, CSAV and CSCL on the other, have reached an agreement to combine their services between Asia, South Africa and the East Coast of South America as from December, 2011. Each Group is currently operating two weekly services in the trade. For the period from December 2011, through May 2012, the existing ASAS/NGX Sling 2 service will be merged with the existing ASAX/SEAS Sling 2 service. The current capacity deployed by the carriers in the ASAS/NGX Sling 1 service and ASAX/SEAS Sling 1 service will remain unchanged and independent. Consequently, the new structure will be as follows: ASAS/NGX 1: 11 x 7,100 – 7,450 TEU vessels. Participating carriers: Hamburg Süd and Maersk Line. ASAX/SEAS 1: 11 x 6,500 TEU vessels. Participating carriers: CMA-CGM, CSAV, CSCL New Joint Service: 11 x 4,200 – 4,600 TEU vessels. Participating Carriers: CMA-CGM, CSAV, CSCL, Hamburg Süd, and Maersk Line. Schedule: Shanghai – Ningbo – Nansha – Hong Kong – Chiwan – Tanjung Pelepas – Singapore – Durban – Rio de Janeiro – Santos – Paranagua – Itajai – Santos – Port Elizabeth – Durban – Singapore – Hong Kong – Shanghai. Starting vessel for this New Joint Service will be the MV CAP JACKSON from Shanghai on December 16.


Crowley awards scholarships
to three USMMA cadets

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation awarded Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships to three cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, N.Y., during Monday's Containerization and Intermodal Institute (Connie Awards) luncheon in Newark, N.J. The USMMA cadets, Benjamin Faulter, Megan Laskowsky, and Noah Niday, were each selected for their strong academic records, interest in pursuing maritime careers and financial need. Sarah Cross, Crowley's marine recruiter, presented the scholarships at a luncheon attended by hundreds of maritime and transportation professionals. Cadet Faulter, a native of Maine, is studying to become an officer in the Naval Reserve and aspires to work in other sectors of the maritime industry. After graduation, he hopes to sail U.S. Merchant fleet vessels and upgrade his license. Cadet Laskowsky, a native of Pennsylvania, is studying marine transportation and is in the top 10 percent of her class academically. She has participated in the Regiment of the Midshipmen as regimental logistics officer, and plans to pursue an inland towing career following graduation. Cadet Niday, a native of Texas, is currently enrolled in the USMMA Ship Officer Program. He joined the USMMA after being awarded a congressional nomination to the academy. Upon graduation, he will have earned a third mate's license and certification as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department. Since 1984, Crowley has provided more than half-a-million dollars in scholarship funding for more than 200 students studying at maritime academies and other select institutions. The company has also donated more than $2 million over the years to support other educational programs.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Port of Longview director
announces retirement plans

LONGVIEW — Long-time Port of Longview Executive Director Ken O’Hollaren has announced his retirement date for December 2012 after 25 years as the port’s executive. Mr. O’Hollaren began at the Port of Longview in 1980 as the assistant operations manager before quickly climbing the ranks to executive director in 1988. He is currently the longest serving director among Washington’s 76 port districts. Mr. O’Hollaren is well known and respected throughout the industry for his instrumental work in the Columbia River Channel Deepening project and his long-time involvement promoting seaports with the American Association of Port Authorities, also serving as its chairman in 2009. “The port is in great financial shape with an outstanding management team –so the timing for this move is right in all aspects,” said Mr. O’Hollaren. “I am very fortunate to have had this opportunity, but now looking forward to the adventure of retirement.”


Port of Kalama adding Bennu Glass
to list of industrial business tenants

KALAMA — The Port of Kalama is celebrating a significant win for the Cowlitz region as it welcomes wine bottle manufacturer, Bennu Glass, to its growing industrial business community. Bennu Glass acquired the assets at the port location previously owned by Cameron Family Glass Packaging and will be fully operational by mid-year, 2012. Bennu, which serves the wine industry in Washington, Oregon, California, and western Canada, anticipates hiring up to 100 salaried and hourly personnel in the beginning of 2012. At full capacity, the factory will produce over 100 million wine bottles per year, and will be in the market, as well, to hire numerous local and regional suppliers to serve the factory’s demand for raw materials, supplies and services. Bennu joins a growing number of industries and businesses who have found the Port of Kalama an ideal location to grow their businesses. The Port boasts a new Industrial Park and acres of shovel-ready land for manufacturing, technology, storage and many other uses.


Trucking association taps Hulett
as new chief financial officer

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves has announced the federation has hired Karla Hulett as the group’s new chief financial officer. Mr. Hulett comes to ATA with more than three decades of experience in tax and revenue administration, most recently with Accenture. Prior to her time at Accenture, Ms. Hulett also worked in the private sector for Microsoft Corp. and Computer Sciences Corp., and served more than 20 years in the Kansas Department of Revenue, ultimately as secretary of the department under then-Gov. Bill Graves. Ms. Hulett replaces Dave Bearfoot , who retired in January.


APL charters space from MOL
in Japan to Thailand/Philippines run

SINGAPORE — APL has announced that it will enhance its Japan to Thailand and Philippines coverage as a slot operator in a tie-up with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). The new service, named Japan-Thailand-Philippine (JTP) service, will enhance APL’s coverage of Japanese ports, in particular those of Tokyo, Yokohama, Shimizu and Nagoya. The new service provides APL customers direct access to markets in Shimizu and Nagoya. It also links Korea to the Southeast Asian markets of Thailand and the Philippines. Port rotation for the JTP service will be: Tokyo, Yokohama, Shimizu, Nagoya, Pusan, Laem Chabang, Manila and Tokyo. The first sailing will commence from Tokyo on December 10, with the MOL SPARKLE.


Mitsui ship energy efficiency plan
earns certification from ABS

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that its Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), the carrier has in place has been certified with a Statement of Compliance by the international classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Effective December 5, the certification verifies the plan including its application for calculating Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) in accordance with SEEMP guidance and EEOI guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). MOL formulated SEEMP ahead of IMO’s adoption of requirements that SEEMP should be provided on board from January 2013. The company has maintained operation schedules while ensuring safe operation. The MOL-formulated SEEMP identifies problems and confirms the effectiveness of improvements by introducing its EEOI calculation method in addition to the one guided by the IMO. Certification by ABS, an independent third party, reflects an objective evaluation of MOL’s energy-saving ship operation activities toward achievement of its environmental target of a 10 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per unit load from FY2009 to FY2015.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Past Sea-Land Services president
earns Connie Award for 2011

NEWARK — The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) has presented the 2011 Connie Award to Robert Kenneth (Ken) Johns, former president of Sea-Land Service Inc., for his significant influence in containerization in worldwide trade and transportation. The Connie Awards luncheon was held Monday, December 5, at The Newark (NJ) Club and marked 40 years of Connie Awards. A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Stanley Sher, a maritime attorney in Washington D.C., who has participated in virtually every major legislative initiative and judicial proceeding affecting the regulatory and competition laws governing international shipping in recent history. Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII), a non-profit organization founded in 1960, promotes industry awareness, preserves the history of intermodalism, and engages scholarly interest in the field by organizing educational conferences and seminars, serving as an information resource, providing networking opportunities, offering career guidance, arranging internships and facilitating scholarships.


Port of Port Angeles releases
Final Budget report for 2012

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles has released its Final Budget for 2012. The budget estimates gross receipts of $8,738,700, expenditures of $6,406,100 and capital expenditures of $1,837,300. The Final Budget can be viewed at: http://www.portofpa.com/about/documents/2012FinalBudget11-28-2011.pdf. Paper copies are available at the Port Administrative Offices Building at 338 W. 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA.


Customs inks deal with EU
for Mutual Recognition Decision

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the European Union Taxation and Customs Union Directorate have agreed to language for the U.S.-EU Mutual Recognition Decision which will lead to its signing in the Spring of 2012. Once signed, the Mutual Recognition Decision will recognize the respective trade partnership programs of the U.S. and the EU—CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the EU’s Authorized Economic Operator—with reciprocal benefits. In 2007, CBP and TAXUD initiated efforts to implement Mutual Recognition between C-TPAT and AEO. Mutual Recognition is an industry partnership program that creates a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitating global cargo trade. Upon achieving mutual recognition with a foreign partner, one program may recognize the validation findings of the other program. C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. CBP currently has mutual recognition with: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea and Jordan.


Four firms joining up
for VLCC tanker pool

TOKYO — Four tanker owners have signed a Letter of Intent to set up a new VLCC pool, controlling around 50 modern VLCCs. Partners in the VLCC pool will be Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd./Phoenix Tankers PTE. Ltd., A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, Samco Shipholding Pte., Ltd., and OCean Tankers (Pte.) Ltd., Singapore. The partners are in detailed discussions and the VLCC Pool is expected to become operational from February 1, 2012 with offices in Singapore, Copenhagen and New York. The pool will operate a combined fleet of around 50 VLCCs by the end of 2012 with an average age of three years. Until the pool becomes operational each owner will continue their own operation.


US, Montenegro reach
new open skies agreement

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States and Montenegro have concluded an Open-Skies aviation agreement that will liberalize air services for the carriers of both countries. This is the first aviation agreement between Montenegro and the United States. Previously, air rights between the two countries were governed by an agreement between the United States and Yugoslavia. There currently are no direct flights between the two countries. Under the Open-Skies agreement, the airlines of both countries will be able to fly to, from and beyond the other’s territory, without restriction on how often carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge. The new opportunities are available immediately. The agreement makes Montenegro the 105th U.S. Open-Skies partner.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, December 5, 2011

MarAd schedules public meeting
to discuss RRF manager contracts

WASHINGTON, DC — The Maritime Administration (MARAD) reports it has applied the same policies and parameters for owner/operator and citizenship requirements for the Ship Manager Contract for maintenance and operation of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels since 1988. Recognizing that there have been changes in both the industry and technology since the inception of the program, MARAD has undertaken the initiative to re-examine current and future requirements for effective management of this surge sealift program. As part of this re-examination, MARAD is seeking industry and stakeholder input through public listening sessions. The first session will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the U.S. Department of Transportation. This session will provide a venue for a broad representation of industry, including ship owners, operators, labor, etc., to collaborate and share concerns and ideas for ship manager contract requirements.
Topics will include:
• Ship Owner/Operator requirement
• 12-ship Award Limitation
• Definition of Ship Manager Business Entity
• Citizenship Requirements – 46 CFR 315 and 46 USC 802(a) and 302(b), US Citizen vs. Documented Citizen
• Relative Importance of Technical, Past performance and Price Evaluation Factors
• Ship Manager as US Government Agent vs. Independent Contractor
• Evaluation factors for participation in Strategic Sealift Programs
• Consideration of Participation in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, Maritime Security Program or Tanker Emergency Preparedness Agreement
• Small Business: Subcontracting vs. Joint Venture Structure of Ship Manager
• Re-assignment of Vessels during Contract Performance
• Incentives for Cost Saving Methods in Program Management, Ship Costs, Green Initiatives
• Limited Scope Ship Management Contract for State Maritime Academy Schoolships
The meeting is open to the public. In consideration of space constraints, participation is limited to no more than two representatives per company/organization. RSVP the name, title and contact information of your representative(s) by today. To provide comments/suggestions in writing, send input to: RRFSMC@dot.gov.


Crowley announces launch
of new Ocean Class tugboat

LAKE CHARLES, LA — Crowley Maritime Corp. has announced the recent launch the OCEAN WAVE, the first of four Ocean Class tugboats under construction at Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, La. The OCEAN WAVE and OCEAN WIND are classed as Dynamic Positioning 1 (DP1) tugboats and are twin-screw, steel-hulled tugs with an overall length of 146 ft, beam of 46 ft, hull depth of 25 ft and design draft of 21 ft. The second two tugs of the class, OCEAN SKY and OCEAN SUN, will be classed as DP2 and will be 10 feet longer. The new tugs will be suited to work with Crowley's new 455-series heavy lift deck barges, which measure 400 feet by 105 feet and offer increased stability for loads up to 4,200 pounds per square foot. Additionally, the tugs will be outfitted for, and capable of, rig moves, platform and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit tows, emergency response and firefighting. These Ocean class vessels will also have the capability to support salvage and rescue towing opportunities. The OCEAN WAVE is scheduled for delivery in early 2012. The remaining tugs are expected to be completed by the end of 2013.


Cargill releases plans
to cut workforce by 1.5 percent

MINNEAPOLIS — Cargill has announced it will reduce its workforce by up to 2,000 of its 138,000 employees globally, a change of about 1.5 percent. The majority of the reduction will take place over the next six months worldwide. Cargill is providing affected employees with severance and outplacement support in keeping with its policies and with local laws and regulations. The company said these actions are in response to the continued weak global economy and are part of an overall effort to reduce expenses and simplify work processes. The reductions are based on recommendations from Cargill’s business units and functions as to how to best allocate resources, based on their specific situations. They are not the outcome of any companywide percentage mandate or uniform across-the-board cut. Rather, the goal is to ensure the company is focusing its resources on those activities that add the most value for its customers.


NYK scholarships continue support
of maritime education in China

TOKYO — On November 15, Keizo Nagai, NYK corporate officer and chief representative for China, attended the 2011 NYK scholarship awards ceremony at Shanghai Maritime University (SMU). Mr. Nagai delivered NYK scholarships to 36 selected students, and encouraged them to continue to study hard and make efforts to develop into socially responsible young Chinese intellects having an international vision. On November 23, Mr. Nagai attended an NYK scholarship awards ceremony at Dalian Maritime University (DMU) and granted NYK scholarships to 40 students there. Since the NYK Group initiated this CSR program at SMU and DMU in 2001, 585 students have received dedicated scholarships from NYK.


Maersk Line recognized
as top shipping line for 2011

SHANGHAI — Maersk Line, part of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group has been recognized with the “Shipping Line of the Year” award at the Supply Chain Asia Logistics Awards 2011, held on December 1, in Shanghai. The Supply Chain Asia Logistics Awards are organized by Supply Chain Asia, bringing recognition to outstanding corporations and individuals in the fields of supply chain management and logistics. Finalists are selected through nomination from magazine readers and community members. The final selection of winners is decided by a group of independent judges. Maersk Line, a global container shipping company operates a fleet of more than 500 vessels, 1.9 million containers, trucks and dedicated trains. Maersk Line employs around 16,900 people and operates from offices and container terminals in more than 125 countries.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, December 2, 2011

Everett Port Commission Oks
operating/capital budget for 2012

EVERETT — On November 29, 2011, the Port of Everett Commission adopted a $40 million 2012 operating and capital budget. The budget invests in business operations and construction projects that will help sustain family-wage jobs. The budget also plans for the port’s future obligations in transportation infrastructure projects such as the refurbishment of cargo handling equipment, dredging projects and on-terminal rail expansion. Other priorities include preparation for environmental cleanup efforts around the Port Gardner Bay. The budget forecasts an increase in shipping volumes, and does not propose layoffs or staff furloughs. The port’s operations are self-supporting, but the port collects a tax for construction and environmental projects. The port will collect a property tax totaling $4.1 million in 2012, with average Everett-area household investing $78 annually in the Port of Everett. Port District taxes, combined with earnings from port operations, will go toward the port’s environmental cleanup projects and other infrastructure enhancements, including the restoration of the historic Weyerhaeuser Building. In 2012, nearly $12.5 million will be invested in capital projects that improve port facilities, generate construction jobs, increase the port’s competitiveness and enhance community assets.


Rail association responds to
agreements with two unions

WASHINGTON, DC — The following statement was issued by Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger in response to voluntary settlement agreements reached yesterday with two unions, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the American Train Dispatchers Association. The railroads also agreed to extend negotiations with the last of its unsettled rail unions, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. Twelve out of 13 rail unions have settled with the railroads. These agreements will avert a national rail strike, which could have occurred as soon as December 6, 2011. “The goal of the nation’s freight railroads, from the start of bargaining almost two years ago, has been to reach voluntary settlements with all of its rail unions. These agreements bring the industry closer to achieving that goal. Freight rail touches nearly every sector of our economy, and we are committed to finalizing the remaining agreement so that we can continue to deliver for the tens of thousands of American businesses that rely on rail, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who use passenger rail to commute to work every day.”


Rail freight traffic tally
posts gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 299,591 carloads for the week ending Nov. 12, 2011, up 0.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 244,972 trailers and containers, up 5.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Ten of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: petroleum products, up 22 percent; metals and products, up 13.9 percent, and motor vehicles and equipment, up 13.2 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included: grain, down 18.3 percent, and primary forest products, down 11.4 percent.


New MarAd report eyes
ship design for marine highways

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Maritime Administration has released a report detailing new designs for shipping vessels specifically engineered for America’s Marine Highways. Production of these efficient, environmentally-friendly vessels could bolster the domestic shipbuilding industry by creating new jobs and strengthening regional economies. The new vessel designs also meet a portion of the U.S. military’s sealift needs in times of war or during national emergencies. Eleven designs have been created for new shipping vessels that can transport cargoes that would otherwise be trucked over congested roadways. The innovative designs focus primarily on roll-on roll-off vessels intended to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks and trailers or railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels. The designs include six roll-on roll-off (RO/RO) vessels, three combination RO/RO-container carriers, a feeder container ship, and a RO/RO-passenger ferry. The RO/RO and RO/RO-container vessels carry various types of vehicles, but are primarily intended for tractor-trailers and stackable containers. The feeder container ship can support standard-sized containers stacked both below and above deck, and the RO/RO-passenger ferry can transport tractor trailers along with their drivers. MARAD has also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Navy under which MARAD and the Navy could provide up to $800,000 to advance two or three of these new concept designs to the next stage of design development, with the ultimate goal of constructing multiple vessels in U.S. shipyards.


DOT again orders shut down
of Oregon-based bus company

WASHINGTON, DC — At the request of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the United States District Court for the District of Oregon has issued a temporary restraining order against Oregon-based bus company RC Investments, Inc. that prohibits the company from operating in or affecting interstate passenger transportation service. FMCSA requested the temporary restraining order based on evidence that RC Investments was conducting bus trips in direct violation of the agency’s previous orders to immediately cease all transportation operations. FMCSA initially revoked RC Investments’ operating authority and ordered its officers to shut down all transportation operations effective August 29, 2011. This came after a review of the company’s safety compliance led to an unsatisfactory safety rating. The agency found that RC Investments failed to use properly licensed drivers and implement a driver drug and alcohol testing program. In addition, the company failed to regularly inspect its vehicles and ensure that its drivers are medically qualified.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, December 1, 2011

Crowley selling Arctic vehicles
to Peak Oilfield Service Company

ANCHORAGE — Crowley Maritime Corp. has announced that it has sold its fleet of company-owned CATCO® Arctic All-Terrain vehicles and related assets, including a warehouse and office facility in Deadhorse, Alaska, to Peak Oilfield Services Company. Though the sale ends nearly 40 years of Crowley-provided specialized tundra transportation services, the company remains committed to providing tug and barge transportation and project management services for North Slope producers. Crowley has served the people and businesses of Alaska for nearly 60 years and is continuing to grow and make significant investments its petroleum distribution business throughout the state. For example, Crowley is the only company that has invested in shallow-draft, double-hull oil barges specifically for supplying arctic customers with their fuel needs.


Senate confirms Khouri
for second FMC term

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Senate confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Michael A. Khouri on November 18, 2011 as Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term to expire on June 30, 2016. Commissioner Khouri will be sworn in for his second term as Commissioner in the next several weeks. Prior to his appointment to the FMC, Commissioner Khouri served for 40 years in the maritime industry and held senior positions in vessel operations, legal, and executive staff assignments. He also served on the boards of directors at the American Waterways Operators Association and the Waterways Council, Inc. During his first term, Commissioner Khouri was an active participant in issues facing the commission and the maritime industry. He recently served as fact finding officer for the commission’s investigation into potentially unlawful, unfair or deceptive ocean transportation practices related to the movement of household goods or personal property in U.S.-Foreign Oceanborne Trades. Commissioner Khouri serves as the commission’s representative on the Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS), a partnership of Federal departments and agencies working together to ensure the development and implementation of national marine transportation system policies that are consistent with national needs, and he serves as the CMTS Task Team leader to examine potential interagency work to support the President's National Export Initiative (NEI) to double U.S. exports in five years to strengthen the economy and create jobs.


Yang Ming changing schedules
covering Intra Asian services

TAIPEI — Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (YM) has announced adjustments to its Intra Asia schedules. The carrier's Japan-Taiwan-Philippine Service (JTS), run jointly with Cheng Lie Navigation Co., LTD. (CNC) will have a rotation of: Nagoya, Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Keelung, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Manila(S), Manila(N), Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Shekou, Xiamen, Nagoya. The service will employ three 1800-TEU containerships with a round voyage of 21-days. Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are removed from the Japan-Korea-Southeast Asia Service (JKS) as of November 26, 2011. The 14-day round voyage is run independently with two 1,800-TEU containerships. The rotation of new JKS service is: Osaka, Hiroshima, Moji, Hakata, Pusan, Kwangyang, Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Shekou, Xiamen and Osaka. Simultaneously, YM will combine the current Taiwan blue way service (TBS) and Kaohsiung-Haiphong service (KH1) into one butterfly loop, using two 700-1,000-TEU containerships. The rotation of the new TBS service is: Taichung, Kaohsiung, Haiphong, Danang, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Taichung for a round trip of 14 days, effective from November 26, 2011. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is added to the ports of call on the Japan-Taiwan-Bangkok Service (JTC). The containerships for the Pan Asia Service II (PA2) will be upsized to four, each with an operating capacity of 2,700TEU-3,600TEU, from December 16, 2011. The rotation of new PA2 service is: Xingang, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kelang, Penang, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Xingang for a round voyage of 28 days. Pan Asia Service (PAS) will deploy four 1,800-TEU vessels for a round voyage of 28 days. The rotation of new PAS service is: Inchon, Qingdao, Lianyungang, Shanghai. Hong Kong, Jakarta, Sermarang, Surabaya, Hong Kong, Shekou, Xiamen and Inchon.


Mitsui O.S.K Lines chip carrier
calls quake damaged Japanese port

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the MOL-operated wood chip carrier PRO GRACE arrived at Minamihama No.1 Pier in the Port of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, which was recently rebuilt after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Eight months after the disaster, the PRO GRACE is the first wood chip carrier to call at Ishinomaki. The Ishinomaki Plant of Nippon Paper Group is the company's main plant, and sustained severe damage in the March 11 quake. Because paper production has been gradually resuming in stages since September, and production of kraft pulp is scheduled to restart in mid-December, Nippon Paper Group resumed import of wood chips.


NOL christens first of two
twin 10,000 TEU container ships

ULSAN — With a splash of champagne on steel, NOL Group christened the 350-meter APL CHONGQING today, and prepared to launch a sister ship – the APL GWANGYANG -- tomorrow. At 10,000-TEUs of capacity, the two vessels are the largest in the fleet of NOL’s container shipping line – APL. They’re the first of 32 vessels APL will commission by 2014 to gain economies of scale, fuel efficiency and competitiveness in an industry moving rapidly to ships of 10,000-TEUs and larger. NOL said its two new ships will replace older and smaller vessels in its fleet. The new vessels will consume less fuel and emit less exhaust than the ships they replace. Because the ships also have greater cargo capacity, they’ll reduce the amount of emissions-per-container carried. The company said both vessels will be deployed in the trade between Asia and Europe.