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May, 2011

NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Trade between NAFTA partners
sets new record during March

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 15.6 percent higher in March 2011 than in March 2010, reaching $80.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. March 2011 was the highest month since collection of data began in 1994, beating the previous record set in April 2008 by 8.8 percent, not adjusted for inflation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in March 2011 rose 58.3 percent in two years from March 2009. Trade value in March 2011 was up 14.2 percent from the early recession level of March 2008. Freight value in March rose 21.5 percent from February 2011. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation includes freight movements by truck, rail, pipeline, mail, Foreign Trade Zones and other. In March, 85.8 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land, 9.8 percent moved by vessel, and 4.4 percent moved by air. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in March was up 18.5 percent compared to March 2006, and up 60.9 percent compared to March 2001, a period of 10 years. Imports in March were up 52.2 percent compared to March 2001, while exports were up 72.3 percent.


Kalama Port Commissioners
Ok upgrades to Marine Park

KALAMA — Kalama families and day-trippers heading for a riverside destination will soon have a treat in store for them at the Port of Kalama’s Marine Park. Port of Kalama commissioners have approved significant upgrades to Marine Park. Among the improvements are two new picnic pavilions, brand new play structures, enhanced walking paths around the structures and a fully resurfaced parking area. Phase One of Marine Park upgrades and enhancements was recently completed and includes the installation of new picnic and day-use pavilions. The 30’ X 40’ and 24’ X 30’ structures provide picnicking and recreational shelter for visitors. The smaller pavilion is in a new position overlooking the Columbia River. State-of-the-art play structures have been ordered from a regional manufacturer, Columbia Cascade Company in Vancouver, Washington and will be installed by port staff upon receipt. The play equipment, which is expected to be ready for installation in about a month, will have slides, climbing wall, covered areas and numerous interactive gadgets for active play. The Port Commission also authorized staff to secure architectural designs to improve the walkways and parking lot at Marine Park.


Coast Guard wants input
on aids to navigation adequacy

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of San Juan Islands and Rosario Strait. The Coast Guard uses WAMS to validate the adequacy of the existing aids to navigation (ATON) system, as well as to get a better understanding of the uses of each waterway and general safety issues. WAMS focuses on the waterway’s present ATON system, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, changes in marine vessel usage (both recreational and commercial) and future development projects. The comment deadline will be June 20, 2011. To participate in a user survey contact:
Commander
United States Coast Guard Thirteenth District (dpw)
915 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98174-1067
Attn: LTJG Daniel Park


APL begins cold iron program
at Port of Oakland terminal

OAKLAND — APL flipped the switch last Friday, on a clean-air effort that’s part of California’s maritime future. The Singapore-based container shipping line became the first to shut down, or, “cold-iron,” a vessel’s engines to eliminate exhaust emissions at the Port of Oakland. The 900-foot APL SINGAPORE switched off its auxiliary diesel engines after berthing at APL’s Global Gateway Central terminal. It was the official launch of an APL program to cold-iron five vessels this year in the Transpacific Trade between Asia and the U.S. The state of California has mandated cold-ironing for container ships by 2014. At that time, half of a carrier’s fleet must rely on shore power when berthed in California ports. APL is one of only a handful of carriers currently cold-ironing in California, and the only one in Oakland. APL has spent $11 million to retrofit the five container vessels and re-wire its terminal for cold-ironing. It was awarded $4.8 million in California Air Resources Board grants by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to complete the project.


General Dynamics NASSCO
lands $744 million Navy contract

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO has announced that it has received from the U.S. Navy a $744 million modification to its Mobile Landing Platform
(MLP) contract to fully fund construction of the first two ships of the new ship class. Construction of the first ship will begin immediately, with delivery to occur by the spring of 2013. The contract includes an option for the construction of a third MLP which, if exercised, will increase the total contract value to approximately $1.3 billion. The Mobile Landing Platform is a new class of auxiliary ship for the Navy. Once delivered to the fleet, these ships will join the three Maritime Prepositioning Force squadrons that are strategically located around the world to enable rapid response in a crisis. MLPs will provide a "pier at sea" that will become the core of the Navy and Marine Corps seabasing concept. This capability will allow prepositioning ships like LMSR's and T-AKE's to offload equipment and supplies to the MLP for transshipment to shore by LCACs or other vessels. MLP ships will be 233 meters (765 feet) in length and 50 meters (164 feet) in beam, with a design draft of 12 meters (29 feet). The deadweight tonnage is in excess of 60,000 metric tons.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 26, 2011

Senator Murray to speak at
Columbia River lock celebration

PORTLAND — The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) is hosting an event on Tuesday, May 31, to celebrate the $68 million in federal investment for three new lock gates and other repairs on the Columbia Snake River System (CSRS). U.S. Senator Patty Murray will keynote the celebration. Repairs on the CSRS were performed during the planned 15-week closure which took place from December 10, 2010 to March 25, 2011. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), who maintain the eight CSRS locks and dams, successfully replaced downstream gates at The Dalles, John Day and Lower Monumental navigation locks Additional repairs were also performed on the remaining five locks on the system. The planned event allowed for 18 months advance notice by the Corps, and ensured that overall stakeholder impact was relatively low. The CSRS is a transportation link for the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.


Port of Seattle honors airlines
for noise reduction efforts

SEATTLE — Three airlines were honored by the Port of Seattle Commission this week as winners of the 2011 Fly Quiet Awards for their efforts in 2010 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Air Canada Jazz finished first this year, with Sky West Airlines (United Express) second and Mesaba Airlines (Delta Connection) recognized as honorable mention. Air Canada Jazz and SkyWest were honored for the second straight year. The Fly Quiet incentive program was designed to honor airline companies that work to reduce the impacts of jet noise on the region. Evaluations include measuring each airline on its compliance with noise abatement flight paths, overall noise level of its operations and compliance for testing engines on the ground. The annual awards were established by port staff and a citizen advisory committee to increase airline and pilot awareness to benefit local communities. Air Canada Jazz, Sky West and Mesaba Airlines scored well due to their jets following noise abatement flight paths and through operation of quieter CRJ aircraft.


Coast Guard sets final rule
for Pier 66 safety zone

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard has published the Final Rule establishing a safety zone at Pier 66, Elliott Bay, Wash. (76 FR 100). The Final Rule is the last action to establish a permanent safety zone extending 100 yards from Pier 66, Elliott Bay, Wash., to ensure adequate safety during the parade of ships and aerial demonstration for the Fleet Week parade of ships which occurs in conjunction with SeaFair in early August. In February of 2010, the Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which received 72 comments. In response to those comments changes were made to clarify the enforcement dates, times, and position of the safety zone and published in a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) on November 24, 2010. 110 comments were received in response to the SNPRM and are addressed in the Final Rule preamble. No changes were made to the safety zone since the SNPRM. The final rule can be found on the May 24, 2011, submission to the Federal Register at http://www.regulations.gov under docket no. USCG-2010-0062.


Rail carload count drops
during month of April

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports that U.S. rail carloads in April 2011, decreased 0.2 percent compared with the same month last year, to 1,177,277 carloads. According to AAR’s monthly Rail Time Indicators report, intermodal traffic in April increased nine percent compared with April 2010, to 914,518 trailers and containers. On a seasonally adjusted basis, carloads were down 2.5 percent and intermodal traffic was up 1.2 percent compared with March 2011. The latest railroad employment data shows the addition of 1,340 employees in March 2011, the largest since September 2010, bringing the industry to 155,842 employees nationwide. As of May 1, 2011, 276,228 freight cars, or 18.2 percent of the fleet, were in storage. This represents a decrease of 7,421 cars from April 1, 2011.


Crowley earns environmental nod
at Seattle Maritime Festival event

SEATTLE — Crowley Maritime Corporation was recently recognized for its environmental stewardship by the Port of the Seattle and Seattle Propeller Club, which teamed up to present the company with its second-consecutive honorable mention award for Marine Environmental Business of the Year. The awards ceremony took place at the 60th Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon aboard Holland America's cruise ship ZAANDAM in Seattle. The event, attended by more than 500 people from the regional maritime industry, marked the culmination of Seattle's annual Maritime Festival. It was also an opportunity for the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club to highlight the Pacific Northwest maritime industry's environmental leadership, outstanding environmental initiatives and support in making Pacific Northwest ports The Green Gateway.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Corps announces reopening
of The Dalles navigation lock

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alerts mariners that it will reopen The Dalles navigation lock today at 5 p.m., after completing repairs to a gearbox that operates the mechanism for opening and closing the north leaf of the downstream gate. The lock closure was shorter than originally announced because damage to the bearings, gears and shafts was less than anticipated. A full assessment could not be performed until the gearbox was opened, drained, disassembled and cleaned. “This turned out to be a just-in-time maintenance exercise rather than a significant repair, but the overall condition of the gearbox confirmed that we were right to be concerned,” said Ron Twiner, operations project manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam. “This maintenance should allow the gearbox to function until we replace it during the next regularly-scheduled maintenance outage in March 2012.” For more information about the Columbia-Snake navigation system, visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/navigation.


Study predicts PNW aviation
could sustain biofuels industry

SEATTLE — The Pacific Northwest has the diverse feedstocks, fuel-delivery infrastructure and political will needed to create a viable biofuels industry capable of
reducing greenhouse gases and meeting the future fuel demands of the aviation industry. Creating an aviation biofuels industry, however, will depend upon securing early government policy support to prioritize the aviation industry in U.S. biofuel development. That’s the conclusion announced in a 10-month study by Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN), the nation’s first regional stakeholder effort to explore the feasibility, challenges and opportunities for creating an aviation biofuels industry in the Pacific Northwest. Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Portland International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Spokane International Airport and Washington State University partnered in a strategic initiative to identify the potential pathways and actions necessary to make safe, sustainable aviation biofuel commercially available to airline operators in the area. To make a sustainable biofuels industry a reality, the study outlines an integrated approach recommending the use of many diverse feedstock and technology pathways, including oilseeds, forest residues, solid waste and algae. In addition, the study outlines the long-term importance of securing aviation biofuels as a top government priority and using the aviation industry to drive growth in domestic production. The comprehensive study examined all phases of aviation biofuel development, including biomass production and harvest, refining, transport and airport infrastructure and actual use by airlines. However, as with any new energy supply, political support at the state and federal level is critical in the early stages of development. While the study does not advocate for permanent government support, it recognizes that focused public investments and parity with other biofuels programs will be needed to place the industry on an economically competitive basis. Launched in 2010, the SAFN initiative united more than 40 regional stakeholders ranging across aviation, biofuels production, environmental advocacy, agriculture, forestry, federal and state government agencies, academic research and technical consultancies.


AAPA praises congressman
for stand on transportation issues

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) reports that in a May 23 guest editorial on Politico.com, titled How to Fix American Transportation, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) called on his congressional colleagues to "...act now to craft legislation that can help create long-term jobs, reduce the massive federal bureaucracy, streamline project delivery and provide flexibility to states so they can address their infrastructure needs." He specifically addressed the federal harbor maintenance tax issue by stating "...despite growing maritime infrastructure needs, these funds are not being used for their intended purpose of maintaining our ports." Chairman Mica's vision for reauthorizing the nation's surface transportation legislation goes beyond the traditional "highway bill" approach and is expected to address road, rail, transit and maritime for a comprehensive solution to many of the transportation problems the nation faces. The AAPA has urged the committee to include a maritime title in the transportation bill to address the harbor maintenance tax problem and navigation project development inefficiencies. In meetings this year with Chairman Mica, AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle stressed the need for full use of the tax to meet dredging needs nationwide and called for a solution to ensure that the annual revenue collected would be fully used for maintaining the nation's ports and harbors at their authorized and required navigation depths and widths. Mr. Nagle and Chairman Mica also discussed needed reforms to project delivery and regulatory processes that add needless time and cost to transportation infrastructure development. AAPA applauds Chairman Mica's vision for comprehensive transportation policy and legislation and believes the time is right to put needed efficiencies in place and protect and fully use harbor maintenance taxes already collected for their intended purpose.


Carriers to bring back
second Asia/SAmerica run

HAMBURG — After reducing their joint Asia – South Africa/South America East Coast Service in the slack season to one sling, Hamburg Süd and Maersk Line will again be adding a second sling to their service concept with effect from July 2011. The two slings are designed to be mutually complementary and provide the comprehensive service package in this trade – with a broad array of connections to both companys' networks in Asia, South Africa and South America. Sling 1 will offer the following port rotation: Busan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Yantian – Hong Kong – Tanjung Pelepas – Singapore – Santos – Itapoa – Buenos Aires – Montevideo – Rio Grande – Itapoa – Paranagua – Santos – Singapore – Hong Kong – Busan. Port rotation in Sling 2 is: Shanghai – Nansha – Hong Kong – Singapore – Tanjung Pelepas – Durban – Suape – Sepetiba – Itajai – Santos – Port Elizabeth – Durban – Hong Kong – Shanghai. In Sling 1 Hamburg Süd and Maersk Line will be providing a total of 12 “Santa” class (Hamburg Süd) and “Sammax” class vessels (Maersk Line): the ships have a capacity of between 7,100 and 7,500 TEU (nominal) and 1,600 to 1,700 reefer plugs. Sling 2 will see the deployment of 11 Hamburg Süd and Maersk Line Panamax ships, each with a capacity of 4,200 TEU (nominal) and 500 reefer container slots.


TOP Ships sets new charter
for M/T TYRRHENIAN WAVE

ATHENS — TOP Ships Inc., an international maritime shipping company that provides transportation services for crude oil, petroleum products, and dry bulk commodities, has announced that it has taken repossession of the M/T TYRRHENIAN WAVE from the previous charterer and delivered the vessel to a major charterer under a new bareboat charter for a minimum period of seven years with three successive one-year options at a daily rate of US$ 9,000. TOP Ships Inc. is examining its options, including discussing a commercial solution with the previous charterer, in order to recover the amounts due.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

ATA truck tonnage index
sees numbers drop in April

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 0.7 percent in April after gaining a revised 1.9 percent in March 2011. March's increase was slightly better than the 1.7 percent ATA reported on April 26, 2011. The latest drop put the SA index at 114.9 (2000=100) in April, down from the March level of 115.6. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 113.6 in April, which was eight percent below the previous month. Compared with April 2010, SA tonnage climbed 4.8 percent. In March, the tonnage index was 6.5 percent above a year earlier. 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.


NYK solar powered car carrier
to be fitted with hybrid power system

TOKYO — Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (KHI), the Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI), and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) are to begin in June shipboard tests to verify the effects of a jointly developed hybrid power supply system for vessels. The innovative system will be installed on NYK Line’s solar-power-assisted car carrier AURIGA LEADER (60,213 gross tons), which will also be fitted with a ballast-water management system and adapted to use low-sulfur fuel to further strengthen environmental measures. The power generation and endurance of the photovoltaic panels on AURIGA LEADER have been undergoing shipboard tests since the completion of the vessel on December 19, 2008. The tests have shown that providing a stable power supply from the photovoltaic panels is difficult because even a slight change in the weather has a significant influence on the amount of power generated. It was also found that attempting to make the solar power system bigger to gain more output and to increase its dependency could result in problems with regard to stable operations due to fluctuations in the power supply. Shipboard tests on AURIGA LEADER will continue with the aim of achieving a stable power supply under harsh marine conditions through the combination of solar power generation and the hybrid power supply system, and the effects will be verified. Based on the experiment results, NYK Line and MTI will aim to develop an even larger solar power generation system for vessels, while KHI will seek to commercialize the hybrid power supply system for vessels.


AAPA schedules seminar
covering port security

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Security is one of the highest priorities for seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere. Protecting the people and cargo that move through these international shipping hubs and their surrounding communities is essential for ensuring public safety and keeping regional and national economies intact. To better enable seaports and their maritime partners to manage today's complex security issues, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) will hold its annual Port Security Seminar and Exposition July 20-22 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, hosted by the Port of New Orleans. Among the topics to be discussed are legal issues and jurisdictions related to seaport crime; challengesof implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); and emerging trends in port security technology. In addition, the program will feature a federal roundtable discussion on port security featuring the Department of Homeland Security Port Security Program Section Chief Julian D. Gilman; lessons learned from the Gulf oil spill crisis last year; and security implications surrounding this year's nuclear disaster in Japan. More information about AAPA's 2011 Port Security Seminar is available at http://www.aapa-ports.org (click on the "Programs & Events" tab and look under "Current Seminar and Workshop Schedule") or by clicking http://www.aapa-ports.org/Programs/seminarschedule.cfm?itemnumber=17564


Trailer Bridge taps Fernandez
as chief commercial officer

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Trailer Bridge, Inc. has announced it has appointed Scott W. Fernandez as chief commercial officer. Mr. Fernandez will be responsible for the company’s sales and marketing efforts effective immediately, and be based out of the company’s headquarters in Jacksonville, FL. He replaces Adam E. Gawrysh, Jr. who will leave the Company effective May 27, 2011. Mr. Fernandez joins Trailer Bridge after a 24-year tenure with Horizon Lines LLC, where he most recently served as vice president, Eastern Region & Puerto Rico Sales. In that capacity, he had management responsibility for Horizon’s core refrigerated and dry liner business in 37 states and the Puerto Rico-based sales teams, comprising a group of sales professionals that accounted for approximately one-third of this company’s annual transportation revenues.


Port of Grays Harbor
looking for marina workers

ABERDEEN, WA — The Port of Grays Harbor is now hiring summer seasonal workers to help with maintenance projects at the Westport Marina in Westport, WA. Duties include dock repair, whaler replacement and general maintenance. Must be able to work with customers in active marina and lift heavy loads. Seeking reliable, energetic team player with positive attitude. $10/hr. 40 hrs/wk. Previous related work experience preferred. College/vocational school students encouraged to apply. Complete a Port job application and submit to Dir. of Finance and Admin., P O Box 660, Aberdeen WA 98520 on or before Monday, June 6th. You may also obtain a job application in Aberdeen at 111 S. Wooding St., or by phoning (360) 533-9528. The Port of Grays Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The job listing closes June 6, 2011.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Port of Coos Bay hires firm
to control rail line vegetation

COOS BAY — The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay has hired Reforestation Services of Salem to topically spray vegetation within the Coos Bay rail line right-of-way from today through May 31. The work is to begin immediately and will involve spraying on each side of the main track out to 12 feet from the centerline, including a small yard at Vaughn, the passing siding at Mapleton and the rail yards in North Bend and Coos Bay. In addition, the crew will spot-treat for invasive Scotch broom infestation. Federal and state laws require railroads to manage vegetation to ensure the safe passage of people, material and trains, in addition to prevention of fire and drainage hazards, visibility impairment and unsafe trackside conditions for railroad personnel. The spray contractor must comply with all state and federal regulations regarding permitting processes and spray regulations, especially near waterways and fish-bearing streams.


Mitsui adding ship simulator
at Manila seafarer training facility

ROTTERDAM — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) has announced the installation of a new high-performance ship-handling simulator at its seafarer training center in a suburb of Manila. MOL has developed and provided ship-handling simulator training based on its unique operating scenarios. The system has now been enhanced by the addition of the new simulator, allowing for the introduction of MOL’s exclusive Very Large Iron Ore Carrier (VLOC) handling training program. MOL provides ongoing ship handling and Bridge Resource Management training programs adapted to a broad range of vessel types at the center. In its midterm management plan “GEAR UP! MOL,” the company set a goal of "four zeroes" - never allow marine incidents, oil pollution, fatal accidents, or cargo damage - as part of its drive to become the world leader in safe operation. To achieve that goal, MOL works constantly to establish and enhance safety standards and procedures to further improve the skills of its seafarers in terms of both hardware and software.


Maersk line going green
for wooden container floors

COPENHAGEN — Maersk Line has announced a new policy to refrain from purchasing containers with floors made of uncertified tropical hardwood. Traditionally, shipping lines have had their containers fitted with tropical hardwood floors. It takes two cubic metres of hardwood to produce floors for three 40 foot containers. The container industry uses approximately 1.2-1.5 million cubic metres of hardwood annually to meet demand for new containers. As a result of the new policy, all new Maersk Line containers purchased as of January 2011 will have floors made of timber from sources employing responsible forestry practices or non-wood alternatives such as bamboo and recycled plastic. Any tropical hardwood used will be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). As an interim solution applicable only in 2011, tropical hardwood verified as legally compliant will be accepted while other floor types are scaled up in production. To date, Maersk Line has purchased 64,000 containers that comply with the new policy.


Union Pacific employee
earns railroad safety honor

WASHINGTON, DC — As a safety leader and compelling agent of change, John Kirwan, a machinist with Union Pacific Railroad in Hinkle, Ore., has been named the 2010 winner of the Harold F. Hammond Award. Under his leadership, Union Pacific’s Hinkle facility achieved more than 1,400 injury-free days in 2010 and a Federal Railroad Administration reportable injury rate of zero since January 2007, the equivalent of more than 1.7 million working employee hours. In nominating him for the Hammond Award, Union Pacific Chairman, President and CEO Jim Young described Mr. Kirwan as a coach and mentor whose safety first attitude is contagious and inspirational to other employees. The Harold F. Hammond Award was established in 1986 and honors an individual railroad employee who has demonstrated outstanding safety achievement during the preceding year. It is named after the late Harold F. Hammond, former president of the Transportation Association of America, who served many years as chairman of the Harriman Awards selection committee.


Wallenius Wilhelmsen taps Leroi
as managing director for China

LYSAKER, Norway — Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) has appointed Xavier Leroi as its new managing director in China. Mr. Leroi, the former Head of WWL South Africa, is based in Shanghai and is responsible for driving all growth in China. Mr. Leroi has more than 15 years of experience with WWL, having served in management roles for the company in Norway, France and South Africa.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 23, 2011

Corps temporarily closing
The Dalles navigation lock

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alerts mariners that it will close The Dalles navigation lock Tuesday, May 24 at 6 a.m. to repair a gearbox that operates the mechanism for opening and closing the north leaf of the downstream gate. The lock is expected to reopen Saturday, May 28 at 6 a.m. However, the Corps warns that it will not have a complete picture of the damage and needed repairs until the gearbox is opened and drained and a full assessment performed. The Corps expects to have this information on the morning of Wednesday, May 25, and may announce an extension of the outage at that time to accommodate additional repairs. The Corps believes that one or more bearings in the gearbox are failing. Bearing failure – which could occur without warning – could lead to more significant damage to other gate components and an unplanned, extended repair outage. This interim repair should allow the gearbox to function until the next regularly-scheduled maintenance outage in March 2012, when the Corps plans to replace it. For more information about the Columbia-Snake navigation system, visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/navigation.


Port of Vancouver, USA
receiving $800,000 CERB loan

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver has announced that it will receive an $800,000 loan from the Washington State Community Economic Development Revitalization Board (CERB). The funding will be used to make improvements to an existing port facility that are necessary before the aluminum extrusion company, Sapa Profiles, Inc., locates at the port. “This loan will allow us to make necessary building improvements to attract a major employer to the region, and help bring nearly 100 family-wage jobs to Clark County where unemployment is still hovering near 13 percent,” said Port of Vancouver Executive Director Larry Paulson. “Our private sector partner Sapa Profiles, Inc. has a proven track record of success with tremendous potential for growth and will be a valuable new business in Clark County and Washington State." The port and Sapa Profiles, Inc. are currently working toward a final lease agreement for the former Panasonic building, located at 2001 Kotobuki Way. The building has been vacant since the electronics manufacturing company closed its doors in 2008, laying off more than 200 fulltime and temporary employees. Total cost of the necessary renovations is $1.3 million and includes replacement of the building’s current asphalt floor with a reinforced concrete floor, as well as electrical and HVAC upgrades. In addition to the $800,000 CERB loan, the port will provide $500,000 in matching funds to complete the improvements. The private-sector investment by Sapa Profiles, Inc. in manufacturing equipment and additional facility upgrades is anticipated to be more than $8 million in the first 12 months of occupancy. Sapa Profiles, Inc. has 15 plants located in North America. The Port of Vancouver location will be the company’s first facility in the state of Washington.


IMO provides interim guidance
for armed security in pirate zones

LONDON — Interim guidance on the employment of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships transiting the high-risk piracy area off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean was approved by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which met at the Organization's London Headquarters for its 89th session from May 11 to 20, 2011. The guidance to shipowners notes that flag state jurisdiction and any laws and regulations imposed by the flag State concerning the use of private security companies apply to their vessels. Port and coastal states’ laws may also apply to such vessels. The guidance notes that the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) should not be considered as an alternative to the Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Arabian Sea area (BMP) and other protective measures. The interim recommendations for flag States recommend that flag states should have in place a policy on whether or not the use of PCASP will be authorized and, if so, under which conditions. A flag state should take into account the possible escalation of violence which could result from the use of firearms and carriage of armed personnel on board ships when deciding on its policy. The recommendations are not intended to endorse or institutionalize the use of PCASP and do not address all the legal issues that might be associated with their use onboard ships.


Mitsui adding new program
to train Filipino seafarers

ROTTERDAM — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced an agreement to introduce the Third Year Program with seven merchant marine schools in the Magsaysay Institute of Shipping in the Philippines. The move is aimed at cultivating seafarers who support high level of safety standards in vessel operations. MIS selected new Filipino seafarers from among third-year students at merchant marine schools, and gave them one year of training on MOL’s training ship and other MOL-operated vessels. The new program will bring forward selection of new seafarers by one year. They will be educated and trained for the second half of a four-year curriculum at university, completing their university education with courses under MIS management. The program was licensed as equivalent to university-level education under the Academe-Industry Linkage Program, promoted by the Philippine government, and will start in June.


Crowley workers contribute to
Trans-Alaska safety achievement

VALDEZ — The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) has announced that its workforce has achieved a major safety milestone: 10 million hours worked without an OSHA Day Away From Work Case (DAFWC). Of those hours, Crowley contributed towards working 20 percent of them, or two million hours, safely. This means that since June 2009, no TAPS worker, including the more than 225 Crowley employees, has been injured to the extent that they missed a day of work. For more than 30 years Crowley has provided tanker escort, response ship assist and vessel operations for TAPS operator Alyeska Pipeline Services Co. in Valdez, Alaska. The safety milestone is especially exceptional considering a majority of these employees work in the field and in environments with cold weather and heavy seas conditions. Ten million hours is the equivalent of 1,250,000 eight-hour workdays or 250,000 five-day workweeks.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 20, 2011

New forecast predicts
bright future for trucking

ARLINGTON, VA — After a dip during the Great Recession, the U.S. freight economy, particularly for trucking, is projected to grow significantly in the years ahead, according to American Trucking Associations’ U.S. Freight Transportation Forecast to 2022. The forecast, the product of a collaboration between ATA, IHS Global Insight and Martin Labbe Associates, lays out the current state of the freight economy where trucking is the leading mode of transportation and projects an even more robust role for trucks in the future. Overall, total freight tonnage is expected to grow by 24 percent by 2022, and revenue for the freight transportation industry is projected to rise 66 percent in that same timeframe. Trucking’s share of that market will rise to 70 percent by 2022, though the industry’s share of freight revenues will only increase to 81.4 percent from 81.2 percent. In other surface modes, rail’s overall share of tonnage will fall to 14.6 percent in 2022 from 15.3 percent in the baseline year of 2010. However, intermodal tonnage will rise 6.6 percent a year between 2011 and 2016, and 5.5 percent annually through 2022. Revenues for intermodal transportation will jump from $11.1 billion in 2010 to $30.7 billion in 2022. Domestic waterborne transportation will show very modest growth between now and 2022 – growing two percent a year until 2016, then 0.2 percent annually through 2022. Revenues for short-sea shippers will grow to $16.2 billion in 2022 from $11.1 billion in 2010.


FMC works deal with MOL
to pay $1,200,000 in penalties

WASHINGTON, DC — The Federal Maritime Commission announced a compromise agreement under which Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has paid $1,200,000 in civil penalties. Known as MOL throughout the ocean carrier industry, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is a vessel-operating common carrier headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, that operates in the U.S.-foreign trades and globally. The compromise agreement resolved allegations that MOL violated numerous provisions of the Shipping Act through activities that included: (1) misdescription of commodities; (2) unlawful equipment substitution; (3) providing transportation services to and entering into service contracts with unlicensed, untariffed, and unbonded ocean transportation intermediaries; (4) permitting use of service contracts by persons who were not parties to those contracts; and (5) providing transportation that was not in accordance with the rates and charges set forth in MOL’s published tariffs. Commission staff alleged that these practices persisted over a period of several years and involved numerous service contracts. Under the agreement, MOL has furnished the commission with information and substantive documentation regarding the service contracts and shipments at issue. MOL also agreed to provide ongoing cooperation with any further Commission investigations or enforcement actions with respect to these activities. In concluding the compromise agreement, MOL agreed to pay penalties and cooperate, but did not admit to violations of the act or the commission’s regulations.


Evergreen places orders
for ten new 8,000teu vessels

TAIPEI — The Evergreen Group has ordered and signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Corp. (CSBC) for ten 8,000-TEU container vessels. The contract, signed by Bronson Hsieh, Evergreen vice group chairman, and Tang Tay-Ping, CSBC chairman, is for Evergreen's third-time order of L-class environmentally advanced vessels and marks the global ocean carrier's first order from Taiwan's CSBC since 1997. Three of the new vessels will be built for Evergreen Marine Corporation, four for Evergreen Marine (UK) Ltd., and three for Evergreen Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All will be utilized for Evergreen Line's worldwide services in various trade lanes. The first new vessel is due for delivery in 2013.


US rail freight traffic
holds steady during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported mixed results in weekly rail traffic with U.S. railroads originating 295,347 carloads for the week ending April 30, 2011, flat compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 229,677 trailers and containers, up 7.8 percent compared with the same week in 2010. Nine of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010. Metallic ores, up 22.1 percent, is the only group posting a notable increase. Primary forest products, down 23.5 percent, is the only group posting a notable decrease.


Auction of Crowley tug ride
raises $1,010 for charity

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley's tugboat HUNTER - the fastest tugboat on the West Coast - won the Seattle Maritime Festival tugboat races again this past
Saturday, giving it its fifteenth first-place victory. This year's race, however, was unique because Crowley auctioned off a ride for four aboard HUNTER during the race in support of Ryther Child Center (Ryther), a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families. The ride sold in an eBay auction for $505; Crowley will match the funds raised for a total gift of $1,010. As part of Crowley's company-wide efforts to give back to the communities in which it works, the Seattle office has chosen to support Ryther through fundraisers and volunteerism this year. During the races, which were held in Seattle's Elliott Bay, across the downtown Seattle harbor, HUNTER competed in the Class A Unlimited Race. It raced against three other tugs - two of which were Crowley's. Each tugboat finished the 1.9 nautical miles in less than eight minutes. Ryther is a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. Founded in 1885, Ryther is one of the region's most enduring nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and their families.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 19, 2011

Port of Tacoma delivers
container volume gains in April

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma reports its container volumes continued to improve in April, marking their seventh straight month of year-over-year growth. Year-to-date, the port’s container volumes are up over five percent. Here are some of the port’s year-to-date container highlights:
· So far this year, the port has handled 465,098 TEUs.
· Full export containers are up 18 percent, and full import containers are up six
percent.
· Intermodal container lifts are up 5 percent.
Other year-to-date Port cargo highlights include:
· Breakbulk -- up 75 percent
· Auto imports -- up 46 percent
· Total tonnage -- up 14 percent
Grain and log exports through the port also continue to perform strong. For additional port cargo stats, see: http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?nid=155


Neptune Bulk Terminals
upgrading BC coal facility

VANCOUVER, BC — Neptune Bulk Terminals (Canada) Ltd. (Neptune) reports it is investing $63.5 million in new equipment to improve the terminal coal handling capacity, optimize energize efficiency, and enhance its environmental performance at the North Vancouver, BC facility. Neptune will purchase and install a new $45-million stacker reclaimer manufactured in BC. The stacker will replace an older, smaller unit currently in use on the terminal site. The new equipment will increase coal handling capacity to 12.5 million tonnes per year. It will allow Neptune to simultaneously move the steel-making coal from trains to the stockpiles and directly from stockpiles onto vessels, increasing efficiency and operating flexibility. The stacker reclaimer will further enhance Neptune’s environmental measures with a best-in-class dust suppression system. Neptune Terminals is also in the process of installing a new $6.5-million rail car positioning system for train off-loading, to be completed this month, along with a $12-million site power system upgrade to optimize energy efficiency on the site. The rail car positioning system is a mechanical system for moving unit trains on site quietly and with accuracy, and will be able to accommodate Neptune's future volumes. It is anticipated that all of the projects will be complete by fall 2012.


Boeing announces order
for five new 777 freighters

SEATTLE — Boeing and Lufthansa Cargo have finalized an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters. The order is valued at $1.35 billion, based on Boeing list prices. The airplanes will help Lufthansa Cargo in its initiative to modernize and expand its fleet. Lufthansa Cargo previously indicated its intention to order the freighters in March 2011. AeroLogic, a joint venture of Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express, became the fourth carrier to operate the 777 Freighter in May 2009. The 777 freighter is the world's longest range twin-engine freighter. Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). The 777 freighter is powered by General Electric's GE90-110B1L engines and meets QC2 noise standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive airports. Including this order from Lufthansa Cargo, a total of 88 777 Freighters have been ordered, of which 39 have been delivered.


NOL Group investing in
new Qingdao container terminal

QINGDAO — NOL Group has announced a joint venture to operate a two-berth container terminal at the Port of Qingdao. The terminal, expected to open in the second half of 2011, will be NOL’s first in mainland China. NOL said, together with SITC International Holdings Company Limited, a PRC-based shipping logistics company, it has formed a partnership with Qingdao Qianwan United Container Terminal Co., Ltd. (QQCTU), to operate the Qingdao terminal. NOL’s contribution to the joint venture is approximately US$25.8 million. Singapore-based NOL said, the new terminal will add 1.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of annual capacity at Qingdao. It will be equipped with efficient handling equipment including seven post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes as well as 16 rail-mounted yard gantry cranes. The terminal, whose construction has been completed, will primarily serve vessels operated by APL and SITC. APL said the dedicated container terminal will help improve schedule reliability and guarantee high service levels to its customers. The Qingdao investment is the latest in a long series of engagements by NOL companies in China. APL’s predecessor company began regular vessel service to China in 1867. APL currently operates marine terminals at Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Kobe and Yokohama, Japan; and in the U.S. in Los Angeles and Oakland, California; Seattle, Washington; and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. NOL also has investments in terminals in Vietnam and Thailand, and in Rotterdam World Gateway, the first container terminal of the Maasvlakte 2 port development in Rotterdam, currently under construction.


Corps seeking public's help
in nabbing jetty gate vandals

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved with vandalizing the gate across the Yaquina south jetty. Individuals who have information about this incident are encouraged to report it by calling 1-866-413-7970. Callers may remain anonymous. The Corps of Engineers is working with Newport and Lincoln County law enforcement officials to find out who damaged the cable gate installed on April 26, 2011. A post on Saturday, April 30, to the Portland District Corps of Engineers Facebook page indicated an emergency required the cable to be cut by emergency personnel (the post was later removed). When Corps personnel investigated, they found the cable intact but one of the posts supporting the gate had been pulled out of the ground. Follow-up with emergency services agencies indicated there was no emergency call on the day of the Facebook post. The Corps installed the gate to limit vehicle access on the jetty to emergency vehicles only. The Corps plans to re-install the gate and the incident is being investigated through the Corps of Engineers' CorpsWatch program. Individuals who witness or suspect that a crime has been committed against Corps property are encouraged to call 1-866-413- 7970 toll-free to report theft, vandalism, or any other threat or suspicious activity against Corps property, 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Pair of small city projects
net Port of Olympia funding

OLYMPIA — Bucoda and Yelm will benefit from the Port of Olympia Economic Development Corporation’s (Port EDC) new pilot program that invests seed money in Thurston County’s small cities and towns for economic development projects. A qualifying project must spur the city’s economy and have an equal match. Qualifying under the program are incorporated Thurston County cities or towns with populations of less than 10,000: Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino and Yelm. In this first year of the pilot, Bucoda and Yelm submitted projects. After screening by the Port Finance Director Kevin Ferguson, the Port EDC Board of Directors approved the projects on May 2. Mr. Ferguson, Bill McGregor, port commission and port EDC president and Dick Wadley, citizen port EDC director, announced the investment awards at the Bucoda and Yelm City Council meetings on May 10. In 2004 the Town of Bucoda purchased the Odd Fellows Hall, built in 1920, and volunteers have been working to restore the building as a venue for special events that will bring in money and employ more workers. The Bucoda Community Foundation has contributed the matching funds for a fire suppression system to safeguard the building and provide a safe environment for public use. The Port EDC will invest $8,700 in the project. The City of Yelm is planning to repair, expand and enhance for the public the Mosman Corridor. This road is a commercial collector that provides access to a golf course, city park, businesses, residential developments and the Yelm-Tenino Trail. The scope of work partially funded by the Port EDC includes a preliminary engineering report on the corridor project. The port will invest $10,000 and the city provided the match.


Carrier reports investigation
by UK Fair Trading Office

HONG KONG — OOCL has confirmed that the European Commission and UK Fair Trading Office had on May 17, 2011, carried out an inspection at the carrier's UK office, which appears to be an industry-wide exercise. Their action is to ascertain whether there is any evidence of infringement of European competition law related to OOCL's liner shipping transport services. The company reports it is in compliance with EU competition legislation and is cooperating fully with the commission on the investigation. OOCL points out is has developed and implemented a competition compliance program which includes the establishment of a corporate compliance committee, guidelines and mandatory training of employees to ensure their practices are in compliance with competition legislations including European competition legislation.


NYK announces resignation
of current President & CEO

TOKYO — Kenichi Kuroya has tendered his resignation from the position of president & CEO of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line) effective May 13, 2011. It was resolved at a Board of Directors meeting that Jiro Asakura, previously vice president, was appointed president and CEO as of May 13, 2011. Mr. Kuroya will remain as director of the company.


UK P&I Club review finds
assets greatly exceeding liabilities

LONDON — In its Review of the Year 2011, published this week, the UK Club posted total assets of $1.6 billion. The club’s total assets exceed its claims liabilities by 159 percent, one of the strongest ratios among the clubs of the International Group. The club is currently rated A- (stable outlook) by Standard & Poor’s. Quality of membership remains a priority for the club, which declined to quote terms on more than five million gross tons of shipping which did not meet its standards. For existing entries, the club continues to work with members identifying best practices and sharing loss prevention experience. Its ship inspectors directly implemented that policy by visiting 350 entered ships during the course of the year. Nearly 65 percent of the ships entered with the club are less than ten years old and one-third are less than five years old. There is now strong evidence of a link between the performance of the shipping markets and the volume of P&I claims, particularly the attritional or lower level claims. The number of non-Pool claims, ie those settled directly by the club, in 2009 was 25 percent lower than in 2007. However, the average value of claims continues to rise. In the last ten years the average cost of a claim increased from $17,806 in 2000 to $29,069 in 2010. The UK Club’s Review of the Year can also be found on the Club’s website – www.ukpandi.com.


Bellevue cadet earns honor
as distinguised Coast Guard graduate

WEST LONDON, CT — The Coast Guard Academy has announced First Class Cadet Nathanael Crum of Bellevue, Wash., as the Distinguished Honor Graduate for the Class of 2011. Cadet Crum is a member of the men’s varsity cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. He is graduating from the academy with a degree in Civil Engineering. Cadet Crum is a 2007 graduate of Sammamish High School in Bellevue and the son of Francis and Joanne Crum. After graduation, Cadet Crum is scheduled to report to flight school, and once complete, he will fly Coast Guard aircraft at one of the air stations throughout the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico. The distinguished graduate designation recognizes the cadet who graduates with the highest Military Precedence List Average. Cadet Crum will give an address to the graduating class during commencement today.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Port of Coos Bay schedules
bid opportunities public meeting

COOS BAY — Businesses and contractors interested in learning about potential bid opportunities for reconstruction projects and maintenance work on the Coos Bay rail line are invited to a public town hall meeting. The meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 23, at the Coos Bay Public Library large meeting room, 525 Anderson Ave. The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay purchased the 133-mile rail line between Coquille and Eugene in 2009. The port has received approximately $25 million to rehabilitate the rail line, including tunnels, bridges, water crossings and track infrastructure. The port anticipates re-opening the line for partial service this summer and full service in the fall. At the town hall meeting, port staff and project engineers will provide a presentation on how the line will be rehabilitated. Information will include an explanation of a typical bid process; how funding requirements affect contracting guidelines; and insurance, bonding and qualification requirements in addition to other issues. Discussion may address opportunities for businesses to partner and contractors will have an opportunity to network with other local businesses. Companies also will learn where to look for bid notices and opportunities associated with railroad and port projects.


Port of Seattle staff members
pass FEMA test at Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has recognized 60 port staff members who completed a week-long, specialized FEMA disaster training exercise to test emergency preparedness at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Sea-Tac is only the second airport to complete the Community-specific Integrated Emergency Management Course. The scenario of the exercise centered on a progression of earthquakes that ranged in magnitude from 4.5 to a major 7.4, the kind of disaster predicted for the Puget Sound region. The quake scenario caused significant damage to the runways, collapsed bridges on entrance expressways and terminal drives, damaged buildings and additional airport infrastructure. As the course progressed, the scenario-related events increased in complexity, threat, and pressure allowing real-life roles to be practiced in realistic emergency situations. The course is designed to verify existing emergency plans by testing participant knowledge, awareness, flexibility, leadership, decision making, and interpersonal skills under extreme pressure in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) environment. Participants in the exercise included port staff from Airfield and Terminal Operations, Security, Maintenance, Concessions, Police, Fire, Planning, Finance and Emergency Preparedness, plus participation from Corporate and Seaport Senior Team Executives including CEO Tay Yoshitani. In addition, 11 other partner agencies participated to work on coordinated regional response including Alaska Airlines, King County and Washington State Emergency Management, the Cities of SeaTac and Kent, King County Sheriff and the Red Cross.


FMC creates working group
covering container freight indices

WASHINGTON, DC — Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. has announced the formation of an internal Container Freight Index and Derivatives Working Group. The working group will gather information, research, analyze, consult with other government agencies, and advise the commission on issues arising from the use of container freight rate indices in service contracts and index-based derivative transactions. Chairman Lidinsky requested that the working group begin by examining the following issues:
•What potential statutory issues may arise as shipping lines and their customers use index-based rates? For example, what types of index-based rates satisfy the Shipping Act requirement that service contracts include "line-haul rates"?
•Do freight rate indices comport with the current commission requirement that outside terms referenced in a service contract be "contained in a publication widely available to the public and well-known within the industry"? Should the current regulations be modified to allow service contracts to reference an index that is readily available to the parties but not the general public?
•Are safeguards needed to ensure that an index referenced in a service contract is verifiable and beyond the control of the parties to the contract?
•Do various indices’ methodologies or structures raise concerns about transparency or potential manipulation?
•After the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act takes effect, what U.S. and foreign regulations will govern proposed container freight index swaps that incorporate rates in U.S. trade lanes or involve U.S. counterparties?
The Container Freight Index and Derivatives Working Group will be chaired by Lowry A. Crook, chairman Lidinsky’s chief of staff, and has the following members: Ronald D. Murphy, FMC managing director; Florence A. Carr, FMC deputy managing director; Tanga S. FitzGibbon, deputy director, Bureau of Certification & Licensing; Roy J. Pearson, deputy director, Bureau of Trade Analysis; Gary G. Kardian, director, Office of Service Contracts & Tariffs; Joseph R. (Randy) Johnson, industry economist, Bureau of Trade Analysis; Ernest L. Worden, industry economist, Bureau of Trade Analysis; Rebecca Fenneman, FMC general counsel; Daniel S. Lee, attorney-advisor, Office of General Counsel. The working group has been asked to provide an initial status report at the next commission meeting on June 8, 2011


American Trucking Associations
presents S. Earl Dove honor

WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, WVA — The American Trucking Associations has honored Mike Wickham, the former president and CEO of Roadway Corp. and the founding chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute with the S. Earl Dove Highways Award. The Dove Award, named for former ATA chairman and former owner of AAA Cooper Transportation S. Earl Dove, is the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions of time, energy and intelligence have advanced the interests of the trucking industry and the American Trucking Associations. Past recipients of the award include Robert Halladay, Michael Jackson, Rep. Bud Schuster and Thomas Donohue.


Alaska Air Cargo transports
first Copper River salmon to Seattle

SEATTLE — Alaska Air Cargo delivered the season's first shipment of Copper River salmon today to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The arrival of Copper River salmon marks the start of the summer salmon season and is anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Alaska Airlines plane arrived early this morning with Copper River king and sockeye salmon from three seafood processors: Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods. At least five more Alaska Airlines flights today will transport salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Anchorage, Alaska, Seattle and across the United States. Alaska Airlines plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. The carrier flew more than 22 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond last year, including nearly 700,000 pounds of Copper River salmon.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 16, 2011

Port of Olympia FTZ No. 216
set for reorganization program

OLYMPIA — Increased flexibility and expanded boundaries are two goals behind the Port of Olympia’s efforts to have its Foreign Trade Zone No. 216 reorganized under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s new “Alternate Site Framework Program”. FTZs give importers and exporters a flexible way to ship, store and add value to goods while delaying, reducing or, in some cases, eliminating payment of U.S. Customs duties. The port’s FTZ No. 216 is of regional significance because of its collaborative efforts and unique multi-site, four-county coverage. Its public property stakeholders include; Port of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Yelm, Port of Centralia, Port of Chehalis, City of Chehalis, Port of Shelton & Port of Bremerton. The zone also includes some privately owned land and consists of 12 sites totaling 3,130 acres. FTZ No. 216 was established in 1996 and has been expanded once. The review process of the port’s application under the “Alternative Site Framework Program” is expected to take about six months. Additional information regarding Foreign Trade Zone No. 216 is also available at www.ftz216.com.


Washington State Ferries honored
for carpool/vanpool rideshare efforts

SEATTLE — Washington State Ferries (WSF) has won a Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for a rideshare program that sends vanpoolers and carpoolers to the head of the line with fare discounts, cutting their travel time. The annual award recognizes the Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division for “implementing an innovative trip reduction program that dovetails with regional transit agencies and local public vanpool programs to provide incentives of priority ferry loading and time incentives,” said Stephen Gerritson, vice president of enterpriseSeattle, which sponsors the Diamond Awards. By offering fare discounts and front-of-the-line service for vanpools and carpools with permits, WSF now supports 172 vanpools and 67 carpools on seven ferry routes. Not only does it save ferry commuters money and time, it also helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the Puget Sound region.


Crowley Maritime earns
new State Department designation

MIAMI — Crowley Maritime Corp. has announced that the U.S. State Department has designated the company's Miami logistics warehouse as a Consolidated Receiving Point (CRP) facility. The CRP designation allows Crowley to act as a subcontractor, providing complete logistics services to the State Department for high-security U.S. Embassy construction and renovation projects around the world. These projects make up a $1.6 billion industry. To be approved as a CRP, Crowley built a secure facility within the warehouse to the exact specifications of the State Department and only allows qualified employees with exclusive security clearance to work in the area. Before Crowley was approved as a CRP warehouse, the company couldn't handle this type of sensitive cargo and often routed it to third-party CRP warehouses. Now, the cargo can be received, consolidated and dispatched all from one Crowley facility. The designation will also allow Crowley to perform complementary services for the State Department, including storage, inland movements, container loading, shipping, export docking, Customs brokerage and more.


Hanjin Shipping receives
new 10,000teu container ship

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping has announced it has received the 10,000TEU class containership, HANJIN SPAIN. This new vessel is the fourth of the series of five 10,000TEU class ships ordered at Samsung Heavy Industries. According to Hanjin Shipping, HANJIN SPAIN will be deployed in Asia-Europe trade soon after delivery. Attending the naming ceremony, Won Woo Lee, chief executive of Container Business Unit at Hanjin Shipping, commented, “We are delighted with the delivery of this state-of-the-art mega vessel. It will be a valuable asset in elevating the competency of our customer service.” The rest of the series is scheduled to be delivered this year.


NOL Group reports
first quarter numbers

SINGAPORE — NOL Group, the Singapore-based container shipping and logistics company, has reported a first quarter 2011 net loss of US$10 million compared to a net loss of US$98 million in the same period last year. NOL said first quarter 2011 revenue was US$2.4 billion, up 16 percent from a year ago. First quarter Core EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) was US$13 million, compared to a Core EBIT loss of US$74 million in the same period last year. APL, the Liner Shipping business of NOL, reported first quarter 2011 revenue of US$2.1 billion. That was a 15 percent improvement over the same period a year ago. APL announced a US$8 million Core EBIT loss compared to a US$89 million Core EBIT loss in the first quarter of 2010. Liner Shipping volume increased nine percent in the first quarter from a year ago. Average revenue per FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit) increased three percent. Vessel utilization in the first quarter was 92 percent.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 13, 2011

Port Tracker report finds
container numbers holding steady

WASHINGTON, DC — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is forecast to level off this month at about the same numbers as last year after nearly 18 months of year-over-year gains, and is expected to remain steady into mid-summer before resuming gains, 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 1.08 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units in March, a gain of 0.3 percent over the same month a year ago. The number was down two percent from February, traditionally the slowest month of the year. While the increase was small, it was the 16th month in a row to show a year-over-year improvement after December 2009 broke a 28-month streak of year-over-year declines. One TEU is one 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent. April was estimated at 1.18 million TEU, a more typical increase of four percent over April 2010. But May is forecast at 1.26 million TEU, a decline of 0.6 percent from May 2010 – the first year-over-year decline since November 2009. June is forecast at 1.31 million TEU, a decline of 0.1 percent from a year ago, and July is forecast at 1.38 million TEU, a decline of 0.4 percent. Year-over-year increases are expected to resume in August, forecast at 1.46 million TEU, up two percent from last year, and in September, forecast at 1.49 million TEU, up 11 percent. The first half of 2011 is forecast at 7.1 million TEU, up four percent from the first half of 2010. Global Port Tracker forecasts only six months beyond actual numbers, so a forecast for the full year is not yet available. Imports during 2010 totaled 14.7 million TEU, a 16 percent increase over 2009.


Washington Ferries adds
new vessel SALISH to fleet

SEATTLE — The newest vessel to be added to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) fleet of ferries was delivered by builder Todd Pacific Shipyards May 12. The 64-car ferry, SALISH, will restore two-boat service to the Port Townsend/Coupeville route in July. The SALISH was to be delivered May 5, but Todd needed a few extra days to finish demonstrations for the U.S. Coast Guard in order to receive the vessel’s “Certificate of Inspection.” Shipyard crews also completed touch-up painting and cleaning over the past week. The SALISH was towed from Todd’s Harbor Island location to Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island at the close of business yesterday. Early next week, the SALISH will be towed to Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, and then will return to Eagle Harbor in late May, where WSDOT crews will add more landing lights, finish outfitting the rescue boats, and decrease gaps in the handrails. After these modifications, the SALISH will be ready for crews to train onboard – first around Puget Sound, and later on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route. If all goes well, the SALISH is scheduled to begin regular service on the route in July, joining its sister ship, CHETZEMOKA, for the busy summer season.


US rail freight traffic
delivers mixed bag for week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports mixed results in weekly rail traffic on U.S. railroads, with carloads down 2.1 percent, at 292,706 carloads for the week ending April 23, 2011, and intermodal volume up 6.3 percent compared with the same week last year, totaling 225,668 trailers and containers. Issues affecting the weekly figures include severe weather across a large portion of the Midwest and Southeastern U.S., as well as a non-holiday week in the 2010 comparison week. Only six of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010 Those groups posting notable increases included: grain, up 20.4 percent, and coke, up 16.5 percent. Commodity groups reporting notable drops in weekly traffic were primary forest products, down 23.3 percent; waste and nonferrous scrap, down 20.1 percent, and iron and steel scrap, down 14.3 percent.


Genco Shipping takes delivery
of new 35,000 dwt Handysize ship

NEW YORK — Genco Shipping & Trading Limited has announced that it has taken delivery of the GENCO AVRA, a 35,000 dwt Handysize newbuilding. The GENCO AVRA is the third of five vessels to be delivered to the Company under Genco's agreement previously announced on June 9, 2010 to acquire five Handysize vessels from companies within the Metrostar group of companies. The GENCO AVRA is expected to be delivered to its charterer, Cargill International S.A., on or about May 14, 2011 to commence a spot market-related time charter for 34.5 to 37.5 months. The rate for the time charter will be linked to the Baltic Handysize Index (BHSI), incorporating a floor of $8,500 and a ceiling of $13,500 daily, with a 50 percent profit sharing arrangement to apply to any amount above the ceiling. The rate will be based on 115 percent of the average of the daily rates of the BHSI, as reflected in daily reports. Hire will be paid every 15 days in advance, net of a 5.00 percent third party brokerage commission. The company used available cash of $9.9 million as well as $20.0 million under its $100 million term loan facility to pay the remaining balance of $29.9 million for the GENCO AVRA.


Port of Kalama to celebrate
driving of historic railroad spike

KALAMA — As you look around Kalama, you can imagine what must have caught General John W. Sprague’s eye as he envisioned where to begin the Transcontinental Northern Pacific Railroad. He might have lost his breath when he first saw the dramatic Columbia River, or he may have been awed by the richness of the surrounding valley and cliffs. But it would be just adjacent to the current Port of Kalama Marina where he would pound in the first spike and initiate the Transcontinental Railway’s Pacific Division. General Sprague selected Kalama based on Northern Pacific engineers' determination that it was down-river from winter river ice, the Columbia River channel depth was the same as at the river’s bar at Astoria, and it was close to Portland and the Willamette Valley. Now, 140 years later, Kalama celebrates that day in history and invites everyone to commemorate the event by joining in a series of events, May 21, at the Kalama Community Building built on the former site of the Kazano House, the Northern Pacific Railway Hotel. The Program begins at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, with Community Historic Resources Sharing. Community members are asked to share their historical memorabilia for possible use in the Port of Kalama Interpretative Center. Visitors will be treated to presentations on the Interpretive Center, Railway history of course, and refreshments. Sponsoring the Anniversary commemoration are Envision Kalama, Cowlitz Historical Society, Port of Kalama and the City of Kalama.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Greenbrier Companies
making management changes

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — Effective April 15, 2011, The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. appointed Mark Eitzen vice president and general manager of the company's Gunderson LLC manufacturing plant in Portland. Mr. Eitzen, who joined Greenbrier in 1999, has been general manager of Gunderson's Marine operation for the past five years. In his new assignment, Mr. Eitzen will have responsibility for Gunderson's Marine and Rail operations, which currently employ about 900 personnel on Portland's Willamette River waterfront. Mr. Eitzen will continue reporting to Alejandro Centurion, president of Greenbrier's manufacturing operations in North America. Owen Whitehall, who earlier held the position of general manager for Gunderson Rail Operations, will continue to head Global Sourcing for Greenbrier, reporting to Mr. Centurion. In addition, Mr. Whitehall will work with Mr. Centurion to develop and expand new lines of business for Gunderson and for Greenbrier's manufacturing segment. Mr. Whitehall will also work with Mr. Centurion to streamline certain shared services among Greenbrier's various business units. He will maintain offices at Gunderson with staff located there, and also at Greenbrier's corporate offices in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Greg Saxton, senior vice president and chief engineer at Gunderson, will continue to have responsibility for railcar engineering at Greenbrier for its combined North American business segments including Manufacturing, Leasing and Rail Services. He will continue to report to Mr. Centurion and will maintain offices and staff at Gunderson. These changes will reunite Gunderson Marine and Rail under a single management structure, as it was historically.


ATA taps Jamie Hammons
as regional vice president

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations has announced that it has hired Jamie Hammons as the new regional vice president of membership for the Southeast. Mr. Hammons spent nearly 15 years at GMTA, before most recently serving as president of the Georgia Manufactured Housing Association. A native of southwest Missouri, Mr. Hammons has lived in the Atlanta area for 24 years. As a regional vice president he’ll be responsible for ATA’s membership efforts in Alabama, Florida and Georgia.


NYK joining OOCL
to charter four box chips

TOKYO — NYK and OOCL have announced that they have entered into an agreement for the charter of four 13,000 TEU ships. OOCL has exercised its option to order an additional four 13,000 TEU ships on top of the original order of six. Out of the ten ships, four will be chartered to NYK for a period of three years. The first charter ship will be delivered to NYK in 2013. Both parties intend to deploy these ten ships within the Grand Alliance service network to allow for a service upgrade.


US inks deal with China
for enhanced trade security

WASHINGTON, DC — Global supply chain security and trade law enforcement advanced this week with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and two government ministries of China agreeing on collaborative actions to enhance trade security and facilitation between the two countries. CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin joined Minister of Customs Yu Guangzhou of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China in signing an action plan at CBP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters on May 9. The plan covers all aspects of the countries’ supply chain security partnership programs, including joint validation procedures. The action outline details specifics on which the U.S. and Chinese customs administrations will collaborate over the next five years. Two enforcement areas will be intellectual property rights and fraudulent travel documents. The Chinese security ministry performs investigations, raids and seizures at the start of the supply chain at the points of manufacturing, warehousing, and transporting before illegal goods head for foreign markets.


Port Metro Vancouver expects
big surge in cruise passengers

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver reports that on Saturday, May 14, 2011, cruise passenger volumes at Canada Place and Ballantyne cruise terminals are expected to peak, reaching 19,000 embarking and disembarking passengers between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Due to this one day, high volume event, higher than normal vehicle traffic volumes are anticipated in the downtown core, along with increased demand on taxis and the use of public transportation. In an effort to accommodate the high number of passengers, Port Metro Vancouver is working closely with the cruise lines, the City of Vancouver, Vancouver taxi companies and other transportation service providers to raise awareness about the significantly increased demand. The high demand for taxis results from the large number of travelers arriving on repositioning cruises, which occur at the beginning and end of the cruise season.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Canadian labor minister
supports new longshore deal

VANCOUVER, BC — Yesterday, the Lisa Raitt, Canada’s minister of Labour, visited Port Metro Vancouver to congratulate workers and employers for ratifying an eight-year collective agreement. “The collective agreement between BC Maritime Employers Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada is great news for both parties, but the real winners are Canadians,” said Minister Raitt. “This agreement will help to strengthen our still-fragile economy because it means trade can continue to flow through the port to destinations across Canada and around the world.” Port Metro Vancouver’s activities are directly responsible for nearly 130,000 jobs. The previous collective agreement, covering a unit of approximately 4,500 longshoremen, expired March 31, 2010. The Labour Program’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) played a key role in assisting the parties throughout their negotiations.


US Census Bureau report
finds exports on the rise in March

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has issued the following statement on the release of the March 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. The report showed that U.S. exports of goods and services in March 2011 increased 4.6 percent from February 2011 to a record $172.7 billion, with record exports of both goods ($124.9 billion) and services ($47.7 billion). The monthly increase in the export value for goods and services between February and March 2011 ($7.7 billion) was also the highest on record, as were March exports to Canada and South and Central America. U.S. imports of goods and services increased 4.9 percent over this period to $220.8 billion, causing the U.S. trade deficit to increase 6.0 percent since February to reach $48.2 billion in March. March petroleum imports ($39.3 billion) were the highest since August 2008 ($43.7 billion).


Freight transportation index
climbs during month of March

WASHINGTON, DC — The amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry increased 1.9 percent in March from February to reach the highest level since July 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics' (BTS) Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI). The March increase followed a decline in February. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that shipments measured by the Freight TSI rose 15.1 percent over the last 23 months, starting in May 2009, after declining 15.7 percent in the previous 16 months beginning in January 2008. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.


Ceremony marks keel laying
for next NASSCO T-AKE vessel

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo-ammunition ship T-AKE 14 at the company's shipyard in San Diego. Min Kaskin served as keel authenticator for the ceremony. She is the wife of Jonathan D. Kaskin, Director, Strategic Mobility/Combat Logistics Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Mrs. Kaskin authenticated T-AKE 14's keel by welding her initials on to a steel plate. The plate will be permanently affixed to the foundation of the ship, becoming a part of the ship's structure and will sail with the vessel throughout its time in service. General Dynamics NASSCO began construction of T-AKE 14 in October 2010. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in the fourth quarter of 2012. When T-AKE 14 enters the fleet, the 689-foot long ship will join other Military Sealift Command vessels built by NASSCO to deliver as much as 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions at one time to combat ships at sea supporting military or humanitarian duties in places like Japan, south Asia and the Mediterranean.


Port of Camas-Washougal
taps economic development firm

WASHOUGAL, WA — The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced the selection of Cascade Planning Group for the newly created professional services contract funded by the port and the cities of Camas and Washougal. Paul Dennis, principal of Cascade Planning Group, will serve in the newly created role of Economic Development director. The interviewing panel unanimously voted the Cascade Planning Group to be the primary service provider, with E.D. Hovee and company in a supporting role. A number of steps remain for the formal process to be completed, including an interlocal agreement between the three organizations and a professional services agreement between the port and the selected provider. As the lead jurisdiction, the port will develop an interlocal agreement for this newly created Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association and will conduct a joint working session with both city councils on Monday, May 23. Action by both city councils is anticipated at their regular council meetings on June 6 and at the port during its regular June 7 commission meeting. This will be followed by port commission action on a professional services agreement and start of work by the providers.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Port of Vancouver nets DOT grant
for freight access project

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver, USA reports it has been awarded $15 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s high speed rail program. The announcement came from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as part of a national investment program to speed up trains on the U.S. system. The grant will be invested in the port’s West Vancouver Freight Access (WVFA) project, a multi-year, multi-phased effort to improve the movement of freight through the port and reduce congestion on the regional rail system. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding will be specifically invested in construction of rail access point at the east end of the port that is separate from the mainline. The project will reduce delay on the freight and passenger mainline by up to 40 percent while tripling the port’s rail volume during the coming years. Construction on this $38 million project element will begin by April 2013, with scheduled completion in January 2016. With completion anticipated in 2017, the $150 million West Vancouver Freight Access project is expected to attract more than $400 million in rail related private-sector investment and create between 1,000 and 2,000 new, permanent jobs. In addition, the project generates an anticipated 4,000 construction jobs over the life of the project.


Crowley launches two barges
to serve Western Alaska customers

SEATTLE — Crowley Maritime Corporation christened two new double-hulled petroleum tank barges, the 165-1 and 165-2, Saturday morning during a small ceremony at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes. The vessels, which are the first double-hulled, environmentally friendly barges of their kind to operate in Western Alaska waters, will join Crowley's 180-1, a double-hull barge that has serviced Alaska since 2005. The hull was designed for use in Western Alaska, with the highest priority given for the safety of the personnel and the environment. Crowley is the only company bringing the safer double-hull vessels to Alaska without any regulatory requirement, because as Crowley Senior Vice President and General Manager Rocky Smith said, "It's just the right thing to do." During the christening, vessel sponsors Janis Ivanoff, president of Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation, and Debra Shontz, director, Barrow operations for Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, performed the time-honored tradition of christening the vessels. Twenty guests, including friends and employees from Crowley and its Jensen Maritime subsidiary, attended the event. The 165-1 and 165-2 will depart this week for their home port of Nome, Alaska. The double-hull barges will be used for shallow-draft operations and beach landings for the delivery of fuel and cargo to the remote communities of Western Alaska.


Port Metro Vancouver announces
Blue Circle Award winners for 2010

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver is honoring 11 recipients of its Blue Circle Award for 2010. Launched last year, this award recognizes the most eco-friendly vessels that call at the Port. The Blue Circle Award acknowledges industry commitment to port sustainability by recognizing the extraordinary environmental achievements of ships that participate in Port Metro Vancouver's EcoAction Program for Shipping. The program offers a financial incentive for cruise and shipping lines to reduce ship emissions. The 2010 Port Metro Vancouver Blue Circle Award recipients are:
APL (Canada)
Grieg Star Shipping (Canada) Ltd.
Hapag-Lloyd (Canada) Inc.
Holland America Line
"K" Line
Maersk Line
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seaboard International Shipping Co. Ltd.
Silversea Cruises
Westwood Shipping Lines


Panama Canal Authority
inks MOU with soy coalition

WASHINGTON, DC — Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta and Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) Chairman Ed Ulch have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster the growth of global commerce. During a luncheon sponsored by the STC in Washington, D.C. on Monday, both parties affirmed their commitment to mutual growth and cooperation. The objectives of this agreement are to undertake joint marketing efforts, data exchange to forecast future trade flows and market trends, and the sharing of information related to modernization and improvement projects. The STC, comprised of nine state soybean boards, advocate for the improvement of transportation means for shippers of U.S. soybeans and soybean products. U.S. grain exports are a major commodity trade for the Panama Canal. These cargoes are key to the strong performance of dry bulk transits through the waterway. According to the STC, in 2010 soybeans were the most transited U.S. agricultural commodity through the Panama Canal. During fiscal year 2010, grain movements totaled 40.4 million long tons, primarily from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to Asia. Furthermore, soybean cargoes reached a record 15.5 million long tons (560 million bushels), which amounted to 38 percent of total grain cargoes.


NYK continues commitment
to Chinese maritime universities

TOKYO — On April 28, 2011, Keizo Nagai, an NYK corporate officer and chief representative for China, signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) for NYK’s sponsorship of a third five-year (2011–2015) scholarship program at the university. NYK established dedicated scholarship programs in 2001 for teachers and students at SMU and DMU, the two key maritime universities in China, to support maritime education and cultivate talented seafarers. A total of 509 teachers and students have benefited from these scholarships over the past 11 years, and the commitment made by Mr. Nagai mirrored the mission statement of the NYK Group to work as a good corporate citizen for the betterment of the world we inhabit.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 9, 2011

Port of Olympia looking for
Citizens Advisory Committee member

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia Commission is seeking applicants for the Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee (POCAC). The commission will appoint one person to fill the open position and will appoint up to three alternates who may be asked to serve if any regular members cannot complete their terms. The POCAC comprises 12 citizen volunteers who meet periodically, or as needed, to address assignments from the commission. Individual POCAC members also may be asked to participate with port staff on a range of port programs and projects. The POCAC has contributed citizen advice and assistance to the port since formed by the commission in 1994. Applicants must be Thurston County residents. An interview committee of a port commissioner, the executive director and the chair of the POCAC will recommend appointments to the commission. Criteria for selection are community and economic development activities; volunteer, board or committee experience; work experience; experience or knowledge of the port; and reasons for serving on the POCAC. For an application form, call 360-528-8000 or visit the port’s website at www.portolympia.com. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 31, 2011.


Piracy battle high on agenda
of IMO safety committee meeting

LONDON — Piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean will be high on the agenda when the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meets at the organization's London Headquarters for its 89th session later this month. The agenda also includes adoption of amendments, concerning lifeboat release hooks, to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and work related to the implementation of the Torremolinos Protocol on fishing vessel safety, as well as goal-based standards for vessel construction and the long-range identification and tracking of ships. The MSC will also consider the approval of a number of draft resolutions for submission to the IMO Assembly, to be held in late 2011. The MSC is expected to discuss the development of guidance on the employment of private, armed security service providers on board ships; measures to improve compliance with the Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Arabian Sea area; and proposed guidelines to assist in the collection of evidence after a hijack. The number of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported to the organization and which occurred in 2010 was 489, against 406 during the previous year, representing an increase of 20.4 percent from the figure for 2009. The areas most affected (i.e. five incidents reported or more) in 2010 were East Africa and the Indian Ocean followed by the Far East and, in particular, the South China Sea, West Africa, South America and the Caribbean. During the year, it was reported that two crew members were killed and 30 crew members were reportedly injured/assaulted, while 1,027 crew members were reportedly taken hostage or kidnapped. Fifty-seven vessels were reportedly hijacked, with one vessel reportedly still unaccounted for.


Port of Long Beach director
to receive West Coast Connie Award

LONG BEACH, CA — Richard D. Steinke, who will retire this year as executive director of the Port of Long Beach and who was instrumental in developing the port into one of the world's largest container harbors, has been selected to receive the Connie Award to be presented on the West Coast by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute. The industry-wide dinner event honoring Mr. Steinke will be held on Wednesday, September 21, at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, CA. Recipients are recognized with the award for significant influence on containerization in world trade and transportation and are honored for innovative spirit in their careers and at their respective companies, as well as for their positive influence on the industries they serve. Mr. Steinke has served the Port of Long Beach for more than 14 years.


Braemar Shipping buying
BMT Marine and Offshore Surveys

BEDFORDSHIRE, UK — Braemar Shipping Services reports is purchased of the business and certain assets of BMT Marine and Offshore Surveys Limited (“BMTMOS”) on May 6, 2011 from the administrator, Deloitte. BMTMOS provides Hull and Machinery, P&I and Marine Warranty survey services around the globe; clients operate primarily in the insurance, shipping and offshore industries. BMTMOS has 94 employees, most of whom are marine surveyors, who operate from 21 offices around the world. Going forward the business will join with the established marine survey operations of the group’s technical division and will trade under the Braemar name. The cash consideration for the transaction was £2.4 million, paid on completion. In its financial year to September 30, 2010 BMTMOS reported a normalised EBITDA of £0.9 million, and at that date the book value of assets acquired was £3.5 million.


Corps of Engineers releases
Columbia/Snake lockage schedule

PORTLAND — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers will pass recreational boaters through their navigation locks using a summer schedule May 15 through Sept. 15. All eight Corps dams in the Columbia-Snake river system will use the same schedule. Portland District operates navigation locks at Bonneville Dam, near Cascade Locks, Ore.; The Dalles Dam, near The Dalles, Ore.; and John Day Dam, near Rufus, Ore. Walla Walla District operates navigation locks at McNary Dam, near Umatilla, Ore.; Ice Harbor Dam, near Burbank, Wash.; Lower Monumental Dam, near Kahlotus, Wash.; Little Goose Dam, near Starbuck, Wash.; and Lower Granite Dam, near Pomeroy, Wash. All locks will pass recreational vessels heading upriver at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and recreational vessels heading downriver at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Recreational vessels have precedence over commercial vessels during these designated times. Recreational vessels may be allowed to lock through with commercial craft at other times, at the discretion of the lockmaster.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 6, 2011

Wetland mitigation property
available at Port of Vancouver, USA

VANCOUVER, WA — Five years in the making, about 154 acres of wetlands on Port of Vancouver property is helping balance development with restored habitat. The port, working with Habitat Banc NW, a company that restores and prepares wetlands as mitigation for future development, identified portions of a former farm in the Vancouver lowlands that could be restored into high-quality habitat, with access to ample water. This week the first pieces or credits of habitat for wetland mitigation from the Columbia River Wetland Mitigation Bank were released for sale to developers, agencies and other customers. Habitat Banc NW sold the first wetland credits to the City of Vancouver for wetland impacts associated with a roadway project near 192nd. BNSF Railroad has contracted to purchase credits to complete rail improvements in Longview, and the port plans to use credits to mitigate wetland impacts associated with the West Vancouver Freight Access rail project, construction of a Clark Public Utilities substation that will help power the port’s new Terminal 5 and construction of new cargo space near Terminal 3.


Rail traffic numbers
continue up during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported steady weekly rail traffic gains with U.S. railroads originating 295,426 carloads for the week ending April 16, 2011, down slightly at 0.3 percent compared with the same week last year Intermodal volume for the week was up 9.8 percent compared with the same week last year, totaling 230,460 trailers and containers. Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010. Those groups posting significant increases included: farm products excluding grain, up 18.6 percent; metallic ores, up 17.3 percent, and motor vehicles and equipment, up 12.5 percent. The commodity groups reporting a notable drop in weekly traffic were primary forest products, down 25 percent; nonmetallic minerals, down 22.4 percent, and waste and nonferrous scrap, down 17 percent.


Washington governor takes part
in South Park Bridge project kick off

OLYMPIA — Yesterday, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire joined King County Executive Dow Constantine and community leaders to kick off construction for the South Park Bridge replacement project. The state helped secure $54 million of federal funds for the project and its Transportation Improvement Board and Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board contributed a total of $15 million. “Congratulations to King County, Seattle and the South Park community,” Gov. Gregoire said. “This bridge spans a vital route for commerce and freight. We need a new bridge to keep our communities strong, connected and vibrant. I am proud to stand with Executive Constantine, Washington’s congressional delegation and members of the community to lay a stronger foundation to strengthen our economy and keep people moving safely.” The South Park Bridge connects neighborhoods, industrial areas and State Route 99. It serves 20,000 vehicles per day, including 2,800 trucks. The $96 million construction project should take 32 months to complete and create or sustain approximately 100 jobs for its duration. These workers, in turn, will frequent businesses adjacent to the bridge during construction, and help inject money into the community’s economy.


Port of Newport reopens
South Beach marine fuel outlet

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport reports that the South Beach marine fuel facility, recently closed for major upgrades, is now back up in operation. Marine diesel and gasoline are both again available as well as pump out services. “We are sorry for any inconvenience this closure has caused our customers and wish to thank them again for their patience,” said Don Mann, Port of Newport general manager.


Portland Maritime Commerce Club
slates tug & barge update meeting

PORTLAND — The Maritime Commerce Club, Columbia River's annual Tug & Barge Update is scheduled for May 17 at the DoubleTree Hotel -- Lloyd Center. Rob Rich of Shaver Transportation and Kristin Meira of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association are guest speakers. Networking begins at 11:30 with lunch served at noon. Cost is $35 for club members, $50 for non-members. The presentation will cover issues concerning shipping on the Columbia and Snaker Rivers.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 5, 2011

Delivery of Washington ferry
set back by seven days

SEATTLE — The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division reports it will take delivery of the new ferry, SALISH, on May 12 instead of today as Todd Pacific Shipyards completes work on the 64-car vessel. “While the contract calls for delivery on May 5, we were informed by Todd that they need an additional seven days,” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “The SALISH performed very well during sea trials and we look forward to taking delivery of this beautiful new ferry next Thursday.” Still needing completion is a dockside demonstration to the U.S. Coast Guard of certain tests and equipment operations, such as alarms and monitoring systems. In addition, some cleaning and touch-up painting remains to be completed. Todd will demonstrate these systems to the Coast Guard next week before a “Certificate of Inspection” is issued. The work on the SALISH does not involve any unexpected or unusual issues, such as what occurred on the CHETZEMOKA when vibrations were discovered during sea trials. Todd may be assessed $5,000 a day in damages for late delivery, per the state’s contract with the shipbuilder. This determination will be part of the final settlement. Todd anticipates early delivery of the third 64-car ferry, KENNEWICK, before the end of 2011.


Thomas E. Chamberlain
named to Portland Port Commission

PORTLAND — The Oregon senate has confirmed Gov. John Kitzhaber’s appointment of Thomas E. Chamberlain, president of Oregon AFL-CIO, to the Port of Portland Commission effective May 10. Mr. Chamberlain replaces former Commissioner Mary Olson, president, Norris Olson & Associates, Inc., who has served on the commission for 10 years and whose term expired last month. Following service in the United States Air Force, Mr. Chamberlain joined the Portland Bureau of Fire and Rescue in 1977 where he served as a firefighter until 2004. During his career at the bureau Mr. Chamberlain served in a number of management positions with Firefighters Local 43 including secretary/treasurer and president. He also served as a lobbyist, vice president and president of the Oregon State Firefighters Council and as an International Association of Fire Fighters Field Representative, providing support to IAFF affiliate leaders throughout Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada. In 2004, he became the organizing director at the state federation. Shortly thereafter, Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed him as a senior policy advisor, a position he held until running to serve as President of the Oregon AFL-CIO. Chamberlain has served as president of Oregon AFL-CIO since 2005. Mr. Chamberlain also has served as a trustee of the Portland Fire, Police, Disability and Retirement Fund and on the Oregon Health Fund Board. He currently serves on the Oregon Employment Advisory Committee. The nine-member Port of Portland commission sets Port policy during its monthly meetings.


Oregon congressman honored
with AAR environmental award

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has announced that Richard J. Spatafore, a CSX Transportation employee from Jacksonville, Fla., has been awarded this year’s John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also was honored with the Congressional Chafee Award which each year goes to a member of Congress who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the environment. Named after the late Senator from Rhode Island – a strong advocate for conservation and environmental causes who appreciated the environmental advantages of rail transportation – the Chafee award recognizes a railroad employee and a member of Congress who have demonstrated the highest level of environmental stewardship during the previous year.


Mitsui constructs forklifts
shielded from radiation

HOUSTON — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), the parent company of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, recently developed two special heavy-duty forklifts with radiation shielded cabins to help handle and dispose of contaminated rubble at the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The first of the two units is to be delivered this week to a joint venture formed by Taisei Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Shimizu Corporation that is handling the clean up at the site, with the second unit to follow later this month. To accompany MHI’s delivery of the first two radiation shielded cabin forklifts, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, based in Houston, Texas, and its employees also donated more than $20,000 to the American Red Cross - International Disaster Relief Japan and the Japan Red Cross to be used towards the recovery effort in Japan.


One day left to bid
for ride on Crowley tug

SEATTLE — The eBay auction for a chance for four people to ride Crowley's winningest tugboat, HUNTER, as it races against the field in Seattle Maritime Festival's annual tugboat race on Saturday, May 14, will end tomorrow. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Seattle-based not-for-profit Ryther Child Center, a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. The highest bid was nearly $400 this afternoon. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will give the winner and three guests (children over the age of 12) the opportunity to ride in the wheelhouse of the tug HUNTER - which is considered the fastest tugboat on the West Coast ­- as it competes in the Class A Unlimited Race against several of the fastest tugboats in Elliott Bay across the Downtown Seattle Harbor. The winners will also receive a VIP package that includes an exclusive tour of the tugboat and dock,
the chance to ask the captain questions and company giveaways. To participate in the auction, click http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200602248262&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123#ht_500wt_1156 and register as a user. Unsuccessful bidders are still encouraged to contribute to Ryther by making a donation online at http://www.ryther.org/index.htm


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Seattle port board tours
Port of Quincy facilities

QUINCY, WA — On April 26, several key members of the Port of Seattle's Commission and Executive Team visited the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal. The purpose of the Port of Seattle's visit was to meet with the Port of Quincy Commissioners to learn more about the recent economic and transportation developments that have occurred at the Port of Quincy, including high-tech data center expansions by Microsoft and Yahoo and new major data center development projects by Dell and Sabey. More importantly, the Port of Seattle officials were provided a tour of the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal and of the Pacific Northwest-Chicagoland Express "Cold Train" Intermodal Service, which is celebrating a successful one-year anniversary. Since the "Cold Train" refrigerated intermodal container rail and distribution service (between Quincy, WA and Chicago, IL) started a little over a year ago, it has grown in popularity with produce shippers in the Pacific Northwest as well as shippers in the Midwest. Five days a week, the Cold Train service departs the Port of Quincy in central Washington loaded with fresh or frozen produce destined for the Midwest. The produce, grown and packed by local growers/packers in Washington State, is loaded into the Cold Train's 53- foot refrigerated containers and brought to the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal. At the Terminal, the containers are double-stacked onto an expedited nonstop train to Chicago. On a related note, given the success of the Cold Train from Quincy to Chicago, the Port of Seattle was interested in how it could work with the Port of Quincy as an inland port to facilitate intermodal shipments by rail from central Washington to the Port of Seattle. Additionally, there was discussion about how the Cold Train's success of shipping both inbound and outbound cargo has effectively turned the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal into a key distribution hub for the central Washington area.


AAPA economic development seminar
scheduled for July 11 -13 in Portland

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) Maritime Economic Development Seminar, to be held July 11-13, in Portland, Ore., will focus on cultivating operational and financing partnerships, infrastructure, and trade opportunities for seaports. The seminar-hosted by the Port of Portland-will target port authority, real estate, supply chain and international trade professionals interested in exploring compelling new economic development opportunities, practices and planning tools that are being implemented by Western Hemisphere seaports, municipalities, states and federal governments. Conference speakers will address methods to connect with potential new customers and investment partners; developing client-focused infrastructure; and effectively managing property, equipment and infrastructure assets. More information about AAPA's Maritime Economic Development Seminar is available at http://www.aapa-ports.org/2011MED or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703- 684-5700.


Trucking association asks Congress
to streamline credentialing procedure

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations is calling for Congress to enact sensible credentialing by eliminating duplicative background checks for commercial drivers. Martin Rojas, ATA vice president of safety and operations, told the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security that the multiple checks commercial drivers must submit to are costly and discourage well-qualified potential drivers from entering, or remaining in, the industry. Mr. Rojas said the cost of a hazardous materials endorsement background check is as high as $150, and since the program was implemented in 2004 more than 1.2 million hazmat drivers have voluntarily given up their endorsement, in part because of cost. The problem is worse for hazmat drivers who also require a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, since those drivers must pay $132.50 for an identical background check to the HME screening. The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States.


Pair of new art exhibits
on display at Portland Airport

PORTLAND — Portland International Airport has unveiled two art exhibits planned to delight travelers and celebrate Northwest creativity. In “Art from Nature,” artists Lenny Wilson, Maria T. Jacobs, Anne Scott and Emilie Lapham use innovation and meticulous skill to create everyday objects from natural plant materials. Under an artist’s hand, glamorous high heels take shape from a pile of acorns and leaves. Seeds and petals become a tiara. The exhibit is located on Concourse A through Sept. 15. Artists Tiffany Ludwig and Renee Piechocki created “Trappings: Portraits” after interviewing more than 600 women in 15 states, asking them to respond to the question, “What do you wear that makes you feel powerful?” The exhibit, located at the entrance to Concourse E through Sept. 30, allows participants and viewers to investigate their own relationship to power and assumptions based on appearance and image.


Port of Tacoma offering
Friday the 13th bus tour

TACOMA — Afraid of ladders and black cats this Friday the 13th? Change your luck by hanging out with massive cranes and brightly colored cargo-handling equipment during a free narrated bus tour of the Port of Tacoma. The May 13 guided tour will highlight how containers of consumer goods are unloaded from ships and put onto rail cars or trucks to head to market, creating some of the 43,000 local jobs related to Port activity. the tour is scheduled for Friday, May 13, from 1:30 to about 3 p.m. It begins and ends at the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. Space is limited for this free tour, and reservations are required. Children age six and older are welcome. Photo identification is required for passengers 17 years of age and older. Lucky charms optional. Reserve your free seat by calling (253) 383-9463 or emailing bustours@portoftacoma.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Port of Grays Harbor
plans bond sale for expansion

GRAYS HARBOR — The Port of Grays Harbor has announced it will issue $14,000.000 in Limited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds and $5,550,000 in Revenue Refunding bonds for port expansion plans. All bond totals are subject to change. The bonds are expected to be available on or about May 12, 2011. PiperJaffray will act as broker.


Disney vessel begins cruises
from Port of Vancouver, BC

VANCOUVER, BC — On Tuesday, May 3, Disney Cruise Lines' DISNEY WONDER arrived in Vancouver for its inaugural Alaska cruise season. For the first-time ever, Disney Cruise Line is offering Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the DISNEY WONDER in summer 2011. The Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, calling on ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. During the 2011 cruise season, the DISNEY WONDER will make 20 round trips to Alaska from Vancouver.


Trade between NAFTA partners
rises during month of February

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 11.8 percent higher in February 2011 than in February 2010, reaching $66.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in February 2011 rose 38.8 percent in two years from February 2009, which at $47.9 billion had the lowest amount of trade of any month since February 2004. Trade value in February 2011 was down 4.1 percent from the early recession level of February 2008. Freight value in February fell 1.8 percent from January 2011. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation includes freight movements by truck, rail, pipeline, mail, Foreign Trade Zones and other. In February, 86.4 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land, 9.3 percent moved by vessel, and 4.3 percent moved by air. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in February was up 11.3 percent compared to February 2006, and up 48.4 percent compared to February 2001, a period of 10 years. Imports in February were up 43.1 percent compared to February 2001, while exports were up 55.3 percent.


Port of Coos Bay re-opens
overhauled Charleston Ice Dock

COOS BAY — The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s Charleston Ice Dock has re-opened, following a complete overhaul of ice-making equipment and upgrades to the dock. Port staff closed the dock on December 1, to undertake the $700,000 project. The port upgraded the infrastructure to maintain Charleston’s only commercial source of flake ice for the home-ported and visiting commercial fishing fleets and recreational boaters. The Ice Dock rehabilitation is funded with $340,900 in stimulus funds through a federal appropriation of the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) program, in addition to a commitment of $350,000 in port matching funds. Port maintenance employees assisted Portland-based refrigeration company Will H. Knox Co. with installation of the equipment, which was purchased from North Star Ice Equipment Corp. of Seattle. Crow, Clay & Associates of Coos Bay provided architectural design. The project also has employed the construction, installation and fabrication services of Americorps Construction of Bandon; Coast Metals of Coos Bay, Reese Electric and Electrical Specialties both of North Bend; Chambers Plumbing of Coos Bay; and Skallerud Marine, Giddings Boat Works and Tarheel Aluminum Inc. of Charleston. Other businesses that assisted with the project and/or construction crew included Englund Marine of Charleston; Farr’s True Value Hardware of Coos Bay; Capt. John’s Motel and local restaurants Sea Basket and Monkey Business in Charleston. Washington-based McClure & Sons Inc. and McCormick Air of Portland also assisted in the project.


NYK delivers relief supplies
to quake affected areas in Japan

TOKYO — From April 11 to 25, NYK reports it used container trailers provided by Nippon Container Yuso Co. Ltd, an NYK Group company, to provide free land transport of relief supplies in 13 20-foot containers from Yokohama to areas affected by the Japan earthquake and tsunami. The essentials were requested by the prefectural governments of Iwate and Miyagi, and included clothing and daily commodities provided through the “Third Relief Supplies Hotline.” Main relief supplies sent upon request to the quake-stricken area include: food wrap, paper plates, disposable chopsticks, paper cups, disposable diapers, underclothes, socks, toothbrushes, sheets, detergent, sterilization freshener, sterilization deodorant wet tissues, cotton work-gloves, trash cans, dry-cell batteries (size C and D), denture cleaner, skin lotion, milky lotion, female hygiene products, seasonings, ceramic small bowls, aluminum pots, ladles, microwaves, etc. NYK will continue to use its logistics and transport services, facilities, and networks across oceans, land, and air to demonstrate the group’s commitment to social contribution activities.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 2, 2011

Port of Kalama celebrates
KING FELIPE maiden voyage

KALAMA — The Port of Kalama and Kalama Export LLC welcomed the ship KING FELIPE, commanded by Captain Kresimir Spralja of Croatia and his 20-member crew, last week on the vessel's maiden voyage to the United States. The KING FELIPE, which is 623 feet in length was built in China and launched November 19, 2010. The vessel is operated by Columbia Ship Management. Captain Spralja and Captain Inder Malhotra, of Reliance Bulk Carriers LLC, were welcomed to Kalama by Mitch Anderson, local agent for Wilhelmsen Ships Service and port representatives Heidi Souvenir and Liz Newman. The ship is loading wheat at Kalama Export Company LLC, which owns a grain elevator at the Port of Kalama. After leaving Kalama, KING FELIPE and crew will sail to Chittagong, Bangladesh carrying cargo destined for the CARE program in Bangladesh. That voyage will take about 23 days after which the captain will complete a four-month contract and return home.


Horizon Lines reworks
charter rates with CSX

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has finalized an agreement with CSX Corporation to reduce charter payments on three vessels leased from CSX. Under the agreement, charter hire expense has been reduced by $3 million annually, retroactive to January 2011, through the January 2015 expiration of the charter. The agreement represents a total savings of $12 million for Horizon Lines over the remaining life of the charter. The three chartered vessels, the HORIZON ANCHORAGE, HORIZON TACOMA, and HORIZON KODIAK, serve in the Alaska tradelane and were built in 1987. The reduction in charter hire expense of $3 million this year that was achieved by the finalization of this agreement was previously included in company estimated 2011 cost-savings projections of $18 million or greater.


Tentative labor deal approved
for United Transportation Union

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Railway Labor Conference reports that the nation's major freight railroads and the United Transportation Union (UTU), the country's largest rail union, have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract covering wages, benefits and other issues. The agreement with the UTU, covering more than 38,000 employees, is the first in the current round of bargaining. UTU represents almost a third of the rail employees covered in negotiations that began in January 2010. Details of the agreement reached on April 21 were not released pending ratification by UTU members. The National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC), the railroads' bargaining agent, 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.


Auctioneer moving to
larger Washington location

NAPAVINE, WA — After nearly 40 years of conducting unreserved public auctions in the state of Washington, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers officially closed on the
purchase of a new 200±-acre auction site in Washington State — in Napavine, Lewis County. The new Napavine property, located approximately 22 miles south of Olympia and 70 miles north of Portland, OR, will replace the company's current Washington permanent auction site in Olympia, which yields 37±-acres of equipment display area. Construction of a new auction facility, complete with a full-service refurbishment facility and a larger equipment yard, will commence this month with an expected completion date targeted for the summer of 2012. Ritchie Bros. held its first unreserved public auction in the state of Washington in 1972, and its first unreserved auction at its current Olympia auction site in November 1991. Since then, the company has conducted a total of 84 auctions in the Olympia area or roughly four auctions per year. Since 2000, Olympia auctions have attracted more than 100,000 bidder registrations from 79 countries and featured more than 84,000 lots. In 2010, to accommodate increased customer demand, Ritchie Bros. conducted five auctions at the Olympia site. Ritchie Bros. will continue conducting unreserved auctions at its Olympia auction site until the new auction site in Napavine is complete. Lewis County dignitaries, friends and associates will join Ritchie Bros. management for an official ground breaking ceremony at the Napavine site on Thursday, May 12.


Federal numbers show
more truck drivers buckling up

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data that show 78 percent of commercial truck and bus drivers wore safety belts while operating behind the wheel in 2010, compared to 74 percent in 2009. According to FMCSA’s Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Survey, the number of commercial drivers that are wearing safety belts has increased by 14 percent since 2007. The 2010 survey observed 26,830 commercial drivers operating medium- to heavy-duty trucks and buses at 998 roadside sites nationwide. The survey found that safety belt use for commercial drivers and their occupants was higher, 80 percent, in states where law enforcement may stop drivers for not wearing a safety belt, versus 72 percent in states with weaker secondary enforcement belt use laws. A regional breakdown showed that safety belt use rates for commercial drivers and their occupants were highest in the West, at 82 percent, compared with 79 percent in the South, 73 percent in the Midwest and 69 percent in the Northeast.