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May, 2009

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 29, 2009

Port of Everett taps Olson
as human resources adminstrator

EVERETT — The Port of Everett has announced its newest addition, Liz Olson, as the new human resources administrator. Ms. Olson has 21 years of experience working in human resources, which most recently include employment with the Public Utility District No. 1 of Skagit County and Everett Community College. She will be responsible for organizing and administering human resource programs and services to recruit, hire, develop and retain a qualified workforce. Her duties will range from interviewing port candidates for available positions to the implementation of human resource policies.


Mitsui plans to move
North America headquarters

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced it will relocate its North America headquarters in Concord, California to Lombard, IL. Noboru Kitazawa, president of MOL (America) Inc, said "The consolidation will allow for a greater synergy among the interactions between Trade Management and the Product Management Team (PMT) which is already located in Lombard. This will improve our ability to optimize vessel and intermodal networks to enhance revenue and cost management, as well as broaden our employees' career opportunities." The relocation of staff to the Lombard location is scheduled for early August 2009.


Down weeks continue
for US rail freight traffic

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads continued to reflect a weak economy as traffic remained down in comparison with last year during the week ended May 16, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 247,258 cars during the week, down 25.3 percent from the comparison week in 2008, with loadings down 21.2 percent in the West and 30.9 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 10.2 percent for the grain mill products to 69.5 percent for metallic ores. Intermodal volume of 188,435 trailers or containers was off 19.4 percent from last year, with container volume down 14.1 percent and trailer traffic off 39.1 percent. Total volume was estimated at 26.2 billion ton-miles, off 24.3 percent from 2008. For the first 19 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,036,579 carloads, down 19.2 percent from 2008; 3,531,569 trailers or containers, down 16.6 percent; and total volume of an estimated 534.6 billion ton-miles, down 18.1 percent.


Trade between NAFTA partners
down again during month of March

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 27.9 percent lower in March 2009 than in March 2008, dropping to $51.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. March was the third consecutive month with a yearly decline of greater than 27 percent. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 6.5 percent in March 2009 from February 2009. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.


Panama Canal Authority
lists menu of upgrades

PANAMA CITY — As work on the expansion project progresses, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) continues to modernize and upgrade the existing waterway, resulting in streamlined operations and increased capacity. Recent modernizations, valued at US$320 million, include an improved lighting system in the canal’s locks; a new track and turntable system; the acquisition of five new tugboats; an additional tie-up station; and, the replacement and reconstruction of the ACP’s launch fleet. According to the ACP, these latest improvements allow two additional transits per day and enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of the canal.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 28, 2009

Jim Darling to step down
as Port of Bellingham director

BELLINGHAM — Jim Darling, executive director of the Port of Bellingham for 15 years, has announced his resignation, effective July 10. Mr. Darling is taking a position as vice president and principal with the consulting firm Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. (MFA). MFA is a full-service planning, environmental, engineering, landscape architecture, GIS, and sustainability consulting firm with offices in Vancouver, Washington; Portland and Seattle. From a new Bellingham office, Mr. Darling will provide principal-level consulting across the firm's client base in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Nevada. The Port's Board of Commissioners is expected to appoint an interim Executive Director at its June 2 meeting, while a search is conducted for a new leader.


Everett development firm
files for bankruptcy protection

EVERETT — On May 20, 2009, Everett Maritime, the Port of Everett’s private sector developer for the Port Gardner Wharf development, filed for bankruptcy in a Chicago court. Everett Maritime, which is a subsidiary of Maritime Trust Company, has been working with the Port of Everett since 2000 in an effort to revitalize the port’s North Marina site. The vision for the Port Gardner Wharf development, located between 10th and 15th Street and West Marine View Drive, is to revitalize the 65-acre site and reconnect Everett residents with their waterfront. The current plan calls for a collection of condominiums, townhomes, professional office space, unique shops, destination restaurants, inns, a marine-related Craftsmen District and an extensive network of public access amenities. On May 1, 2009, the Port of Everett issued the developer with a notice of deficiency for failing to make its nearly $1.1 million in-lieu-of-rent payment. The developer had 30 days to cure the deficiency, but instead filed bankruptcy protection. The money owed to the port was money the port could have earned if the property was not under a development agreement.


APL plans to introduce
number of freight rate increases

SINGAPORE — Container shipping provider APL has announced its intention to raise freight rates in the Asia-Europe trade. The latest move follows an initiative announced in February 2009. For the eastbound Europe to Asia leg a per-container rise of US$100 will be placed on scrap commodities such as paper, which will be implemented on 1 June 2009. In the Westbound Asia to Europe trade lane there will be a rise of US$300 per TEU for all freight to the Mediterranean and North Europe, which will come into effect on 15 June and 1 July 2009, respectively.


Maritime Administration
sells vessel for recycling

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has sold a ship for recycling to All Star Metals, LLC of Brownsville, Texas. The AMERICAN OSPREY, an off-shore petroleum discharge tanker, built in 1958 at Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, Sparrows Point, Md., brought a purchase price of $12,227.70 The vessel has a 235,000 barrel capacity, a deadweight capacity of 34,723 long tons and is 661 feet long and 90 feet wide. The AMERICAN OSPREY was deployed in the Gulf Region, Okinawa, Japan, and Guam, and has been moored at the National Defense Reserve Fleet site in Beaumont, Texas. The Maritime Administration stores ships at three National Defense Reserve Fleet sites: the Beaumont site, James River Reserve Fleet in Virginia, and the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet in California. When ships become obsolete, the Maritime Administration arranges for their disposal in an environmentally sensitive manner. When a ship is recycled, as this one will be, the recycler often salvages and sells metal and other materials, and disposes of other materials in accordance with state and federal law.


NYK subsidiary launches
new bulk carrier, FEDERICO II

TOKYO — NYK Bulkship Atlantic, a wholly owed subsidiary of NYK Line, held a naming ceremony on May 14, for the company’s new bulk carrier, FEDERICO II, which was built at Oshima Shipbuilding’s shipyard in Sakai City in Nagasaki Prefecture. From June 2009, FEDERICO II will be used to fulfill a new contract that NYK Bulkship Atlantic has with Enel, Italy’s largest power company, for the transport of 90 million tonnes of coal per year from Colombia to Italy over the next 10 years. This is the first long-term contract inked by NYK Bulkship Atlantic for the use of such a large carrier.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Corps set to continue deepening
of Columbia River navigation channel

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland’s dredge, OREGON, will resume work in the Columbia River, near Longview, on June 8 under contract for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The navigation channel is being deepened to 43 feet between Columbia River miles 62 and 65 as part of the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. Deepening the river will better accommodate today’s larger, more fuel-efficient ships that are constrained by the previously authorized 40-foot channel depth. The dredged material will be placed on the Rainier Industrial Site (also known as Dibblee Point). Equipment will be set up onsite starting June 2. Because public safety is imperative, and due to the heavy equipment in use, it is necessary to close all public access to Dibblee Point during this project. The work will be complete by the end of July, at which point the Port of Portland will demobilize all equipment and restore public access. The Columbia River Channel Improvement Project benefits transportation, economic development and international trade in the Pacific Northwest. Much of the region’s economy depends on maritime trade. The Columbia River is the United States’ largest wheat export system, with 40 percent of all wheat exports shipped through Oregon and Southwest Washington ports. More than 40,000 local jobs with an average annual wage of $46,000 are dependent on Columbia River maritime commerce and 59,000 more Northwest jobs are influenced by such activity.


ATA truck tonnage index
falls during month of April

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index fell 2.2 percent in April, after plunging 4.5 percent in March. April marked the second sequential decrease. In April, the SA tonnage index equaled just 99.2 (2000 = 100), which is its lowest level since November 2001. The not seasonally adjusted (NSA) index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, was down 2.9 percent from March. In April, the NSA index equaled 101.6. Compared with April 2008, tonnage contracted 13.2 percent, which was the worst year-over-year decrease of the current cycle and the largest drop in thirteen years. In March 2009, tonnage dropped 12.2 percent from a year earlier.


Port of Seattle earns award
for supporting military employees

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has received the Pro Patria Award for efforts in support of employees who are active members of the National Guard and Reserve. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) gives the award to employers who lead the way with personnel policies that support those who are serving our country. The port is the 2009 recipient for Washington State. The award was presented on May 20th, at the Sea-Tac International Airport conference center.


Trucking group publishes
handbook on securing cargo

ARLINGTON, VA — American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Safety Management Council has released Practical Cargo SecurementTM, a 405-page resource for drivers, carriers, shippers and law enforcement on how to properly secure cargo for transport. Distributed by ATA and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, this practical reference guide covers not only the basic principles and governing regulations of load securement, but also provides hundreds of diagrams, graphs and other visuals for better comprehension of weight distribution, gravitational pull, load positioning and the correct use of restraint devices. Practical Cargo SecurementTM can be purchased for $20 (ATA members receive a discount) at www.ATABusinessSolutions.com or call toll free 866-821-3468egates, participants and organizers.


Coast Guard cutter HEALY
returns from Bering Sea mission

JUNEAU — The Coast Guard Cutter HEALY arrived at the Coast Guard pier in Juneau May 23. HEALY returned to homeport after completing the first two phases of the Bearing Ecosystem Study (BEST) 2009 mission. Over the last 81 days, HEALY’s crew deployed scientific equipment in support of BEST more than 1,000 times and traveled more than 7,300 nautical miles in and near the ice during the rapid transition from spring to summer. BEST is a multi-year project that studies the ecological processes as sea ice retreats through the Bering Sea sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The recent decline in the extent and duration of arctic sea ice has stimulated scientific, as well as public, interest in how the productive Bering Sea ecosystem will change should current climate trends continue. HEALY is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities; providing more than 4,200 square feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 50 scientists. HEALY is designed to break 4 ½ feet of ice continuously at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees F.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 22, 2009

New Crowley heavy-lift barge
launched from Gunderson Marine

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley's newest heavy-lift series deck barge 455-5 was christened and launched Saturday at Gunderson Marine Shipyard in Portland - the latest in a bevy of new vessel deliveries for Crowley already this year. Christened by Mary Beth Davis, the wife of Rich Davis, the BP manager for the Liberty Rig, the 400-foot-long by 105-foot-wide heavy-lift barge will be used to transport the world's largest land based drilling rig for Parker Drilling and BP. The christening was also an opportunity for Gunderson to celebrate its longstanding partnership with Crowley. The 455-5 is the 42nd Crowley barge built at the Gunderson yard. To commemorate the occasion, Gunderson made a generous donation on behalf of Crowley to Hogar de Proteccion Pajarito Azul (The Little Blue Bird Home), a Nicaraguan charity that provides housing for disabled and abandoned children.


Port of Anacortes presents
annual Port Partner Awards

ANACORTES — The Port of Anacortes presented its annual Port Partner Awards on May 15, 2009 at the Waterfront Festival Kick-off Dinner, held in the port’s main warehouse building. The port established the Partner Awards in 2008 to honor those entities, contractors, citizens, tenants, and organizations who have partnered in service with the port to promote economic growth, environmental clean-up, and strategic planning. Honored this year were:
Dakota Creek Industries - Economic Development Partner in the reconfiguration of the shipyard leased from the port. Dakota Creek continues to grow their highly skilled workforce and provides over 400 jobs to the Anacortes Community and Skagit County.
Department of Ecology - Strategic Partner DOE has been a valued partner to the port in helping to facilitate and provide funding for environmental clean-ups on port property. The port is underway with the third of five clean-up projects in and around Fidalgo Bay under the port’s heading of Focus Fidalgo.
Marc L. Estvold, AIA – Customer Service Partner in the creation of the port’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Estvold brought his broad knowledge of planning and connection to the community in serving as project manager for the plan. Mr. Estvold facilitated extensive outreach within the Anacortes community to provide a well coordinated and successful outcome.
MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design – Customer Service Partner in the creation of the port’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. MAKERS, and particularly partner Julie Bassuk, met with more than 150 community members, including boaters, business owners, neighbors, the Chamber of Commerce and City of Anacortes representatives over an 18 month period, producing a professional and workable Plan that other entities now use as an example.
The Port of Anacortes values these partners and their significant contributions to both the port and to the Anacortes community.


Down weeks continue
for US rail freight traffic

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads remained sharply down from a year ago during the week ended May 9, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 249,576 cars during the week, down 25.8 percent from the comparison week in 2008, with loadings down 21.4 percent in the West and 31.7 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 10.7 percent for the catch-all category of all other carloads to 64.7 percent for metals and metal products. Intermodal volume of 181,662 trailers or containers was off 21.0 percent from last year, with container volume down 16.4 percent and trailer traffic off 37.9 percent. Total volume was estimated at 26.4 billion ton-miles, off 25.2 percent from 2008. For the first 18 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,789,321 carloads, down 18.8 percent from 2008; 3,343,134 trailers or containers, down 16.5 percent; and total volume of an estimated 508.4 billion ton-miles, down 17.7 percent.


General Dynamics nets deal
to repair damaged submarine

GROTON, CT — The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $15.8 million contract to plan and perform repair work on USS HARTFORD (SSN-768), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine damaged March 20, 2009, in a collision with the Navy amphibious ship, USS NEW ORLEANS, in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the terms of the contract, Electric Boat will perform planning work, material procurement and fabrication of a hull patch and a bridge access trunk, as well as planning and material procurement for the port retractable bow plane. Electric Boat also will perform planning work on the sail to restore USS HARTFORD to full-service condition. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.


TOP Ships takes delivery
of new product/chemical tanker

ATHENS — TOP Ships Inc. has announced that it has taken delivery of the M/T BRITTO from SPP Plant & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd of the Republic of Korea. The BRITTO is the fifth of six 50,000 dwt product / chemical tankers to be delivered within 2009. The BRITTO has entered into a bareboat time-charter employment for a period of 10 years at a daily rate of $14,550.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 21, 2009

Foss Maritime named
top environmental business

SEATTLE — Foss Maritime Company—whose ‘green’ initiatives have earned it national and international recognition—has been honored in its home waters, winning the Port of Seattle’s and Propeller Club’s Marine Environmental Business of the Year award at the 2009 Seattle Maritime Festival luncheon. Top environmental, maritime industry and federal and state government officials were part of the committee that chose Foss, which edged out four other companies for the prestigious honor. The committee recognized Foss for its commitment to reducing its carbon and emissions footprints and adhering to the principles of sustainability and safety in its operations.


Oregon short line railroad
earns E.H. Harriman award

GREENWICH, CN — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) has congratulated its Willamette & Pacific Railroad (W&P) for winning the railroad industry's top awards for 2008 safety performance. It has been announced that the W&P, a short line freight railroad based in Salem, Ore., won the E.H. Harriman Gold Award for the best employee safety record among railroads working less than four million employee-hours in 2008. Harriman Award winners are selected by a committee of representatives from the transportation field and granted on the basis of the lowest casualty rates per 200,000 employee-hours worked, with a formula that accounts for volume of work performed as well as the number of fatalities and occupational illnesses. All data is documented by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The W&P had zero FRA-reportable injuries or train derailments in 2008, which last month also earned it two President's Awards from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) for having both the best safety performance and the most employee-hours of injury-free operation in 2008. This marks only the second time that a railroad has won two ASLRRA President's Awards.


NOL Group plans to move
regional headquarters to Phoenix

PHOENIX — NOL Group, parent company of APL, has identified an office building in Phoenix, Arizona as the new home for its regional headquarters in the Americas. Singapore-based NOL said it will occupy one and a half floors of the 6-story MAX at Kierland building, located at 16220 North Scottsdale Road, on the border between Phoenix and neighboring Scottsdale. The company expects to relocate from its current regional headquarters in Oakland, California by the end of the third quarter. NOL Group is the parent company of APL, the world's seventh-largest container shipping company, and supply chain services provider APL Logistics. The company employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide including 4,000 in North, Central and South America.


Hanjin Shipping marks opening
of new Busan container terminal

BUSAN — Hanjin Shipping has announced that its Busan New Port Phase 2-1 Terminal has officially opened. Hanjin’s Phase 2-1 Terminal has three berths 18m deep to accommodate three 12,000TEU class vessels at the same time. In cooperation with Hanjin’s logistics IT specialist, Cyberlogitec, Busan New Port Phase 2-1 Terminal has introduced the world’s first automated horizontal yard crane system, which made it possible to operate approximately 200 vessels with 200,000 TEUs of cargo for the last three months since the first voyage of HANJIN LOS ANGELES on February, 6. Currently, Hanjin’s Phase 2-1 Terminal has a total of 18 weekly services including 14 run by CKYH (Coscon, “K”Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin Shipping) and four feeder services by STX Pan Ocean, KMTC and Heung-A Shipping.


New Boeing 777 freighter
delivered to AeroLogic GmbH

EVERETT — Boeing celebrated the delivery of the first 777 Freighter to Deucalion Capital and its customer AeroLogic GmbH on May 12. AeroLogic, formed in 2007 and based in Leipzig, Germany, is a new cargo company joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express and will operate a fleet exclusively comprising the new 777 Freighter. Deucalion Capital and its customer AeroLogic currently have eight 777 Freighters on order. The new freighter incorporated two key elements of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services suite of E-enabled tools, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Airplane Health Management. The 777 Freighter is the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, with high cargo density and 10-foot (3.1 meter) interior height capability. Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 Freighter can fly up to 4,885 nautical miles (9,045 kilometers) with a full payload of 226,800 pounds (103 metric tons).


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Port of Bellingham project
nets Best Restored Beach award

BELLINGHAM — The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) has announced that Marine Park in the Fairhaven District of Bellingham is a winner of its 2009 Best Restored Beach Award. The Marine Park beach restoration project was completed as part of larger Bellingham Bay-wide habitat restoration and beach access planning efforts, which have been underway since 1999. Bellingham Bay is known for having almost no beach access as the shore is dominated by either industrial sites or a rail line with rock revetment. Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee recognized the need for restoration at Marine Park, and provided much citizen support of the project. Owned and operated by the Port of Bellingham, Marine Park was one of the first restored beaches in the Bellingham area, and now provides year round public access to one of the most scenic and well used beaches within the city limits. Judging was based on three criteria: the economic and ecological benefits the beach brings to its community; the short- and long-term success of the restoration project; and the challenges each community overcame during the course of the project.


Freight transportation index
falls during month of March

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 3.3 percent in March from its February level, falling to its lowest level in more than six years, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. The March decrease was the largest monthly drop for any month since March 2000. The 3.6 percent decline in the first three months of 2009 is the second largest in the last decade, exceeded only by a 4.8 percent decline for the first three months of 2000. The March level of the Freight TSI of 101.4 is the lowest since May 2002 when it was 101.1. The Freight TSI is down 10.4 percent from its historic peak of 113.1 reached in November 2005. The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries. The index consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.


Seattle maritime security team
headed to Guantanamo Bay

SEATTLE — Last Sunday, members of Maritime Safety and Security Team(MSST) Seattle (91101), deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to perform port security duties. MSST Seattle (91101) is assigned to the Coast Guard's Deployable Operations Group and is a rapid response force capable of nationwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation to meet emerging threats. Unit personnel are trained in Anti-terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) and Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) policies and practices, enabling them to augment Coast Guard forces during National Special Security Events, major marine events, contingencies, and other Coast Guard law enforcement operations primarily in ports, harbors, internal waterways, and coastal regions. MSSTs were created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) 2002 and are a part of the Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protecting our seaports and waterways. MSSTs were created in direct response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Accordingly, every MSST designation number begins with "911". Commissioned on July 3, 2002, MSST Seattle was the first MSST created; hence having the honor of being known as 91101.


Corps warns public
to stay clear of jetties

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors to the coast that jetties were not constructed for recreation purposes and that they should avoid fishing from, and walking, driving or climbing on these structures because of the potential hazards. Additional work has been performed on the jetties to strengthen them. Despite these moves to prolong their life and usefulness, the structures are not immune to the effects of nature. Waves can remove even the largest boulders from jetties, and underwater currents - which penetrate the structure - remove smaller rocks and sand from inside the jetty. This creates visible and hidden dangers. Open crevasses between large boulders create stepping hazards. Sinkholes, caused by drifting sand pushed up against the jetty being eroded by moving water inside the structure, can give way unexpectedly. Caverns within the structure, caused by the erosion of stones and sand, could be hidden below a thin surface and suddenly collapse. Sea spray causes rock surfaces to become slippery. Sudden larger waves, even in calm weather, can knock a person off balance or into the water. Waves and strong currents near the jetty can prevent safe recovery after a fall into the water. The Corps manages more than 30 jetties and breakwaters along the entire length of the Oregon coast, from Astoria, south to Brookings. Construction of the jetties began more than 100 years ago to help mariners navigate between the Pacific Ocean and coastal ports, and were never intended for recreational purposes. For this reason, jetties should be admired for their complexity and contributions to the region from a distance.


Coast Guard responds to
false use of distress flares

KODIAK — The Coast Guard spent several hours and more than $10,000 Sunday responding to a false distress after a 20 year-old man from Kodiak not in distress fired two flares from a beach south of the island while camping. Saturday marked the beginning of National Safe Boating Week which highlights specific actions and safety equipment boaters should take to be safe on the water. When used properly, flares are effective and one of the best ways to immediately draw the attention of rescuers, however, when used improperly they are equally effective at drawing attention but delay the response by rescue crews of those truly in need elsewhere. A Coast Guard helicopter crew flew along the shoreline near Narrow Cape on Kodiak Island Sunday morning after a camper reported seeing a red flare. While searching the area, a second flare was spotted by the helicopter crew. The Jayhawk crew landed on Surfer’s Beach near several campsites and deployed the rescue swimmer to talk with the campers. The 20 year-old was identified as the person shooting off the flares which had expired and the man was explained the severity of the Coast Guard responding without a distress. The man was not prosecuted but was educated by the Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers on his poor decision to fire the flares in a non-distress situation. For more information on when to use flares and when not to, visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 18, 2009

Port of Seattle marks
dedication of Terminal 30

SEATTLE — Officials from China Shipping, Matson, SSA Marine, and the Port of Seattle gathered last Friday in Seattle at the port’s newest facility, Terminal 30. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke joined in dedicating the cargo terminal, which will support over 400 jobs and generate millions in state and local tax revenues for the region. The port invested nearly $50 million in the 70 acre (hectares) facility with two container ship berths. In a joint venture, China Shipping, Matson, and SSA Marine will operate the terminal under a long-term agreement signed in 2007 in Shanghai. Approximately 600 jobs were created by construction of the terminal. The dedication of the Terminal 30 facility marks the completion of a three-year, multi-million dollar investment by the port in returning the terminal to use as a cargo-handling facility. For several years the facility was used for the Port’s growing cruise business; earlier this month, the port opened a new cruise facility, Smith Cove Terminal, at Pier 91.


Port of Bremerton
names new CEO

BREMERTON — The Port of Bremerton has selected Cary Bozeman as its new chief executive officer. Mr. Bozeman will resign his position as mayor of the City of Bremerton and will begin his new position as port CEO on June 8, 2009. He replaces the previous CEO, Ken Attebery, who retired at the end of 2008. Mr. Bozeman has served as mayor of the City of Bremerton for over seven years beginning his first term on January 1, 2002. Prior to serving as Mayor, Mr. Bozeman was the executive director of the Olympic College Foundation from 1996-2001; president of the Institute for Public Service from 1994-1996, served on the Bellevue City Council from 1976-1993 being elected by the City Council to three terms as mayor; and was president/CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of King County from 1985-1994.


Carnival cruise vessels
heading back to Mexico

MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer
recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available at http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx.


Horizon Lines earns
Walmart top carrier honor

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc., has been named Jones Act Carrier of the Year for 2008 by Walmart Stores, Inc. The award is presented each year to a domestic ocean carrier to recognize best-in-class schedule reliability and exceptional customer service. The award was presented at a meeting at Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, AR on May 12. Horizon Lines is the only ocean carrier serving all three domestic trades of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, where Walmart operates a combined total of more than 75 stores.


New Armed Forces display
unveiled at Portland Airport

PORTLAND — Portland International Airport has unveiled its new permanent display honoring members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families as they travel through the airport. The display, located prominently in the northern section of the ticket lobby, features the U.S. Flag and seals of the five branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. On hand for the dedication ceremony were Paul Evans, Emergency Preparedness, Military and Veterans' Affairs Policy advisor to Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski; Brig. Gen. Bruce Prunk, commander, Oregon Air National Guard; State Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, Oregon Army National Guard; and Mark Crosby, Port of Portland chief of Public Safety & Security, and Oregon Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. The display was inspired by Port of Portland Police Officer Jason McKay, and developed by the port in coordination with U.S. military representatives. PDX, the state of Oregon’s largest airport, is owned and operated by the port. Last year, PDX served nearly 14.3 million travelers.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 15, 2009

Portland Port Commission
Oks PDX deicing project pact

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland reports it hopes to break ground in early July on enhancements to the Portland International Airport deicing storm water collection system. The Port of Portland Commission has approved a $48.8 million construction contract for the enhancements that are nearing final design. Aircraft and airfield deicing is conducted to ensure flight safety when the weather is cold, and the deicing system captures deicing runoff that mixes with storm water. Planned enhancements include expanding the existing system to capture storm water runoff containing dilute concentrations of deicing materials on the western airfield. Other improvements would increase the existing storage capacities for concentrated and dilute runoff, and treat dilute system effluent prior to discharge to the Columbia Slough and Columbia River in compliance with permit requirements. Planned additions include the installation of a 3-million gallon concentrated runoff storage tank, two 6.5-million gallon dilute runoff storage tanks, three pump stations, a treatment building housing the anaerobic fluidized bed biological reactor, which breaks down deicing material in storm water; an outfall to the Columbia River, and more than six miles of underground piping.


Public invited to attend
Port of Olympia open house

OLYMPIA — On Wednesday, May 20, the Port of Olympia is offering an invitation to meet the developers, ask questions and see proposed development concepts for the East Bay District. The East Bay Open House will be held at Washington Middle School, 3100 Cain Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98501 from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The developers will present their proposals for redevelopment of the East Bay District, located on the East Bay of Budd Inlet, and bordered by Marine Drive, State Street, and Jefferson Avenue. At the open house that follows, the public can meet the developers including: Lorig, MJR Development and Tarragon. Join Port of Olympia, Hands On Children's Museum and LOTT Alliance at this community event.


Port of Camas/Washougal
plans industrial park open house

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas/Washougal invites the community to attend an open house to review and share feedback on the draft land use options currently being considered for the East Industrial Park - 122 acres east of the existing port industrial park. The public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Port of Camas-Washougal located at 24 South A Street, in Washougal. The drop-in style open house will include periodic project overview presentations and graphic representations of the draft land use options at display stations. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and collect comments. The Port of Camas-Washougal values and encourages input from the community about this project and other Port initiatives. For information, visit the port's Web site www.portcw.com and click on the "Projects" tab and select "Industrial Park Master Plan 2009," or contact David Ripp, executive director, at (360) 835-2196 x101 or dave@portcw.com


US rail freight traffic
drops during month of April

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was down sharply during April 2009 in comparison with April 2008, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports. Carload traffic fell 23.0 percent (382,612 carloads) compared to April 2008 to 1,278,794 carloads. U.S. rail intermodal traffic (which is not included in carloads) fell 17.9 percent (199,530 trailers and containers) to 917,981 units in April. U.S. rail carloadings fell in April 2009 in all 19 major commodity groups tracked by the AAR, including coal (down 96,494 carloads, or 13.4 percent); metals and metal products (down 41,322 carloads, or 62.1 percent); motor vehicles and equipment (down 40,820 carloads, or 46.7 percent); and grain (down 35,407 carloads, or 28.3 percent.


Mitsui plans new service
calling Vietnam, US West Coast

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced plans to offer direct service from Vietnam to the US West Coast. The company's Pacific Southwest Express (PSX) service will begin calling on Cai Mep in South Vietnam effective June 4, 2009. The MOL operated PSX service will call at Tan Cang Cai Mep Terminal, located approximately 50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, in the province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. The PSX service will provide comprehensive coverage of the Pacific Southwest with calls at the ports of Los Angeles and Oakland. Port rotation is: Cai Mep ( Wed/Thu)- Hong Kong (Sun/Sun)- Yantian (Mon/Tue)- Los Angeles (Sat/Tue)- Oakland (Wed/Thu)- Tokyo (Sun/Mon)- Xiamen (Thu/Thu)- Dachan Bay (Fri/Sat)- Hong Kong (Sat/Sun)- Cai Mep (Wed).


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Senator Murray nets funding
for Columbia channel project

CLACKAMAS, OR — The Columbia River Channel Coalition reports that U.S. Senator Patty Murray has announced that Columbia River channel deepening work will receive $26.6 million in funding, which will complete the last phase of channel deepening. Senator Murray (Washington) is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. She has been a long time supporter of this project and has been critical in assisting this project for many years. This latest funding will come under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Channel Project was not originally included in the Administration's list of ARRA projects that would receive funding; however, Senator Murray and other Northwest legislators spoke with Obama Administration officials about the importance of this project and, as a result, the project is now included.


Port of Portland honored
for safety/health achievements

SALEM — Oregon OSHA has welcomed the Port of Portland as the latest employer in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Cory Streisinger, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood presented port leaders with a plaque during the Port Commission meeting on May 13. SHARP provides an incentive for Oregon employers to work with their employees to find and correct hazards, develop and implement effective safety and health programs, and continuously improve. The ultimate goal of SHARP is to encourage employers to become self-sufficient in managing workplace safety and health issues. Currently, 68 employer locations in Oregon participate in SHARP, in addition to 84 facilities that have graduated from the program.


Crowley making changes
to management structure

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that it has made several organizational changes within its contract services and marine operations groups. John Ara has been named vice president, contract services, and Chris Peterson has been named vice president, marine operations, both reporting to John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager, Atlantic and Gulf services and Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager, Pacific and West Coast services. In his new role, Mr. Ara will remain in Houston and will assume combined responsibility for all contract and project work including jobs on the east coast, west coast, gulf coast and in Alaska. mR. Ara who most recently served the company as vice president Atlantic/Gulf coast commercial and marine operations will now implement project management and all associated responsibilities including sales and contract administration. This will include projects in support of the oil industry such as summer sealift work as well as work in the Russian Far East. In his new role, Mr. Peterson will split his time between the west and gulf coasts and will assume additional operational responsibility for gulf coast marine operations in support of project cargo, contract services, harbor services and oil field/energy support including utilization of the new fleet of heavy lift barges.


Lloyds List taps Leander
as new editor-in-chief

LONDON — Lloyd’s List – the newspaper of the global maritime shipping industry and the world’s longest published newspaper – has a new editor-in-chief. Tom Leander, who joins Lloyd’s List from The Economist Group, has more than 20 years of experience in editing newspapers and publications in the economy and finance sectors. In his most recent roles, Mr. Leander served as editorial director of EuroFinance and editor-in-chief of CFO Asia, an English language monthly published by The Economist covering corporate finance and the rise of Asian business. Prior to working for The Economist, Mr. Leander edited a number of financial publications in the USA.


Fred Potter named head
of Teamsters' Port Division

WASHINGTON, DC — Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa has announced the appointment of At-Large Vice President Fred Potter of New Jersey as director of the union's Port Division. Mr. Potter will replace departing Western Region Vice President Chuck Mack on June 1. mR. Potter will continue to serve as president of Local 469 in Hazlet and has recently been appointed to his second five-year term as a commissioner to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Crowley celebrates christening
of new Alaska tug NACHIK

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Nome Mayor Denise Michels and a couple hundred guests gathered at the Small Boat Harbor in Seward, Alaska, on Saturday to celebrate the christening of Crowley's newest tug - the NACHIK(NAH-chick). The christening marks Crowley's continuous commitment to provide the safest and most environmentally sound vessel services in Alaska. Later this month, the company will take delivery of its sister vessel, the SESOK (SEE-sock). Crowley has invested in these two IKKAT (Ick-cut) Class vessels specifically to support Alaska shallow draft challenges and to enhance environmental and safety presence in Alaska waters. The NACHIK, which means "hair seal" in the Alaska Native Inupiaq language, was jointly designed by Crowley and Diversified Marine. The NACHIK is a 1,362 horsepower triple-screw diesel powered tug equipped to safely propel petroleum/freight barges in river systems throughout Alaska.


Port of Everett terminal project
earns 2040 Transportation Vision Award

EVERETT — The Puget Sound Regional Council (PRSC) awarded the Port of Everett’s Mount Baker Terminal project with a 2040 Transportation Vision Award on April 30. Mount Baker Terminal is a new shipping facility that is designed to transport oversized aerospace cargo to Paine Field Airport. The facility currently accommodates aerospace parts from the 747, 767, and 777 airplanes. It could also be used as a backup transportation method for the 787 Dreamliner. Prior to the opening of this $30 million facility in May 2008, the oversized aerospace parts were transported from Port of Everett’s Pacific Terminal by rail to Paine Field Airport. This process shut down the BNSF mainline in both directions for approximately two hours. The new facility reduces the mainline closure to approximately 15 minutes. Mount Baker Terminal is one of six innovative projects that PSRC honored for helping achieve the region's long range growth, economic development, and transportation strategy.


Port of Camas-Washougal
adding new on-line tools

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas-Washougal is embracing new technology tools that encourage citizens to participate in an online dialogue and provide additional methods of communication to spread the word about port activities and events. The port has launched a Twitter Web site found at www.twitter.com/portcw and a blog at blog.portcw.com. The two new Web sites are currently operational and have content ranging from announcements about current weather conditions on the Twitter site to an article on the blog about the new reader board policy. Formed in 1935 by a vote of the local community, the Port of Camas-Washougal features a 400-acre industrial park, a 79-hangar general aviation airport, and a 350-slip pleasure-boat marina.


Marine Response Alliance
taps Doyle as general manager

POMPANO, FL — The Marine Response Alliance (MRA) has announced that Margaret Kaigh Doyle has been appointed general manager of the Alliance effective May 18, 2009. Ms. Doyle has over 20 years of experience in the maritime industry and the majority of her career has focused on representing the interests of various sectors in the industry including ship owners and operators, government agencies as well as salvage and firefighting organizations. Prior to joining the MRA she worked as a senior tanker analyst at Marsoft, a Boston-based maritime consulting company. Doyle’s primary focus will be to lead the compliance team, ensuring that all vessels naming the MRA in their OPA 90 vessel response plans and that trade within any of the nine U.S. Captain of the Port zones do so in full compliance. MRA is a consortium of the world’s foremost emergency towing, lightering, salvage and marine firefighting companies.


Educational shipping 'Box'
delivered by NYK vessel

TOKYO — In September 2008, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) initiated an ambitious and unique project to tell the story of international trade and globalization by tracking a standard shipping container around the world for about a year. On April 28, that container, which the BBC calls “the Box,” arrived in Yokohama aboard NYK CLARA. The Container Shipping Information Service (CSIS) is working in collaboration with the BBC on this project, and NYK, as a member of the CSIS, carried the Box on this leg from Santos, Brazil, to Yokohama. Last year, the box began its voyage from Southampton, U.K., and has since traveled to a number of countries around the world. On this particular journey, the Box arrived in Yokohama filled with foodstuffs. The box will continue on its way once NYK determines the next shipper for it.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 11, 2009

Olympia Port Commissioners
eye award of East Bay project pact

OLYMPIA — The Olympia Port Commission will meet today, at 5:30 p.m., in the LOTT Board Room, 111 Market St. NE, Olympia. Among the agenda items is the commission’s consideration of the proposed award of the East Bay Infrastructure Contract to Stan Palmer Construction. Commissioners also will vote on a resolution proposing to increase Commissioners’ compensation. The resolution, as drafted, would not implement the proposed change until 2012, at which time the current compensation of $200 per month, which will have been in place for 20 years, would increase to $400.00 per month. Kevin Ferguson, Finance Director, will present the port’s First Quarter Financial results. The commission will discuss port staff’s proposed draft of a commission Resolution concerning the Capitol Lake Adaptive Management Plan. The complete agenda for the meeting is available at http://www.portolympia.com/commission/agenda


Coast Guard extends comment time
for new Oregon/Washington bar rules

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is re-opening the period for the public to provide written comments on a proposed rule to establish Regulated Navigation Areas along the Oregon and Washington coasts. All comments must be received by the Coast Guard no later than June 30, 2009. Additionally, the Coast Guard will be holding a third public meeting to receive oral and written comments. The meeting will be held in Coos Bay, June 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at: The Red Lion Hotel, 1313 N. Bayshore Drive, Coos Bay, OR 97420 (541) 267-4141. The proposed rule would realign current procedures for restricting recreational and uninspected passenger vessel traffic from crossing a hazardous bar under the Port and Waterways Safety Act. The proposed rule would also streamline current procedures for closing hazardous bars within the Regulated Navigation Area during severe environmental conditions. In addition, the proposed rule would establish additional safety requirements for recreational and small commercial vessels to comply with during certain hazardous conditions. This proposed rule would mitigate the risks associated with the bars and enhance the safety of the persons and vessels operating on and in the vicinity of them. The Coast Guard encourages the public to view the proposed rule at 74 FR 7022 and to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2008-1017. All comments received will be posted, without change.


NYK vessels earn
Port of Long Beach award

TOKYO — On April 9, NYK was recognized as one of the top shipping lines in the Green Flag vessel speed reduction program that the Port of Long Beach has been conducting to improve air quality. It is the second consecutive recognition for NYK. The Green Flag Program aims at restraining exhaust emissions from vessels. The Port of Long Beach recommends that vessels operate voluntary under 12 knots within 20 miles of the port. The program has been conducted since 2005. This year's awards are for the results of 2008 and were given to 13 vessel operators whose vessels called at Long Beach at least 50 times and achieved at least 90 percent compliance in the program. Vessels operated by NYK called at Long Beach 290 times and scored a compliance rating of 97.24 percent.


Trucking group pleased with
'Jason's Law' legislation introduction

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) applauds Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for introducing legislation, H.R. 2156 in the House and S.971 in the Senate, titled “Jason’s Law,” that would implement a pilot program to address shortages in safe parking for commercial motor vehicles on the National Highway System. “ATA supports this critical legislation and urges quick action in Congress,” said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. “The parking shortage for commercial motor vehicles comprises the safety of drivers out on the road and requires a comprehensive solution involving all interested parties.” Named after slain New York truck driver Jason Rivenburg, this legislation allows the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with appropriate State, regional, and local governments, to allocate funds to improve rest areas that serve the National Highway System.


Dredging association backs
stimulus funds for projects

WASHINGTON, DC — "The member companies of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) are pleased by the inclusion of $440 million of needed dredging projects in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stimulus list," said Dan McDougal, President of DCA. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act "will provide a shot in the arm to the maritime and boating industries, as well as supply hundreds of family wage jobs for employees of the nations dredging and marine construction companies," he said. "Many of the stimulus projects are intended to restore poorly maintained projects to full project dimensions. As a result, new efficient water transportation alternatives will be available to shippers and key waterfront investments will be more likely to follow."


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 8, 2009

BC cruise passenger numbers
may overwhelm taxi companies

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver is advising cruise passengers and travellers in and around Vancouver to have contingency plans in place for local travel on today and tomorrow, due to an expected unusually high demand for taxis by cruise ship passengers. Port, cruise terminal and Tourism Vancouver officials have met with local taxi companies and other service providers to plan for the increased volumes on these two days. The increased demand is due to the large number of independent travellers aboard cruise ships scheduled to arrive in Vancouver for repositioning cruises. Repositioning cruises occur at the beginning of the Alaska cruise season when cruise lines relocate ships to Vancouver from their southern winter itineraries. The congestion this weekend will be heightened by the anticipated late arrival of the Star Princess on Saturday morning. As repositioning cruises tend to attract a larger number of independent travellers, who do not have prearranged transfers to and from the port, there is a corresponding increase in demand for taxi service. The port projects that 6,000 independent travellers will be arriving and departing through Canada Place on Friday, another 6,000 on Saturday, and an additional 2,000 disembarking at Ballantyne Pier on Friday. There are approximately 500 taxis licensed to provide ground transportation in the city of Vancouver.


Port association unhappy with
President's proposed 2010 budget

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has signaled its disappointment over the Obama Administration's proposed fiscal 2010 budget, saying that it would significantly underfund the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Port Security Grant Program and the portion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works Program that includes crucial deep-draft maintenance dredging for seaports. In addition, while the administration is asking for a higher funding level than was requested last year for a key program that provides grants to reduce diesel emissions from trucks and other equipment, the request is far below what Congress actually authorized for the program.


Matson earns award
from Toyota Logistics

OAKLAND — Matson Navigation Company has been honored with a 2008 Toyota Logistics Excellence award for outstanding achievement. This is the second consecutive year Matson has received this honor from Toyota Logistics. The Outstanding Achievement Award honored Matson for its role in successfully providing sailing and delivery priorities for Toyota’s roll out program for the company’s new Venza. Equally important, Matson worked closely with Toyota’s distributor in Hawaii, Servco Pacific, to ensure that Toyota’s Hawaii distribution requirements were addressed, particularly for dealers doing business on the Neighbor Islands. The efforts focused on the full range of Toyota’s service expectations, as well as a thorough program designed to ensure all vehicles were delivered damage free.


US rail freight traffic
down again during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads remained sharply down from a year ago during the week ended April 25, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 260,652 cars during the week, down 22.4 percent from the comparison week in 2008, although up 2.1 percent from the previous week this year. In comparison with last year, loadings were down 20.7 percent in the West and 24.7 percent in the East. Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with only the catch-all category of all other carloads defying the trend and showing a 12.8 percent increase. Declines among the remaining commodity groups ranged from 8.0 percent for grain mill products to 62.4 percent for metals. Intermodal volume of 184,509 trailers or containers was off 17.8 percent from last year, although up 0.7 percent from the previous week this year. Container volume fell 12.4 percent from last year, while trailer volume dropped 37.1 percent. Total volume was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, off 21.1 percent from 2008 but up 1.8 percent from the previous week this year. For the first 16 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,286,128 carloads, down 18.0 percent from 2008; 2,974,269 trailers or containers, down 16.2 percent; and total volume of an estimated 455.0 billion ton-miles, down 16.9 percent.


PDX noise commitee
schedules public meeting

PORTLAND — Portland International Airport Citizen Noise Advisory Committee meets from 6-8 p.m. May 14 in St. Helens Conference Room B at the airport located at 7000 NE Airport Way in Portland. The community is invited and public comment is welcomed. Members of the newly formed communications and outreach task force will share recommendations for expanding committee community involvement and outreach. Committee members will also discuss their training priorities for the remainder of 2009. The Citizen Noise Advisory Committee is the port’s official forum for working with the public on issues related to aircraft noise. Committee representatives are from northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Eleven members are appointed by various city and county jurisdictions, and four representatives are appointed by the Port in an effort to maintain geographic diversity on the committee. Technical assistance is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Oregon Air National Guard. Committee meetings are open to the public and include time for public comment. Interested residents are encouraged to attend. For more information or directions to the meeting, contact Debbie Bishop (503) 460-4543, or the noise management hotline (503) 460-4100 or (800) 938-6647.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, May 7, 2009

Federal Maritime Commission
talks with West Coast trade group

WASHINGTON, DC — An industry briefing by the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations (PCC) was held on May 4, 2009 at the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). The open-dialogue format of the briefing afforded the commission the opportunity to gain greater insight and understanding of current issues and concerns affecting the freight forwarding and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) industry conducting business on the West Coast. This feedback is valuable to the commission given the changing dynamics of the ocean shipping industry in today's economy. The briefing was moderated by Peter Friedmann, Counsel for the Pacific Coast Council, and 15 PCC members participated by sharing their views with the commission. FMC Commissioners and staff were briefed on several issues impacting the council, such as: current global trade conditions; re-emergence of container space shortages for export cargoes; the impact of new Automated Export System reporting requirements; and carrier practices with respect to freight forwarder compensation.


Schnitzer Steel continues string
of stock dividend payments

PORTLAND — The Board of Directors of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.017 per common share, payable on June 1, 2009, to shareholders of record on May 18, 2009. Schnitzer has paid a dividend every quarter since going public in November 1993. Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled ferrous metal products in the United States with 42 operating facilities located in 13 states throughout the country, including seven export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts and in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.


Coast Guard inks final rule
on Alternate Compliance Program

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Coast Guard's Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship announced May 4, 2009, the publication of a final rule amending Coast Guard regulations relating to the Alternate Compliance Program. The Alternate Compliance Program came into effect in 1997. These regulations allow eligible ship owners and operators to have their vessels inspected by classification societies that are specifically authorized to act on behalf of the Coast Guard. This option was proved to be cost effective for many owners and afforded them a greater degree of flexibility in scheduling examinations. The Coast Guard retains an oversight role to ensure that safety standards are correctly applied and that safe conditions are maintained. Through these amendments, the Coast Guard is updating the list of international certificates the Coast Guard issues and for which authority can be delegated. The amendments also detail the Coast Guard eligibility requirements for clasification societies seeking authorization under the Alternate Compliance Program and expand the Alternate Compliance Program to include oceanographic research vessels, which were previously ineligible. This final rule follows consideration of public comments on its potential impact. The public comments were supportive of expanding the program. The final rule and its related materials can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2004-19823.


Vessel chief engineer
pleads guilty in dumping case

WASHINGTON, DC — Carmelo Oria, a Spanish citizen who was the chief engineer on the Cyprus-flagged M/T NAUTILUS, was has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts for maintaining inaccurate records that concealed a discharge of oil-contaminated water from the bilges of the vessel, the Justice Department announced. Mr. Oria was sentenced to one month in prison, to be followed by supervised release for a term of two years and a $3,000 fine. Mr. Oria pleaded guilty on March 9, 2009, to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships based on his role in discharging oil-contaminated bilge water directly into the ocean from the NAUTILUS and then failing to record the discharge in the ship's records.


Crowley helps deliver
race car to Virginia event

JACKSONVILLE, FL — For years Crowley has strived to transport anything, anytime, anywhere on water safely. Add racecars to the list of unique goods transported by the company. Last month, the company transported the J.D. Jaguar race car from San Juan to Jacksonville for the first racing event of the season, the 2009 Sports Car Club of America Trans-Am racing title held at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. After the Virginia event, the driver Jorge Arturo Diaz Jr. and his team travel to Mosport, Canada for its second race, followed by races in Mid-Ohio, Portland, Ore. Watkins Glen in New York and later Wisconsin. After the season, Crowley will bring their race car and equipment back to Puerto Rico.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Study finds Puget Sound ports
have lowest carbon footprint

SEATTLE — The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma have announced the results of a groundbreaking study that quantifies the carbon footprint of containers coming through the Puget Sound. The lowest emission route to ship cargo from Asia to the U.S. Midwest is through the Puget Sound – the “Green Gateway” for trade. The study, commissioned by the Port of Seattle, was conducted by Herbert Engineering, a ship design, engineering and transportation consulting firm based in California. They analyzed carbon footprints of trade routes between Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, and the U.S. distribution hubs of Chicago, Columbus and Memphis as well as routes that use US East and Gulf Coast ports via the Panama and Suez canals. For ports of origin as far south as Singapore, carbon emissions for cargo moving by ship to the Pacific Northwest and by rail to a broad swath of the United States are lower than on routes through the Panama Canal, Norfolk, New York and California. Prior to its release, the Port of Seattle had Herbert Engineering’s study independently reviewed, and also asked trade experts, customers, and shipping partners to review the results.


Alaska Marine Highway
inks new Bellingham lease

BELLINGHAM — The Alaska State Ferry will continue to be a Fairhaven landmark and a local economic engine with the Bellingham Port Commission's approval of a new 15-year lease. The Alaska State Ferry began operating out of the Port of Bellingham's Cruise Terminal in 1989 after the port, with strong community support, successfully lured it away from Seattle. At that time, the port and Alaska signed a 20-year agreement making Bellingham the Southern Terminus for the Alaskan Ferry system. Between 25,000 and 30,000 passengers use the ferry out of Bellingham each year and a recent economic impact study by Martin and Associates noted that this operation generates an estimated $3 million a year in local revenue and accounts for direct employment of 32 people.


Everett wharf developer
late on in-lieu-of-rent payment

EVERETT — On May 1, 2009, the Port of Everett issued Port Gardner Wharf developer, Maritime Trust Company (MTC), a notice of deficiency for failing to make its nearly $1.1 million in-lieu-of-rent payment. This notice of deficiency triggers a 30-day time period in which the developer has to cure the deficiency. The in-lieu-of-rent payment is essentially lost lease revenues that the port could have earned if the property weren’t under a Master Option Consideration. If the payment isn’t received by June 1, 2009, MTC would be considered in default, and the contract could be terminated. At that point, the default will be brought before the Everett Port Commission for consideration – most likely in June.


Alaska Airlines adding
Seattle, Portland flights

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines has announced the airline will expand its Seattle-Honolulu schedule from one daily flight to two, beginning July 2, 2009, and advance the start of its Portland-Maui service to July 3, 2009, from Aug. 7, 2009. Alaska also will inaugurate nonstop daily service between Seattle and Houston, beginning Sept. 23, 2009, and between Seattle and Atlanta, starting Oct. 23, 2009. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn double miles on the new nonstop flights between Seattle and Houston, through Nov. 23, 2009, and between Seattle and Atlanta, through Dec. 23, 2009.


Ambassadors International
plans to sell Marine Group

SEATTLE — Ambassadors International, Inc. (the Company) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell Ambassadors Marine Group, LLC (AMG), which holds all assets related to the Company's marine business, to Bellwether Financial Group, Inc., a company affiliated with its former Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Ueberroth. As previously announced, the Company has decided to sell all non-Windstar Cruises assets. In April, the Company announced the sale of its travel & events business. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company retains the right to solicit superior proposals to acquire AMG until May 22, 2009. Proposals may be submitted to the Company's investment banker, Stephens, Inc.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, May 4, 2009

Seattle, Tacoma port boards
hold joint commission meeting

SEATTLE — Port commissioners from Seattle and Tacoma met April 30, to discuss the economic and competitive challenges facing the Pacific Northwest. The joint meeting highlighted strategies to position the region for continued success as a gateway for global trade. The two ports are responsible for more than 300,000 jobs in Washington and generate more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenues. The two ports first met jointly just over a year ago, identifying four areas of collaboration: regional promotion, transportation infrastructure, environmental issues, and port security. In March, Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Tacoma Executive Director Tim Farrell traveled together to Washington, D.C., sharing with congressional leaders the need to fund road and rail projects throughout the state, and environmental programs in Puget Sound. "The ports of Seattle and Tacoma have come together to protect jobs by ensuring cargo continues coming into Puget Sound, rather than going to British Columbia or through an expanded Panama Canal," said Seattle Commission President Bill Bryant. "As our friends and neighbors wrestle with this difficult economy, the jobs that our ports create become even more significant," said Tacoma Commission President Clare Petrich. "Tacoma and Seattle are taking the initiative to work together to make us both more efficient and competitive when the world markets recover." The two ports plan to meet again in late 2009.


U.S. steel imports
drop during month of March

WASHINGTON, DC — Preliminary data released by the International Trade Administration show that overall steel imports in March 2009 decreased 5.30 percent from February 2009. This change in the March total amount of steel imports was due to decreases in several categories including carbon and alloy blooms, billets and slabs (-40.59 percent), plates in coils (-35.67 percent), and stainless blooms, billets and slabs (-30.86 percent). Notable increases included carbon and alloy reinforcing bars (154.90 percent) and line pipe (24.38 percent). March 2009 imports of steel mill products were down 41.47 percent compared to March 2008.


Bellingham 4th of July event
looking for musicians/performers

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce will present the first Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Event organizers are currently looking for bands of all musical genres, as well as other performance artists to play at this all-ages festival. If you or your group would like to perform, contact Marie Duckworth, port community relations coordinator, at married@portofbellingham.com or (360) 676-2500. For many years, Haggen has sponsored an evening fireworks show over Bellingham Bay for July 4th. The event brings up to 10,000 people to Bellingham's waterfront to watch the colorful evening display. This year the port is complimenting the evening fireworks with a free day-time festival full of live music, a kid's zone, vendors and a Boundary Bay beer garden. There is no pay for bands and performers in the festival's inaugural year, but there will be a table set up for musicians to put out literature and sell CDs. Anyone interested in performing at the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration should email married@portofbellingham.com and be sure to include: Your name, contact email and phone number, link to your music or performances, Genre, or a few words to describe your sounds and any time constraints on Saturday, July 4.


Navy awards Bath Iron Works
contract for Littoral Compat Ship

BATH, ME — The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to a Bath Iron Works-led team for the construction of Coronado (LCS 4), the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to feature a high-speed trimaran hull. The 419-foot surface combatant ship, equipped with open architecture-based combat systems and computing environment developed by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, will be manufactured by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. It is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in May 2012. Bath Iron Works is a subsidiary of General Dynamics. The Littoral Combat Ship is a key element of the Navy's plan to address asymmetric threats of the 21st century. Intended to operate in coastal areas, the ship will be fast, highly maneuverable and geared to supporting mine detection/elimination, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, particularly against small surface craft. The Navy's first trimaran LCS, Independence (LCS 2), is in the final stages of construction and testing in preparation for its upcoming sea trials.


Port of Tacoma sets
free bus tour for May 11

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma is holding a free bus tour of port facilities Monday, May 11 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reserve your seat by calling: 253-383-9463 or emailing at bustours@portoftacoma.com. Chirden age six and over are welcome. Photo ID is required for passengers over 17 years of age. All departures are from the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma, WA 98424. Follow the link, http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?cid=350, for driving directions to the Fabulich Center. For more information, go to the port's web site and click on: www.portoftacoma.com.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, May 1, 2009

Allegiant Air set to begin
Bellingham to Los Angeles flights

BELLINGHAM — Bellingham and British Columbia residents will soon take off for the glitz and glamour of Southern California as low-fare airline Allegiant Air inaugurates the only low cost, nonstop service from Bellingham International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Saturday May 2. The new flights will operate two times weekly with service Wednesday and Saturday. Beginning May 2, flights will depart Bellingham at 7 a.m. arriving in Los Angeles at 9:35 a.m. Flights leaving Los Angeles will depart at 10:45 a.m. arriving in Bellingham at 1:30 p.m. (all flight times are local). Beginning May 25, the airline will add a third weekly flight on Mondays. Allegiant offers nonstop flights to five other vacation destinations including: Las Vegas; San Francisco; Palm Springs, Calif.; Phoenix-Mesa and San Diego. The carrier utilizes a full-size, 150-seat MD-80 jet aircraft on the route. The airline said its market research and input from local community leaders indicate the Bellingham and Vancouver communities will welcome the new nonstop flights and low fares to Los Angeles.


Port of Tacoma talks 'change'
at annual breakfast meeting

TACOMA — An audience of more than 200 people Wednesday, April 29 started their morning at Tacoma’s Hotel Murano with breakfast, coffee and pointed opinions about the global economy and the changing competitive landscape of world trade. The Port of Tacoma's Annual Breakfast – titled "Meeting the Challenges of Global Economic Change" – was headlined by Dr. Walter Kemmsies, chief economist of Moffatt & Nichol. His presentation focused on the current economic malaise and a path to recovery. The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Kemmsies, which featured:
* Chris Connor, president, Region Americas, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
* Timothy J. Farrell, Executive Director, Port of Tacoma
* John Kaiser, vice president and general manager, Intermodal and Marketing Sales, Union Pacific Railroad
* Fred Malesa, vice president, International Marketing, BNSF Railway
* Mike Lingerfelt, President, Washington United Terminals
Panel members discussed their organizations' response to economic challenges, competition and forecasts for economic recovery.


Rail freight traffic count
drops down during week

WASHINGTON, DC — Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was off sharply during the week ended April 18 in comparison with a year ago, the Association of American Railroads reports. U.S. railroads originated 255,269 cars during the week, down 24.3 percent from the comparison week in 2008, although up 2.8 percent from the previous week this year. In comparison with last year, loadings were down 20.6 percent in the West and 28.6 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 9.3 percent for grain mill products to 63.6 percent for metallic ores. IIntermodal volume of 183,141 trailers or containers was off 18.3 percent from last year, although up 2.7 percent from the previous week this year. Container volume fell 12.9 percent from last year, while trailer volume dropped 37.7 percent. Total volume was estimated at 27.2 billion ton-miles, off 23.2 percent from 2008. For the first 15 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,025,476 carloads, down 17.7 percent from 2008; 2,789,760 trailers or containers, down 16.1 percent; and total volume of an estimated 427.3 billion ton-miles, down 16.6 percent.


Potential bidders take tour
of Panama Canal project site

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) recently held a site visit and pre-bid conference to discuss the Atlantic Entrance Dredging Project under the waterway’s Expansion Program. International dredging and excavation contractors, and equipment and service providers participated in the two-day event. Held April 29-30, it included a tour of the future Atlantic dredging and excavation areas, as well as the designated in-land disposal sites and a meeting where the ACP provided details on the project, including information on the extended proposal deadline. On February 27, the ACP released its request for proposals (RFP) for the Atlantic dredging. In response to bidder requests, the ACP provided a two-week extension to June 30 for a geotechnical study and evaluation in Canal waters. As such, the ACP also extended the proposal due date from July 15 to July 30. This project is an essential part of the canal’s expansion to ensure that larger, wider ships can reach the new locks. It lowers the canal bottom to 15.5 meters below the mean sea level and includes the dredging of approximately 15 million cubic meters and 800 thousand cubic meters of dry excavation. The ACP will award the Atlantic dredging contract to the lowest bidder complying with all the contract requirements. This dredging project’s expected completion date is during the second quarter of 2013.


Crowley aids employees
in TWIC credential process

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Continuing its practice of proactively addressing maritime security issues and of meeting new federal security requirements, Crowley has announced that all of its employees, who needed Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) by the final mid-April deadline, have them. More than 600 Crowley terminal and port workers in Port Everglades, Pennsauken, Jacksonville, San Juan and St. Thomas and more than 1,000 merchant seamen from Alaska to Puerto Rico obtained TWIC credentials during a series of rolling federal deadlines. To ensure compliance and business continuity Crowley helped employees get their credentials by reimbursing the cost of the cards - more than $275,000 in total - for employees who applied within certain guidelines. Crowley not only reimbursed TWIC fees and expenses but also provided paid work time for workers to obtain credentials.