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September, 2011

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, September 30, 2011

Port of Portland to begin
second phase of industrial park

PORTLAND — The Port of Portland reports it is proceeding with development of the second phase of Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park. Responding to the need for large parcels of industrial land to enhance employment and economic development in the region, the development will bring nine new lots to market on 180 acres located along Swigert Way and Sundial Road. Investments will also be made to support transportation infrastructure improvements. Once fully completed, the three phase, multiyear development is expected to yield an estimated 3,500 new jobs, $141 million in personal income and $46 million in state and local taxes. Last year, the $129 million, 441,000 square foot FedEx Ground regional distribution hub began operations on a 78-acre lot in 2010, supporting 800 jobs. Port officials report interest from a variety of parties for the remaining lots from the first phase of development, as well as for those slated for the next phase. In support of the economic improvements, the port is joining forces with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Troutdale on a federal grant request to complete a transportation funding package for road and trail connections to the site. A $4.1 million improvement for the Troutdale interchange at I-84 is currently underway.


Bellingham port board eyes
short-term lease proposal

BELLINGHAM — On Tuesday the Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners will vote on a proposed short-term lease of deep-draft dock space and warehouse space at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. The companies seeking the leases, Greenberry Industrial LLC and Superior Energy Services Marine Division, plan to carry out a module assembly and barge integration project on the site in support of an Alaskan oil and gas project. The proposed short-term leases would include a 45,000 square foot warehouse, five acres of land and 315 feet of dock space. The companies propose using the land and facilities from November 2011 to June 30, 2012. During this time, they anticipate employing up to 100 workers. The port revenue from this would be $164,320. Superior Energy Services, a global publicly traded company based in Louisiana, is a provider of specialized oilfield services and equipment, focused on serving the drilling and production-related needs of oil and gas companies as well as the plug and abandonment and decommissioning services required at the end of a well's life. Superior is seeking to lease the dock space for its ships, which will transport the modules to Alaska. Greenberry Industrial, which is seeking the upland and warehouse short-term lease from the port, is a full service industrial general contractor and fabricator serving clients throughout the United States.


US rail freight traffic
rises during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported a slight increase in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 278,382 carloads for the week ending September 10, 2011, up 0.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 208,090 trailers and containers, up 0.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Thirteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010, including: stone, clay and glass products, up 20.3 percent; lumber and wood products, up 15.8 percent, and petroleum products, up 14 percent. Groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products excluding grain, down 36.9 percent; grain, down 16.7 percent, and grain mill products, down 13 percent.


New NOL Group CEO
to take office October 1

SINGAPORE — NOL Group reports it has completed the transition to a new CEO and that Ng Yat Chung will take the helm of the global transport and logistics company Oct 1. Mr. Ng, an NOL executive director since May, will succeed Ron Widdows who retires from the company Dec. 31. Mr. Ng, a former Temasek Holdings executive and one-time Chief of Defence Force in the Singapore Army, takes control of a leading name in trade, transportation and logistics. NOL is the parent of APL, the world’s seventh-largest container shipping line. Its other major brand is APL Logistics, the global supply chain management business. NOL designated Mr. Ng as its next CEO last April when Mr. Widdows announced he would retire from NOL after 30 years with the company. NOL said the transition to new leadership has concluded ahead of schedule, permitting the company to accelerate succession plans in the midst of a difficult operating environment for transportation and logistics providers. Mr. Ng moves to the chief executive’s role while Mr. Widdows becomes a senior advisor to the company.


Anderson, Golonka receive
Thomas Crowley trophies for 2010

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Ketra Anderson, director of Crowley Maritime Corporation's Safety, Security, Quality and Environmental (SSQE) team, and Mike Golonka, general manager of ship management, were awarded 2010 Thomas Crowley trophies, the company's highest honor, at ceremonies yesterday at the company's headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. The exclusive employee recognition program was created in 1985, only 52 of the company's more than 4,300 employees have been awarded the limited edition bronze sculpture, which depicts a young Thomas Crowley as he ferried goods to and from ships on San Francisco Bay in the early 1890s. The trophy serves not only as a tribute to the founder of the company, but also to those honorees who have aligned themselves closely with the company's values and displayed outstanding performance along with dedication, leadership, initiative and productivity. Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO, presented the awards during ceremonies yesterday attended by local employees, including several previous recipients of the Thomas Crowley Trophy.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Today industry celebrates
34th World Maritime Day

LONDON — Today marks the 34th celebration of World Maritime Day. This year’s theme is: "Piracy: orchestrating the response", a theme chosen by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide the international community and the shipping industry with an opportunity to highlight and reflect upon the efforts made to meet the challenges of modern-day piracy.


Port of Newport extends
filing date for commission post

NEWPORT — The period for accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy in Position No. 1 on the Newport Port Commission has been extended to October 6, 2011. Commissioner Ginny Goblirsch has announced her resignation effective October 7, 2011. Interested persons should mail or hand deliver a letter of interest no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 6, 2011 to the port office at 600 SE Bay Boulevard, Newport, OR 97365. To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter and reside with in the port district boundaries. An appointment to fill the unexpired term is anticipated at the regular port commission meeting on October 25, 2011.


WTSA member carriers
eye rate level adjustments

OAKLAND — As freight rates for many major commodity categories have approached unsustainable levels in recent months in the U.S.-Asia trade lane, container lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) have undertaken an extensive review of rates and begun to schedule adjustments commodity by commodity, based on prevailing rate levels, competitive considerations and overall market conditions. Most rate adjustments are to take effect November 1, 2011. WTSA said the reviews are being conducted by subcommittees of lines with significant expertise and market participation in the specific commodity areas. Initial cargo segments reviewed include wastepaper, metal and plastic scrap, protein cargo (refrigerated beef, pork and poultry), hay, hides, agri-products, chemicals, clay, forest products, dry miscellaneous “freight all kinds” (FAK) cargo, and refrigerated “not otherwise specified” (NOS) cargo such as dairy products, baked goods or other prepared foods that are not covered under any commodity-specific review. A program for cotton is being developed under a separate seasonal schedule. Because adjustments will vary by commodity, WTSA lines will notify accounts as levels are determined, and adjustments will be posted on the WTSA web site, www.wtsacarriers.org. WTSA is a voluntary discussion and research forum of 10 major ocean and intermodal container shipping lines serving the trade from ports and inland points in the U.S. to destinations throughout Asia.


Carriers plan to begin
new India/Asia service

TOKYO — At the end of October, NYK, Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd. (EMC), and Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd. (HJS) will launch a new joint service, the West India North Asia (WIN) Service with a frequency of 35 days in a round fixed weekly service. Five x 3,000 TEU vessels will be deployed in the service with NYK providing three, EMC and HJS providing one vessel each. Port rotation will be: Pusan (Sat/Mon) – Shanghai (Tue/Wed) – Ningbo (Thu/Fri) – Shekou (Sun/Mon) – Singapore (Fri/Fri) – Nhava Sheva (Thu/Fri) – Pipavav (Fri/Sat) – Colombo (Tue/Tue) – Singapore (Sat/Sun) – Hong Kong (Wed/Thu) – Pusan (Sat/Mon).


DOT earmarks funds
for Oregon rail upgrades

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has awarded a $13.6 million grant to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to modernize the Portland Union Station, upgrade passenger rail service along Amtrak’s Cascades route and continue further development of an integrated, statewide rail network. A highlight of the rail dollars provided includes:
• $4 million to fund preliminary engineering and environmental work for track replacement
and expansion, facility upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disability Act, as
well as energy conservation measures at Portland Union Station. These improvements will
reduce train station congestion and accommodate forecasted increases in passenger
service. ODOT will contribute $1 million to this project.
• $1.3 million to support final design and construction of additional work on the
station’s roof and other structural upgrades, coupled with a $5.9 million grant
previously awarded by FRA for roof replacement. In addition to additional roof
replacement and seismic upgrades, work will also include replacing gutters, downspouts,
repairing skylights and windows, and insulation in the attic.
• $4.2 million for a draft and final environmental work and service planning to identify
improvements for the Cascades route from Eugene to Portland. ODOT will contribute $5.8
million for this phase of the project.
Amtrak’s Cascades Service, which operates between Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC, is one of the railroad’s fastest growing routes. Ridership increased 10 percent in 2010 to a record-breaking 838,251 passengers, and is trending to break that record in 2011.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Public open houses to discuss
West Hayden Island concept options

PORTLAND — In July 2010, the Portland City Council passed a resolution directing the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to develop a concept plan and legislative proposal for West Hayden Island that would accommodate at least 500 acres of open space and no more than 300 acres for future deep water marine terminal development. Since then, staff and consultant teams have been conducting research, engaging the public and working with the project's advisory committee to prepare a concept plan and a proposal for city council consideration by the spring of 2012. Neither the city nor the Port of Portland intend to use this concept plan as a blueprint for immediate development; rather, it will assist the City in understanding future options and inform the creation of zoning and code language to guide future potential development. The draft concept plan alternatives are now available for public review and comment. The concept plan alternatives (A and B) include two different layouts for 1) terminal and rail options, and 2) environmental/recreation options. The advisory committee will meet again on October 21, to discuss the draft plans in more detail, consider public input and provide staff and the consultants direction. These draft concepts and more detailed maps on specific topics such as transportation, terminal operations, recreation and habitat restoration will be available for the public to review in October at two open houses and during additional office hours to accommodate as many people as possible. Public comment will be taken through November 7, at the following events:
OPEN HOUSES
Wednesday, October 12, 5 - 8 p.m.; presentation at 6:30 p.m., Expo Center (Hall D, Rms D202-4) http://www.expocenter.org/index.htm. Free parking
Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; presentation at 10 a.m., Hayden Island Oxford Suites Hotel http://www.oxfordsuitesportland.com/location.php
OFFICE HOURS, October 18, 20, 25 and 27, 7 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. each day, Oxford Suites on Hayden Island


Emirates Airlines to begin flights
to Sea-Tac International Airport

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has announced Emirates Airlines will begin daily non-stop service to Dubai, United Arab Emirates in March 2012 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As the world’s largest international carrier and fastest growing airline, Emirates connects to over 100 destinations in Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The new service will be operated by Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with 354 seats offering First Class, lie-flat beds in Business Class and generously-sized Economy Class seats. The new service also brings additional international cargo lift to Seattle with 15-ton freight capacity on the aircraft, serving one of the largest cargo hubs in the world. Dubai ranked eighth in the world in cargo for 2010. Sea-Tac Airport is currently the 17th largest U.S. airport. Projections expect the airport to serve a record number of passengers in 2011 – over 32 million.


Port of Everett facilities
re-certified by Clean Marina

EVERETT — In September 2011, the Port of Everett successfully completed the Clean Marina re-certification for its 2,300 slip marina facilities, the largest public marina on the West Coast. The port was first certified by Clean Marina Washington in February 2007, and became eligible for re-certification this year. Clean Marina Washington renewed this certification as a result of the port's continued effort to seek out opportunities toward becoming a better environmental steward in the region. After becoming Clean Marina certified, the port expanded its oil waste disposal for its customers and implemented the sale and usage of less hazardous products. The port opened one of the area's first marina hazardous waste disposal facilities in the early 1990s. The port has also developed partnerships with various non-profits, as well as the City of Everett's Parks Department, to develop environmental projects and events to help clean up their properties. These events included Marina Clean Up Day, United Way Clean Up Day, and a Jetty Island Clean Up and Planting event.


Marcon International announces sale
of pair of Overseas Shipholding Group tugs

COUPEVILLE, WA — Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Washington reports that the U.S. flagged tugs OSG SEAFARER (ex-Seafarer) and OSG LIBERTY (ex-Liberty, ex-Satoco) have been sold by Overseas Shipholding Group to Nigerian buyers. The buyers, who over the past nine years have purchased 22 tugs & barges through Marcon, will mobilize the tugs from Tampa, Florida where they are currently moored to the new homeport in Lagos, Nigeria. Upon arrival the tugs will be employed in barge lightering of tankers in connection with owners' terminal and tank farm operations. Both tugs were built by Main Iron Works in 1971, the OSG SEAFARER for Sonat Marine, Inc. of Tampa and mated with the 30,446dwt oil barge OCEAN 255 and the OSG LIBERTY for Sabine Towing and Transportation working with the 26,517dwt CHROMALLOY I. Marcon hopes to report several additional sales shortly.


Trucking association report says
driver turnover numbers climbing

ARLINGTON, VA — The turnover rate for over-the-road truck drivers rose to 79 percent in the second quarter, according to American Trucking Associations’ latest Trucking Activity Report, marking the third quarter in a row of increased churn in the driver market. The turnover rate for drivers at large truckload fleets rose four basis points from the first quarter’s rate of 75 percent, pushing the rate to its highest point since the second quarter of 2008. Turnover at small truckload companies and less-than-truckload fleets actually fell in the quarter, dropping to 47 percent from 50 percent for small TL firms and to six percent from eight percent for LTLs.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Port of Vancouver, USA
extends Northwest Packing lease

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver has announced that an agreement has been reached between the port and Northwest Packing Co. to extend the company’s lease by three years. Discussions have been underway for more than a year regarding a 25-year extension option that is part of Northwest Packing Co.’s current lease. The company leases 15-plus acres of port property for the processing of a variety of canned fruit and tomatoes along with fruit juice concentrates. The port reports the interim lease extension will provide additional time for negotiations. Originally set to expire in December 2011, the amended lease has an effective date of July 1, 2011 and expires on December 31, 2014. Additional changes to the lease include a reduction in the amount of property being leased by Northwest Packing Co. from 15.86 acres to 15.53 acres and a decrease in the number of months the company has use of an overflow parking area from 12 months to four. These lease modifications reduce the amount of rent Northwest Packing Co. pays to the port from $154,859 to $149,439 annually.


Trade between NAFTA partners
jumps during month of July

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico, was 18.1 percent higher in July 2011 than in July 2010, totaling $72.4 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, the United States’ North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, in July 2011 rose 40.4 percent in two years from July 2009, but has still only risen 1.0 percent above the level of July 2008. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in July increased by 29.4 percent when compared to July 2006, and also increased by 77.1 percent when compared to July 2001, a period of 10 years. Imports in July were up 60.7 percent since July 2001, while exports were up 100.8 percent. Surface transportation includes freight movements by truck, rail, pipeline, mail, Foreign Trade Zones, and other.


August sees declines for
ATA truck tonnage index

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined 0.2 percent in August after falling a revised 0.8 percent in July 2011. July’s decrease was less than the 1.3 percent ATA reported on August 23, 2011. The latest drop put the SA index at 114.4 (2000=100) in August, down from the July level of 114.6. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 123.8 in August, which was 10.9 percent above the previous month. Compared with August 2010, SA tonnage was up 5.2 percent In July, the tonnage index was 4.5 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 takes delivery
of new ore carrying vessel

TOKYO — On September 15, FRONTIER LODESTAR, a new 180,000 DWT class ore carrier built by Koyo Dockyard Co. Ltd. (Mihara city, Hiroshima prefecture), a member of the Imabari Shipbuilding Group, was delivered to NYK. The naming and delivery ceremony was attended by Ronald Peter Jackson, former chartering manager at Tata Steel UK Ltd.; Rajiv Mukerji, managing director of Tata NYK Shipping Pte. Ltd; and Kazuo Ogasawara, corporate officer at NYK; among others. FRONTIER LODESTAR will be chartered to Tata NYK Shipping from NYK under a long-term contract immediately after the vessel’s delivery, and is expected to transport 1.4 million tons of ore and coal annually for Tata Steel UK.


ATA names Rickey Oliver
top truck driver for 2011

ARLINGTON, VA — Rickey Oliver, a Brookhaven, Miss., based professional truck driver for WalMart Transportation, has been named the American Trucking Associations 2011 National Truck Driver of the Year. Mr. Oliver has driven over 3.5 million miles of safe driving with zero preventable accidents, in his 27 years behind the wheel. He competed for the national title, considered the highest honor of a professional truck driver can receive, against professionals nominated from the 50 state trucking associations.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, September 26, 2011

Port of Seattle earns award
for environmental initiatives

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle has won Seattle Business Magazine’s Green 50 award for local businesses and institutions that “deserve recognition for believing that forthright stewardship of our resources is good business.” The port won the award in the Government/Academia category. The Port of Seattle won the award based on environmental initiatives at both the airport and seaport. These programs include the creation of a centralized preconditioned air system for aircraft parked at gates at Sea-Tac International Airport, leading the effort for the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) project, the At Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels program for cargo vessels, and the Scrappage and Retrofits for Air in Puget Sound (ScRAPS) program. Runners up in the government/academia category were Washington State University, University of Washington, Lake Washington School District, and the Washington State Convention Center.


SEACOR Holdings to build
two Jensen Maritime designed tugs

SEATTLE — Caribbean Tugz LLC, an affiliate of SEACOR Holdings Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has plans to build two 50-ton-bollard-pull ASD tugs. The 92’x38’16’9”, 4,640-hp tugs will be used for shipdocking and escort at the Hovensa Oil Refinery in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The tugs are scheduled for completion in early 2013. Designed by Crowley Maritime Corp. subsidiary Jensen Maritime Consultants Inc ., Seattle, the tugs will be built to American Bureau of Shipping standards, and are purpose-built for ship assist, escort, and firefighting duties. The tugs will be constructed to meet the wide range of operational parameters typical in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The tug is outfitted with a pair of Caterpillar C280-6 Tier 2 diesel engines, rated at 2,320 hp at 900 rpm each, and two Rolls-Royce US 205FP Z-drives with 90”-dia. wheels. The package will give each tug an estimated running speed of 12 knots. For firefighting, there’s a pair of 5,200-gpm monitors with foam storage.


Coast Guard honors pair
for heroic life saving efforts

POULSBO, WA — The Coast Guard has presented the Silver Life Saving Medal to Petty Officer 1st Class Justin L. Heacox and the Certificate of Valor to Barney McGinley for their heroic effort that saved two lives off of Point No Point State Park in Hansville, Wash., July 26, 2011. Petty Officer Heacox and Mr. McGinley were on the beach when they heard screams coming from two boys who were caught in a rip current approximately 200 yards from shore. The two men waded out into the 52-degree water toward the boys. They provided instruction for them to swim toward shore at an angle in an effort to draw them closer. While struggling to keep their footing in the strong current, Petty Officer Heacox and Mr. McGinley were able to reach the boys with a rope, which they carried from shore. Upon return to shore, Petty Officer Heacox and Mr. McGinley treated the boys for hypothermia and exhaustion. Despite their own hypothermic conditions they remained on scene and ensured the boy’s conditions were properly treated. The Silver Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of water.


Spirit Airlines begins
Portland to Las Vegas flights

PORTLAND — On September 22, Spirit Airlines started two daily non-stop flights between Portland and Las Vegas. “We welcome Spirit Airlines to Portland International Airport,” said Steve Schreiber, Port of Portland aviation director. “We expect this service to be a big hit as Las Vegas is our most traveled route with some 450,000 passengers traveling each year between PDX and Las Vegas.” Spirit Airlines all-Airbus fleet currently operates more than 175 daily flights to over 45 destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and Caribbean.


Mitsui vessels earn praise
for rescue of shipwreck survivors

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the company has received the 2011 Amver Assisted Rescue at Sea Award presented by Lloyd’s List. The Amver Assisted Rescue at Sea Award praises seafarers for rescue activities demonstrating extraordinary courage and seamanship. This year’s award honors the MOL-owned woodchip carriers HOKUETSU DELIGHT and CRYSTAL PIONEER, which rescued all 64 persons adrift from the sailing training ship CONCORDIA, which capsized in the Atlantic Ocean 550km southeast of Rio de Janeiro. The 57-meter CONCORDIA, operated as a floating school, encountered fierce winds on February 17 and capsized around 8:00 p.m. that night, with the crew and trainees, high school and university students, abandoning the ship. Search and rescue activities took place from the night of the incident until the morning of the 19th. Despite high winds, choppy seas, and limited predawn visibility, the two woodchip carriers searched for and located the shipwreck survivors. The task was all the more difficult considering that the huge wood chip carriers are easily affected by winds and difficult to maneuver. However, the officers and crew members completed the rescue operations without any secondary injuries or damage.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, September 23, 2011

Coast Guard teams monitoring
vessel grounded in Columbia

ASTORIA — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, based in Astoria, is monitoring a 584-foot cargo vessel that ran aground on the Columbia River, Thursday, at approximately 6:10 p.m. No injuries were reported and an aerial inspection by an MH-60 Jayhawk helciopter crew, from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, found no visibile signs of pollution. The cargo vessel LUMINOUS ACE grounded at mile marker 40 after an electrical outage caused the vessel to lose all steering capabilities. The vessel, which is not obstructing the navigable waterway, has dropped a shore side anchor to prevent any further movement while tugs transit to location. While anchored, LUMINOUS ACE regained power and propulsion.


Port of Vancouver, USA
welcomes maiden voyage vessel

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the M/V NEW GENERAL, commanded by Capt. Jeng Ming-Kuanq on the vessel's maiden voyage to the United States on September 15, 2011.Capt. Ming-Kuanq and his 19-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Jim Stewart, vessel superintendent for United Grain Corp.; Jason Eeds, vessel agent for Transmarine Navigation, Mike Hanley, superintendent for Jones Stevedoring Company and port representatives Mike Schiller and Debbie Taylor. The NEW GENERAL was built in Takamatsu, Japan and launched Sept. 1, 2011. The vessel is 576 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 35,013 tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA was from Taiwan and China. The vessel is owned by New Horizon Maritime S.A. and operated by Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd and Transmarine Navigation is the agent for the vessel. The NEW GENERAL is equipped with a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System, which monitors bridge activity and provides automatic alerts to the sailing master to avoid marine accidents. The vessel sailed from Takamatsu, Japan and loaded over 31,245 metric tons of grain while in port. The NEW GENERAL departed the port on September 17 and will discharge in Japan.


US rail freight traffic
delivers up/down month

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported mixed results for August rail traffic compared with the same month last year, with U.S. railroads originating 1,482,570 carloads, down 0.3 percent, and 1,179,838 trailers and containers, up 0.4 percent. In August 2011, 12 of the 20 carload commodity categories saw increases compared with August 2010. The largest gains were in metallic ores, up 6,665 carloads or 16.6 percent; motor vehicles and parts, up 5,577 carloads or 8.8 percent; and primary metal products (mainly steel), up 5,238 carloads or 11.1 percent. Compared to August 2010, grain carloads in August 2011 were down 18,423 or 17.1 percent, and coal carloads were down 11,747 or 1.7 percent. Excluding coal and grain, U.S. rail carloads in August 2011 were up 26,362 carloads or 3.7 percent over August 2010. As of September 1, 2011, 271,404 freight cars, or 17.8 percent of the North American fleet, were in storage. This is 5,539 fewer cars than on August 1. In addition to monthly traffic, AAR also reported a dip in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 303,260 carloads for the week ending September 3, 2011, down 0.4 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 233,941 trailers and containers, down 1.3 percent compared with the same week last year.


Richard D. Steinke
receives Connie Award

LONG BEACH, CA — The Connie Award was presented by the Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) to Richard D. Steinke, who will retire this month as executive director of the Port of Long Beach. Mr. Steinke was honored for his leadership role in developing the port into one of the world's largest container harbors. More than 200 people attended the industry-wide dinner event held on September 21, at the Renaissance Hotel. Mr. Steinke led the port's redevelopment of the former Long Beach Naval Complex, creating one of the nation's largest container cargo terminals. He transitioned the port, making it both a builder of modern cargo terminals while becoming environmentally efficient. Mr. Steinke also implemented a Green Port Policy that included a successful Clean Trucks Program in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles. During his career, Mr. Steinke served as the chief spokesman for the U.S. West Coast Collaboration, Chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities and the California Association of Port Authorities. He also serves as a member of the Red Cross CEO Advisory Committee. Recipients 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.


Crowley presents scholarships
to three maritime academy students

LONG BEACH, CA — Crowley Maritime Corporation continued its commitment to education by awarding three California Maritime Academy (CMA) students with Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial scholarships during Wednesday night's Containerization and Intermodal Institute's Connie Awards presentation in Long Beach, Calif. The students, Drew Kerlee, Stephen Luxton and Richard Darwood, received the scholarships for their strong academic record, interest in pursuing maritime careers and financial need. Mr. Luxton, a native of Port Angeles, Wash., is majoring in maritime transportation and is a third-class squad leader with the cadet corps. Mr. Darwood, a native of Central Michigan, is majoring in maritime transportation and is a first-class cadet. Mr. Kerlee, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but was raised in Seattle, is majoring in maritime transportation and is a first-class corps academic training officer. Crowley began awarding scholarships to students of CMA in 1997 with the assistance of the academy's selection committee, which chooses the scholarship recipients in April of each year. Crowley also provides internships to those recipients who are interested.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, September 22, 2011

DOT funds heading to
Washington rail projects

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced $31.1 million for the State of Washington to improve intercity passenger and freight rail service on the Cascades line. A highlight of the rail dollars includes: Pacific Northwest Corridor – $16.1 million for design, environmental review and construction work to stabilize and improve track structure along the rail line between Blaine, WA, and the Columbia River Bridge in Vancouver, WA. The upgrades along this route will increase service reliability by reducing the number of closures and delays due to inclement weather. Vancouver-Port Access Rail Improvements – $15 million for construction of a new, rail access route to the Port of Vancouver, including grade separation at an existing rail crossing which has acted as a significant choke point for rail traffic. This enhancement will substantially minimize delays affecting freight trains and Amtrak’s Cascades service. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Port of Vancouver are contributing a combined total of $22 million to this project. Construction is expected to begin in July 2012. Thirty-two states across the U.S. and the District of Columbia are currently laying the foundation for passenger rail corridors to link Americans with faster and more energy-efficient travel options. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and annual appropriations have provided $10.1 billion to put America on track towards providing new and expanded rail access to communities and improving the reliability, speed, and frequency of existing service.


AAPA presents honors
at Seattle awards luncheon

ALEXANDRIA, VA — During the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) five-day convention (Sept. 11-15), AAPA presented its Distinguished Service Award to two past AAPA board chairmen: retiring Port of Long Beach Executive Director Richard Steinke and former Curaçao Ports Authority Managing Director Agustin Diaz. This honor recognizes a recipient’s efforts, achievements and involvement in the development and enrichment of the Western Hemisphere’s maritime and port industries, including the international cruise market. At the annual awards luncheon on Sept. 14, four individuals were honored for having successfully completed the association’s Profes­sional Port Manager (PPM®) program. AAPA’s original PPM® program was established by the asso­ciation in 1994 to encourage and promote professional standards in public port management. A complementary Latin American PPM® program, with curriculum in Spanish and programming focused on the needs of Latin American port executives, was introduced in 2007. Port of Benton (Wash.) Executive Director Scott Keller, graduating in the original PPM® program, received his certificate at AAPA’s Sept. 14 awards luncheon in Seattle. This year’s Latin American PPM® program graduates, who received their certificates in June at AAPA’s 20th Latin American Congress of Ports in Lima, Peru, are: Puerto del General San Martín (Pisco, Perú) Director de Concesión Ing. Roy Legoas Montejo; Cosorcio de Gestión del Puerto de Quequén (Argentina) Director de Planificatión Ing. Mario Goicoechea; and Consorcio de Gestión del Puerto de Quequén (Argentina) Director de Seguridad Ing. Jorge Ramón Raggio Villar.


NOAA survey vessel
charting Alaskan sea floor

WASHINGTON, DC — NOAA Ship RAINIER has begun a month long survey of the sea floor near Alaska’s Prince of Wales Island as part of a multi-year effort to update nautical charts for the area. In addition to supporting marine navigation, data acquired by the 231-foot hydrographic survey vessel will also support marine ecosystem studies and improve inundation models for areas vulnerable to tsunamis. NOAA’s survey effort in the area began in 2006 with the Gulf of Esquilbel and has continued south over recent years. RAINIER’s sophisticated sonar systems enable precise measurement of ocean depth and the creation of 3-D digital terrain models of the sea floor that reveals details about the underwater landscape and potential hazards to navigation. The first surveys of the area took place in the early 1900s. Depths were acquired with lead lines, a method that was accurate at the point of the sounding, but lacked information about the surrounding area. Homeported in Newport, Ore., RAINIER is part of the NOAA fleet of ships and aircraft operated, managed and maintained by NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, which includes civilians as well as commissioned officers of the NOAA Corps, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States.


Saudi Arabia helps fund
IMO battle against piracy

LONDON — Saudi Arabia has made a contribution to the IMO Djibouti Code Trust Fund, giving a boost to the IMO-led project to implement the Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden signed in Djibouti in January 2009 (Djibouti Code of Conduct). Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, presented a check for US$100,000 to IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos on September 21. The Djibouti Code has so far 18 signatory States (Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and Yemen) who have pledged to cooperate in measures aimed at suppressing piracy, including investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons, who are reasonably suspected of having committed acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships; the interdiction and seizure of suspect ships; the rescue of ships, persons and property subject to piracy and armed robbery and the facilitation of proper care, treatment and repatriation of seafarers, fishermen, other shipboard personnel and passengers; the conduct of shared operations – both among signatory States and with navies from countries outside the region; and the sharing of information.


Port of Coos Bay warns public
to be wary around railroad tracks

COOS BAY — The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, which owns the Coos Bay rail line, is urging drivers of passenger cars, pickups, delivery trucks, school buses and off-road vehicles to be extremely cautious at Coos Bay rail line railroad crossings. In addition, pedestrians are warned not to walk on the railroad tracks and to cross tracks only at designated crossings. Railroad tracks are industrial property with restricted access as defined by Federal Railroad Administration regulations, and it is illegal to walk or drive on the railroad right-of-way except at designated crossings. Limited freight rail service on the Coos Bay rail line is scheduled to start the week of Oct. 3-7, 2011. Trains are scheduled to begin providing service to customers in the northern Coos, western Douglas and western Lane counties region. Train service is not scheduled to begin south of the Coos Bay Rail Bridge to Coquille until 2012. However, railroad reconstruction crews currently are working along the entire line, and railroad service and construction vehicles can be traveling back and forth on the tracks at any time. The Port of Coos Bay is partnering with Oregon Operation Lifesaver to present railroad safety presentations at schools, businesses and to community groups.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

TSA shifting leadership to
new executive committee

OAKLAND — With the recent expiry of Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd. President and CEO Y.M. Kim’s term as chairman, the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) has taken a further step in the evolution of its leadership structure. The carrier research and discussion forum continues to adhere to the principle of direct line decisionmaking, but has shifted leadership from a single line chief executive to its executive committee. The move reflects TSA’s expanded, more diverse membership over the past two years, and the need to base strategic decisions going forward on member’s different geographic, customer and cargo market profiles. TSA’s transition to the new structure followed several months’ planning under Mr. Kim’s leadership as chairman, and took effect on July 1, 2011 as his 18-month term expired. The agreement expressed gratitude for Mr. Kim’s valued guidance and steady management during his tenure, which coincided with a period of sustained market, regulatory, service and financial challenges for ocean carriers operating in the Pacific. TSA’s six-member executive committee has been in place for some time, in an advisory capacity. It will now be responsible for direct leadership of the group through collective discussion and strategic decisionmaking. Conrad, as executive administrator, will facilitate meetings, develop and provide supporting research and documentation, and coordinate policy implementation. The current TSA Executive Committee consists of APL, Ltd. President Ken Glenn; Evergreen Marine Co. President Anchor Chang; Hanjin Deputy President and Chief Executive of Container Business W.W. Lee; Maersk Line Vice President, Network and Product, Pacific Services Lars Mikael Jensen; N.Y.K. Line Global Liner Management Division CEO and Board Director Kenji Mizushima; and OOCL Chief Operating Officer Andy Tung.


Jerry Bridges selected
as new AAPA board chair

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Virginia Port Authority Executive Director Jerry Bridges was formally installed on Sept. 15 as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) chairman of the board for 2011-12. Mr. Bridges accepted his new chairmanship duties at a membership meeting in Seattle during which the entire slate of 2011-12 officers was inducted as part of AAPA's 100th Annual Convention. Mr. Bridges was previously executive director of the Port of Oakland and has held various operating positions with Marine Terminals Corporation, Sea Land Services and Roadway Express. In addition to his role as AAPA board chairman, Mr. Bridges will serve as AAPA's U.S. delegation chair for 2011-12. Other newly-installed U.S. delegation officers include Chair-Elect Adoph Ojard, who serves as executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority; and Vice Chair Tay Yoshitani, who is executive director of the Port of Seattle.


Chinese transport delegation
makes visit to Port of Seattle

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle last week welcomed China’s Minister of Transport, Li Shenglin, a delegation of Ministry of Transport officials, Chinese Consul General staff, and COSCO America’s new President Liu Hanbo. The port reports the delegation visit from a high government official of China is rare, and a welcome surprise. “China is the Port of Seattle’s largest trading partner, and we appreciate that Mr. Li and his delegation have taken time out of their busy schedule to visit,” said Tay Yoshitani, Port of Seattle CEO. “Trade between our countries means jobs for this region, and COSCO has a long and special relationship with the Port of Seattle.” COSCO’s LUI LIN HAI was the first vessel to call the United States after the normalization of trade with China. Since its historic arrival over 30 years ago at the Port of Seattle, COSCO has become one of the port’s most important customers. “We want to thank the Port of Seattle for its hospitality in hosting Mr. Li and his delegation from the Ministry of Transport, and as we welcome our newest President for COSCO Americas Inc., Liu Hanbo,” said COSCO. “We look forward to continued business with the Port of Seattle.”


APL named top shipping line
at Lloyd's List global awards event

LONDON — International maritime experts have named APL the world’s outstanding shipping line. The Singapore-based container carrier received the Ship Operator Award at the Lloyd’s List global awards. A panel of nine independent judges including direct industry competitors made the selection. APL was chosen from a field of finalists including Maersk Line, Pacific Basin Shipping and Seaspan Ship Management. The Ship Operator Award is the latest in a series of honors given to APL during 2011. In June, the carrier was named the Liner Owner/Operator of the Year by Seatrade Asia magazine. In April, APL was named best shipping line in both the Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trades at the Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards.


Crowley Maritime expanding
British Virgin Islands service

MIAMI — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced the continued expansion of the company's logistics offerings in the Caribbean with the addition of freight forwarding, consolidation and Customs brokerage services in Tortola and Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands (BVI). In conjunction with these new capabilities, Crowley now also offers customers less-than-containerload (LCL) shipping and air freight services between Miami; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Road Town, Tortola. Crowley offers two separate sailings for LCL cargo to Tortola. The first sailing has a vessel departing Miami on Thursdays for a Monday arrival in Road Town, which allows shipments to be delivered to stores at the start of each week. The second sailing is every other week from San Juan, departing on Fridays for Tuesday arrivals in Road Town. Additionally, Crowley offers northbound sailings for all types of cargo to islands in the Caribbean, including Tortola, via direct port calls in St. Maarten and Port Everglades, Fla. The company also provides trucking and distribution services in San Juan and Miami, and offers pick-ups and deliveries in Tortola.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Port of Tacoma box numbers
up through month of August

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma’s year-to-date container volumes through August are up two percent, with the port handling 963,537 TEUs. Full export container volumes through the port are up 15 percent year-to-date through August, continuing to reflect the strength of lumber, hay and forage exports. Full import container volumes are down two percent for that same time period.
Other year-to-date cargo highlights include:
• Auto imports (units) are up 50 percent, reflecting strong Kia sales, and the auto
production rebound in Japan.
• Breakbulk tonnage is up 69 percent, driven by the strength of agricultural and
construction machinery exports through the port.
• Year-to-date, the port has handled 7,324,736 tons of cargo (excluding grain), a 12
percent increase from last year.
• Grain exports are down about two percent year-to-date (4,015,976 tons).
For additional Port cargo stats, see: http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?nid=155


Settlement closes books
on COSCO BUSAN incident

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal, state, and Bay area officials announced a comprehensive civil settlement with the owners and operators of the M/V COSCO BUSAN, resolving all natural resource damages, penalties, and response costs that resulted from the ship striking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 2007, and subsequent oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. The event killed thousands of birds, impacted a significant portion of the Bay’s 2008 herring spawn, spoiled miles of shoreline habitat and closed the Bay and area beaches to recreation and fishing. The U.S. Department of Justice, the State of California, the City and County of San Francisco, and the City of Richmond signed and lodged a consent decree that requires Regal Stone Limited and Fleet Management Ltd., the owners and operators of the COSCO BUSAN to pay $44.4 million for natural resource damages and penalties and to reimburse the governmental entities for response costs incurred as a result of the 53,000 gallon oil spill that occurred when the vessel struck the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on Nov. 7, 2007.


Emergency response drill
set for Bellingham Airport

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham and many community partners will conduct a full-scale airport emergency response exercise at Bellingham International Airport from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. The purpose of the response exercise is to test and evaluate the preparedness and capabilities of the Bellingham International Airport and local response agencies. Although most of the drill will be staged within the airport boundaries, members of the public may see smoke, numerous emergency vehicles and unusual airport activity during the drill, as well as” passengers” with simulated injuries. The exercise, including more than 175 local volunteers and emergency responders, will evaluate coordination between agencies, mass-casualty response, public information dissemination, victim and family care, security and communications. Community volunteers taking part in the disaster exercise will be role-playing aircraft crash victims and victims' family members. Some activity will occur near the Emergency Department at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center where role-playing victims will be transported for a mock evaluation by hospital personnel and role-playing family members will be assisted by the hospital, airline representatives and the Mount Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Health Education Center, near the Medical Center.


MarAd plans two meetings
to discuss Panama Canal expansion

WASHINGTON, DC — Maritime industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a series of day-long outreach sessions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD). The morning sessions will focus on the potential impacts of the Panama Canal Expansion on U.S. ports and infrastructure, while the afternoon sessions will explore opportunities to incorporate America’s Marine Highways into the National Transportation System. These interactive workshops provide maritime stakeholders, like shippers, port/logistics operators, supply chain management organizations, associations, and state and local government, an opportunity to provide feedback on MARAD’s Panama Canal Expansion Study and America’s Marine Highway initiative. The first two meetings will be held in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, September 22, 2011; and in New York, NY on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. Detailed information regarding these events as well as registration instructions can be found at www.PanamaCanalStudy.com/registration or in the Federal Register.


NYK vessels honored
for recording seawater temps

TOKYO — NYK LNG carriers ECHIGO MARU and LNG JAMAL have been recognized by the commandant of the Japan Coast Guard for the long-term contribution that these ships have made in recording seawater temperatures. Every September 12, the commandant of the Japan Coast Guard recognizes individuals and organizations that have made contributions to marine information services. At this year’s presentation, held on the 140th anniversary of the founding the predecessor of the Japan Coast Guard Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, seven people and five organizations were presented with awards at the commandant’s room in Tokyo. For many years, NYK has provided Japan’s Coast Guard with seawater temperatures, thus contributing greatly to the understanding of oceanic conditions. The information is used by the Japan Coast Guard’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, which is involved in a variety of marine research and information services, such as chart development and responses to marine environmental issues and disasters, including earthquakes. NYK has been encouraged by this recognition and will continue its contribution to better understand our maritime environment.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, September 19, 2011

Corps set to repair damage
to Bonneville Dam fish ladders

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will repair erosion damage to a section of one of Bonneville Lock and Dam’s fish ladders without delay, Corps officials said. The damage is located near the spillway under the fish ladder that flows past the Bradford Island Visitor Center. The erosion was caused by the record high flows experienced on the Columbia River this year, said Lt. Col. Glenn Pratt, Portland District deputy commander. There are fish ladders on both the north and south side of the Columbia River and the closure of one section should not significantly affect the migration, Col. Pratt said. In coordination with its regional partner agencies, the Corps decided to close the fish ladder Sept. 17. Next, engineers will inspect the dewatered section and prepare an action plan for repairs. The work is expected to be completed by mid-October.


Hamburg Sud christens
new 7,100 teu container ship

HAMBURG — On Friday, September 16, 2011, Hamburg Süd christened the container ship SANTA CATARINA in Itapoá (Brazil) as part of a customer event. Sponsor of the SANTA CATARINA was Elisabeth Meves, wife of the former Chairman of the Executive Board of Hamburg Süd, Dr Klaus Meves. The SANTA CATARINA takes its name from the Brazilian Federal State in which the ship christening was held. With this choice of name the Hamburg Süd Group is underlining its close attachment to this region, which ranks among the shipping group’s most important export markets on South America’s east coast. The SANTA CATARINA is the fifth newbuilding in a series of ten identical container vessels, each featuring a slot capacity of 7,100 TEU and fitted with 1,600 reefer plugs apiece. This puts them among the largest ships ever built for Hamburg Süd. All ten vessels of this series will be delivered by summer 2012.


Crowley Maritime creating
new Project Solutions group

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced the establishment of a new Project Solutions group that bundles company-wide capabilities and assets with project management skills to provide complete turnkey marine solutions. This specialized team, which now has a Project Management Office (PMO) in Houston, Texas, allows Crowley to provide greater value to customers with multifaceted marine and offshore construction-related projects. Crowley's Project Solutions group, led by Crowley Vice President Craig Tornga, is a project management organization staffed with highly trained Project Management Professionals (PMPs) who can evaluate customers' overall project requirements to determine what services and assets Crowley can bring to the table - whether they are company-provided or from third parties - to provide comprehensive solutions. The Project Solutions portfolio of company-wide services include marine project management; heavy lift barge transportation; ocean towing; project concept studies; engineering management; emergency response; international container, breakbulk and petroleum shipping; full-service logistics, including specialized project cargo freight forwarding from subsidiary Jarvis International Freight; naval architecture, marine engineering, vessel design and construction from subsidiary Jensen Maritime; operational management; and marine salvage, wreck removal and emergency response from subsidiary TITAN Salvage; harbor ship assist and tanker escort and more.


Maersk Line begins test
of SOx scrubbing system

COPENHAGEN — Maersk Line reports it will test an advanced scrubbing system developed by BELCO® and designed for installation at Maersk Line and Maersk Tankers vessels. The high efficiency technology can cut sulpher oxide (SOx) emissions by more than 97 percent. Maersk is investing $600,000 USD in the installation and operation of the scrubber. The system will be operational on container ship MAERSK TAURUS in 2012 and can be in use throughout the voyage if conditions are appropriate. The scrubber will cut SOx emissions significantly but the application also consumes energy. Maersk Line expects the new technology to complement the company’s operational measures, such as fuel switch implementations.


Astoria Coast Guard station
celebrates 100 years of aviation

ASTORIA — Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, celebrated 100 years of Naval Aviation during its annual Open House and Air Show Saturday. Visitors to the Air Show got an up-close look at Coast Guard aircraft including a C-130 Hercules search plane from Air Station Sacramento, Calif., an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station North Bend, Ore., and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Astoria. The Oregon National Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary also participated in the show with boating safety displays, life jackets for children and a rock-climbing wall and bungee swing. The Coast Guard has a long history in aviation beginning when members of the U.S. Life Saving Service assisted with the Wright Brothers' first powered flight at Kittyhawk, N.C., Dec. 17, 1903. Since then, Coast Guard members have gone on to pioneer many naval aviation techniques including helicopter rescue and law enforcement.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, September 16, 2011

Oregon governor inks MOU
with Korean trade association

SEOUL — Yesterday, Oregon Governor Kitzhaber signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Oregon and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-Sik in Seoul to discuss the current trade relationship between Oregon and South Korea, as well as the importance of the Free Trade Agreement currently pending Congressional approval. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the governor and KITA states that Oregon and KITA will communicate and share information on goods and services available for export; notify each other on upcoming tradeshows and other marketing opportunities; encourage delegation visits; and advise each other about firms interested in direct foreign investment. While in Seoul, the governor also met with Y.M. Kim, president and CEO of Hanjin Shipping, which has continued to increase the number of containers it brings through the Port of Portland despite the economic downturn. Part of the delegation met with Asiana Cargo, which began its new non-stop air cargo service between Korea and PDX on Sept. 2 with approximately 20 tons of cargo shipped on the inaugural flight, including 10 tons of Pacific Northwest blueberries. Earlier in the week, the governor held meetings in Tokyo and Osaka, including a sit down with Sanyo Electric Company President Seiichiro Sano to thank and congratulate him on the successful launch of Sanyo Solar of Oregon’s solar manufacturing facility in Salem, which currently employs about 200 workers.


IMO working group offers guidance
on security against Somali pirates

LONDON — Further interim guidance on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) onboard ships to counter Somali-based piracy has been approved by an International Maritime Organization (IMO) intersessional working group. The Intersessional Maritime Security and Piracy Working Group of the Maritime Safety Committee, which met at IMO Headquarters in London from September 13 to 15, 2011, approved the following Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) circulars for dissemination:
• MSC.1/Circ.1408 on Interim Recommendations for port and coastal states regarding the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area;
• MSC.1/Circ.1406/Rev.1 on Revised Interim Recommendations for flag states regarding the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area;
• MSC.1/Circ.1405/Rev.1 on Revised Interim Guidance to shipowners, ship operators and shipmasters on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area; and
• a joint MSC and Facilitation Committee (FAL) circular on questionnaire on information on port and coastal state requirements related to privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships, which is aimed at gathering information on current requirements.
The circulars provide interim guidance and recommendations to be taken into account when considering the use of PCASP if and when a flag state determines that such a measure would be lawful and, following a full risk assessment, appropriate. As stated in the circulars, the interim guidance and recommendations “are not intended to endorse or institutionalize” the use of armed guards. Therefore, they do not represent any fundamental change of policy by the organization in this regard. It is for each flag state, individually, to decide whether or not PCASP should be authorized for use on board ships flying their flag. If a flag state decides to permit this practice, it is up to that state to determine the conditions under which authorization will be granted. The use of PCASP should not be considered as an alternative to Best Management Practices (BMP) and other protective measures. BMP4 has recently been issued by the shipping industry and will shortly be disseminated by IMO (as MSC.1/Circ.1339).


US rail freight shipments
slow down during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a slight dip in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 299,943 carloads for the week ending August 27, 2011, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 236,051 trailers and containers, down 0.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010, including: metallic ores, up 26.1 percent; iron and steel scrap, up 20.2 percent; and motor vehicles and equipment, up 13.2 percent. Groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: waste and nonferrous scrap, down 21.1 percent; farm products excluding grain, down 20.5 percent; and grain, down 17 percent.


Hanjin Shipping inks deal
to transport KOSPO coal

SEOUL — Hanjin Shipping has announced that it has signed 15-year Consecutive Voyage Contract (CVC) with Korea Southern Power (KOSPO). According to Hanjin, two cape-size vessels will be deployed in the transportation of 2.2 million tons of soft coal annually for 15 years where one will start operating in year 2012 and the other in 2015. Total transport volume is estimated to be around 33 million tons creating total revenue of approximately KRW 360 billion. These ships will be transporting soft coal to Korea from various origins including Indonesia, Australia and Canada.


Best Buy names APL
top carrier for year

SINGAPORE — APL has again been named Carrier of the Year by Best Buy, a multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. It’s the second year in a row that the Singapore-based container shipping line has won the award. APL, which transports Best Buy cargo from China to the U.S., was selected based on a nine-point scorecard. Criteria included transit time, pier service, shipping schedule integrity, systems, vessel space integrity, equipment availability, arrival notice issuance, loss and damage claims, and origin bill of lading issuance. APL began transporting Best Buy cargo in 2008 from the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Yantian. Most of it is discharged at the carrier’s terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. Some is transported to the U.S. East Coast via the Panama Canal.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, September 15, 2011

Port of Newport demolition work
set to go around the clock

NEWPORT — Due to the high risk and unpredictable nature of the demolition of the SS PASLEY, Port of Newport contractor Natt McDougall Company (NMC) may need to perform work around the clock until the PASLEY has been completely demolished or stabilized. This is expected to occur intermittently until October 5, 2011. NMC has made this request to limit the risk of the ship sinking once it has been raised, speed the completion of the work to minimize cost to the port, and complete the last remaining work task toward achieving the construction of Phase 1 of the International Terminal Renovation Project. NMC will only work “as necessary” to complete this work.


Halter Marine delivers
new articulated tug barge

PASCAGOULA, MS — VT Halter Marine, Inc., a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc. has announced the delivery of ENDURANCE, the second 8,000 hp articulated tug barge (ATB) tug to Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. This is part of a contract that VT Halter Marine signed with OSG in April 2010 to complete two tugs over 16 months at the former’s Moss Point Marine shipyard. The first tug, COURAGEOUS, was delivered in June 23, 2011. Both COURAGEOUS and ENDURANCE are capable of operating in full ocean service and will be used to perform ATB services transporting refined petroleum products coastwise within the US. Measuring 42.8 meters by 11.6 meters, these tugs number among the 20 ATB tugs built by VT Halter Marine.


Camas-Washougal development board
schedules After Hours presentation

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced the recently formed Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association (CWEDA) will present at the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event on Thursday, September 29. The event is free and open to the public and will run from 4-6 p.m. with light refreshments. The board of the CWEDA will also be available to answer questions in the conference room at the Washougal Town Square, second-floor office, located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 208. Formed earlier this year, the CWEDA is headed by former Camas Mayor Paul Dennis and is jointly managed by representatives from the cities of Camas, Washougal and the Port of Camas-Washougal. CWEDA's mission is to stimulate business development by helping bring jobs and attracting and retaining businesses in Camas and Washougal.


Panama Canal Authority
partners with Port of Corpus Christi

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority joined the port in Corpus Christi September 14, at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center to celebrate the port’s 85th anniversary and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work with one other to promote trade opportunities. With cotton as its first cargo, 85 years ago Port Corpus Christi opened its doors to the world of commerce. With petrochemical products as its primary cargo, Port Corpus Christi has grown to be the fifth largest U.S. port in tonnage. “We are proud of Port Corpus Christi’s dedication to economic development throughout South Texas over the last 85 years. It is important that we remain committed to establishing partnerships with ports in the United States as we move forward with the expansion of the Panama Canal. Our agreement will strengthen this commitment and promote trade along the Gulf Coast of the U.S.,” said ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta. The canal’s expansion is on schedule, following the recent commencement of the permanent concrete work for the new locks. The $5.25 billion project includes the construction of a new set of locks that will allow the transit of longer and wider ships.


Matson continues string
of Quest for Quality awards

OAKLAND — Matson has been honored for the ninth consecutive year with Logistics Management magazine’s annual Quest for Quality award in the Ocean Carrier category. The annual survey is regarded in the transportation and logistics industry as the most important measure of customer satisfaction and performance
excellence. Transportation service providers are rated by customers on five key criteria: on-time performance, equipment and operations, customer service, information technology and value. Matson will be presented with the award on October 5 at the Quest for Quality awards dinner in Philadelphia, which coincides with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Annual Conference. Matson ranked fourth of the 14 domestic and international ocean carriers honored with this year’s award, and was rated the best in the industry for equipment and operations. According to the publication, over 4,500 readers participated in the 2011 survey. The high participation rate has made the Quest for Quality annual survey the premier benchmark study for logistics and transportation quality service over the past 28 years. Matson provides ocean transportation services to Hawaii, Guam, China and Micronesia, as well as logistics services through its subsidiary, Matson Logistics.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Bellingham Port Commission
holding work-study session

BLAINE — The Port of Bellingham owns and operates the 629-slip Blaine Marina and 6.3 acres of marine industrial property alongside the marina. Efforts are underway to plan for environmental cleanup, infrastructure improvements, and business development for the marine industrial properties. On Sept. 20, port commissioners will begin their work-study session at 2 p.m. with a tour of the port’s Blaine Industrial Area. The public is welcome to take part in the tour, which will begin at the public parking area of the Blaine Harbor Shipyard Industrial Area, just before the public pier and east of the Star Fish Company (301 Marine Drive). Following the tour, at 3 p.m., the work-study meeting will move to the Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive, where staff will present additional information about the Blaine projects. The meeting will begin with time for public comments. Port staff is preparing a professional services agreement for the first phase of the Blaine industrial area planning and analysis, which the commission will consider at its Oct. 4 business meeting. Also on the Sept. 20 agenda is an update on the joint port/city project to widen and upgrade a section of Marine Drive in Blaine as well as an update on the 2012 Port Strategic Budget.


Transportation Services Index
remains steady during July

WASHINGTON, DC — The amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry remained the same in July as in June, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics' (BTS) Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI). BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the level of freight shipments in July, measured by the Freight TSI, remained at the second highest level since August 2008, exceeded only by March and equaled by June. 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. For the first seven months of 2011, freight shipments measured by the index were up 1.3 percent. Freight shipments in July (108.3 on the index) rose 14.8 percent from the recent low in April 2009 (94.3). In April 2009, freight shipments were at their lowest level since June 1997 (92.3). The July 2011 level is down 4.4 percent from the historic freight shipment peak reached in January 2005 (113.3)


Corps taps dredging firm
for Quillayute Marina project

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that an Oregon company was awarded a million-dollar contract to dredge a critical water highway in La Push, Wash. Portable Hydraulic Dredging of Eagle Creek, Ore. received the award in the amount of $1,147,550 to dredge approximately 50,000 cubic yards between Sept. 10 and early December, barring any weather delays. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a search-and-rescue operation in Quillayute Marina, which borders the Pacific Ocean, making them the only emergency point between Gray’s Harbor and Neah Bay. The dredging will ensure that the Coast Guard will operate continuously, allowing unfettered access of their rescue vessels. The marina is also an important asset to the Quileute Tribe. Their reservation is an 800-year-old fishing village, which relies heavily on the marina and its access to the ocean. The clean dredge material will be used for beach nourishment on Rialto Beach. Beach nourishment is the placement of the material on or near the beach, usually to renourish an eroding beach.


Panama Canal Authority
inks MOU with Port Freeport

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and Port Freeport in Texas have established a strategic alliance with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership aims to increase international trade and create new business by promoting the all-water-route between Asia and the Gulf of Mexico of the United States through Port Freeport via the Panama Canal. Intended to last for one year, the partnership is renewable upon request of both parties. Under the conditions of the MOU, the parties have agreed to undertake joint initiatives to stimulate economic growth. Together, they will work on joint marketing efforts and information exchange. The MOU permits the parties to share information on subjects of interest, market study research, information on modernization and improvements, training programs and technological capabilities.


Horizon Lines closes
bridge loan facility

CHARLOTTE, NC — Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has closed on a bridge loan facility of up to $25.0 million from certain of its 4.25 percent convertible note holders, as part of the comprehensive refinancing agreement between the company and its note holders announced late last month. The company also reached an agreement with its existing bank group to amend its current credit facility to accommodate the bridge loan. The company also has made the $7.0 million semi-annual interest payment on its existing $330.0 million of 4.25 percent convertible notes. The interest payment was originally due on August 15, 2011, but the company elected to make the payment within the 30-day grace period. At the closing of the refinancing of the company's capital structure, the $25.0 million amount of the bridge loan will be exchanged for a like principal amount of debt that will be included in the $100.0 million of new second-lien 13 percent - to - 15 percent secured notes to be issued as part of the refinancing.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Port of Newport seeking
candidates for commission post

NEWPORT — The Port of Newport is accepting letters of interest from persons within the Port District boundaries to fill a vacancy in Position No. 1 on the port commission. Port of Newport Commissioner Ginny Goblirsch, first appointed to the board in May 2004, has submitted a letter of resignation. Her commission expires June 30, 2015. Interested persons should mail or hand deliver a letter of interest no later than Friday, September 30, to the Port of Newport at 600 S.E. Bay Boulevard, Newport. To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter and reside within the Port District boundaries. The commission will review the letters of interest, narrow the list of potential candidates, and contact individuals for an interview. An appointment to fill the unexpired term is anticipated at the regular Newport Port Commission meeting on October 25.


Study finds shipping firms
substantially cutting pollution

WASHINGTON, DC — New clean fuel regulations in California and voluntary slowdowns by shipping companies substantially reduce air pollution caused by near-shore ships, according to a new NOAA-led study published online in Environmental Science & Technology. The study examined a container ship operating under a 2009 California regulation requiring that ships switch to low-sulfur fuels as they approach the California coast, and also adhering to a voluntary state slowdown policy, intended to reduce pollution. The research team found that emissions of several health-damaging pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, dropped by as much as 90 percent. Findings of this study could have national and global significance, as new international regulations by the International Maritime Organization require vessels to switch to lower-sulfur fuel near U.S. and international coasts beginning in 2012. The research team found reductions in emissions even where none were expected, meaning even greater reductions in air pollution, and associated respiratory health effects in humans, than regulators originally estimated.


Puget Sound Partnership taps
new leadership council members

EVERETT — The Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council has appointed Port of Everett Commissioner Mark Wolken to the Partnership’s Ecosystem Coordination Board. The Puget Sound Partnership was established as a state agency by the 2007 legislature and the governor to develop and implement an aggressive action agenda for restoring the health of Puget Sound by 2020. The partnership is guided by the leadership council, the decision-making body for the partnership consisting of seven members committed to the environmental and economic prosperity of Puget Sound. The council relies on the Ecosystem Coordination Board to provide policy recommendations that achieve the goals set forth in the Puget Sound Action Agenda. In addition to being a port commissioner, Commissioner Wolken runs a consulting firm that seeks to balance environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. Shoreline Deputy Mayor Will Hall and People for Puget Sound Executive Director Tom Bancroft were also appointed.


Hamburg Sud creates system
to track ship environmental info

HAMBURG — Hamburg Süd and the classification society Germanischer Lloyd are jointly developing a data management system for systematically capturing all environmentally relevant ship operation information. The future “GL Emission Manager” will permit detailed evaluation and analysis of all relevant data of the entire fleet. Hamburg Süd has set itself the goal of creating a valid basis for further reducing the emission of contaminants by its deployed fleet. The system is to be used throughout Hamburg Süd’s entire fleet from the start of 2012 and, in addition to environmentally relevant details, will make other operational information, such as current vessel position, cargo mix, or weather conditions, available on demand. On the data-capture side, the GL Emission Manager will consist of two separate but directly linked parts: the data recorder will be installed on board the vessels to collect all relevant information on the spot. The central “Green Server” will be located at Germanischer Lloyd and fed with data from the respective data recorders fully automatically. The server makes it possible to prepare a wide variety of queries and reports required at any time. Automatic plausibility checks of the information held in the system will additionally guarantee high data quality.


TITAN Salvage names Dolson
management team operations boss

POMPANO BEACH, FL — TITAN Salvage, a Crowley Maritime Corporation company, has appointed Dan Dolson to the senior management team as operations manager for the Americas. In this new role, Mr. Dolson now has responsibility for the operations and profitability of TITAN's U.S. office and depot in Pompano, Fla. He will relocate to Florida from Bellevue, Wash., and report to TITAN Vice President Richard Habib. Mr. Dolson has more than 15 years of experience in the marine and salvage industry. He was the founder and president of the Seattle Diving Company, and since 2003 grew the company from a local dive outfit to a modest subsea construction company working in the Pacific Northwest, Gulf of Mexico and in other international waters. Prior to owning his company, he had an eight-year career with Crowley working aboard tugboats and vessels, including the AMERICAN SALVOR. He graduated from SUNY Maritime in 1995.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, September 12, 2011

Port of Camas-Washougal
nets grant to digitize meetings

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas-Washougal has announced it is a recipient of a Washington State grant to digitize all commission meeting minutes and resolutions from 1935 to 2010. The port was one of 33 agencies around the state chosen to receive a grant from the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of Archives and Records Management on August 9. The $6,250 grant includes the digitizing of port meeting minutes and resolutions since the port was formed in 1935. Over two years, the digital archives project will digitize the documents and make them available for anyone in the public to review. The project is expected to be complete on May 31, 2013. Commission meeting minutes from 2010 and 2011 are currently available on the port website a http://portcw.com/index.php/about/commission/.


Republic of Palau new member
of International Maritime Organization

LONDON — The Republic of Palau has become the latest Member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), following the deposit, on September 8, 2011, of an instrument of acceptance of the Convention on the IMO, as amended, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. With the acceptance of the Convention by Palau, the number of IMO Member States stands at 170, with a further three associate members. The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.


USAID partners with Crowley
for Bahamas disaster relief

MIAMI — As one of the warehouses contracted by the U.S. Agency for International Administration (USAID) to provide pre- and post-disaster relief commodity storage services for the United States, Crowley Maritime Corporation's logistics group recently provided the rapid deployment of emergency aid commodities for the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Crowley's Miami warehouse is a distribution center for USAID relief supplies held for disbursement within the Western Hemisphere. Supplies are frequently called for, on an emergency basis, following natural disasters or in response to foreign governmental requests for assistance from the people of the United States. Once a shipment request is made, Crowley has two hours to pull and load the relief supplies for transit. To date, the company reports a 100 percent success rate in handling such requests. Crowley currently maintains both inventory and reporting processes allowing USAID representatives access to real time supply lists. From these lists, USAID can make shipment decisions following situational assessments from personnel stationed within the disaster area. Once agency approval from Washington D.C., is obtained, Crowley receives the request and delivers the supplies for air transportation.


APL selects Tideworks
for terminal operating system

SEATTLE — Tideworks Technology, Inc., a leading provider of full-service terminal management and planning software solutions, has announced that APL has selected Tideworks Technology to implement its comprehensive suite of terminal operating system (TOS) solutions at its new intermodal facility in Joliet, Ill. Scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2011, the project will serve APL’s customers in Chicago and the surrounding areas, and will eventually replace its existing Chicago container facility. APL conducted a competitive search, and selected Tideworks given its comprehensive, intermodal TOS solution and experienced implementation support services. At APL’s facility in Joliet, Tideworks will deploy its suite of integrated, intermodal TOS solutions including Intermodal Pro™, Traffic Control™, and Digital Bridge™, its business intelligence and key performance indicator monitoring tool. Tideworks will also implement its GateVision® gate operating system with optical character recognition to automate APL’s processes and accelerate gate movement. Tideworks will fully support the implementation through project management, business process analysis, software customization, training, and go-live support. In addition, Tideworks is providing design and consultation services for the new gate facility.


Corps seeking public's help
for Lands Day tree planting project

PORTLAND — Volunteers are invited to participate in a National Public Lands Day tree planting event Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Dalles Lock and Dam Project. Volunteers will help U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers plant about 50 Ponderosa pine, big leaf maple, Oregon white oak and Douglas fir trees at Westrick and Patterson parks, prime winter roosting areas for bald eagles and year-round habitat for osprey, great horned owls and other species. Westrick and Patterson parks are located off Interstate Highway 84 at Exit 88. Registration and orientation begin at 9:30 a.m.; volunteers must bring valid photo identification and be a U.S. citizen to enter the project. Gloves, long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended. Morning refreshments will be provided; volunteers should bring their own lunch. Volunteers will be offered a tour of the powerhouse and east fish ladder at 1:30 p.m. National Public Lands Day is a nationwide volunteer initiative promoting stewardship, protection and preservation of America's natural heritage.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, September 9, 2011

Port of Everett taps new
procurement/contracts boss

EVERETT — The Port of Everett has announced the hiring of Maija Lampinen as the new Procurement & Contracts administrator. Ms. Lampinen, who has 10 years of public works experience, will ensure the port’s compliance with state laws regarding contracting and procurement, advise on the preparation of request for qualifications and proposals, maintain the port’s purchasing policy, and manage the port’s surplus auctions. Ms. Lampinen worked for the Snohomish School District for 18 years, six of which were spent as the assistant supervisor for purchasing. In her role, she oversaw the districts procurement processes and procedures, which included purchase orders, product research and request for qualifications. Using her education in office technology, Lampinen implemented the district’s procurement card program, and served as the program’s administrator. Ms. Lampinen is involved with many professional associations, including the Pacific Northwest Public Purchasing Association, Washington Association of School Business Officials, and the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.


US rail freight traffic
posts gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported gains for weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 300,521 carloads for the week ending August 20, 2011, up 1.1 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 238,680 trailers and containers, up one percent compared with the same week last year. Fourteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010, including: metallic ores, up 24.7 percent; iron and steel scrap, up 15.8 percent, and petroleum products, up 15 percent. Groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: grain, down 21.3 percent, and farm products excluding grain, down 14.5 percent.


Oregon governor to lead
trade mission to Asia

SALEM — Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber will lead a business mission of public and private sector leaders to Asia to promote Oregon products and innovation and attract new investments to the state. Oregon’s exports are one of the bright spots of the state’s economy with international trade growing by 19 percent in the last year on nearly $18 billion in foreign sales. China is Oregon’s largest trading partner while Japan imports more of the state’s agricultural products than any other nation. International trade impacts every part of the state with nearly 5,000 Oregon companies exporting their goods and services abroad – from large companies like Intel and Nike to wheat farmers in Eastern Oregon, paddle makers in Bend, and motorcycle manufacturers in Ashland. Fred Ziari, President & CEO of IRZ Consulting, is one of the private sector leaders joining the Governor on the mission. The governor and his team will meet with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-Sik, as well as a number of important dignitaries and trade partners, including Mitsubishi Motor EV and Sanyo in Japan; Asiana Cargo and Hanjin in South Korea; and State Councilor Madam Liu Yandong and COSCO Container Lines in China.


New Suezmax tanker named
STENA SUPERIOR in Korea

GOTHENBURG, Sweden — On September 1, Rosa José Marie Sumbe, wife of Baptista Sumbe, executive chairman of Sonangol Holdings Ltd, named Stena Bulk’s first ultra modern, low consumption and partly in-house designed, Suezmax tanker STENA SUPERIOR at a ceremony at Samsung HI, Geoje, Korea. The STENA SUPERIOR is the first Suezmax tanker in the series of seven vessels of which most will join the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool. The pool was formed in 2005 and is controlled by Stena Bulk and the state-owned Angolan oil company Sonangol. This new series of Suezmax tankers have improved energy efficiency, which will reduce bunker consumption by up to 15 percent compared with the most efficient, conventional Suezmax tankers currently in operation. The next Stena Bulk Suezmax in the series is the STENA SUEDE which will be delivered November 15, and will enter a long term timecharter with the French oil firm Total.


Coast Guard starts Operation Make Way
stressing Columbia/Willamette vessel safety

ASTORIA — The Coast Guard is stressing the importance of the law requiring smaller vessels to stay out of the path of larger oncoming vessels by conducting Operation Make Way this fall fishing season. Operation Make Way is a joint recreational boater education and enforcement campaign designed to help boaters understand the need to give way and stay clear of commercial deep draft vessels on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Rule 9 in the Navigational Rules of the Road requires recreational boaters to give way to larger vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver. Recreational fishermen, often caught up in the excitement of a day on the water, frequently neglect to give way to larger vessels in a timely manner. Waiting until the last second to move from the path of these larger vessels is illegal and highly dangerous. Commercial vessels such as tug and tows, deep draft vessels and passenger cruise vessels cannot maneuver quickly and must stay on course to remain in deep water. To maintain steerage on the river's powerful currents they must travel at a moderate rate of speed. At these speeds it can often take more than a mile for these heavy vessels to stop. Making way for larger vessels promotes the safety of all mariners on the river. Boaters in violation will be subject to fines that will be enforced by local, state and federal authorities. The Coast Guard encourages all boaters, in addition to making way for larger vessels, to follow other simple procedures to stay safe on the water.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, September 8, 2011

Port of Vancouver, USA
welcomes Maiden Voyage vessel

VANCOUVER, USA — The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the M/V MYKALI, commanded by Capt. Viktor Sapozhnikov of Russia, on its maiden voyage to the United States on August 23, 2011. Capt. Sapozhnikov and his 17-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Earl Dixon, vessel superintendent for United Grain Corp.; Cory Nelson, PNW manager for Interocean Steamship Corporation and port representatives Nick Haindl and Debbie Taylor. The MYKALI was built in Japan and delivered Aug. 4, 2011. The vessel is 623 feet in length and has a deadweight capacity of 56,132 tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA was from Russia and the Ukraine. The vessel is owned by Hiroya Maritime SA and operated by Samos Steamship Company. Interocean Steamship Corp. is the agent for the vessel. The MYKALI is a handy-max type bulk carrier of 56,000 dwt with a cargo hold capacity over 70,000 cubic meters. The vessel sailed from Tamano, Okayama, Japan and loaded approximately 44,600 metric tons of grain while in port. The vessel departed the port on August 24 and will discharge the grain in Manila, Philippines.


Commerce Department report finds
US exports jumped 3.6 percent in July

WASHINGTON, DC — The July 2011 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that U.S. exports of goods and services in July increased 3.6 percent from June to $178.0 billion. The value of exports in July, as well as the individual export values for goods and services, was the highest on record. Exports of capital goods ($42.1 billion) and exports to South and Central America were also the highest on record in July ($14.7 billion). U.S. imports of goods and services decreased 0.2 percent over this period to $222.8 billion, causing the U.S. trade deficit to decrease 13.1 percent since June, totaling $44.8 billion in July. U.S. goods and services exports in the first seven months of 2011 are up 16.0 percent to $1,209 billion, in comparison with $1,042 billion in exports in the first seven months of 2010.


Boeing predicts China will need
5,000 new commercial aircraft

BEIJING — The Boeing Company projects that China will require 5,000 new commercial airplanes valued at $600 billion over the next 20 years. “Sustained strong economic growth, growing trade activities, increasing personal wealth and income, as well as continued market liberalization will be the driving forces in shaping China’s air travel market,” said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Marketing, who shared the forecast that featured Boeing’s outlook for China’s commercial airplane market through 2030. With China’s cargo markets leading the global industry, Chinese air carriers will add about 400 freighter airplanes by 2030. Mr. Tinseth said the majority of the demand will be for large, long-range freighters such as the 747-8F and 777F, given that most traffic growth is projected to occur on long-haul traffic lanes tied to China.


Port of Everett offers options
on possible change of boundaries

EVERETT — Each decade, the U.S. government conducts a census of the nation’s population. Following the census, boundaries change to reflect the current population of counties, cities, and other jurisdictions that have internal governing districts. The Port of Everett is currently undergoing this process. they have created a webpage to view the two alternatives and accept public comment at: http://www.portofeverett.com/home/index.asp?page=322. They are accepting public comment from Sept. 7 until Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.


Evergreen earns award
from Sears Holding Corp.

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Evergreen has been named a 2010 Partner in Progress for Sears Holdings Corporation. Evergreen received the award for the ocean carrier's dedication to service commitment, quality and innovation. The award was based on "space protection" that Evergreen provided during the 2010 peak season. Each year, Sears Holdings grants the Partners in Progress award to a select group of supplier companies. These suppliers provide Sears Holdings with quality products and services, from apparel, appliances and tools, to marketing, facilities, design and technology. Of the over 30,000 suppliers that work with Sears Holdings, less than one percent have the privilege to receive this award. The Partners in Progress recipients are selected from nominations submitted by Sears Holdings' associates who purchased goods and services from suppliers in 2010. The award recognizes suppliers for product or service quality, innovation, diversity and overall market performance.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Port of Tacoma calling for
input on strategic plan/branding

TACOMA — Pierce County citizens and Port of Tacoma business partners and customers are encouraged to take part in an online survey by Sept. 16 to provide input toward the port’s strategic planning and brand identity. The port, a key catalyst for the local and state economy, is developing a strategic plan to guide the organization in its next chapter of economic growth and business success. The plan will guide actions over the next five years toward a longer-term vision. Hand in hand with strategic planning, the port also will examine its brand and identity to make sure it reflects the port's unique strategic advantages. The online surveys are available from the port’s website at www.portoftacoma.com/strategic-plan. The port will host open houses in the future to review the draft strategic plan before it goes to the commission for adoption in March.


Seaview Boatyard earns award
for environmental practices

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle congratulates Seaview Boatyard for their recent Environmental Excellence Award for Leading Environmental Practices awarded by the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB). Located at Shilshole Bay Marina, a port facility, Seaview Boatyard has enjoyed great success amongst the Puget Sound boating community since 1973. AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize member companies for exemplary innovations and achievements in environmental protection, conservation and compliance. Seaview’s proactive approach for complying with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was cited as a critical reason they were recognized for this award, along with creating a system of best business practices and investment in new equipment that would reduce environmental impacts. Port of Seattle marinas are committed to practices that promote clean air and water quality, recently earning the EnviroStar rating.


Bellingham Port Commission
holding public coffee sessions

BELLINGHAM — If you have questions or comments for the countywide Port of Bellingham, the commissioners would like to talk with you. In September there are three remaining "Coffee with a Commissioner" sessions around the county so that they can hear directly from the people they represent. Although the commission welcomes public comment at the beginning of their twice monthly regular meetings, they realize they can reach even more people by hosting informal coffee sessions. Several times a year, the commissioners schedule these conversation opportunities in different parts of the county. During September, they will still visit Bellingham, Sumas and Lynden. They will have information about the upcoming Airport Master Plan, economic development efforts, environmental cleanup projects and waterfront redevelopment work in Blaine and Bellingham. Each session will be hosted by one commissioner and a staff person and will include complimentary coffee, tea, fruit and breakfast pastries. Coffee with a Commissioner Sessions ---- 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
· Wednesday, Sept. 14: Commissioner Jim Jorgensen, Ferry Landing Grill, Bellingham Cruise
Terminal, Fairhaven
· Wednesday, Sept. 21: Commissioner Jim Jorgensen – Bob’s Burgers and Brew, 819 Cherry
Street, Sumas
· Wednesday, Sept. 28: Commissioner Scott Walker—Dutch Mother’s Restaurant, 405 Front
Street, Lynden
Everyone is welcome to attend.


NYK-TDG maritime academy
nets Japanese ministry approval

TOKYO — The NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) reports it is one of the first three maritime academies to have been recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) under a new certification program for graduates of overseas maritime academies. The NTMA is jointly run by NYK and business partner Transnational Diversified Group (TDG). The new certification program allows students graduating from MLIT-approved academies overseas to work onboard Japan-flagged vessels as officers — the positions of officer, engineer, captain, and chief engineer — without having to take the previously required examinations. In addition to NTMA, MLIT approved the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP). During the approval process, MLIT examined NTMA’s curriculum to confirm that the content of the courses adequately prepares students to operate vessels and engines in accordance with the requirements of the seaman’s certificate of competency. The first 116 students enrolled at this four-year academy will receive certification upon their graduation on September 16, the first graduating class of NTMA.


Merchant Marine rescuers
recognized for Sept. 11 actions

WASHINGTON, DC — The heroism of merchant mariners who evacuated hundreds of thousands of people from Lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is featured in a new video released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. “Rescue at Water’s Edge,” includes interviews with vessel operators, emergency responders and passengers. “The story of merchant mariners coming to the aid of those in need on September 11, 2001 is an inspiring one,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “On that terrible day, our nation’s seafarers, with courage and selflessness, transported hundreds of thousands of people out of harm’s way to safety.” More than 300,000 people were evacuated by water from lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks in the largest unplanned water evacuation in the history of the United States.


NEWS BULLETIN
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Port of Seattle marks
100 years of operations

SEATTLE — Yesterday marked the centennial of the Port of Seattle. One hundred years ago, Seattle citizens formed the port that has served as the region’s economic engine for a full century. Today, the Port of Seattle generates nearly 200,000 jobs statewide and $867 million in state and local tax revenues. Washington Governor Gregoire declared the day “Port of Seattle Day” in Washington.


FMC wants TSA, WTSA
to provide meeting transcripts

WASHINGTON, DC — On September 3, 2010, the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) entered an order requiring the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) and the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) to file verbatim transcripts of certain meetings. While reducing the number of committees for which TSA and WTSA must provide transcripts, this order extends the reporting requirements through April 30, 2012. After having reviewed the transcripts submitted by the agreements and the current state of the market, the Commission has concluded that transcripts for certain agreement meetings through April 30, 2012 will provide important information as carriers enter the traditional September-October peak season, potentially reduce Transpacific capacity in the traditional slack season, and then begin annual service contract negotiations for the next year. This extension for a targeted set of meetings through the remainder of the current annual service contract period will provide the Commission with information relating to potential equipment availability issues, capacity changes, and any conduct that is likely, by a reduction in competition, to produce an unreasonable reduction i


Asiana has begun
all cargo service from Portland

PORTLAND — A new gateway to the Pacific Rim has opened with the launch of Asiana Cargo’s nonstop air cargo service at Portland International Airport, connecting Oregon and Southwest Washington businesses and shippers with Asia. Asiana offers its all-cargo service aboard a Boeing 747 freighter, departing PDX on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to Incheon, Korea. Incheon is a hub for Asiana, offering connecting air cargo service throughout Asia, including destinations like Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Penang. The flight returns to PDX via Anchorage, Miami and Atlanta. The new service is estimated to generate nearly $27 million annually in local business activity and some 80 jobs. Oregon’s top three trading partners are in Northeast Asia—Japan, Korea and China—all served by the new flight. Oregon is the ninth ranked state in the country in terms of export value per capita. More than 470,000 Oregon jobs are supported by international trade, including imports and exports. Asiana also has West Coast operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.


Change of command for
Everett-based Coast Guard cutter

EVERETT — The Coast Guard Cutter BLUE SHARK, homeported at Naval Station Everett, welcomed its newest captain during a change of command ceremony Friday. Lt. j.g. Nathan E. Wojcik relieved Lt. Katie J. Thompson as captain of the patrol boat and its crew, which conduct a multitude of missions including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, recreational boating safety and Homeland Security escorts. Lt. Wojcik last served as weapons officer and first lieutenant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter TAMPA in Portsmouth, Va., and was raised in East Brookfield, Mass. Lt. Thompson will assume her duties as patrol boat manager for Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound in Seattle.


Jazz festival set for
Bellwether on the Bay

BELLINGHAM — Sponsored by the Port of Bellingham and the Jazz Project, the Bellwether Jazz Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 2 to 7 p.m. The event will bring a variety of jazz styles to Tom Glenn Common on the Bellwether on the Bay peninsula. Food vendors and a beer and wine garden (21 and over) will be on site, with proceeds from alcohol sales going to support The Jazz Project’s underwriting programs for the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, the Scholarship Lesson Fund, The Piano Liberation Organization, Medical Fund and other valuable Jazz Project community services. Enjoying the music is free. In the beer and wine garden (21+ with ID), there will be a $5 dollar entry fee that also gets you your first beverage. Patio-style chairs, benches, and tables on the plaza will be provided. Also, bring your own blankets or lawn chairs to spread out on the grass near the stage. Food vendors will be on site including Anthony's Restaurant, Boundary Bay Brewery, Giuseppe's Al Porto Restaurant, Harborside Restaurant, and Subway Sandwich Shop. Food options are listed on the event pages, with a link below. You can also bring your own picnic food to the event. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in the beer and wine garden. For more information, visit: http://www.portofbellingham.com/index.aspx?nid=453


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, September 2, 2011

Americold to receive
Port of Tacoma Globe Award

TACOMA — The nation’s largest network of cold storage facilities and logistics will be honored at the World Trade Center Tacoma’s Sept. 8 Globe Awards for its environmentally advanced Tacoma Tideflats facility. The annual Port of Tacoma award recognizes Pierce County businesses, organizations and individuals in the maritime, trade and transportation industry that improve the community's quality of life through economic vitality, cultural awareness, environmental stewardship and educational opportunities. Americold was selected for its 200,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse and distribution center on the Tacoma Tideflats. The energy-efficient facility, which opened in July 2010 under the name VersaCold, added 100 trade-related jobs to our community while providing of temperature-controlled storage and distribution services to area seafood, agriculture, and food manufacturing and retail companies. Americold's facility incorporates state-of- the-art environmental and conservation features, including motion-sensor LED lights, computer-controlled refrigeration and high-speed doors between cold storage rooms and the dock. It also recycles 50 percent of the facility's waste. The World Trade Center Tacoma’s annual Globe Awards highlights the importance of trade to the Washington economy by recognizing companies that excel in international trade. The winners will be honored at a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. For more information about the awards event, visit www.wtcta.org.


Executive structure changing
at Port Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver has announced changes to its executive leadership team. Following an international search, Sheri Plewes joins Port Metro Vancouver as vice president, Infrastructure Delivery, effective October 11, 2011. In this newly created role, Ms. Plewes will assume responsibility for the port’s major infrastructure projects, including the Container Capacity Improvement Program and Trade Areas development. She joins the port from SNC Lavalin’s Transportation Division, where she served as senior vice president, Transport. Effective September 1, 2011, Duncan Wilson has been appointed vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility. With a background in communications, marketing and government affairs, Mr. Wilson joined the port in 2003 and was named director, Communications and Government Affairs in 2009. In his new role, Mr. Wilson has leadership responsibility for Port Metro Vancouver's sustainability and corporate social responsibility portfolio that includes environmental activities, communications, government affairs, and community and First Nations engagement. Also effective September 1, 2011, Peter Xotta has been appointed vice president, Planning and Operations. Mr. Xotta joined the port in 1993 and most recently served as vice president, Planning and Development. In his new role, Mr. Xotta has overall responsibility for the port’s land and marine operations and security, planning and development activities, project management, trade development and customer engagement initiatives. Effective October 14, 2011, Captain Chris Badger will retire from Port Metro Vancouver, following a 40-year maritime career. Capt. Badger joined the Port in 1988 as assistant harbour master and, following successively more responsible positions, he earned the appointment of chief operating officer in 2008.


Boeing set to deliver
first 747-8 Freighter

EVERETT — Boeing will deliver the first 747-8 Freighter to launch customer Cargolux Sept. 19 at Paine Field in Everett. Cargolux will fly the airplane away that morning and put the airplane into revenue service. Boeing will celebrate the first delivery with Cargolux, employees and other stakeholders the following day at the Everett factory. Cargolux will take delivery of the second 747-8 Freighter Sept. 21. The carrier has a total of 13 of the airplanes on order.


Rail freight traffic
sees up/down week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports mixed results for weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 292,266 carloads for the week ending August 13, 2011, down 1.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 235,598 trailers and containers, up 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases from the comparable week in 2010, including: metallic ores, up 25.2 percent; iron and steel scrap, up 22.4 percent, and petroleum products, up 15.8 percent. Groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products excluding grain, down 25.1 percent; waste and nonferrous scrap, down 20.3 percent, and nonmetallic minerals, down 13 percent.


University of North Florida student
earns Thomas B. Crowley scholarship

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation continued its commitment to education recently when it awarded Sunny Cavan, a student at the University of North Florida (UNF), with a Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Cavan, who is pursuing degrees in both international business, and transportation and logistics, with a minor in Spanish, was chosen for her strong academic record, her interest in pursuing a career in the transportation and logistics field and financial need. Ms. Cavan recently fulfilled her dream of visiting Argentina in 2009 to study abroad through UNF's Coggin College of Business and spent a semester in Uruguay a year later to take Spanish classes in business and transportation. Cavan's interest in pursuing Spanish was instilled in her at a young age by her parents, who were born and raised in Argentina. When Ms. Cavan finishes her undergraduate studies, she plans to enroll in the Ibero- American MBA program, a dual master's degree program offered by UNF that focuses on business and logistics among the United States, Latin America and Spain. Since 1984, Crowley has provided more than half-a-million dollars in scholarship funding for approximately 200 students studying at maritime academies and other select institutions. The company has also donated more than $2 million over the years to support other educational programs.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, September 1, 2011

Port of Olympia-backed FTZ
now more business friendly

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia reports that gaining Foreign Trade Zone status is now faster and easier for businesses under regional Foreign Trade Zone #216‘s (FTZ #216) Alternative Site Framework (ASF), which was recently approved by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The ASF allows businesses in the zone’s area that are engaged in importing, exporting, assembly, warehousing and distribution to apply for expedited approval through the FTZ #216 program. The expedited approval means significantly less paperwork for a business’s FTZ application process, and only a 30-day wait to receive approval from the federal Foreign Trade Zone Board. Along with the new Alternative Site Framework, FTZ #216 has undergone a substantial geographic expansion. It now includes all of Thurston County, almost all of Lewis and Mason Counties, and the southern part of Kitsap County. Previously, the zone comprised 3,428 acres among the four Counties. While most FTZs are specific to a single port or municipality, FTZ #216 is a regional zone within four Counties that represent multiple ports and municipalities. The Port of Olympia has administered the zone program in collaboration with the four Counties since the zone’s inception in 1996. Also partnering with the zone are the Economic Development Councils of the four Counties. Public property stakeholders are Port of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Yelm, Port of Centralia, Port of Chehalis, City of Chehalis, Port of Shelton and Port of Bremerton. The zone also includes some privately owned land.


Sept. 11 fallen to be remembered
as part of AAPA Annual Convention

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Port and industry leaders from throughout the Western Hemisphere will pause on Sunday, Sept. 11, as part of the 100th Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in Seattle (Sept. 11-15), to remember those tragically lost in the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil 10 years ago. Among those lost were 84 industry colleagues from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who perished at the World Trade Center. In the decade since Sept. 11, 2001, America’s seaports and the federal government have joined forces to make major gains in fortifying and hardening port facilities against intruder attack. Since then, public port authorities have made terrorism detection and prevention one of their top priorities. With the combined efforts of port authorities and initiatives of federal agencies within the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Domestic Nuclear Protection Office, ports are significantly safer now than prior to 9/11. Additional information about AAPA’s 100th Annual Convention and Exhibition, including its business program agenda, exhibitors and sponsors, is available at https://www.aapa2011.org/main.aspx.


Patrol boat battery gasses
send Coast Guardsman to hospital

SEATTLE — A member of Coast Guard Station Bellingham was medevaced after he was exposed to battery gasses, while on patrol in the vicinity of Cattle Pass, this morning, at approximately 1:20 a.m. The member was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. A Coast Guard 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement (SPC-LE), from Station Bellingham, was experiencing engine difficulty near Friday Harbor. While inspecting the engine, the crew was exposed to battery gasses. One crewmember complained of feeling nauseous and was experiencing chest pains. Another Bellingham boat crew was nearby and removed the crew from the SPC-LE. The exposed crew was transported to Friday Harbor. One exposed member was airlifted by Airlift Northwest to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, and the remaining crew were examined and treated at a clinic in Friday Harbor, and released.


Port Metro Vancouver points to
clean air strategy progress

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver reports that it and two Washington State ports continue to make significant progress in the cross-border effort to reduce port-related emissions in the Georgia Basin – Puget Sound air shed, according to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy 2010 Implementation Report. Through the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, Port Metro Vancouver and the ports of Seattle and Tacoma are collaborating on ways to improve air quality and reduce contributions to climate change in all aspects of port operations. The three Pacific Northwest ports have made significant improvement in the first three years of the strategy by focusing on clean air goals for ships, cargo-handling equipment, rail, trucks, harbour craft and port administration through cooperative relationships with customers, tenants, and regulatory agencies. In support of the Northwest ports’ common goals, Port Metro Vancouver says it is taking a direct role through its EcoAction Program, Blue Circle Award, Truck Licensing Program and the award-winning shore power installation at Canada Place.


Philippine school built with
cargo containers from APL

MANILA — NOL Group, the Singapore-based container shipping and logistics company, celebrated with the Philippine Christian Foundation (PCF) the inauguration of the container school called “Philippine Technical College.” The campus is built exclusively from APL cargo containers. NOL Group donated 53 containers to PCF and subsidized the purchase of 26 more. The group also sponsored a classroom for students and shipped three 40-foot-containers of building materials to Manila to assist in the school’s construction. The containers were sheathed in concrete for added strength and used as primary construction material for the school. The design of the facility meets the standards of the Philippine Department of Education. The four-storey facility is near an area known as Smokey Mountain, once the site of a garbage dump. It now houses 1,000 students from one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Manila. It is believed to be the largest school in the world built from cargo containers. The school is run by PCF and offers classes from pre-school through high school as well as offering vocational courses for livelihood skills training. The Foundation’s primary objective is to use education to bring an end to child labour at Smokey Mountain dump site.