By Mark Edward Nero
If you’ve ever wondered how soybeans from North Dakota make it all the way to China, what it’s like to be a river pilot or what the wooden structures in the Columbia River are and how they help vessels of all kinds safely navigate the river, then you’ll soon be able to find out.
The Port of Vancouver USA is launching a lecture series featuring industry experts who’ll share knowledge, personal experiences and fascinating facts about how railroads and the maritime industry work, how products move by road, river and rail, and how ports connect people to the global marketplace.
The Port of Vancouver USA 2017 lecture series takes place from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Feb. 13 and 23 at the port’s Terminal 1 Gulls Nest Conference Room, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.
The Feb. 13 lecture features Columbia River pilot Capt. Paul Amos and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Executive Director Kristin Meira.
Capt. Amos will share his knowledge and firsthand experiences in the tug and barge industry, and towing vessels on the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers. Meira will discuss the importance of a reliable, efficient and sustainable river system to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest.
The Feb. 23 lecture features Port of Vancouver USA Director of Operations Todd Krout and Rail Manager Wayne Harner, who will share their knowledge of rail infrastructure, safety, cargo movement, railroad jobs and railcar types typically seen in Southwest Washington.
The first two lectures are just the first of several the port plans in 2017 on a variety of topics. Seats are limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up early. To register, call (360) 693-3611 or email rsvp@portvanusa.com.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
