Friday, July 6, 2018

San Pedro Ports to Tighten Truck Age Restrictions

By Karen Robes Meeks

To speed up air pollution reduction efforts, new drayage trucks coming to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach this fall will have to be a 2014 model year or newer.

The governing bodies for both ports recently passed the initial tariff change, which is expected to receive final approval in July and slated to take effect on October 1.

The new rule, however, would only apply to trucks not currently in the Ports Drayage Truck Registry – about 50 percent of trucks in the registry are 2010 model year and newer. Presently, drayage trucks that come to the twin ports must be 2007 model year or newer.

This move is the first of several to be made by the ports under the latest version of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), an outline of initiatives to clear the pollution generated by those that operate at the ports. Passed in November, the 2017 CAAP Update features more stringent pollution-curbing efforts, including a goal to have zero-emissions trucks by 2035.

Visit www.cleanairactionplan.org for more details.

Daniel K. Inouye Christened

By Karen Robes Meeks

On June 30, Honolulu-based Matson, Inc. and Philly Shipyard, Inc. christened the M/V Daniel K. Inouye, one of two new vessels being built by the company.

"This is a proud day for all of us at Matson," said Matson's Chairman and CEO Matt Cox at the shipyard ceremony. "Over our first 136 years, Matson's fleet has evolved from sailing ships to larger steamers to diesel power, consistent with changes in technology and always evolving in step with the needs of a growing Hawaii economy.”

Named after the late US Senator representing Hawaii, the 850-foot long Daniel K. Inouye is faster, can transport up to 3,600 TEU and features modern eco-friendly technology.

"This new vessel, designed specifically to serve Hawaii and built with LNG-compatible engines, is the next generation of vessel and sets a new standard for cargo transportation in Hawaii,” Cox said. “It also symbolizes Matson's continuing commitment to serving our Island home in the most efficient, effective and environmentally sound way into the future.”

New Wharfinger at Oakland

By Karen Robes Meeks

Eric Napralla has recently been named Chief Wharfinger of the Port of Oakland, taking over for Chris Peterson who retired after 25 years at the port.

Napralla, who has been with Oakland for six years, will be tasked with overseeing seaport operations ranging from tenant relationships to facilities leasing. He will be leading a group of four Wharfingers and a Senior Maritime Project Manager who work with 60 port tenants, according to the port.

“Eric brings a wealth of experience to the job,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “He has successfully managed important programs and projects within the Maritime Operations group and we’re pleased that he’s taking on this new assignment.”

Napralla previously served as a senior project administrator in the port’s Operations Department. He also worked for the Port of Redwood City and served four years in the US Coast Guard.

Carnival Returns to San Diego

By Karen Robes Meeks

For the first time in seven years, Carnival Cruise Line will be returning to the Port of San Diego with the arrival of the 963-foot long Carnival Miracle.

Starting December 1, 2019, Carnival Miracle will offer 10 voyages from the Port of San Diego, launching with a seven-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera featuring stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

“The Port of San Diego is thrilled to welcome Carnival Cruise Line back,” said Rafael Castellanos, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The partnership between the port and Carnival offers cruisers more travel options while providing even more economic benefit to the region.”

Other Carnival offerings include a pair of 15-day special Carnival Journeys voyages to Hawaii, two five-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and two three-day getaways to Ensenada. There will also be a four-day New Year’s Baja Mexico cruise leaving San Diego on December 30. A six-day cruise with two days in Cabo San Lucas and a day trip to Ensenada will be leaving from San Diego on January 6, 2020.

Lastly, a 13-day Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise will depart from San Diego on February 1, 2020, and arrive in Miami on Valentine’s Day.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Longview Accident Claims Longshoreman, Crew

By Karen Robes Meeks

A longshoreman and a crewmember lost their lives and two others were injured in a maritime accident at the Port of Longview early Thursday morning.

International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) member Byron Jacobs, 34, died at the scene after one of the vessel lines on the M/V Ansac Splendor snapped in half and recoiled toward both the dock and the vessel while it tried to move along the dock from one loading hatch to another, according to port officials.

Three others sustained injuries, including the ship’s chief mate, Pingshan Li, who died later that night at Southwest Washington Medical Center.

"Our hearts are with his family and friends as we all grieve this tragic loss," said Port of Longview CEO Norm Krehbiel. "This is an unimaginable loss felt throughout both the maritime and local community."

ILWU Local 21 President Jake Ford said Thursday’s incident was “a tragic day on the waterfront," adding "Byron was an active member of the union, loved his work and will be incredibly missed.” The union also sent their profound condolences to Chief Mate Li’s family, friends and crewmates.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard and Washington State Labor and Industries are investigating the incident.

New Executive for Redwood City

By Karen Robes Meeks

Kristine A. Zortman, vice president of the economic development nonprofit Civic San Diego, will lead the Port of Redwood City as its new executive director.

Zortman will take over for longtime director Mike Giari, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

“Following an extensive recruitment effort, the Port Commission is thrilled to announce the selection of Kristine A. Zortman to further the port’s successful economic development and maritime trade growth,” said Richard Dodge, chair of the Port Commission. “Kristine’s experience and leadership in maritime commercial growth and expansion and maritime related commercial real estate were key assets advancing her as our top candidate,” he added. “Kristine’s successful collaborations with boards, strong community and business partnerships, and experience managing successful internal teams will elevate the port’s success as we continue as a leader among California and US ports and focus on economic development, transportation and community building initiatives and priorities.”

Prior to working with Civic San Diego, Zortman negotiated long-term commercial real estate leases for the Port of San Diego for eight years and worked on land acquisition for Lennar Communities for six years. She also did environmental project management for several years, according to the port.

“I am grateful and thank the Port Commission leadership for their confidence in me to lead the Port of Redwood City,” Zortman said. “I look forward to working with an outstanding internal leadership team, to develop strong partnerships with the Redwood City community, and local, national and international business leaders, and to partner with local, state and federal port leaders to further the important work of ports nationwide. As an economic engine, the port’s strategic alliances and business partnerships will facilitate it truly becoming the region’s partner of choice in multi-national maritime trade and industry.”

Road Closures Expected in Long Beach

By Karen Robes Meeks

Drivers using Port of Long Beach adjacent roads to get to and from the Queen Mary, Carnival Cruise terminal and downtown Long Beach should anticipate several road closures and temporary detours from July 4–7, according to the port.

The closures are required so an overpass related to the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement project can be demolished. Affected routes include southbound Harbor Scenic Drive, eastbound Ocean Boulevard and westbound Ocean Boulevard toward San Pedro.

Here are the following detours:

• If you are taking the 710 South for the 4th of July fireworks show at the Queen Mary, take the Port of Long Beach/Queen Mary exit and follow the detour signs.

• From July 5–7, take the Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium exit, then to Shoreline Drive. From Shoreline, turn right onto Queens Way and follow the signs to the Queen Mary.

• Going east on Ocean from Terminal Island to the Queen Mary? Exit the Pico Avenue south off-ramp, turn right, head down Pico Avenue until a left turn on-ramp onto South Harbor Scenic Drive, then follow signs to the Queen Mary.

• Going to downtown Long Beach from eastbound Ocean? Turn left at the Pico/710 north off-ramp, go north, turn right onto 9th Street, continue onto 10th Street, then take the downtown on-ramp onto Shoreline Drive. Alternatively, keep going north via Pico, turn left onto the I-710 on-ramp at 9th Street, then go up Anaheim Street and make a right turn.

• Going west on Ocean toward San Pedro? You will be detoured north onto Golden Shore, linking you to the 710 Freeway going north. If heading to Terminal Island and San Pedro, exit at Anaheim Street and follow “Port of Long Beach” signs to make a left on Pico. Drivers can get back on westbound Ocean after about one-quarter mile.

Meanwhile, northbound Harbor Scenic Drive will remain open.

Visit www.newgdbridge.com, or download the “LBBridge” app for more details.

Port of Oakland Scholarships

By Karen Robes Meeks

Eighteen Oakland area high school seniors will be receiving scholarships totaling close to $39,000 this summer, thanks to Port of Oakland employees.

Since establishing the scholarship program 25 years ago, the Port Employees’ Scholarship Program and the Asian Employees Association at the Port of Oakland (AEA) has given out almost $1.2 million to more than 500 students.

“The Port Employees’ Scholarship Program was created to encourage our youth to extend their education beyond high school and contribute to the betterment of the Oakland community,” said Ramona Dixon, Chair of the Port Employees’ Scholarship Program Committee.

Formed by port employees in 1991, AEA is a nonprofit aimed at highlighting academic achievement among Oakland youths. The group has awarded 265 scholarships since 1993.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues who understand first-hand the value of higher education and generously support our cause,” said AEA President Cheryl Ho.