Friday, October 12, 2018

Long Beach Containers Up

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Long Beach handled more than eight million TEUs this fiscal year ending Sept. 30, a 10.7 percent jump from the same period last year, according to the latest port’s numbers.

Even though volumes were flat, the port handled 701,204 TEUs, making it its second-busiest September ever. Meanwhile, imports fell 2.5 percent to 357,301 TEUs and exports dipped three percent to 121,561 TEUs.

“We are poised to break our calendar year record at the end of December,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Despite the tariffs imposed by Washington and Beijing, international trade is showing resilience, and at our Port we are providing a conduit for commerce that’s efficient for our customers and getting their cargo to destinations faster, saving them money.”

Eagle to Soar at Camas-Washougal

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Camas-Washougal will unveil a large bronze eagle statue on a pedestal in a special ceremony on Oct. 24. The 10-foot-tall piece created by artist Heather Soderberg-Green will be dedicated at 11 a.m. at the Washougal Waterfront Park, located at 56 South 1st Street in Washougal, Washington.

"We are very excited to bring to the community this beautiful bronze sculpture," said David Ripp, port executive director. "Art is such an integral part of our community and its rich history."

For more information about the event, call Executive Assistant Yvette Winden at 360-835-8098 or email Yvette@portcw.com.

Comments Solicited on Kilisut Harbor Bridge

By Karen Robes Meeks

US Coast Guard officials are asking the public to provide input on a Washington State Department of Transportation proposal to build a replacement bridge across Kilisut Harbor in Jefferson County.

The transportation agency wants to take out the current bridge, which consists of two culverts and causeway, and put in a new non-moveable bridge made of four, 110-foot long spans and supported by three bents. For more information visit www.navcen.uscg.gov/D13BN.

To weigh in on the project, contact the bridge administrator Steve Fischer via email at steven.m.fischer3@uscg.mil or call 206-220-7282 by no later than Oct. 31.

Port of San Diego Commuter Award

By Karen Robes Meeks

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) recently honored the Port of San Diego with a Gold Tier iCommute Diamond Award for Excellence in Commute Programs for Fiscal Year 2018.

The award spotlights area employers who enact alternative commute programs. During the 2018 fiscal year, the port hosted and promoted a Bike to Work Day, took part in National Rideshare Week, set up an informational booth at the port’s annual Health & Sustainability Fair for employees and offered an alternative workweek schedule and reimbursements for workers who use public transit and vanpools.

“We are honored to be recognized by SANDAG for our efforts to encourage Port employees to take alternative and environmentally friendly modes of transportation,” said Rafael Castellanos, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Among our many Green Port initiatives, our participation in the iCommute Diamond Awards Program is a no-brainer. Not only does it mean cleaner air for the San Diego region, but it will also help us meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals established in our Climate Action Plan.”

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Port of San Diego Reeling from Cyber Attack

By Karen Robes Meeks

In a statement release on October 4, the Port of San Diego confirmed that it is still recovering from a cybersecurity attack that occurred Sept. 25.

Chief Executive Officer Randa Coniglio said that the port “remains open for business and operations are continuing in the wake of a cybersecurity incident.”

“Since the incident was first reported, our port has handled calls from seven cruise ships and 10 cargo ships, processed biweekly payroll, and continued public safety operations as usual,” Coniglio said, adding that the Board of Port Commissioners will meet on Oct. 9 for its regular scheduled meeting.

“As this incident mainly impacted internal administrative functions, our services to our tenants and stakeholders have been generally uninterrupted, with the following minor exceptions: park permits cannot be accepted online, and public records requests in some cases are taking longer than usual to process,” Coniglio said. “Public records continue to be provided in accordance with legal requirements. I appreciate the public's patience as we continue our recovery from this incident.”

Proposed Bridgework

By Karen Robes Meeks

US Coast Guard officials are asking the maritime stakeholders to weigh in on a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. plan to construct a movable railroad bridge across Salmon Bay near Ballard Locks in Seattle, Wash.

The input will help the Coast Guard set the horizontal and vertical navigation requirements for the proposed bridge set to replace the current unlimited vertical clearance bascule bridge. The proposed vertical-lift bridge will have a finite vertical clearance which should be able to accommodate present and future vessels.

Comments must be submitted by Oct. 31 and sent to Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District by email at d13-pf-d13bridges@uscg.mil or by calling the bridge administrator’s office at 206-220-7282 or 7234.

Hueneme Gets CARB Funding

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Hueneme secured $3 million from the California Air Resources Board toward its ship-to-shore energy project, part of a joint application with the Port of Los Angeles. Hueneme port will match $200,000 in funding toward the project.

“This type of funding allows our ports to continue to lead the world in reducing emissions and implementing green initiatives,” said Mary Anne Rooney, president of the Oxnard Harbor District. “It was a pleasure to partner with the Port of Los Angeles on this application, as it is a great example of how two ports, two air districts, two counties, and various private partners can come together to make real positive impacts for our environment and local communities.”

Besides two electric yard trucks, the grant will fund the infrastructure needed to make charging electric cargo handling equipment possible, according to the port.

“The projects funded by this grant will lay the foundation for the next phase of green infrastructure and equipment at the port, which will support electric cranes, electric cargo handling equipment, and a hydrogen-fuel-cell truck dedicated to moving our customer’s fresh produce to the marketplace,” said Port Director and CEO Kristin Decas. “You will be seeing zero-emission avocados, bananas, and pineapples coming out of the Port soon!”

Longview Commissioner Baagason Resigns

By Karen Robes Meeks

Port of Longview Board Commission Vice-President Bob Baagason, who represents the 3rd Commission since being elected in 2007, turned in a formal resignation effective Sept. 30.

“Over the past ten-plus years, we accomplished a lot – including materially increasing the port’s revenue position with our cutting-edge grain terminal, improving the port’s economic impact within the community and significantly reducing property taxes to residents of the port district,” said Baagason. “It is a lasting legacy that I am proud to have had a role in.”

The commission now has 90 days to appoint a replacement. His term was set to expire at the end of 2019.