Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Oakland Peak Season Imports Surpass 250 Thousand

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Oakland handled 250,686 imported TEUs between August and the end of October, making it the port’s busiest peak season for imports. It outpaced the former record of 233,825 TEUs set during the same period last year.

Traditionally, the peak season is the busiest time of the year for ports because retailers ship products to stock shelves in advance of the holiday season. But strong domestic consumer spending and a shipping rush spurred by the upcoming round of tariffs on Chinese goods are also playing a factor in the increased volume, according to the port.

“We’re pleased by our peak season figures,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Now we’ll see how tariffs affect future trade flows.”

Meanwhile, Oakland moved 82,397 imported TEUs last month, a 7.4 percent jump from October 2017. It was the port’s busiest October in history.

Vancouver USA Budget Hearing

By Karen Robes Meeks

On Nov. 27 the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commission will host a hearing, and possibly vote, on its 2019 budget.

The public will have a chance to weigh in on the draft budget, which includes more than $25 million to be spent on capital projects such as terminal-related improvements, waterfront-related projects and maintenance work on docks, buildings, equipment, water systems and more.

The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the port’s Commission Room located at 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, Washington.

Comments can be mailed to 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660, or emailed to povcommissioners@portvanusa.com.

Visit www.portvanusa.com/about/budget for more details on the budget.

Long Beach Commission Grants

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners recently approved more than $3 million for projects aimed at improving water quality in the Long Beach region.

The projects include:

• $1 million toward the city of Long Beach’s urban stormwater treatment project

• $440,000 toward the Willmore Heritage Garden Biofiltration Swale

• $1 million toward Rancho Los Cerritos: Looking Back to Advance Forward project, a permeable pavement and underground cistern

• $603,441 for a Camp Shiwaka, Long Beach Eco Parking Lot

The money comes from the Port Community Grants Program, which funds projects that ease the environmental impact of goods movement.

“As stewards of the Port, the Board of Harbor Commissioners is dedicated to environmental sustainability and social responsibility,” said Commission President Tracy Egoscue. “The Port Community Grants Program is a prime example of this commitment.”

USCG Completes its Supplemental Alaska Coverage

By Karen Robes Meeks

The US Coast Guard recently wrapped up its supplemental coverage of Northern Alaska with the closure of its Forward Operating location in Kotzebue. The 14-member Air Station Kodiak aircrews were stationed in Kotzebue since the beginning of July to help during the busiest period of maritime activity in Alaska’s more remote parts.

They flew a total of 330 flight hours aboard two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters including more than 75 search-and-rescue hours that saved or helped eight people, according to the Coast Guard.

"As America's interest in our Arctic Region continues to grow, the Coast Guard is committed to fulfilling our missions and supporting remote communities in this strategically valuable area," said Cmdr. Adam Merrill, the Air Station Kodiak Operations Officer. "Air Station Kodiak aircrews provided search and rescue, community relations presence, aids-to-navigation support and interagency cooperation to monitor marine wildlife stocks throughout this year's deployment season."