New Matson VP

By Karen Robes Meeks

Branton B. "Bal" Dreyfus has been appointed Matson’s vice president, Alaska, and will report directly to Chairman and CEO Matt Cox, the company announced on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Dreyfus, who will replace Kenny Gill, will be tasked with overseeing all of Matson’s operations in Alaska, including terminal operations, customer service, sales and financial performance of Matson’s terminals in Anchorage, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor.

Before starting as Matson’s general manager, Sales Mainland in 1993, Dreyfus spent six years working for Sea-Land in Guam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Tacoma, Wash.

Within a year, Dreyfus became Area Manager, Northern California, then Vice President/Area Manager, Southern California in 1995. He later was named Vice President/Area Manager Hawaii, a role he fulfilled from 1998 to 2001. He then served as president of Matson Logistics Solutions (2001–2004); Vice President, West Coast Terminals and Vehicle Operations from 2005 to 2017; and most recently, as Vice President Equipment and Purchasing.

"We're building on more than 50 years of experience serving Alaska with some of the most knowledgeable people in our industry," Cox said. "Adding Bal to this team brings more than 30 years of management experience in all facets of ocean shipping – including his years with SeaLand, the company that established the Alaska history we're building on today."

Cocaine Seized

By Karen Robes Meeks

More than $83 million worth of cocaine was seized, thanks to members of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert.

The crew, which recently came home after a 60-day counter-drug patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, interdicted two suspected drug smuggling vessels carrying more than 5,700 pounds of cocaine and held seven suspected drug traffickers.

“Coast Guard men and women operating under Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a US Southern Command component, use military hardware and law enforcement authority to interdict smuggling vessels and bring the suspects to justice,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz. “This disrupts key funding sources for these dangerous criminal networks and diminishes their influence in the Western Hemisphere. Aviation forces from the US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, US Customs & Border Protection, and others all support this crucial effort.”

Developers Compete for Camas-Washougal Job

By Karen Robes Meeks

This month, four developers will be vying for the opportunity to partner with the Port of Camas-Washougal on the Parker's Landing Waterfront Development. They will be interviewed between Feb. 11 and 22.

The port's strategic advisors, The Leland Consulting Group, will help with the interviewing process.

"This is a very exciting time for the Port and the community," said Port CEO David Ripp. "Choosing the right developer that will continue the vision of a thriving and vibrant destination is of vital importance."

Many of the port’s waterfront projects are in progress, including the clearing of the 20.5 acres for future development. This month, Keystone Contracting is expected to work on the Waterfront Park Natural Play Area. Construction of the connector trail between the waterfront and the City of Washougal’s downtown should begin this summer.

Visit portcw.com for more details.

San Diego Master Plan Workshops

By Karen Robes Meeks

This month, the Port of San Diego is hosting two public workshops to gather feedback on its Integrated Planning Port Master Plan Update (PMPU), the blueprint for developing the 6,000 acres of waterfront property within the port, which includes the Embarcadero area.

The public is invited to weigh in on “the preferred uses for the Embarcadero, specifically North and Central Embarcadero, because of the great interest both residents and visitors have in this highly visible area,” according to the port. “The feedback will be used in developing policies within the PMPU, the culmination of the Port’s Integrated Planning initiative, which is currently being drafted.”

The workshops are set to begin at10 a.m. on Feb. 12 and on Feb. 25 at the Port of San Diego Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Highway in San Diego, California.

For more about the PMPU, visit portofsandiego.org/integrated-planning.

Port of Hueneme Sees ‘A’ Rating

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Hueneme has garnered an ‘A’ credit rating from the Standard and Poor’s (S & P) bond rating system. The port’s stability with its top customers, solid fiscal track record and favorable GDP per capital were among several factors that went into S & P’s decision to raise the port’s bond rating.

“As an independent special district that does not rely on taxes but on our earned revenue, this accomplishment is a testament to the efforts of our District staff and leadership in prioritizing the Port’s fiscal health,” stated Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera. “Being a public agency, we have the responsibility to be good stewards of our finances, and this third-party certification signals to the public, potential lenders, and our customers that we have our fiscal house in order.”

This bond rating increase comes at a crucial time for the port, which is embarking on several infrastructure development projects that may require the port to go to the bond market to finance, said CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas.

“This upgraded rating will allow the port better borrowing terms, and ultimately save the public millions of dollars over the life of projects.”.

Economic Impact Reported for Seaport Alliance

By Karen Robes Meeks

Together, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma accounted for 20,100 jobs, $1.9 billion in labor income and nearly $6 billion in business output from marine cargo in 2017, according to an economic impact report released by the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA).

The tandem ports, which team up to create the fourth largest seaport in North America, saw more than 3.7 million TEUs carrying 26.1 million metric tons of containerized cargo that year, most of it international.

“The 3.7 million containers the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma handled in 2017 supported 15,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in income and benefits. These middle-class jobs, averaging $95,000, are the backbone of an inclusive economy and underscore the importance of protecting and investing in our working waterfront,” said Port of Seattle Commission Vice President and NWSA Managing Member Fred Felleman. “These port-related jobs are among the top-earning industries in King and Pierce Counties.”

According to the report, when indirect and induced ports-related activities are factored in, the NWSA activities supported 58,400 jobs in Washington, $3.2 billion in labor earnings and $9.7 billion in business output. Contributing to those numbers are auto imports, which supported 1,330 jobs, over $108.4 million in labor earnings and close to $309 million in business output; marine cargo accounted for3,880 jobs, $292 million in labor income and more than $1 billion in business output.

“More than 90 percent of the world’s trade travels over water, with total volume expected to triple by 2050,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Managing Member Clare Petrich. “NWSA ports need to be primed and ready to serve the future needs of our entire state.”

Oakland Increases Cold Ironing

By Karen Robes Meeks

Shore power use is ramping up at the Port of Oakland. About 75 percent of all vessels that arrived at the Northern California seaport in 2018 switched to landside electricity, up from 68 percent the previous year.

“Shore power is the most effective way we know to reduce vessel emissions,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai. “We’re pleased because the trends are positive.”

Among those leading the way are ocean carriers MSC and Hyundai Merchant Marine, which allowed for 100 percent deployment of shore power-ready ships and plugged in 165 vessels last year. Oakland International Container Terminal linked over 750 ships to shore power during the year.

“Shore power is the best way to meet the Port’s clean air goals and reduce the impact of global containerized trade on our neighbors,” said Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai, who presented awards to the three businesses at the port’s annual State of the Port address last month.

Promotions at Global Diving

By Karen Robes Meeks

Seattle-based Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. recently promoted two of its own Marine Construction, Engineering & Technology team members: Estimating Group Manager Renee Gowdy and Lead Estimator Lee Brockmoller.

A Global employee since 2010 and a construction veteran for more than three decades, Gowdy has been elevated to Construction Group Manager, overseeing the group’s day-to-day operations. She will work with the company’s Business Development Group to go after new opportunities and customers.

According to the company, her expertise in estimating and preconstruction project development has been critical to Global’s successful bidding efforts.

Brockmoller, who’s been with Global since 2016 and brings more than 15 years of project manager and estimator experience, is now Global’s Chief Estimator responsible for the Marine Construction Group’s bidding and proposal efforts.

“Global has seen impressive growth the last few years, and Renee and Lee have both played critical roles in helping us achieve and maintain our goals,” said Mike Langen, vice president of Marine Construction, Engineering & Technology. “Their advancement is not only well-deserved; their new roles will help Global as we continue to seek out new projects and opportunities across the US.”