Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Oakland Sees Hybrid Crane Gains

By Karen Robes Meeks

SSA’s Oakland International Container Terminal anticipates a 96 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emission from its $6 million conversion to hybrid yard cranes, the Port of Oakland said Tuesday.

“This is way better than we thought it would be,” said Ken Larson, crane manager for Seattle-based SSA Terminals. “So far, this is a very successful project.”

The marine terminal, which moves 61 percent of cargo coming through Oakland, is converting 13 rubber-tired gantry cranes from diesel to battery-powered hybrid engines. Since March, three of the 90-foot-tall cranes have been upgraded and are now back in service, resulting in a big drop in the use of fuel. The others will be retrofitted by next June.

“The old engines burned 10 to 12 gallons of diesel an hour; the new ones… about a half-gallon per hour,” explained Larson. “That’s the nuts and bolts of air emission savings right there and we’re astonished by the results.”

Vancouver USA Produces 10th Sustainability Report

By Karen Robes Meeks

For 10 straight years, the Port of Vancouver USA touted its commitment to sustainability with a 2018 Sustainability Report.

The report reviews the port’s We Can! Sustainability Task Force, which sets objectives that align with the port’s Strategic Plan. Goals include nurturing positive, productive partnerships with stakeholders and raising awareness about preventing pollution.

“We’re proud to see this program continue to grow over the last 10 years,” said Environmental Program Manager Mary Mattix. “The program gives employees the opportunity to think critically and creatively about sustainability and how the port can continue to be a leader in environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability.”

Long Beach Acclaim

By Karen Robes Meeks

Shipping trade publication Asia Cargo News recently announced that the Port of Long Beach had been named the “Best West Coast Seaport” in North America at the 33rd annual Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards in Hong Kong.

The port has garnered “Best Green Seaport” last year from Asia Cargo News, which annually celebrates industry leaders for “service quality, innovation, customer-relationship management and reliability.” Supply chain professionals and others judge the nominees.

“We’ve invested $4 billion in modernization projects over the last 10 years, in a program designed to provide our supply chain partners with the services and facilities they need to move their goods rapidly and efficiently,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue. “It’s great to see customers satisfied, and we would like to thank Asia Cargo News for the award.”

LA Trade Development Manager Lauded

By Karen Robes Meeks

The International Visitors Council of Los Angeles recently named Port of Los Angeles Trade Development Manager Norman Arikawa the 2019 Outstanding Citizen Diplomat, an honor that reflects his more than 40 years of work at the port building trade relations.

“Norman exemplifies outstanding citizen diplomacy through the meetings he has arranged over the years between IVCLA’s international influencers and his colleagues at the Port, sharing information and ideas on issues such as trade policy, security, safety and environmental issues," said Janet Elliott, President of IVCLA. “He has consistently shared his expertise by volunteering with many community organizations and committees such as the World Trade Week Committee and Sister Cities of Los Angeles, particularly the LA/Nagoya Sister Cities Affiliation.”

Arikawa co-chaired the LA Area Chamber of Commerce Global Initiatives Committee and serves as a Chamber’s World Trade committee member and a board member of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council. He was also advisor to the Brazil California Chamber of Commerce and is an Advisory Board member of the US-Africa Opportunity Network.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Oakland Budget Announced

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Oakland’s governing board recently passed a $513.6 million spending plan for fiscal year 2020.

The budget, which went into effect July 1, projects $398 million in revenue, a 1.2 percent increase from FY 2019, as well as a 10.4 percent increase in operating costs, mostly due to higher personnel, maritime maintenance and dredging and aviation security costs.

The new budget also encompasses $42.3 million in capital spending at the seaport, Oakland International Airport and Jack London Square. Pending approval from the board, the port is anticipated to launch another $81.4 million in capital projects during the year.

Long Beach Celebrates Green Flag Program

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Long Beach recently feted over 135 shipping lines for voluntarily taking part in the port’s Green Flag Incentive Program.

The program, which launched in 2005, honored ocean carriers who reduced speeds to lower than 12 knots as they approach within 20 or 40 nautical miles of the port.

The act of slowing down vessels has resulted in the prevention of 45,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 1,000 tons of air pollution in general annually.

“Our shipping line partners play an important role in our efforts to improve air quality at the Port and our surrounding communities,” said Tracy Egoscue, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. “We’ve made dramatic reductions in air pollution emissions thanks to the industry and its enthusiastic cooperation.”

Lunch With Camas-Washougal Chief Executive

By Karen Robes Meeks

Port of Camas-Washougal Chief Executive Officer David Ripp and the port's lead waterfront developer, RKm Development, will be the featured guest speakers at the 9th Annual “Lunch with Dave” event on July 10.

The hour-long lunch will include a Q and A with RKm Development about the Waterfront at Parkers Landing development.

“The port’s mission to bring jobs, infrastructure and recreational opportunities to East Clark County is a commitment I take to heart,” said David Ripp, Chief Executive Officer. “When the community comes together to share ideas and information, it is a win for everyone.”

The event will take place at noon in the Port Meeting Room at 24 South A Street, Washougal, WA 98671.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to Yvette Winden at 360-835-8098 or at yvette@portcw.com

Seattle Port Police Chief to Head State Association

By Karen Robes Meeks

Port of Seattle Police Chief Rod Covey has been elected as the new Chief At-Large of the board of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

Founded in 1963, the association has over 900 members, including 39 elected county sheriffs, and 240 police chiefs, the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Department of Corrections and representatives from various federal agencies.

“Chief Covey has been involved with our statewide organization for many years, and his election as a board member reflects his great work and the respect our state’s Sheriffs and Chiefs have for him,” said WASPC executive director Steve Strachan.

Covery said it is an honor to be chosen by his peers to serve in the role.

“After over 40 years in law enforcement, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the profession that has done so much for me,” he said. “To be able to work alongside these exceptional police leaders is truly a privilege.”