Friday, November 15, 2019

New CEO for Oakland

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Oakland’s interim Executive Director Danny Wan has been selected to become the port’s new Executive Director. Wan will replace Chris Lytle, who retired in July after six years with the organization.

"We're fortunate to have Danny as the port's new chief executive,” said Board President Ces Butner. “Not only is he an experienced public professional, he is also a local leader with demonstrated commitment to the communities the port serves.”

Wan’s experience in public agency law, finance and environmental policy, community relations and strategic planning spans over two decades. He was the port attorney for six years before serving as port interim executive director.

He has been involved in the Oakland community, serving on the EBMUD Board representing Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro from 1996 to 2000. In 2000, he represented Chinatown and the Lake Merritt district as the Oakland City Council’s first openly gay member.

“It’s an honor to lead an organization that operates international transportation and shipping hubs and that generates tens of thousands of jobs,” said Wan. “I look forward to working with the Board and an excellent Port staff to plan for even greater efficiency in moving people and goods and to grow benefits for the state and the communities that surround the port.”

Vancouver, USA Extends Warehouse Lease

By Karen Robes Meeks

A lease agreement with Warehouse ‘23 was extended Tuesday by the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners, a move that guarantees the facility’s operation through Dec. 31, 2020.

The lease will run until Feb. 15, 2021, giving Warehouse ’23 time to conduct normal operation at Terminal 1 until the end of 2020 before having to vacate the space.

“It has been a great partnership with the port to do this unusual short-term business strategy,” said owner Mark Matthias. “We look forward to being part of the Terminal 1 development in the future with an exciting new concept.”

In 2016, Warehouse ’23 opened in the space formerly occupied by Red Lion Hotel and The Quay restaurant, reviving the waterfront. In 2021, the port will demolish the building, launching the next chapter of its waterfront development project.

“Warehouse ’23 has been a wonderful addition to the Vancouver waterfront,” said Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver CEO. “Mark’s partnership and his vision to revitalize this space has helped create the energy and excitement for the future of Terminal 1.”

San Diego Harbor Police Chief Honored

By Karen Robes Meeks

The San Diego County Crime Commission has named the Port of San Diego’s Vice President of Public Safety and Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook the 2019 Law Enforcement Official of the Year.

Stainbrook, who was honored earlier this month, was lauded for his outstanding service to his community.

“The Port of San Diego congratulates Chief Stainbrook for receiving this prestigious honor from the San Diego County Crime Commission,” said Garry Bonelli, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Since his appointment as Chief in March 2018, he has done a stellar job in leading the Harbor Police team in making San Diego Bay and its tidelands a safer place for our region’s residents and visitors.”

Before coming to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police in November 2011 as Assistant Police Chief, Stainbrook was a lieutenant for the Los Angeles Police Department working in patrol, the gang unit, internal affairs, and intelligence and counterterrorism.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Busy October for Long Beach

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Long Beach posted its second-busiest October, according to latest numbers released Friday.

Long Beach handled 688,425 TEUs, 2.4 percent less than October 2018. Imports fell 7.4 percent to 337,062 TEUs, while exports rose 9.8 percent to 131,635 TEUs. Empty containers dipped 0.8 percent to 219,728 TEUs.

“As the trade war lingers, these tariffs continue to impact the US economy and have created uncertainty for the business of importers and exporters,” said port executive director Mario Cordero. “We are hopeful for a prompt resolution of the tariff situation between the US and China. In the meantime, we are moving forward with capital improvements that should bring long-term growth.”

Everett Sees Milestone Container Move

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Everett and shipping partner Brusco Tug and Barge achieved a major milestone last month in South Everett with the completion of the 1,000th direct container-on-barge aerospace cargo transport between the port’s Pacific Terminal and Mount Baker Terminal, its satellite shipping facility.

This means the “just-in-time delivery” of over 10,000 oversized airplane parts in support of the 747, 767, 777 and 777X airplane production lines.

“I’m proud of this strong partnership and the major impact it has had, and will continue to have, on our local and regional economies,” said Carl Wollebek, Chief Operating Officer for the port. “This logistics accomplishment, paired with the Port’s continued facility investments, represents our long-standing commitment to support the aerospace industry and job growth.”

Oakland Sees Export Increase

By Karen Robes Meeks

Last month, exports at the Port of Oakland rose 10.8 percent more than the same period last year, according to latest statistics released Friday.

The port handled 87,393 TEUs in export containers, much of it heading to Asian markets including its top trade partner China. Meanwhile, imports declined 4.6 percent, but are still up 2.7 percent for the year.

“Our export customers have demonstrated their resilience throughout this tariff standoff,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “For their sake, we hope the conflict is resolved and overseas business can grow even more.”

Oil Spilled in Honolulu Harbor

By Karen Robes Meeks

An oil discharge near Pier 19 in Honolulu, Hawaii, prompted the US Coast Guard to respond to the incident Thursday.

Vessel Kamokuiki contacted Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders Wednesday night about “heavy fuel oil discharged during bunkering operations with a barge.”

The crew quickly “secured the discharge, activated their Vessel Response Plan, and began clean-up operations,” according to USCG.

About 25 bales of absorbent material spanning the vessel’s stern to Pier 22 were deployed. Surrounding the bales were 1600 feet of hard boom deployed by two response vessels.

Cleanup efforts are underway. The bales collected two barrels (about 84 gallons) of oil and skimmers have cleaned up 40 gallons.

No wildlife has reportedly been affected.