By Mark Edward Nero
The Oxnard Harbor District, which operates the Port of Hueneme, has been awarded $12.3 million by the US Department of Transportation for maritime cargo terminal redevelopment the port said Oct. 30.
The grant, given through the federal National Infrastructure Investments program, provides funding to improve the intermodal infrastructure at the Port of Hueneme, including the deepening of two berths, the strengthening of a wharf, modernizing cargo handling infrastructure, and extending on-dock rail.
The completed project is expected to extend the useful life of the wharf up to 30 years, allow vessels with 36-foot drafts to serve the port, and also stimulate subsequent investment from private terminal operators.
“In all my years in government I’ve not seen a more important step forward, a step full of promise for our community’s economic future, Harbor Commission Vice President Manuel Lopez said.
The Port of Hueneme’s grant was one of 39 awards totaling $500 million in funding to be made in the current round of investments, and one of only three for West Coast ports. The Port of San Diego was awarded $10 million toward the $22 million revamp of the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, and Oregon’s Port of Newport received $2 million, with the funds earmarked to help build an international deep-water marine terminal with intermodal (marine/river/highway) access.
The Port of Newport project consists of the creation of several acres of usable terminal surface to provide businesses a viable location for receiving or preparing loads for international or domestic shipment.
In addition to the port grants, the 60-year-old Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal in Washington was awarded a $10 million grant to help pay for a $100 million project to replace the current aging and seismically deficient terminal and relocate a new, integrated, multimodal facility east to a vacant brownfield.
The new terminal is expected to improve operations and multimodal connections and safety, as well as restore community access to the waterfront.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Study: Cruise Industry Sees Growth
By Mark Edward Nero
Global demand for cruise ship voyages reached 22 million passengers in 2014, up 68 percent from 13 million passengers in 2004, according to a new study from Cruise Lines International Association.
Since 2013, demand for cruising grew 3.4 percent, from 21.3 million passengers, according to the independent study, which was commissioned by the cruise association and conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors.
The cruise association’s 2014 Economic Impact Analysis states that total contributions of the cruise industry to the global economy reached $119.9 billion in 2014, up from $117 billion the previous year.
The amount includes supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees earning $39.3 billion in income. Direct expenditures generated by cruise lines, passengers and crews totaled $55.8 billion, according to the study.
“The cruise industry is truly a global and dynamic industry,” acting CLIA CEO Cindy D’Aoust said. “We’ve enjoyed progressive growth over the last 30 years.”
Additionally, cruise lines, their passengers and crew spent a record $21 billion in the U.S. in 2014, up 16 percent since 2010 and representing a new peak in U.S. cruise industry expenditures, according to the same study.
The Economic Impact Analysis states that total contributions of the global cruise industry to the U.S. economy reached a record $46.09 billion in 2014, up 4.5 percent from the previous year, with the amount including generation of 373,738 U.S. jobs paying over $19 billion in wages and salaries.
Global demand for cruise ship voyages reached 22 million passengers in 2014, up 68 percent from 13 million passengers in 2004, according to a new study from Cruise Lines International Association.
Since 2013, demand for cruising grew 3.4 percent, from 21.3 million passengers, according to the independent study, which was commissioned by the cruise association and conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors.
The cruise association’s 2014 Economic Impact Analysis states that total contributions of the cruise industry to the global economy reached $119.9 billion in 2014, up from $117 billion the previous year.
The amount includes supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees earning $39.3 billion in income. Direct expenditures generated by cruise lines, passengers and crews totaled $55.8 billion, according to the study.
“The cruise industry is truly a global and dynamic industry,” acting CLIA CEO Cindy D’Aoust said. “We’ve enjoyed progressive growth over the last 30 years.”
Additionally, cruise lines, their passengers and crew spent a record $21 billion in the U.S. in 2014, up 16 percent since 2010 and representing a new peak in U.S. cruise industry expenditures, according to the same study.
The Economic Impact Analysis states that total contributions of the global cruise industry to the U.S. economy reached a record $46.09 billion in 2014, up 4.5 percent from the previous year, with the amount including generation of 373,738 U.S. jobs paying over $19 billion in wages and salaries.
POSD Awarded $10 Million Grant
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of San Diego has been awarded $10 million by the US Department of Transportation for proposed maritime cargo terminal redevelopment through the federal National Infrastructure Investments program. US Department of Transportation Deputy Maritime Administrator Michael J. Rodriguez formally presented the funding to the Port of San Diego at an Oct. 30 event at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
The funding is expected to help the port modernize the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in order to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity and goods movement in the region. The terminal modernization is expected to improve efficiency for port users, providing operational space for multiple shippers.
Proposed improvements include removing obsolete transit sheds and constructing new, open laydown area for temporary equipment storage with on-dock rail improvements. The removal of transit sheds is expected to improve the safety of oversized cargo movements by creating adequate space to handle modern cargos, and reduce environmental impacts by reducing intra-terminal truck trips.
The federal grant program, known as TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants, supports transportation projects expected to have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or a region.
The grant makes up nearly half of the $22 million project cost.
“This important grant from the federal government shows that maritime capacity matters to our nation,” Port of San Diego Chairman Dan Malcolm said. “We are deeply appreciative of the US Department of Transportation’s investment in San Diego maritime cargo operations and its recognition that those operations are critical to our region’s economy and national security.”
“This is a great day, and I want to thank the US Department of Transportation for this award,” Port of San Diego President & CEO Randa Coniglio said during the funding presentation. “When we invest in port facilities, we are investing in the economic future of the San Diego region.”
The Port of San Diego has been awarded $10 million by the US Department of Transportation for proposed maritime cargo terminal redevelopment through the federal National Infrastructure Investments program. US Department of Transportation Deputy Maritime Administrator Michael J. Rodriguez formally presented the funding to the Port of San Diego at an Oct. 30 event at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
The funding is expected to help the port modernize the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in order to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity and goods movement in the region. The terminal modernization is expected to improve efficiency for port users, providing operational space for multiple shippers.
Proposed improvements include removing obsolete transit sheds and constructing new, open laydown area for temporary equipment storage with on-dock rail improvements. The removal of transit sheds is expected to improve the safety of oversized cargo movements by creating adequate space to handle modern cargos, and reduce environmental impacts by reducing intra-terminal truck trips.
The federal grant program, known as TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants, supports transportation projects expected to have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or a region.
The grant makes up nearly half of the $22 million project cost.
“This important grant from the federal government shows that maritime capacity matters to our nation,” Port of San Diego Chairman Dan Malcolm said. “We are deeply appreciative of the US Department of Transportation’s investment in San Diego maritime cargo operations and its recognition that those operations are critical to our region’s economy and national security.”
“This is a great day, and I want to thank the US Department of Transportation for this award,” Port of San Diego President & CEO Randa Coniglio said during the funding presentation. “When we invest in port facilities, we are investing in the economic future of the San Diego region.”
Port of Port Angeles Head Stepping Down
By Mark Edward Nero
After being in the position for just two years, Ken O’Hollaren is stepping down as executive director of the Port of Port Angeles, he announced Oct. 26.
At the end of the Port Commission’s most recent meeting, O’Hollaren said he will be leaving the helm on Dec. 31. Being closer to his grandkids and an opportunity in the private sector were given as his reasons for leaving.
O’Hollaren, who retired at the Port of Longview at the end of 2012 after a 32-year career, was brought on to be the Port of Port Angeles’ interim executive director in July 2013. His hiring came about after the sudden resignation of Jeff Robb in June 2013, with health issues cited as the reason.
At the time of his hiring at Port Angeles, O’Hollaren still lived in Longview, which is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Port Angeles. He said he and his wife, Denise, plan to make their new home in Clark County, Washington in 2016.
“Ken’s leadership, his dedication to our mission and his unwavering passion for doing what is right helped set the stage for our next level of success, Port Commission President Jim Hallett said. “Ken brought a sense of perspective that allowed our staff and commission to work collaboratively on addressing today’s issues and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
The Commission has said it will take some time to develop a plan for hiring a new executive director and will share the plan with the public in the weeks ahead. The port’s current deputy director, Karen Goschen will serve as the interim executive director during the transition period.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the port as executive director, and particularly to work alongside an exceptionally capable staff,” O’Hollaren said. “My successor will have the good fortune of having that same privilege.”
After being in the position for just two years, Ken O’Hollaren is stepping down as executive director of the Port of Port Angeles, he announced Oct. 26.
At the end of the Port Commission’s most recent meeting, O’Hollaren said he will be leaving the helm on Dec. 31. Being closer to his grandkids and an opportunity in the private sector were given as his reasons for leaving.
O’Hollaren, who retired at the Port of Longview at the end of 2012 after a 32-year career, was brought on to be the Port of Port Angeles’ interim executive director in July 2013. His hiring came about after the sudden resignation of Jeff Robb in June 2013, with health issues cited as the reason.
At the time of his hiring at Port Angeles, O’Hollaren still lived in Longview, which is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Port Angeles. He said he and his wife, Denise, plan to make their new home in Clark County, Washington in 2016.
“Ken’s leadership, his dedication to our mission and his unwavering passion for doing what is right helped set the stage for our next level of success, Port Commission President Jim Hallett said. “Ken brought a sense of perspective that allowed our staff and commission to work collaboratively on addressing today’s issues and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
The Commission has said it will take some time to develop a plan for hiring a new executive director and will share the plan with the public in the weeks ahead. The port’s current deputy director, Karen Goschen will serve as the interim executive director during the transition period.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the port as executive director, and particularly to work alongside an exceptionally capable staff,” O’Hollaren said. “My successor will have the good fortune of having that same privilege.”
Friday, October 30, 2015
Truck Drivers Strike at LA-LB Ports
By Mark Edward Nero
On Oct. 26, port truck drivers, who say they are misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees, began an “unfair labor practice” strike at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex.
It’s the eighth time in the three years such a strike has taken place. This time, the striking drivers include those who work for two companies: trucking company Pacific 9 Transportation – who have been on an indefinite strike since July – and global transport company XPO Logistics, which has multiple offices in Southern California.
Dozens of drivers are believed to be participating in the strike, although a spokeswoman with Justice For Drivers, the group leading the effort, said they did not have an exact number.
Officials at the two ports have said that the impact of the strike on operations has been minimal and that although some terminals have been picketed, the disruptions have done little to slow down traffic coming in and out of the terminal gates.
Drivers have said they went on strike to protest unfair labor practices, including job misclassification, retaliation, harassment and intimidation for having filed claims for wage theft with the California Labor Commissioner’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
The indefinite picket is organized in part by the Teamsters union, which for years has pushed to have the drivers recognized as employees with their respective companies so that they may then be eligible to join the union.
The Harbor Trucking Association, which represents a collective of LA area transport companies, has said the Teamsters and other outside interest groups don’t represent the majority of its drivers, and that independent contractor status offers drivers flexibility and the opportunity to own their own small businesses.
On Oct. 26, port truck drivers, who say they are misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees, began an “unfair labor practice” strike at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex.
It’s the eighth time in the three years such a strike has taken place. This time, the striking drivers include those who work for two companies: trucking company Pacific 9 Transportation – who have been on an indefinite strike since July – and global transport company XPO Logistics, which has multiple offices in Southern California.
Dozens of drivers are believed to be participating in the strike, although a spokeswoman with Justice For Drivers, the group leading the effort, said they did not have an exact number.
Officials at the two ports have said that the impact of the strike on operations has been minimal and that although some terminals have been picketed, the disruptions have done little to slow down traffic coming in and out of the terminal gates.
Drivers have said they went on strike to protest unfair labor practices, including job misclassification, retaliation, harassment and intimidation for having filed claims for wage theft with the California Labor Commissioner’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
The indefinite picket is organized in part by the Teamsters union, which for years has pushed to have the drivers recognized as employees with their respective companies so that they may then be eligible to join the union.
The Harbor Trucking Association, which represents a collective of LA area transport companies, has said the Teamsters and other outside interest groups don’t represent the majority of its drivers, and that independent contractor status offers drivers flexibility and the opportunity to own their own small businesses.
NASSCO Holds Keel Laying Ceremony
By Mark Edward Nero
On Oct. 23, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for an ECO tanker, the Garden State, which is now under construction for American Petroleum Tankers at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard.
During the ceremony, San Diego County Board of Supervisors member Greg Cox authenticated the keel of the tanker by welding his initials onto a steel plate; the plate is to be permanently affixed to the ship’s keel and remain with the vessel throughout its time in service.
The ECO tanker is the third of a five-tanker contract between General Dynamics NASSCO and American Petroleum, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are of a new design that is expected to have improved fuel efficiency, and include the latest environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system.
“When delivered, these tankers will be among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly tankers anywhere in the world,” NASSCO Vice President and General Manager Kevin Graney.
The five-tanker APT contract, along with NASSCO’s current backlog, is helping to sustain and grow its current workforce of more than 4,000 people.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
On Oct. 23, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for an ECO tanker, the Garden State, which is now under construction for American Petroleum Tankers at NASSCO’s San Diego shipyard.
During the ceremony, San Diego County Board of Supervisors member Greg Cox authenticated the keel of the tanker by welding his initials onto a steel plate; the plate is to be permanently affixed to the ship’s keel and remain with the vessel throughout its time in service.
The ECO tanker is the third of a five-tanker contract between General Dynamics NASSCO and American Petroleum, which calls for the design and construction of five 50,000 deadweight ton, LNG-conversion-ready product carriers with a 330,000 barrel cargo capacity.
The 610-foot-long tankers are of a new design that is expected to have improved fuel efficiency, and include the latest environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system.
“When delivered, these tankers will be among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly tankers anywhere in the world,” NASSCO Vice President and General Manager Kevin Graney.
The five-tanker APT contract, along with NASSCO’s current backlog, is helping to sustain and grow its current workforce of more than 4,000 people.
The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features, including a G-series MAN ME slow-speed main engine and an optimized hull form.
The tankers will also have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system.
Portland Oil Spill Cleanup Completed
By Mark Edward Nero
The cleanup of a diesel fuel spill from a tank barge at the Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminal in northwest Portland is complete, US Coast Guard personnel said Oct. 28. The USCG had reported the release of 418 gallons of diesel into the Willamette River took place around 5:15 am on Oct. 26.
Containment boom was placed around the area where the diesel spill occurred to prevent the fuel from spreading and absorbent boom and pads were used in cleaning up the spill.
Inspectors with the Coast Guard Incident Management Division in Portland monitored and oversaw the cleanup, while Clean Rivers Cooperative was the contracted cleanup company.
“Facility and vessel response plans were quickly and properly followed by the Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminal and Kirby Offshore Marine allowing for containment boom to be in place helping to mitigate exposure caused by the spill,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Billy Lemos, a pollution responder with the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Portland incident management detachment.
The Coast Guard investigation of the spill, which was from an above deck fuel tank on the barge, is ongoing. The USCG says that Kirby Offshore Marine, the owner of the tank barge, is fully cooperating with the agency’s investigation of the incident.
The cleanup of a diesel fuel spill from a tank barge at the Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminal in northwest Portland is complete, US Coast Guard personnel said Oct. 28. The USCG had reported the release of 418 gallons of diesel into the Willamette River took place around 5:15 am on Oct. 26.
Containment boom was placed around the area where the diesel spill occurred to prevent the fuel from spreading and absorbent boom and pads were used in cleaning up the spill.
Inspectors with the Coast Guard Incident Management Division in Portland monitored and oversaw the cleanup, while Clean Rivers Cooperative was the contracted cleanup company.
“Facility and vessel response plans were quickly and properly followed by the Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminal and Kirby Offshore Marine allowing for containment boom to be in place helping to mitigate exposure caused by the spill,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Billy Lemos, a pollution responder with the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Portland incident management detachment.
The Coast Guard investigation of the spill, which was from an above deck fuel tank on the barge, is ongoing. The USCG says that Kirby Offshore Marine, the owner of the tank barge, is fully cooperating with the agency’s investigation of the incident.
