By Mark Edward Nero
San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO said Aug. 25 that it has signed a contract with Matson Navigation Co. to design and build two Kanaloa Class liquefied natural gas-capable containerships with roll-on/roll-off capability.
The 870-foot-long, 3,500-TEU containerships are designed with the ability to transport containers, automobiles and rolling stock, including trailers. The design also incorporates LNG-capable main and auxiliary engines, which are compliant with Tier III emission requirements.
“Our partnership with Matson builds upon NASSCO’s successful track record of constructing high-quality, highly efficient and on-time delivery for the Jones Act trade,” General Dynamics NASSCO and Bath Iron Works President Fred Harris said in a statement.
The Jones Act-qualified ships are to be built at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Construction of the first containership is slated to begin in early 2018, with deliveries set for 2019 and mid-2020, respectively.
“We are pleased to be working with NASSCO again on new vessels for Matson. NASSCO’s deep history and reputation for quality give us confidence that these new ships will be the most advanced efficient and productive vessels in our fleet,” Matson President and CEO Matt Cox said. “Our last NASSCO vessel, RJ Pfeiffer, has been a mainstay of our Hawaii service and we look forward to adding the superior performance of these new Kanaloa Class vessels to the fleet.”
Once delivered, both ships are expected to serve a trade route between the continental West Coast and Hawaii.
Over the past decade, NASSCO has delivered 28 ocean-going ships to government and commercial customers, including the world’s first LNG-powered containerships. The company partners with Daewoo Ship Engineering Co. to provide ship design and shipbuilding technologies for customers.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
First of 2 Fireboats Delivered to POLB
By Mark Edward Nero
The first of two large fireboats designed by Canadian naval architectural firm Robert Allan Ltd. and built at Foss Maritime’s Seattle shipyard has been delivered to the Port of Long Beach, Robert Allan Ltd. revealed Aug. 16.
The first RAnger V-3300 fireboat, Protector, went into service in June of 2016; the second vessel, Vigilance, is expected in mid-2017.
Robert Allan Ltd., which specializes in designing high-performance response vessels, particularly large fireboats for major ports worldwide, was awarded the contract to prepare plans and specifications for a pair of fireboats for the Port of Long Beach in the summer of 2011.
Long Beach’s two new fireboats feature Voith cycloidal drives in a tractor configuration, giving the vessels exceptional maneuverability and the ability to fight fires in any orientation.
During the design phase, Robert Allan Ltd. said, it optimized the hull form, ensuring the vessel meet two important criteria: minimum wake when traveling both ahead and astern at eight knots and good heavy weather seakeeping ability.
“High speed was not a priority for this project; low wake and good seakeeping were deemed to be of greater importance,” the company said in a statement.
The total aggregate pumping capacity of each vessel is 41,000 gallons per minute, with the single largest monitor capable of delivering 12,000 gpm a distance of almost 600 feet. The vessels are also capable of providing over 30,000 gpm of water shore-side through four-inch hoses to support land-based firefighting operations.
The new fireboats are equipped with specialized HVAC filters, a decontamination shower, and chemical detectors, as well as a Command Information Center that enables them to perform on-scene command duties and communicate with other agencies.
The design of the vessels, according to the builder, was heavily influenced by fireboat Warner L. Lawrence – a 2001 Robert Allan Ltd. design that’s homeported at the Port of Los Angeles.
The first of two large fireboats designed by Canadian naval architectural firm Robert Allan Ltd. and built at Foss Maritime’s Seattle shipyard has been delivered to the Port of Long Beach, Robert Allan Ltd. revealed Aug. 16.
The first RAnger V-3300 fireboat, Protector, went into service in June of 2016; the second vessel, Vigilance, is expected in mid-2017.
Robert Allan Ltd., which specializes in designing high-performance response vessels, particularly large fireboats for major ports worldwide, was awarded the contract to prepare plans and specifications for a pair of fireboats for the Port of Long Beach in the summer of 2011.
Long Beach’s two new fireboats feature Voith cycloidal drives in a tractor configuration, giving the vessels exceptional maneuverability and the ability to fight fires in any orientation.
During the design phase, Robert Allan Ltd. said, it optimized the hull form, ensuring the vessel meet two important criteria: minimum wake when traveling both ahead and astern at eight knots and good heavy weather seakeeping ability.
“High speed was not a priority for this project; low wake and good seakeeping were deemed to be of greater importance,” the company said in a statement.
The total aggregate pumping capacity of each vessel is 41,000 gallons per minute, with the single largest monitor capable of delivering 12,000 gpm a distance of almost 600 feet. The vessels are also capable of providing over 30,000 gpm of water shore-side through four-inch hoses to support land-based firefighting operations.
The new fireboats are equipped with specialized HVAC filters, a decontamination shower, and chemical detectors, as well as a Command Information Center that enables them to perform on-scene command duties and communicate with other agencies.
The design of the vessels, according to the builder, was heavily influenced by fireboat Warner L. Lawrence – a 2001 Robert Allan Ltd. design that’s homeported at the Port of Los Angeles.
New SF Fireboat Delivered
By Mark Edward Nero
A new $11.8 million fireboat designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle and built by Vigor Industrial of Portland, Oregon has been delivered to the San Francisco Fire Dept.
The vessel is scheduled to be christened in October, after it has undergone testing.
The state-of-the-art 88-foot vessel, which has not yet had a name chosen for it, had been under construction since October 2014. Construction of the new boat was delayed several times for various reasons; at one point, the electrical subcontractor company working on it went bankrupt.
The fireboat was finally delivered to the city of San Francisco in late July after a three-day journey from the Pacific Northwest, the San Francisco Examiner reported earlier this month.
The vessel, currently known as Fireboat 3, is capable of pumping 18,000 gallons per minute through five water cannons. She is equipped with a stern launch ramp, similar to those US Coast Guard cutters use to deploy pursuit boats to capture smugglers.
Other features of the new vessel include: an enhanced foam firefighting system for the suppression of petroleum-based fires; a patient treatment area for EMS response; radiation detection equipment; remote firefighting systems to prevent firefighters being exposed to heat and smoke; a rapid deployment rescue boat; advanced marine electronics; command center; and an on-board compressor for filling air bottles for firefighting and dive operations.
The SF Fire Dept. says it paid for the new boat mostly with a port security grant along with $400,000 from the Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative.
The SFFD also has two other fireboats, Guardian, which entered service in 1990, and Phoenix, which was commissioned in 1955. Although the city says it is still contemplating whether to keep all three fireboats, the Phoenix had previously been scheduled for decommissioning as a cost-saving measure. A christening for the vessel is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 17.
A new $11.8 million fireboat designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle and built by Vigor Industrial of Portland, Oregon has been delivered to the San Francisco Fire Dept.
The vessel is scheduled to be christened in October, after it has undergone testing.
The state-of-the-art 88-foot vessel, which has not yet had a name chosen for it, had been under construction since October 2014. Construction of the new boat was delayed several times for various reasons; at one point, the electrical subcontractor company working on it went bankrupt.
The fireboat was finally delivered to the city of San Francisco in late July after a three-day journey from the Pacific Northwest, the San Francisco Examiner reported earlier this month.
The vessel, currently known as Fireboat 3, is capable of pumping 18,000 gallons per minute through five water cannons. She is equipped with a stern launch ramp, similar to those US Coast Guard cutters use to deploy pursuit boats to capture smugglers.
Other features of the new vessel include: an enhanced foam firefighting system for the suppression of petroleum-based fires; a patient treatment area for EMS response; radiation detection equipment; remote firefighting systems to prevent firefighters being exposed to heat and smoke; a rapid deployment rescue boat; advanced marine electronics; command center; and an on-board compressor for filling air bottles for firefighting and dive operations.
The SF Fire Dept. says it paid for the new boat mostly with a port security grant along with $400,000 from the Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative.
The SFFD also has two other fireboats, Guardian, which entered service in 1990, and Phoenix, which was commissioned in 1955. Although the city says it is still contemplating whether to keep all three fireboats, the Phoenix had previously been scheduled for decommissioning as a cost-saving measure. A christening for the vessel is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 17.
Port Seeks Development Director
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Port Townsend said Aug. 23 that it’s accepting applications for the newly-created position of Director of Operations & Business Development, a job in which the person hired would be responsible for the port’s business operations, property management and business development.
As part of the port’s executive team, the development director would provide input and analysis for strategic planning and implementation. Among the listed duties: attending Port Commission meetings and workshops; carrying out policies set forth by the Executive Director and the Commission; and acting on behalf of the port’s executive director, when required.
Minimum qualifications include a BA or BS degree in business administration, public administration, marketing, engineering, economics, or related area. Applicants must also have a minimum of five years of senior management of industrial operations, marine facilities, property management and development, and business development required.
Excellent negotiating skills and the ability to work in a team environment, are also desired, as well as experience and familiarity with public sector management comparable to the port’s business, operations, and maintenance functions.
The complete job description, job requirements and application are available online at https://portofpt.com/dobd or at the Port of Port Townsend Administration Office, 2701 Jefferson St., Port Townsend between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. First review of applications is set for Sept. 2.
The Port of Port Townsend, located in Jefferson County, Wash., on the northeast corner of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, owns and operate a diverse group of facilities, including three marinas; a marine trades industrial area; boat launches at several sites around eastern Jefferson County; and Union Wharf and City Dock in downtown Port Townsend.
The Port of Port Townsend said Aug. 23 that it’s accepting applications for the newly-created position of Director of Operations & Business Development, a job in which the person hired would be responsible for the port’s business operations, property management and business development.
As part of the port’s executive team, the development director would provide input and analysis for strategic planning and implementation. Among the listed duties: attending Port Commission meetings and workshops; carrying out policies set forth by the Executive Director and the Commission; and acting on behalf of the port’s executive director, when required.
Minimum qualifications include a BA or BS degree in business administration, public administration, marketing, engineering, economics, or related area. Applicants must also have a minimum of five years of senior management of industrial operations, marine facilities, property management and development, and business development required.
Excellent negotiating skills and the ability to work in a team environment, are also desired, as well as experience and familiarity with public sector management comparable to the port’s business, operations, and maintenance functions.
The complete job description, job requirements and application are available online at https://portofpt.com/dobd or at the Port of Port Townsend Administration Office, 2701 Jefferson St., Port Townsend between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. First review of applications is set for Sept. 2.
The Port of Port Townsend, located in Jefferson County, Wash., on the northeast corner of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, owns and operate a diverse group of facilities, including three marinas; a marine trades industrial area; boat launches at several sites around eastern Jefferson County; and Union Wharf and City Dock in downtown Port Townsend.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Pasha Automotive Begins San Francisco Port Calls
By Mark Edward Nero
On Aug. 22, the Port of San Francisco and Mayor Edwin Lee welcomed Pasha Group subsidiary Pasha Automotive Services for the first ship call to unload 500 automobiles being transported by truck to Northern California dealerships.
The call was at Pier 80, the port’s 69-acre cargo terminal in the southern waterfront. The terminal consists of about 69 acres of cargo laydown space, two warehouses and four deep-water berths.
“Pasha Automotive’s transformation of Pier 80 reopens our city as a national hub for shipping and trade,” Lee said. “The revival of a once thriving industry ushers in a new era of commerce at the Port of San Francisco.”
The port’s new 15-year lease agreement with Pasha Automotive allows the import and export of vehicles by ship at Pier 80, with on-terminal automobile preparation and detailing services.
Port officials said they believe the agreement with Pasha Automotive could transform Pier 80 from an underutilized asset to a thriving marine terminal creating new revenue for the port and significant economic and employment benefits for the city.
“This marine terminal agreement signifies a new beginning for cargo operations at the Port of San Francisco,” said Willie Adams, president of the San Francisco Port Commission. “We want the world’s shipping community to know that the Port of San Francisco is open for business.”
Pier 80 is expected to employ about 50 longshore workers during vessel operations, and as automobile processing reaches capacity, it’s anticipated that 150 new employees would be hired and trained. It is expected that Pier 80 could receive about 96 ships per year, shipping roughly 150,000 vehicles. The Pasha Group, a family-owned and operated company headquartered in the Northern California city of San Rafael, is a multi-faceted transport company with shipping services from the US West Coast and Hawaii. Pasha Automotive currently operates automobile marine terminals in San Diego and Grays Harbor, Washington.
“As a company, we are committed to ensuring that maritime uses are supported, and that our country’s valuable waterfront assets receive the investment they need to serve commercial, not just recreational uses,” Pasha Automotive Senior Vice President of Services John Pasha said.
On Aug. 22, the Port of San Francisco and Mayor Edwin Lee welcomed Pasha Group subsidiary Pasha Automotive Services for the first ship call to unload 500 automobiles being transported by truck to Northern California dealerships.
The call was at Pier 80, the port’s 69-acre cargo terminal in the southern waterfront. The terminal consists of about 69 acres of cargo laydown space, two warehouses and four deep-water berths.
“Pasha Automotive’s transformation of Pier 80 reopens our city as a national hub for shipping and trade,” Lee said. “The revival of a once thriving industry ushers in a new era of commerce at the Port of San Francisco.”
The port’s new 15-year lease agreement with Pasha Automotive allows the import and export of vehicles by ship at Pier 80, with on-terminal automobile preparation and detailing services.
Port officials said they believe the agreement with Pasha Automotive could transform Pier 80 from an underutilized asset to a thriving marine terminal creating new revenue for the port and significant economic and employment benefits for the city.
“This marine terminal agreement signifies a new beginning for cargo operations at the Port of San Francisco,” said Willie Adams, president of the San Francisco Port Commission. “We want the world’s shipping community to know that the Port of San Francisco is open for business.”
Pier 80 is expected to employ about 50 longshore workers during vessel operations, and as automobile processing reaches capacity, it’s anticipated that 150 new employees would be hired and trained. It is expected that Pier 80 could receive about 96 ships per year, shipping roughly 150,000 vehicles. The Pasha Group, a family-owned and operated company headquartered in the Northern California city of San Rafael, is a multi-faceted transport company with shipping services from the US West Coast and Hawaii. Pasha Automotive currently operates automobile marine terminals in San Diego and Grays Harbor, Washington.
“As a company, we are committed to ensuring that maritime uses are supported, and that our country’s valuable waterfront assets receive the investment they need to serve commercial, not just recreational uses,” Pasha Automotive Senior Vice President of Services John Pasha said.
POLB Pollution Up 1 Percent
By Mark Edward Nero
Lingering effects from ships at anchor during a period of traffic congestion in early 2015 had a negative effect on air quality at the Port of Long Beach last year, according to the port’s latest annual air emissions inventory, which was released Aug. 23.
The 2015 annual inventory of port-related air emissions, conducted by an independent consultant, found the port’s aggressive actions to curtail pollution have decreased diesel particulate matter by 84 percent since 2005, a slight decrease from the 85 percent reduction reported in 2014. Sulfur oxides were 97 percent lower, the same level reported in 2014.
Smog-forming nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases were down 48 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared to the 50 percent and 21 percent numbers, respectively, in the prior year.
Meanwhile, annual container traffic increased seven percent, or 296,000 TEUs, during the same period.
The numbers are comparable to those at the Port of Los Angeles, which released its own annual emissions report Aug. 18. At LA, overall, diesel particulate matter remained down 85 percent from all sources related to port operations, replicating a record set in 2014. Likewise, sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions were down 97 percent, nearing total elimination. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were down 51 percent, one percent shy of the 52 percent reduction rate in 2014.
Long Beach officials attribute their port’s rise in emissions to an unusual number of vessels at anchor due to terminal congestion through the first quarter of 2015. While at anchor, ships use auxiliary engines to run essential systems instead of plugging into shore electrical power available at berth.
“The latest emissions inventory shows the effects of last year’s congestion and increased ships at anchor,” Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said. “While we’ve had challenges, we continue to be committed to reaching our goal of zero-emissions operations.”
The annual emissions inventory is reviewed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The complete emissions inventory conducted by independent consultants can be found at www.polb.com/emissions.
Lingering effects from ships at anchor during a period of traffic congestion in early 2015 had a negative effect on air quality at the Port of Long Beach last year, according to the port’s latest annual air emissions inventory, which was released Aug. 23.
The 2015 annual inventory of port-related air emissions, conducted by an independent consultant, found the port’s aggressive actions to curtail pollution have decreased diesel particulate matter by 84 percent since 2005, a slight decrease from the 85 percent reduction reported in 2014. Sulfur oxides were 97 percent lower, the same level reported in 2014.
Smog-forming nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases were down 48 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared to the 50 percent and 21 percent numbers, respectively, in the prior year.
Meanwhile, annual container traffic increased seven percent, or 296,000 TEUs, during the same period.
The numbers are comparable to those at the Port of Los Angeles, which released its own annual emissions report Aug. 18. At LA, overall, diesel particulate matter remained down 85 percent from all sources related to port operations, replicating a record set in 2014. Likewise, sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions were down 97 percent, nearing total elimination. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were down 51 percent, one percent shy of the 52 percent reduction rate in 2014.
Long Beach officials attribute their port’s rise in emissions to an unusual number of vessels at anchor due to terminal congestion through the first quarter of 2015. While at anchor, ships use auxiliary engines to run essential systems instead of plugging into shore electrical power available at berth.
“The latest emissions inventory shows the effects of last year’s congestion and increased ships at anchor,” Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said. “While we’ve had challenges, we continue to be committed to reaching our goal of zero-emissions operations.”
The annual emissions inventory is reviewed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The complete emissions inventory conducted by independent consultants can be found at www.polb.com/emissions.
USCG Rescues 2 From Sinking Boat
By Mark Edward Nero
A US Coast Guard boat crew rescued two men after their 14-foot boat ran aground and began taking on water near Desdemona Sands at the mouth of the Columbia River on Aug. 23.
A 29-foot response boat crew from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash. pulled the two men from their sinking boat minutes before it capsized using an emergency heaving line and took them to Skipanon Marina in Warrenton, Oregon with no reported injuries.
The Coast Guard response originated when watch standers at Sector Columbia River received a 911 relay call at 1:12 p.m. from a concerned mariner saying a small Smoker Craft with two people on board had run aground and needed assistance.
The boat crew launched in response but had to maintain a 20 to 30-foot distance to avoid shoal water. The crew was able to rescue the men, who were wearing life jackets, by using the heaving line to pull the men through the water and onto the Response Boat-Small.
“Life jackets were an essential part of this rescue,” the coxswain for the case, Petty Officer First Class Mike McQuade, said. “If the men had not been wearing them, we probably would not have been able to save them before their boat sank.”
The weather at the time of the rescue was reported to be two-to four-foot waves and 15 mph winds, the USCG said.
A US Coast Guard boat crew rescued two men after their 14-foot boat ran aground and began taking on water near Desdemona Sands at the mouth of the Columbia River on Aug. 23.
A 29-foot response boat crew from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash. pulled the two men from their sinking boat minutes before it capsized using an emergency heaving line and took them to Skipanon Marina in Warrenton, Oregon with no reported injuries.
The Coast Guard response originated when watch standers at Sector Columbia River received a 911 relay call at 1:12 p.m. from a concerned mariner saying a small Smoker Craft with two people on board had run aground and needed assistance.
The boat crew launched in response but had to maintain a 20 to 30-foot distance to avoid shoal water. The crew was able to rescue the men, who were wearing life jackets, by using the heaving line to pull the men through the water and onto the Response Boat-Small.
“Life jackets were an essential part of this rescue,” the coxswain for the case, Petty Officer First Class Mike McQuade, said. “If the men had not been wearing them, we probably would not have been able to save them before their boat sank.”
The weather at the time of the rescue was reported to be two-to four-foot waves and 15 mph winds, the USCG said.
