By Mark Edward Nero
Foss Maritime said Sept. 21 that it has entered into a four-year agreement with the Seattle Maritime Academy to support their new training facility, which includes a state-of-the-art engine room simulator, a full mission bridge simulator and a computer simulation training laboratory.
Foss’ mariners will have access to the new simulators, along with the customized professional development training offered by Seattle Maritime Academy, to support upgrading or renew licensing and learn new skills.
“When it comes to avoiding accidents, there are three things that really help: practice, practice, and practice,” Foss senior vice president Scott Merritt said. “Having as much time as possible on a simulator is an excellent way for mariners to build their skills and confidence in vessel handling, navigation, and equipment handling.”
The new facility will also prepare students new to the industry for maritime careers, with professional/technical programs in Maritime Engineering Technology and Marine Deck Technology.
“This partnership is a continuation of a strong relationship that also includes successfully placing SMA students with Foss for internships, where they receive at-sea and real world experience, while acquiring the required sea time to upgrading their credentials,” Seattle Maritime Academy Director/Associate Dean Sarah Scherer said.
Foss, like other companies in the maritime industry, is experiencing increasing demand for skilled mariners as many of our employees near retirement, Foss’ Vice President of Human Resources, Darlene Crowder, said.
“We are excited to have a high quality program here in Seattle to train the next generation of mariners,” Crowder said.
The Seattle Maritime Building 1, encompassing 24,000 square feet in two floors, is to be christened during an opening ceremony on Oct. 6.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Crowley Awards 4 California Students Scholarships
By Mark Edward Nero
Crowley Maritime Corp. presented four California Maritime Academy students with scholarships during the Containerization and Intermodal Institute’s Connie Awards dinner Sept. 20 in Long Beach, Calif.
Maritime Academy students Christiana Harrell, Bonnie Claire Muchnick, Taylor Sullivan and Alex Yorkman were presented the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships by Crowley marine personnel recruiter Jenny Terpenning during the event.
The scholarships help to further educational opportunities for students who are chosen based on their academic performance, financial need and interest in pursuing a career at sea after graduation.
Harrell, a sophomore from Big Bear City, Calif., is pursuing a degree in marine transportation with a minor in marine science. She said she plans to sail after graduation.
Muchnick, a senior from Oakland, Calif., is seeking a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation. As part of her Maritime Academy commercial cruise experience, she spent the summer sailing on Crowley’s tanker Florida on a route between Texas and Louisiana. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career at sea.
Sullivan, from Sanger, Calif., is a senior marine transportation student who is also pursuing a pre-law minor. Sullivan completed her commercial cruise last summer onboard the Crowley-managed Horizon Alliance. She plans to continue her education and earn her Master’s license upon graduation. Sullivan, who is on the Dean’s List and President’s List at the Maritime Academy, said she plans to pursue a career at sea.
Yorkman, from Whidbey Island, Wash., who is scheduled to graduate in 2018, is pursuing a marine engineering technology major and a marine science minor.
He sailed aboard the Crowley-managed Horizon Pacific for his commercial cruise earlier this year. He said he plans to pursue a career on a research vessel upon graduation.
The Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1994 by Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. in honor of his father, who led the company before passing away in 1994.
Since 1984, Crowley has given more than $3 million dollars in scholarship funding to more than 1,000 students, and also donated more than $2 million over the years to support other educational programs.
Crowley Maritime Corp. presented four California Maritime Academy students with scholarships during the Containerization and Intermodal Institute’s Connie Awards dinner Sept. 20 in Long Beach, Calif.
Maritime Academy students Christiana Harrell, Bonnie Claire Muchnick, Taylor Sullivan and Alex Yorkman were presented the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarships by Crowley marine personnel recruiter Jenny Terpenning during the event.
The scholarships help to further educational opportunities for students who are chosen based on their academic performance, financial need and interest in pursuing a career at sea after graduation.
Harrell, a sophomore from Big Bear City, Calif., is pursuing a degree in marine transportation with a minor in marine science. She said she plans to sail after graduation.
Muchnick, a senior from Oakland, Calif., is seeking a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation. As part of her Maritime Academy commercial cruise experience, she spent the summer sailing on Crowley’s tanker Florida on a route between Texas and Louisiana. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career at sea.
Sullivan, from Sanger, Calif., is a senior marine transportation student who is also pursuing a pre-law minor. Sullivan completed her commercial cruise last summer onboard the Crowley-managed Horizon Alliance. She plans to continue her education and earn her Master’s license upon graduation. Sullivan, who is on the Dean’s List and President’s List at the Maritime Academy, said she plans to pursue a career at sea.
Yorkman, from Whidbey Island, Wash., who is scheduled to graduate in 2018, is pursuing a marine engineering technology major and a marine science minor.
He sailed aboard the Crowley-managed Horizon Pacific for his commercial cruise earlier this year. He said he plans to pursue a career on a research vessel upon graduation.
The Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1994 by Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. in honor of his father, who led the company before passing away in 1994.
Since 1984, Crowley has given more than $3 million dollars in scholarship funding to more than 1,000 students, and also donated more than $2 million over the years to support other educational programs.
Oakland Port Now Accepting Hanjin Empties
By Mark Edward Nero
A potential supply chain meltdown resulting from Hanjin Shipping’s insolvency has been averted at the Port of Oakland. The port said Sept. 21 that it will receive empty containers owned by the ocean carrier, which filed for bankruptcy protection Aug. 31.
The announcement means cargo owners and truckers won’t have to find storage space for the unwanted boxes after they’re emptied, and that empties can be removed from chassis, thereby freeing up equipment to transport new loads.
Storage space is needed across the globe because Hanjin is not accepting empty containers on its vessels.
“With this move, we can at least eliminate the worry about storage and prevent a potentially crippling chassis shortage,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said.
Empty Hanjin-owned containers can be returned to the port’s Roundhouse property on Middle Harbor Road. The site is adjacent to Oakland International Container Terminal, where Hanjin ships are loaded and unloaded.
The port said containers identified by the prefix HJCU will be received, but that truckers should contact Hanjin to ensure that the empty containers are Hanjin-owned and not leased.
The port said the terminal will process empties and remove them from chassis. Drivers are then required to return the chassis through the main gates at Oakland International Container Terminal. Harbor truck drivers can return Hanjin-owned boxes between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
Hanjin’s receivership filing has disrupted the global supply chain, with many of the carrier’s ships becoming stranded at sea, forbidden to berth at ports. Two Hanjin ships have arrived in Oakland to discharge cargo since the filing was announced.
Oakland said operations haven’t been hampered by Hanjin’s predicament, but that the empty container problem threatened to inhibit cargo flow in and out of the port, until the newly designated storage property averted that potential outcome.
A potential supply chain meltdown resulting from Hanjin Shipping’s insolvency has been averted at the Port of Oakland. The port said Sept. 21 that it will receive empty containers owned by the ocean carrier, which filed for bankruptcy protection Aug. 31.
The announcement means cargo owners and truckers won’t have to find storage space for the unwanted boxes after they’re emptied, and that empties can be removed from chassis, thereby freeing up equipment to transport new loads.
Storage space is needed across the globe because Hanjin is not accepting empty containers on its vessels.
“With this move, we can at least eliminate the worry about storage and prevent a potentially crippling chassis shortage,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said.
Empty Hanjin-owned containers can be returned to the port’s Roundhouse property on Middle Harbor Road. The site is adjacent to Oakland International Container Terminal, where Hanjin ships are loaded and unloaded.
The port said containers identified by the prefix HJCU will be received, but that truckers should contact Hanjin to ensure that the empty containers are Hanjin-owned and not leased.
The port said the terminal will process empties and remove them from chassis. Drivers are then required to return the chassis through the main gates at Oakland International Container Terminal. Harbor truck drivers can return Hanjin-owned boxes between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
Hanjin’s receivership filing has disrupted the global supply chain, with many of the carrier’s ships becoming stranded at sea, forbidden to berth at ports. Two Hanjin ships have arrived in Oakland to discharge cargo since the filing was announced.
Oakland said operations haven’t been hampered by Hanjin’s predicament, but that the empty container problem threatened to inhibit cargo flow in and out of the port, until the newly designated storage property averted that potential outcome.
Harley Marine to Receive Environmental Award
By Mark Edward Nero
Harley Marine Services has been named the corporate recipient of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association 2016 Marine Environment Protection Awards.
The NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award is given in recognition of an individual or organization’s efforts in environmental stewardship, exemplified by a commitment to a program which has specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement, and which is innovative and goes beyond minimum environmental compliance.
Eligible candidates include members of the commercial maritime industry, government agencies, educational organizations, associations and individuals. Submissions are judged by the organization’s board of directors against the criteria behind the award.
The awards will be presented at NAMEPA’s Awards Dinner, set for Oct. 27 at Pier A in New York City. The dinner caps the North American World Maritime Day conference.
“We are thrilled and honored to win this award. We take great pride in the work we have done to cultivate the best environmental stewardship possible. Harley Franco, our founder and chairman’s original vision and commitment for environmental stewardship has been clear from the inception of the company,” Harley Marine Services Vice President of Quality/Risk Management Deborah Franco said. “Our programs involve every component and entity of Harley Marine’s family of companies. Every individual has an opportunity to truly make a difference and take pride in the results.”
Other recipients of NAMEPA’s 2016 awards include the National Ocean Council for government agencies; Ocean Conservancy for nonprofits; Maritime Academy Charter School of Philadelphia for maritime education; OBOCS’ onboard oil containment system for innovations; NOAA’s chemical aquatic fate and effects database for environmental products; and the North American Maritime Ministry Association for seafarers’ foundations.
The late US Rep. Helen Delich Bentley is to receive a special posthumous lifetime achievement award.
Harley Marine Services has been named the corporate recipient of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association 2016 Marine Environment Protection Awards.
The NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award is given in recognition of an individual or organization’s efforts in environmental stewardship, exemplified by a commitment to a program which has specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement, and which is innovative and goes beyond minimum environmental compliance.
Eligible candidates include members of the commercial maritime industry, government agencies, educational organizations, associations and individuals. Submissions are judged by the organization’s board of directors against the criteria behind the award.
The awards will be presented at NAMEPA’s Awards Dinner, set for Oct. 27 at Pier A in New York City. The dinner caps the North American World Maritime Day conference.
“We are thrilled and honored to win this award. We take great pride in the work we have done to cultivate the best environmental stewardship possible. Harley Franco, our founder and chairman’s original vision and commitment for environmental stewardship has been clear from the inception of the company,” Harley Marine Services Vice President of Quality/Risk Management Deborah Franco said. “Our programs involve every component and entity of Harley Marine’s family of companies. Every individual has an opportunity to truly make a difference and take pride in the results.”
Other recipients of NAMEPA’s 2016 awards include the National Ocean Council for government agencies; Ocean Conservancy for nonprofits; Maritime Academy Charter School of Philadelphia for maritime education; OBOCS’ onboard oil containment system for innovations; NOAA’s chemical aquatic fate and effects database for environmental products; and the North American Maritime Ministry Association for seafarers’ foundations.
The late US Rep. Helen Delich Bentley is to receive a special posthumous lifetime achievement award.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Foss to Receive Safety Award
By Mark Edward Nero
American Maritime Safety, a non-profit maritime trade association that facilitates the maritime industry’s compliance with international shipping protocols and US Coast Guard regulations, has chosen Foss Maritime to receive a safety award.
Foss said Sept. 19 that it will receive the award during AMS’ 2016 Annual Membership Meeting and Safety Awards Luncheon, set for Oct. 13. The awards recognize companies that uphold a commitment to manage and operate vessels that are environmentally efficient, safe and dependable, plus promote responsible maritime work practices.
Foss says its award is in recognition of the company’s efforts to build and maintain a strong culture of safety via the implementation and management of zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
“We are honored by this recognition of our drug and alcohol policy,” Foss President John Parrott said. “Our primary concern in all that we do is to keep our employees, equipment and the environments in which we operate safe.”
Foss’ policy, which was updated in 2015, addresses the concerns of opioid abuse and other addiction issues, the legalization of marijuana in many states, and the reasons a zero-tolerance stance is essential to the company’s safety initiatives, and in meeting increasing customer demands and regulations.
“For decades Foss has built a strong reputation of being always ready. In more recent years we've added always safe,” Foss CEO Paul Stevens said in a recent video to employees about the policy. “One way that we deliver on this commitment is by upholding a drug and alcohol policy that keeps employees and equipment safe and ready for whenever we report to work.”
American Maritime Safety, a non-profit maritime trade association that facilitates the maritime industry’s compliance with international shipping protocols and US Coast Guard regulations, has chosen Foss Maritime to receive a safety award.
Foss said Sept. 19 that it will receive the award during AMS’ 2016 Annual Membership Meeting and Safety Awards Luncheon, set for Oct. 13. The awards recognize companies that uphold a commitment to manage and operate vessels that are environmentally efficient, safe and dependable, plus promote responsible maritime work practices.
Foss says its award is in recognition of the company’s efforts to build and maintain a strong culture of safety via the implementation and management of zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
“We are honored by this recognition of our drug and alcohol policy,” Foss President John Parrott said. “Our primary concern in all that we do is to keep our employees, equipment and the environments in which we operate safe.”
Foss’ policy, which was updated in 2015, addresses the concerns of opioid abuse and other addiction issues, the legalization of marijuana in many states, and the reasons a zero-tolerance stance is essential to the company’s safety initiatives, and in meeting increasing customer demands and regulations.
“For decades Foss has built a strong reputation of being always ready. In more recent years we've added always safe,” Foss CEO Paul Stevens said in a recent video to employees about the policy. “One way that we deliver on this commitment is by upholding a drug and alcohol policy that keeps employees and equipment safe and ready for whenever we report to work.”
Oakland Cargo Volumes Up Slightly
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Oakland reported Sept. 21 that its total cargo volume – imports, exports and empty containers – increased just 1.7 percent in August. However, the port also said that a year-long rally in containerized export volume is gathering momentum.
The port’s export volume last month jumped seven percent over August 2015 totals, according to data. It was the biggest year-over-year increase since a 7.1 percent rise in April. Oakland has now increased export volumes seven times in eight months this calendar year, with its total 2016 export volume 8.8 percent ahead of last year’s pace. The port’s total volume through the first eight months of 2016 is up 4.6 percent over 2015.
“We’ve had solid cargo production across the board,” Maritime Director John Driscoll said. “But so far in 2016, exports are the star performers.”
The port attributed much of the export increase to a softening U.S. dollar. As the currency weakens, American exports become more affordable overseas.
The Port of Oakland watches export trends closely because exports make up more than half its total cargo volume – the highest ratio of any US West Coast port. The port is near California’s Central Valley and most of its wine-producing areas; Oakland provides growers from those regions a gateway to markets in Asia.
Oakland said it is hopeful that its run of export success will continue into the fall, as agricultural exporters are forecasting good harvests this year resulting from more plentiful rainfall last winter.
Complete cargo statistics for the port are available at http://www.portofoakland.com/port/seaport/facts-and-figures/.
The Port of Oakland reported Sept. 21 that its total cargo volume – imports, exports and empty containers – increased just 1.7 percent in August. However, the port also said that a year-long rally in containerized export volume is gathering momentum.
The port’s export volume last month jumped seven percent over August 2015 totals, according to data. It was the biggest year-over-year increase since a 7.1 percent rise in April. Oakland has now increased export volumes seven times in eight months this calendar year, with its total 2016 export volume 8.8 percent ahead of last year’s pace. The port’s total volume through the first eight months of 2016 is up 4.6 percent over 2015.
“We’ve had solid cargo production across the board,” Maritime Director John Driscoll said. “But so far in 2016, exports are the star performers.”
The port attributed much of the export increase to a softening U.S. dollar. As the currency weakens, American exports become more affordable overseas.
The Port of Oakland watches export trends closely because exports make up more than half its total cargo volume – the highest ratio of any US West Coast port. The port is near California’s Central Valley and most of its wine-producing areas; Oakland provides growers from those regions a gateway to markets in Asia.
Oakland said it is hopeful that its run of export success will continue into the fall, as agricultural exporters are forecasting good harvests this year resulting from more plentiful rainfall last winter.
Complete cargo statistics for the port are available at http://www.portofoakland.com/port/seaport/facts-and-figures/.
NWSA Monthly Cargo Volumes Grow
By Mark Edward Nero
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, the operating partnership between the Seattle and Tacoma ports, said Sept. 16 that its total marine cargo container volumes last month were the highest for an August since 2012.
The gains were made on the strength of full containerized imports and exports alike, according to the Alliance.
Full imports improved four percent compared to August 2015, while full exports surged 15 percent month over month. Year to date, full imports are up three percent to 879,435 TEUs and exports increased 13 percent to 625,523 TEUs.
However, the Seaport Alliance says, year-to-date total container volumes through August are flat, falling less than one percent to 2,322,999 TEUs.
“The persistent decline of empty containers and lagging domestic volumes continue to drag down total container volumes,” the Alliance said in a statement regarding the numbers. Meanwhile, empty containers have fallen nearly 22 percent year to date, while domestic volumes are down three percent.
Hanjin Shipping’s filing for receivership did not impact the alliance’s August cargo volumes, according to the Alliance. The receivership was filed Aug. 31.
In other freight news: breakbulk cargo is down 29 percent year to date to 128,545 metric tons as the global downturn in agricultural, mining and construction equipment, and a strong U.S. dollar impact volumes.
Also, log exports fell 48 percent year to date to 92,840 metric tons, with decreased demand in China and competition from New Zealand cited as being among the causes.
Additionally, auto movements fell five percent to 119,758 units as vehicle manufacturers move factory locations and shift the supply chain.
The Alliance’s cargo volumes for August 2016 can be found at http://www.nwseaportalliance.com/file/681. The cargo statistics for the same month are available at http://www.nwseaportalliance.com/file/680.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, the operating partnership between the Seattle and Tacoma ports, said Sept. 16 that its total marine cargo container volumes last month were the highest for an August since 2012.
The gains were made on the strength of full containerized imports and exports alike, according to the Alliance.
Full imports improved four percent compared to August 2015, while full exports surged 15 percent month over month. Year to date, full imports are up three percent to 879,435 TEUs and exports increased 13 percent to 625,523 TEUs.
However, the Seaport Alliance says, year-to-date total container volumes through August are flat, falling less than one percent to 2,322,999 TEUs.
“The persistent decline of empty containers and lagging domestic volumes continue to drag down total container volumes,” the Alliance said in a statement regarding the numbers. Meanwhile, empty containers have fallen nearly 22 percent year to date, while domestic volumes are down three percent.
Hanjin Shipping’s filing for receivership did not impact the alliance’s August cargo volumes, according to the Alliance. The receivership was filed Aug. 31.
In other freight news: breakbulk cargo is down 29 percent year to date to 128,545 metric tons as the global downturn in agricultural, mining and construction equipment, and a strong U.S. dollar impact volumes.
Also, log exports fell 48 percent year to date to 92,840 metric tons, with decreased demand in China and competition from New Zealand cited as being among the causes.
Additionally, auto movements fell five percent to 119,758 units as vehicle manufacturers move factory locations and shift the supply chain.
The Alliance’s cargo volumes for August 2016 can be found at http://www.nwseaportalliance.com/file/681. The cargo statistics for the same month are available at http://www.nwseaportalliance.com/file/680.
