By Mark Edward Nero
On May 11, 2017, Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii announced the selection of Texas-based Keppel AmFELS, a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine, for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas-fueled containerships, with the option to order two additional vessels.
The new US Jones Act vessels will carry 2,525 TEUs, including a fully laden capacity of 500 45-foot containers, 400 refrigerated containers, and 300 40-foot dry containers, with a sailing speed of 23.0 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in the first quarter of 2020, with delivery of the second vessel in the third quarter of 2020.
Pasha confirmed that the new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, which should dramatically reduce environmental impact and increase fuel efficiency. Energy savings will also to be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.
“We look forward to working with an extremely qualified shipyard, based in the United States,” company President and CEO George Pasha, IV said. “Pasha Hawaii is a firm believer in the Jones Act, and is proud to support our shipyards and the highly skilled workers who make valuable contributions to this important industry on a daily basis.”
Pasha Hawaii is a wholly owned subsidiary of the family-owned global logistics and transportation company, the Pasha Group, one of the nation’s leading Jones Act shipping and integrated logistics companies.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
2,900 Gallons of Oily Water Removed from Oregon Barge
By Mark Edward Nero
The US Coast Guard oversaw the removal of nearly 3,000 gallons of oily water from the bilges of a 1940s-era crane barge during a response last weekend at a site on the banks of the Columbia River near Goble, the USCG revealed May 15.
The removal of the oily water from the Amazon, a 170-foot crane barge, was a preemptive measure taken to prevent possible environmental damage to the Columbia River at a site currently being monitored by the Coast Guard and the Oregon Departments of Environmental Quality and State Lands.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Incident Management Division opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove the oily water upon a recommendation from the Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team during a site assessment and hazard categorization visit on May 9 and 10.
Contractors pumped out 1,800 gallons of the oily-water mixture on May 12 and another 1,100 gallons on May 13 from bilges, ballast tanks, fuel tanks, aft and forward spaces, and above and below deck plates.
“The initial purpose of our site visit was to assess the need for future operations, however, it was quickly determined the Amazon posed a substantial threat of an oil discharge and required immediate action,” USCG Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Madjeska, chief, Incident Management Division Sector Columbia River, explained. “The vessel is in very poor material condition, and is slowly taking on water through open hatches.”
The barge Amazon is one of 26 vessels currently being assessed and monitored during the eviction process of Clay Jonak and Roger Ison, who lease the site on the Columbia from the Oregon Department of State Lands. The agency informed the two men of the lease termination in March. They have until May 30 to safely remove their property from the site.
The Coast Guard will oversee the cleanup of any remaining oil or hazardous material left on site after May 30.
The US Coast Guard oversaw the removal of nearly 3,000 gallons of oily water from the bilges of a 1940s-era crane barge during a response last weekend at a site on the banks of the Columbia River near Goble, the USCG revealed May 15.
The removal of the oily water from the Amazon, a 170-foot crane barge, was a preemptive measure taken to prevent possible environmental damage to the Columbia River at a site currently being monitored by the Coast Guard and the Oregon Departments of Environmental Quality and State Lands.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Incident Management Division opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove the oily water upon a recommendation from the Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team during a site assessment and hazard categorization visit on May 9 and 10.
Contractors pumped out 1,800 gallons of the oily-water mixture on May 12 and another 1,100 gallons on May 13 from bilges, ballast tanks, fuel tanks, aft and forward spaces, and above and below deck plates.
“The initial purpose of our site visit was to assess the need for future operations, however, it was quickly determined the Amazon posed a substantial threat of an oil discharge and required immediate action,” USCG Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Madjeska, chief, Incident Management Division Sector Columbia River, explained. “The vessel is in very poor material condition, and is slowly taking on water through open hatches.”
The barge Amazon is one of 26 vessels currently being assessed and monitored during the eviction process of Clay Jonak and Roger Ison, who lease the site on the Columbia from the Oregon Department of State Lands. The agency informed the two men of the lease termination in March. They have until May 30 to safely remove their property from the site.
The Coast Guard will oversee the cleanup of any remaining oil or hazardous material left on site after May 30.
Port of Oakland Seeing More Cargo, But Fewer Ships
By Mark Edward Nero
A shipping industry trend toward bigger, more efficient container vessels is paying off at the Port of Oakland.
The port’s 2017 container volume through April was up 2.8 percent over last year, while at the same time, the number of vessels arriving was down 5.6 percent, according to data released by the port on May 12. Numbers also show 539 ships visiting Oakland in the first four months of 2017, compared to 571 calls during the same period in 2016.
The upshot is that fewer but larger ships are carrying more cargo to Oakland, easing dock crowding while reducing vessel emissions.
“Shipping lines have moved to larger vessels to consolidate cargo and cut costs,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll explained. “We’re the beneficiaries because we can handle volume growth efficiently and sustainably.”
The reduction not only meant fewer diesel emissions from ships heading in or out of port, but also less demand for berthing space, which is a hot commodity in Oakland.
The average-size vessel visiting Oakland now has the capacity to carry more than 8,000 20-foot containers, up from 5,000 TEUs three years ago. Ships with capacity for 14,000 containers – the largest in North America – call Oakland weekly, according to the port.
Containerized import volume in Oakland increased 3.5 percent from January through April, while export volume was up three percent, according to port data.
A shipping industry trend toward bigger, more efficient container vessels is paying off at the Port of Oakland.
The port’s 2017 container volume through April was up 2.8 percent over last year, while at the same time, the number of vessels arriving was down 5.6 percent, according to data released by the port on May 12. Numbers also show 539 ships visiting Oakland in the first four months of 2017, compared to 571 calls during the same period in 2016.
The upshot is that fewer but larger ships are carrying more cargo to Oakland, easing dock crowding while reducing vessel emissions.
“Shipping lines have moved to larger vessels to consolidate cargo and cut costs,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll explained. “We’re the beneficiaries because we can handle volume growth efficiently and sustainably.”
The reduction not only meant fewer diesel emissions from ships heading in or out of port, but also less demand for berthing space, which is a hot commodity in Oakland.
The average-size vessel visiting Oakland now has the capacity to carry more than 8,000 20-foot containers, up from 5,000 TEUs three years ago. Ships with capacity for 14,000 containers – the largest in North America – call Oakland weekly, according to the port.
Containerized import volume in Oakland increased 3.5 percent from January through April, while export volume was up three percent, according to port data.
Free Boat Tours Offered at POLA this Weekend
By Mark Edward Nero
In celebration of World Trade Week, the Port of Los Angeles is offering free public boat tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Tours will depart every 30 minutes from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, and from Banning’s Landing Community in Wilmington.
The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is located at 600 Sampson Way, Berth 84, in San Pedro. Banning’s Landing Community Center can be found at 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington. Boats at both locations are wheelchair accessible and have restrooms on board.
The Port of LA has offered free World Trade Week tours to the public for over 20 years. This year’s tours are an hour long, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed.
“World Trade Week is a great opportunity to welcome our local residents and visitors to the waterfront for a spectacular view of the nation’s busiest port in action,” POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement.
World Trade Week, which coincides with World Trade Month, is a unique program dedicated to educating the public about the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and U.S. economy. Related events and programs are held throughout Southern California every May.
In celebration of World Trade Week, the Port of Los Angeles is offering free public boat tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Tours will depart every 30 minutes from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, and from Banning’s Landing Community in Wilmington.
The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is located at 600 Sampson Way, Berth 84, in San Pedro. Banning’s Landing Community Center can be found at 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington. Boats at both locations are wheelchair accessible and have restrooms on board.
The Port of LA has offered free World Trade Week tours to the public for over 20 years. This year’s tours are an hour long, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed.
“World Trade Week is a great opportunity to welcome our local residents and visitors to the waterfront for a spectacular view of the nation’s busiest port in action,” POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement.
World Trade Week, which coincides with World Trade Month, is a unique program dedicated to educating the public about the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and U.S. economy. Related events and programs are held throughout Southern California every May.
Friday, May 12, 2017
POLA April Cargo Volumes Set Record
By Mark Edward Nero
April cargo volumes surged 8.9 percent at the Port of Los Angeles compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the port May 11, making it the best April in the port’s 110-year history. With 714,755 TEUs, it eclipsed the April 2012 record of 707,182 TEUs.
For the first four months of 2017, cargo has increased 10 percent compared to 2016, which was a record-breaking year for the port.
“April was the first month of new vessel alliance deployments around the globe, and we are pleased that the Port of Los Angeles provided world-class service and efficiency at our terminals,” POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “We continue to seek new ways to improve operations,” he added.
According to the numbers published by POLA, April 2017 imports increased 8.3 percent to 372,040 TEUs compared to the previous year, while exports jumped 9.4 percent to 157,661 TEUs. The total loaded volumes of 529,702 TEUs represented an increase of 8.6 percent compared to the previous year, while empty containers grew 9.8 percent to 185,052 TEUs.
The port’s most recent five-year average of April container volumes is 674,540 TEUs, and this year’s volumes represent a six percent increase over the five-year average.
Current and historical data is available on the port’s website at https://www.portoflosangeles.org/maritime/stats.asp.
April cargo volumes surged 8.9 percent at the Port of Los Angeles compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the port May 11, making it the best April in the port’s 110-year history. With 714,755 TEUs, it eclipsed the April 2012 record of 707,182 TEUs.
For the first four months of 2017, cargo has increased 10 percent compared to 2016, which was a record-breaking year for the port.
“April was the first month of new vessel alliance deployments around the globe, and we are pleased that the Port of Los Angeles provided world-class service and efficiency at our terminals,” POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “We continue to seek new ways to improve operations,” he added.
According to the numbers published by POLA, April 2017 imports increased 8.3 percent to 372,040 TEUs compared to the previous year, while exports jumped 9.4 percent to 157,661 TEUs. The total loaded volumes of 529,702 TEUs represented an increase of 8.6 percent compared to the previous year, while empty containers grew 9.8 percent to 185,052 TEUs.
The port’s most recent five-year average of April container volumes is 674,540 TEUs, and this year’s volumes represent a six percent increase over the five-year average.
Current and historical data is available on the port’s website at https://www.portoflosangeles.org/maritime/stats.asp.
Newest BC Ferries Vessel Begins Service May 16
By Mark Edward Nero
BC Ferries, the contractor that provides ferry service along coastal British Columbia, announced on May 9 that its newest vessel, Salish Orca, is expected to officially commence service at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, on the Comox-Powell River route.
Salish Orca is the first of three new Salish Class vessels that are dual-fuel and capable of operating on either natural gas or ultra-low sulfur marine diesel. BC Ferries said its use of natural gas for the vessels is expected to result in the reduction of about 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the same as taking roughly 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road.
“We are very excited to introduce this beautiful new ship, Salish Orca, into service and see the dual-fuel technology at work,” BC Ferries’ President and CEO Mark Collins said in a statement.
Salish Orca and her sister ships Salish Eagle and Salish Raven were named to honor the Coast Salish people as the original mariners of the Salish Sea. Each vessel features the artwork of a different First Nations artist. The Salish Orca, which accommodates about 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew, is equipped with two marine evacuation systems with life rafts, smoke and natural gas detection alarms and state-of-the-art fire suppression systems. The vessel measures 107 meters in length overall and has a service speed of 15.5 knots.
BC Ferries, the contractor that provides ferry service along coastal British Columbia, announced on May 9 that its newest vessel, Salish Orca, is expected to officially commence service at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, on the Comox-Powell River route.
Salish Orca is the first of three new Salish Class vessels that are dual-fuel and capable of operating on either natural gas or ultra-low sulfur marine diesel. BC Ferries said its use of natural gas for the vessels is expected to result in the reduction of about 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the same as taking roughly 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road.
“We are very excited to introduce this beautiful new ship, Salish Orca, into service and see the dual-fuel technology at work,” BC Ferries’ President and CEO Mark Collins said in a statement.
Salish Orca and her sister ships Salish Eagle and Salish Raven were named to honor the Coast Salish people as the original mariners of the Salish Sea. Each vessel features the artwork of a different First Nations artist. The Salish Orca, which accommodates about 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew, is equipped with two marine evacuation systems with life rafts, smoke and natural gas detection alarms and state-of-the-art fire suppression systems. The vessel measures 107 meters in length overall and has a service speed of 15.5 knots.
Crowley Wins LNG Supply Contract in Puerto Rico
By Mark Edward Nero
Crowley Maritime Corp. said May 11 that its liquefied natural gas (LNG) services group has been awarded a multi-year contract to supply additional volumes of containerized, US-sourced LNG to a major pharmaceutical company’s manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico.
The contract, executed through Crowley’s Carib Energy LLC subsidiary, extends a 2014 contract awarded to Crowley for LNG supply for the facilities by expanding LNG services to additional plants.
The contract which includes the fuel supply and transportation of LNG from US-based liquefaction facilities to the pharmaceutical company’s plants, will be managed by Crowley’s domestic logistics team. They will coordinate over-the-road transportation of 40-foot intermodal ISO tanks, authorized by the US Department of Transportation to each carry about 10,000 gallons of LNG, to the company’s Jacksonville, Fla., shipping terminal.
Once in Jacksonville, the tanks will be loaded onto company-owned vessels departing for Puerto Rico. Upon arrival on the island, Crowley’s Puerto Rico-based logistics team will manage delivery of the LNG to the customer’s facilities. There, the LNG will be re-gasified into pipeline natural gas for boiler consumption.
“We are thrilled to enhance our relationship by growing our LNG services and volumes with this critical customer in Puerto Rico,” Crowley Vice President Greg Buffington said. “Crowley will continue to provide an uninterrupted supply chain of natural gas to the customer’s site, just as we have done since 2014.”
Crowley Maritime Corp. said May 11 that its liquefied natural gas (LNG) services group has been awarded a multi-year contract to supply additional volumes of containerized, US-sourced LNG to a major pharmaceutical company’s manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico.
The contract, executed through Crowley’s Carib Energy LLC subsidiary, extends a 2014 contract awarded to Crowley for LNG supply for the facilities by expanding LNG services to additional plants.
The contract which includes the fuel supply and transportation of LNG from US-based liquefaction facilities to the pharmaceutical company’s plants, will be managed by Crowley’s domestic logistics team. They will coordinate over-the-road transportation of 40-foot intermodal ISO tanks, authorized by the US Department of Transportation to each carry about 10,000 gallons of LNG, to the company’s Jacksonville, Fla., shipping terminal.
Once in Jacksonville, the tanks will be loaded onto company-owned vessels departing for Puerto Rico. Upon arrival on the island, Crowley’s Puerto Rico-based logistics team will manage delivery of the LNG to the customer’s facilities. There, the LNG will be re-gasified into pipeline natural gas for boiler consumption.
“We are thrilled to enhance our relationship by growing our LNG services and volumes with this critical customer in Puerto Rico,” Crowley Vice President Greg Buffington said. “Crowley will continue to provide an uninterrupted supply chain of natural gas to the customer’s site, just as we have done since 2014.”
