Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Low Emissions Testing at Port of Los Angeles

By Karen Robes Meeks

More demonstration projects to test zero and near-zero emission trucks and equipment for moving cargo will be happening at the Port of Los Angeles, thanks to recommendations made by the Sustainability Freight Advisory Committee. The port is planning to:

• Evaluate zero emission top handlers, including two battery-electric ones, the off-road heavy-duty equipment needed to load and unload trucks moving containers to and from marine terminals and three next-generation yard tractors, which is made possible with a $4.5 million California Energy Commission grant;

• Broaden zero emission drayage truck testing with a pilot program to assess 50 to 100 zero emission drayage trucks to see what needs to be done to create a 100 percent zero emission fleet by 2035; and

• Team the port industry with equipment manufacturers to examine present and future availability of zero and near-zero emission vehicles and equipment.

“This moment demands that we find innovative ways to reduce emissions at our port as quickly as possible – and that’s exactly why I brought the Sustainable Freight Advisory Committee together,” Garcetti said. “This group has embraced a difficult challenge with open arms, and its recommendations are important steps that bring us closer to our ambitious yet achievable goal of zero emissions at the Port of LA.”

“The committee’s work is already shaping policy and strengthening current zero emission demonstration projects at Los Angeles terminals,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka.

Anacortes Port Improvements

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Anacortes, Washington, recently received a $300,000 Economic Development Funding Grant from Skagit County, which will go toward paying for the port’s corroded and deteriorating Pier 2 Bulkhead Wall Improvements.

Located along the width of Pier 2, the 53-year-old steel sheet pile bulkhead wall is showing its wear and tear. The estimated $2.8 million project would entail repairing holes on the wall, applying cathodic protection and stabilizing upland soil.

The project will be done in two phases to make sure Pier 2 remains operational since the deepwater pier is used mainly for exporting bulk products. The first phase is set to begin this fall; the second phase will take place this spring.

Cruise Schedule for Olympia

By Karen Robes Meeks

Next fall, Olympia will be a destination stop in American Cruise Lines’ Grand Puget Sound tour itinerary, the Port of Olympia announced at the end of May.

The new 175-passenger American Constellation, will offer five overnight stops as part of its 11-day cruise package, and will drop anchor at the Port Plaza dock between September and November 2018.

This announcement is the result of a three-year planning process that involved a partnerships between officials from the port, the City of Olympia, Thurston County Economic Development Council, the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau and others.

Making Olympia an official cruise line Port of Call is part of a larger effort to “diversify port operations, capitalize on visitor and recreation amenities and stimulate local economic activity,” said port Executive Director Ed Galligan.

“Guests will have an opportunity to visit destinations throughout Thurston County, shop at local venues and, hopefully, recommend their favorite spaces and places to their friends and families,” he said. “We’re very appreciative that American Cruise Lines has selected Olympia as a destination, and we look forward to rewarding them with an unparalleled visitor experience.”

San Diego Annual Report Award

By Karen Robes Meeks

For the third year in a row, the Port of San Diego has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, by the Government Finance Officers Association for the United States and Canada, a nonprofit group representing about 17,500 government finance professionals.

The association also gave an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to the port’s Financial Services Department for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

The port was presented with the recognition July 11.

“The fact that we have received this award for three consecutive years shows the port’s dedication to having an open and honest relationship with the public,” said Port Chairman Robert “Dukie” Valderrama. “We, as an organization, embody the ‘spirit of transparency’ that the Government Finance Officers Association strives to promote.”

Friday, July 14, 2017

Long Beach Container Volumes Up

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Long Beach posted its second-best June in history, moving 658,727 TEUs this month for a growth of 9 percent year over year, according to the port’s latest numbers.

The nation’s second-busiest seaport finished a strong second quarter with nearly 1.9 million TEUs, an 8.3 percent jump from the same time last year.

In 2017 thus far, nearly 3.5 million TEUs flowed through Long Beach, a 5.1 percent increase compared to the first six months of 2016.

“These are good results as we move into the busiest trade months of the year,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “The US dollar remains strong and retailers are stocking back-to-school merchandise and other goods American consumers are purchasing.”

The port moved 335,328 TEUs of imported cargo last month, up 7 percent from June 2016, while handling 118,304 TEUs of exports, 7.7 percent fewer containers the same time a year ago. Meanwhile, empty containers, which are shipped overseas to be replenished with goods, spiked 26.8 percent, to 205,095 TEUs.

“Our customers know we work hard to efficiently deliver their cargo,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “It's good to see this evidence of their confidence in our Port — we are committed to providing the absolute best service in the country.”

Oakland Import Record

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Oakland this week boasted best-ever import numbers for June, surpassing a record June set 11 years ago, according to the port’s most recent statistics.

The Northern California port moved 80,253 TEUs in imports last month, about a 5 percent increase from June 2016, when it handled 76,368 TEUs. Last month’s numbers beat a June 2006 record of 78,326 TEUs.

“As we near autumn, retailers begin stocking up for the holidays,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Healthy volumes now might be a preview of what we can expect for peak season.”

Meanwhile, the port moved 75,460 TEUs of exports, a 2.4 percent increase from 73,676 TEUs.

The port moved 204,255 in total cargo volume last month, a 5.1 percent increase from June 2016. The total number includes imports, exports and empty containers.

Everett Seeks Marina’s Assets

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Everett is in the midst of trying to acquire assets related to Marina Village.

The port is in talks with Everett Marina Partners, LLC on a ground lease termination and acquisition agreement, after the commission on June 6 authorized CEO Les Reardanz to negotiate with Everett Marina.

When completed, the agreement would allow the port to take command of the Everett Marina’s assets, which include five buildings, nine leases and about 210 parking spaces.

The port would also pay Everett Marina Partners “the value based on the projected income for the fair market value on the remainder of the lease,” which was originally set to expire in 2032.

Located within the Port of Everett’s South Marina District of Waterfront Place, Marina Village was developed in 1982 with a 50-year ground lease with Diversified Marina Enterprises, which later evolved as Everett Marina Partners.

The site features a mix of retail and offices uses, including restaurants such as Anthony’s Homeport, Anthony’s Woodfire Grill and Moon Tree Asian Tapas.

“This project is another good example of strategic investments being made throughout the Port on behalf of the District to strengthen the local economy, enhance the area’s regional identity, and preserve and create jobs while at the same time creating a highly desirable, destination waterfront community within the Waterfront Place neighborhood,” Chief of Business Development Terrie Battuello said. “The high-quality tenants at Marina Village will benefit moving forward from being closely integrated into the Port’s overall vision for this destination facility.”