By Karen Robes Meeks
Bellingham Shipping Terminal will now be welcoming cargo ships on a regular basis, thanks to a new three-year service contract between the port and Ports America.
Ports America, which began talks with the port after many of its shipping customers asked about Bellingham Shipping Terminal, will have under the new contract “exclusive stevedoring rights for certain types of steel as well as inbound international forest products, metal/aluminum ingots, modules, oversized and project cargoes,” according to the port.
“There is a great deal favoring the Bellingham Shipping Terminal,” said Ports America Director of Breakbulk and Project Cargo Bart Goedhard. “In addition to abundant berth space, warehouse and laydown space, the terminal is near major cities, has a dedicated truck corridor to I-5 and has close proximity to rail.”
This is a major turning point for the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, said Port Commission President Ken Bell.
“As the last Pacific Northwest seaport between the United States and Canada, it was only a matter of time before cargo operators recognized the Bellingham Shipping Terminal as a congestion-free alternative to the docks and terminals serving Vancouver and Seattle,” Bell said. “Increased cargo activity at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal will create jobs and stimulate economic activity throughout Whatcom County.”
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Container Explosion Investigated
By Karen Robes Meeks
A combustible fuel or other compound may have caused the explosion of a sealed shipping container inside a terminal storage area at the Port of Los Angeles, according to an initial analysis by the Los Angeles Port Police Hazardous Materials Unit, Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad and United States Coast Guard.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident in which more than 100 people were evacuated from Evergreen Shipping terminal Tuesday.
No one was reported to be hurt from the explosion, which occurred shortly after 5:58 p.m.
The 40-foot container bound for Taiwan had been delivered earlier that day with 11 others from a recycling facility on Terminal Island.
The port said the container carried “clean scrap iron or heavy melting scrap only” and was not marked to have hazardous materials.
Port police officials plan to review procedures at the recycling facility while the Coast Guard will review its Facility Security Plan.
A combustible fuel or other compound may have caused the explosion of a sealed shipping container inside a terminal storage area at the Port of Los Angeles, according to an initial analysis by the Los Angeles Port Police Hazardous Materials Unit, Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad and United States Coast Guard.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident in which more than 100 people were evacuated from Evergreen Shipping terminal Tuesday.
No one was reported to be hurt from the explosion, which occurred shortly after 5:58 p.m.
The 40-foot container bound for Taiwan had been delivered earlier that day with 11 others from a recycling facility on Terminal Island.
The port said the container carried “clean scrap iron or heavy melting scrap only” and was not marked to have hazardous materials.
Port police officials plan to review procedures at the recycling facility while the Coast Guard will review its Facility Security Plan.
Coos Bay Rail Line Open for Business
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s subsidiary, Coos Bay Rail Line, Inc. kicked off operations this week.
The port-owned rail line launched on Nov. 1. The project came to fruition following a discussion with a third-party operator who told the port in December 2017 that it wanted to divest its relationship with the port.
To make the project a reality, the port bought $4 million worth of locomotives and other materials, as well as hire 15 new staff members to manage daily operations. More than $60 million has been spent on the line’s infrastructure.
The new rail line gives the port better commercial exposure and customer service and allows the port to leverage its resources.
“For over a century, the port has worked to further its mission to promote sustainable economic development for the region and State,” said Port CEO John Burns. “In assuming an operational role, the port is preserving a transportation option that is integral to the economic fabric of the area. We (port) seek to enhance operation of the rail line by offering an increased level of customer service, coordination, and communication for our customers while preserving critical jobs within our community.”
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s subsidiary, Coos Bay Rail Line, Inc. kicked off operations this week.
The port-owned rail line launched on Nov. 1. The project came to fruition following a discussion with a third-party operator who told the port in December 2017 that it wanted to divest its relationship with the port.
To make the project a reality, the port bought $4 million worth of locomotives and other materials, as well as hire 15 new staff members to manage daily operations. More than $60 million has been spent on the line’s infrastructure.
The new rail line gives the port better commercial exposure and customer service and allows the port to leverage its resources.
“For over a century, the port has worked to further its mission to promote sustainable economic development for the region and State,” said Port CEO John Burns. “In assuming an operational role, the port is preserving a transportation option that is integral to the economic fabric of the area. We (port) seek to enhance operation of the rail line by offering an increased level of customer service, coordination, and communication for our customers while preserving critical jobs within our community.”
Friday, November 2, 2018
New Matson Marshall Islands Service
By Karen Robes Meeks
In a move to lower cargo transit times by as many as eight days, Honolulu-based Matson, Inc. has started a new direct service between Honolulu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The company has acquired a 700-TEU vessel with two 45-ton onboard cranes for the new service, which will visit ports in Kwajalein, Ebeye and Majuro every 17 days. The vessel is expected to arrive at Kwajalein on Nov. 3.
"Matson has been consistently rated the No. 1 ocean carrier in the world because of its commitment to operating the fastest and most reliable service in the markets we serve," said Matson Chief Commercial Officer John Lauer. “We are excited to bring US flag service and shorter transit times from the US West Coast to Kwajalein, Ebeye and Majuro.”
In a move to lower cargo transit times by as many as eight days, Honolulu-based Matson, Inc. has started a new direct service between Honolulu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The company has acquired a 700-TEU vessel with two 45-ton onboard cranes for the new service, which will visit ports in Kwajalein, Ebeye and Majuro every 17 days. The vessel is expected to arrive at Kwajalein on Nov. 3.
"Matson has been consistently rated the No. 1 ocean carrier in the world because of its commitment to operating the fastest and most reliable service in the markets we serve," said Matson Chief Commercial Officer John Lauer. “We are excited to bring US flag service and shorter transit times from the US West Coast to Kwajalein, Ebeye and Majuro.”
Hueneme Sets New Cargo Record
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Hueneme handled 1.6 million tons of cargo in fiscal year 2018, an “all-time high” for import and export movement at the port.
That represents an 8.1 percent jump from last year’s 1.48 million cargo tons and beats the 1.56 million cargo tons record set in fiscal year 2015, according to the port.
“This has been a tremendous year for our Port community, with more cargo than ever before passing through our seaport,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Mary Anne Rooney, who announced the record year at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting.
“This is a testament to the collaboration between our customers, community partners, and stakeholders to move cargo in the most efficient ways possible,” she said.
The port – which serves as the West Coast hub for the Chiquita, Del Monte and One Banana brands – is attributing the record to rises in almost all cargo imports and exports, including a 50 percent spike in pineapples and melons and a five percent jump in banana imports.
“A five percent increase in banana imports may not sound like a big deal, but when you take into account that we import over 3.3 billion bananas a year, that percentage increase can make a significant impact on our overall cargo tonnage,” said Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge. “And we’ve done this all while leading the industry in environmental initiatives and being named the Greenest Port in the United States.”
The Port of Hueneme handled 1.6 million tons of cargo in fiscal year 2018, an “all-time high” for import and export movement at the port.
That represents an 8.1 percent jump from last year’s 1.48 million cargo tons and beats the 1.56 million cargo tons record set in fiscal year 2015, according to the port.
“This has been a tremendous year for our Port community, with more cargo than ever before passing through our seaport,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Mary Anne Rooney, who announced the record year at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting.
“This is a testament to the collaboration between our customers, community partners, and stakeholders to move cargo in the most efficient ways possible,” she said.
The port – which serves as the West Coast hub for the Chiquita, Del Monte and One Banana brands – is attributing the record to rises in almost all cargo imports and exports, including a 50 percent spike in pineapples and melons and a five percent jump in banana imports.
“A five percent increase in banana imports may not sound like a big deal, but when you take into account that we import over 3.3 billion bananas a year, that percentage increase can make a significant impact on our overall cargo tonnage,” said Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge. “And we’ve done this all while leading the industry in environmental initiatives and being named the Greenest Port in the United States.”
Long Beach Community Grants
By Karen Robes Meeks
About 130 groups aimed at supporting the arts, the environment and historic preservation have been awarded a total of $463,750 in community sponsorship grants from the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
They include the Friends of the Los Angeles River, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Su Casa’s Gala of Light and Willmore City Heritage Association’s Winter in Willmore Snow Day.
“Supporting organizations that make our diverse city a great place to live and work is just one of the ways the Harbor Commission seeks to contribute to our community,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue. “We’re proud that we have the opportunity to interact with the public and bring awareness of the important role the Port plays in this region.”
About 130 groups aimed at supporting the arts, the environment and historic preservation have been awarded a total of $463,750 in community sponsorship grants from the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
They include the Friends of the Los Angeles River, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Su Casa’s Gala of Light and Willmore City Heritage Association’s Winter in Willmore Snow Day.
“Supporting organizations that make our diverse city a great place to live and work is just one of the ways the Harbor Commission seeks to contribute to our community,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue. “We’re proud that we have the opportunity to interact with the public and bring awareness of the important role the Port plays in this region.”
Port of Seattle Endorses Carbon Tax
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Seattle Commission has formally endorsed Washington State Initiative 1631, which would charge a carbon “pollution fee” on greenhouse gas pollutants sources and pay for efforts to curb pollution, promote clean energy, and address climate impacts.
The statewide initiative is in line with the port’s environmental goals and its Century Agenda to be “the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America.”
"For these reasons, the Port of Seattle welcomes the opportunity to be part of the broad coalition of supporters who strongly endorse the adoption of Initiative Measure No. 1631. We look forward to working with the state and legislative leaders who will ultimately decide how best to fund the reduction of harmful emissions and to help further our state’s leadership in establishing a path toward a sustainable future, an extract from the Port of Seattle Commission’s statement in support of motion 2018-13 read.
The Port of Seattle Commission has formally endorsed Washington State Initiative 1631, which would charge a carbon “pollution fee” on greenhouse gas pollutants sources and pay for efforts to curb pollution, promote clean energy, and address climate impacts.
The statewide initiative is in line with the port’s environmental goals and its Century Agenda to be “the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America.”
"For these reasons, the Port of Seattle welcomes the opportunity to be part of the broad coalition of supporters who strongly endorse the adoption of Initiative Measure No. 1631. We look forward to working with the state and legislative leaders who will ultimately decide how best to fund the reduction of harmful emissions and to help further our state’s leadership in establishing a path toward a sustainable future, an extract from the Port of Seattle Commission’s statement in support of motion 2018-13 read.
