By Karen Robes Meeks
Washington State saw its first marine terminal surpass one million TEUs in a year when SSA Marine’s Terminal 18 reached the milestone earlier this month.
“To reach 1 million TEUs at a Puget Sound terminal for the first time is an enormous achievement and a testament to the value of working together under the banner of The Northwest Seaport Alliance,” said Don Meyer, Port of Tacoma commission president and co-chair of the NWSA.
The North Harbor terminal, which is on its way to 1.1 million TEUs by year’s end, credits the success to an agreement with ILWU Local 19 to launch “continuous vessel operations,” allowing breaks to be staggered so more cargo can be handled daily.
This allowed SSA to handle 5,500 containers on and off a single vessel, achieving an average of 30 crane moves hourly, a first for a terminal in the Puget Sound, according to the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
“Surpassing 1 million TEUs is a milestone and a testament to the hardworking people who come here every day and do a wonderful job,” said Eli Bohm, general manager at Terminal 18. “A saying has surfaced in recent months: ‘Teamwork makes the dream work.’ We definitely have an outstanding team that is without a doubt committed to continued success.”
To enhance efficiency, Terminal 18 also boosted its equipment needs by investing in rubber-tired gantry cranes, a move that helped draw two new services and an ocean carrier this year.
“We are proud to announce that Terminal 18 has handled over 1 million TEUs so far this year,” said Courtney Gregoire, Port of Seattle commission president and co-chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance. “This reflects a strong partnership between The Northwest Seaport Alliance, SSA Marine and Labor that sustains hundreds of good paying jobs in our harbor.”
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Bellingham Receives Broadband Grant
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Bellingham recently received a $50,000 grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board for a Rural Broadband Feasibility Study. The research will identify which areas in the county are underserved by broadband, explore how to bring that infrastructure to those communities and what is needed to enact a broadband system countywide.
“In Whatcom County we have many rural communities who either do not have broadband access or have it but the speed is inadequate,” said Port Director of Economic Development Don Goldberg. Like water, roads, and electricity, broadband is of fundamental importance to social and economic development. Increasing capacity is essential to the economic growth of Whatcom County.
It will enable businesses in our mostly rural county to thrive and compete in an increasingly digital world. However, investment must not only be in infrastructure but in relevant content services, support, and information literacy development to address inequity and deliver broadband inclusion for all,” Goldberg added. “This grant and study are very important first steps among many in providing broadband to our rural communities.”
Local resources matched the grant funding with $30,000.
The Port of Bellingham recently received a $50,000 grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board for a Rural Broadband Feasibility Study. The research will identify which areas in the county are underserved by broadband, explore how to bring that infrastructure to those communities and what is needed to enact a broadband system countywide.
“In Whatcom County we have many rural communities who either do not have broadband access or have it but the speed is inadequate,” said Port Director of Economic Development Don Goldberg. Like water, roads, and electricity, broadband is of fundamental importance to social and economic development. Increasing capacity is essential to the economic growth of Whatcom County.
It will enable businesses in our mostly rural county to thrive and compete in an increasingly digital world. However, investment must not only be in infrastructure but in relevant content services, support, and information literacy development to address inequity and deliver broadband inclusion for all,” Goldberg added. “This grant and study are very important first steps among many in providing broadband to our rural communities.”
Local resources matched the grant funding with $30,000.
Long Beach Chairs Mayors’ Task Force
By Karen Robes Meeks
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is the new chair of the US Conference of Mayors’ Ports and Exports Task Force.
The mayor, who announced his appointment to his constituents earlier this month, said “As Chair I will bring the Port of Long Beach experience and expertise and highlight our Clean Air Action Plan, key infrastructure projects affirming our commitment to operational excellence and other initiatives that make our port one of the best ports in the world.”
“Strengthening trade and commerce at our ports is critical to the success of our national and regional economies throughout the United States,” Garcia noted in his announcement. “The Port of Long Beach is a national leader and I am looking forward to partnering with mayors from across the country on trade and exports to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is the new chair of the US Conference of Mayors’ Ports and Exports Task Force.
The mayor, who announced his appointment to his constituents earlier this month, said “As Chair I will bring the Port of Long Beach experience and expertise and highlight our Clean Air Action Plan, key infrastructure projects affirming our commitment to operational excellence and other initiatives that make our port one of the best ports in the world.”
“Strengthening trade and commerce at our ports is critical to the success of our national and regional economies throughout the United States,” Garcia noted in his announcement. “The Port of Long Beach is a national leader and I am looking forward to partnering with mayors from across the country on trade and exports to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
Coos Bay Dredging to Begin
By Karen Robes Meeks
Maintenance dredging of the Charleston Marina channel and Inner Basin in the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is expected to begin this week, according to a port announcement made earlier this month.
Dredging, which was expected to start Dec. 17 and take four to six weeks to complete, will take place mainly during day time hours and during ebb tides.
The maintenance work at the marina, which is home to more than 400 slips, will temporarily limit vessel traffic and accessibility.
For more information on accessing the Charleston Marina during that period, call 541-888-2548, or listen to CB Radio channels 13 or 16 for the latest.
Maintenance dredging of the Charleston Marina channel and Inner Basin in the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is expected to begin this week, according to a port announcement made earlier this month.
Dredging, which was expected to start Dec. 17 and take four to six weeks to complete, will take place mainly during day time hours and during ebb tides.
The maintenance work at the marina, which is home to more than 400 slips, will temporarily limit vessel traffic and accessibility.
For more information on accessing the Charleston Marina during that period, call 541-888-2548, or listen to CB Radio channels 13 or 16 for the latest.
Friday, December 14, 2018
Los Angeles May See 9 Million TEU for 2018
By Karen Robes Meeks
For the fifth straight month, the Port of Los Angeles handled more than 800,000 TEUs, keeping the nation’s largest seaport on pace to reach 9 million for the year.
The port moved 832,331 TEUs in November, making it the port’s sixth busiest month ever. This despite last month’s numbers reflecting a 9.9 percent decrease from the same period last year when the port moved 924,256 TEUs.
Los Angeles also saw an 8.8 percent decrease in imports down to 422,793 TEUs and a 14.3 percent slowdown in exports to 152,527 TEUs compared to the November 2017 figures.
So far this year, the port has moved 8,555,490 TEUs. The Eleonora Maersk visit to the port’s APM Terminals moving 27,846 TEUs helped reach those numbers while also establishing a North American record for a single cargo vessel, according to the port.
“In November, we processed a number of high-volume vessels brought into service to facilitate the holiday season cargo surge and accommodate the push to import cargo before tariffs that were previously scheduled to increase on Jan. 1,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “As we enjoy the holiday season, I’m grateful to all of our labor workforce, customers and stakeholders for the role they play in moving such a high volume of trade. As 2019 approaches, we are committed to tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that await.”
For the fifth straight month, the Port of Los Angeles handled more than 800,000 TEUs, keeping the nation’s largest seaport on pace to reach 9 million for the year.
The port moved 832,331 TEUs in November, making it the port’s sixth busiest month ever. This despite last month’s numbers reflecting a 9.9 percent decrease from the same period last year when the port moved 924,256 TEUs.
Los Angeles also saw an 8.8 percent decrease in imports down to 422,793 TEUs and a 14.3 percent slowdown in exports to 152,527 TEUs compared to the November 2017 figures.
So far this year, the port has moved 8,555,490 TEUs. The Eleonora Maersk visit to the port’s APM Terminals moving 27,846 TEUs helped reach those numbers while also establishing a North American record for a single cargo vessel, according to the port.
“In November, we processed a number of high-volume vessels brought into service to facilitate the holiday season cargo surge and accommodate the push to import cargo before tariffs that were previously scheduled to increase on Jan. 1,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “As we enjoy the holiday season, I’m grateful to all of our labor workforce, customers and stakeholders for the role they play in moving such a high volume of trade. As 2019 approaches, we are committed to tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that await.”
Long Beach Approaching Second Record Year
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Long Beach is on the way to a record year for the second consecutive year.
Long Beach moved 621,835 TEUs last month, 1.5 percent higher than November 2017, adding to the port’s 2018 tally of 7,349,377 TEUs. With volumes up 7.3 percent for the year, officials predict that the numbers will surpass last year’s record of 7,544,507 TEUs.
“American retailers are stocking up on goods made in China to avoid anticipated higher tariffs,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “You’re seeing the opposite effect on the other side of the ocean. Chinese businesses seem to be already looking to other countries for goods and raw materials, meaning there’s less demand for American exports and more empty containers are being shipped.”
Imports last month were also up 0.2 percent to 319,877 TEUs from the same period last year while exports fell 8.4 percent to 115,774 TEUs year over year.
“Business has been good in 2018, and we appreciate our customers for choosing the Port of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue. “While the new year may bring challenges, we remain hopeful that trade will grow, bringing more jobs and economic opportunity to this region.”
The Port of Long Beach is on the way to a record year for the second consecutive year.
Long Beach moved 621,835 TEUs last month, 1.5 percent higher than November 2017, adding to the port’s 2018 tally of 7,349,377 TEUs. With volumes up 7.3 percent for the year, officials predict that the numbers will surpass last year’s record of 7,544,507 TEUs.
“American retailers are stocking up on goods made in China to avoid anticipated higher tariffs,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “You’re seeing the opposite effect on the other side of the ocean. Chinese businesses seem to be already looking to other countries for goods and raw materials, meaning there’s less demand for American exports and more empty containers are being shipped.”
Imports last month were also up 0.2 percent to 319,877 TEUs from the same period last year while exports fell 8.4 percent to 115,774 TEUs year over year.
“Business has been good in 2018, and we appreciate our customers for choosing the Port of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Tracy Egoscue. “While the new year may bring challenges, we remain hopeful that trade will grow, bringing more jobs and economic opportunity to this region.”
Camas-Washougal Picks Developer
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Camas-Washougal has tapped Portland, Oregon-based Leland Consulting Group to help select a waterfront developer.
The Leland Consulting Group specializes in urban real estate, economic development, and public-private partnerships. “Their expertise in balancing rigorous analysis with candid advice for strategies that will enhance our community and create lasting value make them an ideal choice,” according to the port.
"We are very excited to be moving forward with the Leland Consulting Group," said port CEO David Ripp. "Their involvement in the Port of Vancouver's Waterfront Revitalization and like-minded vision for keeping the waterfront a thriving and vibrant destination will make for a great partnership."
The port is expected to put out a Request for Qualifications to prospective developers on Dec. 14.
For the latest on the Waterfront Development, visit portcw.com.
The Port of Camas-Washougal has tapped Portland, Oregon-based Leland Consulting Group to help select a waterfront developer.
The Leland Consulting Group specializes in urban real estate, economic development, and public-private partnerships. “Their expertise in balancing rigorous analysis with candid advice for strategies that will enhance our community and create lasting value make them an ideal choice,” according to the port.
"We are very excited to be moving forward with the Leland Consulting Group," said port CEO David Ripp. "Their involvement in the Port of Vancouver's Waterfront Revitalization and like-minded vision for keeping the waterfront a thriving and vibrant destination will make for a great partnership."
The port is expected to put out a Request for Qualifications to prospective developers on Dec. 14.
For the latest on the Waterfront Development, visit portcw.com.
