By Karen Robes Meeks
Foss Project Manager Amber Thomas has been tapped by Foss Maritime Co. independent subsidiary Cook Inlet Tug & Barge as interim Business Operations Manager for Anchorage, Alaska starting Jan. 2, the company announced Friday.
Thomas will oversee administrative and commercial operations, taking the reins on all shoreside matters in Anchorage and Seward.
The Alaskan native will serve in the temporary post while the company conducts its search for a new president. Former CITB president Ben Steven resigned from the top spot in December to work for the Alaska governor’s office.
Thomas brings a lot of relevant experience to the interim position. Before joining Foss in 2015, she was Operations Coordinator for ASRC Energy Services, where she worked with subsidiary US companies such as Petrochem and AES Continental, to troubleshoot and streamline operations. At Foss, she assisted in the Shell offshore drilling venture in the Chukchi Sea and helped manage the Puerto Rico Utility Equipment Projects and the Puerto Rico FEMA accommodations project.
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Swantown Marina Recertifies as Clean Marina
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina and Boatyard was recently recertified as a Clean Marina and a Leadership Clean Boatyard by the Clean Marina Washington program.
Established in 2005, the program reviews a marina’s operations and set environmental qualification standards to earn the certification.
Swantown Marina, which first received the Clean Marina certification in 2007 and Leadership Clean Boatyard in 2012, earned a five-star Leadership Clean marina designation this year, the highest rating available.
Clean Boating Foundation Program Manager Adria Lau was “particularly impressed by the high level of environmental safety training that was occurring at Swantown,” which includes an annual half-day oil response drill alongside the Department of Ecology that takes place at the marina.
“I am proud of all the hard work the staff at the marina and boatyard performs on a daily basis to ensure our facilities and operations operate at the highest level of efficiency while also remaining environmentally sustainable,” said Port Harbor Director Bruce Marshall.
This certification comes as the port’s marine terminal became part of the Green Marine environmental certification program, which asks participating terminals to show annual improvement in greening operations.
Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina and Boatyard was recently recertified as a Clean Marina and a Leadership Clean Boatyard by the Clean Marina Washington program.
Established in 2005, the program reviews a marina’s operations and set environmental qualification standards to earn the certification.
Swantown Marina, which first received the Clean Marina certification in 2007 and Leadership Clean Boatyard in 2012, earned a five-star Leadership Clean marina designation this year, the highest rating available.
Clean Boating Foundation Program Manager Adria Lau was “particularly impressed by the high level of environmental safety training that was occurring at Swantown,” which includes an annual half-day oil response drill alongside the Department of Ecology that takes place at the marina.
“I am proud of all the hard work the staff at the marina and boatyard performs on a daily basis to ensure our facilities and operations operate at the highest level of efficiency while also remaining environmentally sustainable,” said Port Harbor Director Bruce Marshall.
This certification comes as the port’s marine terminal became part of the Green Marine environmental certification program, which asks participating terminals to show annual improvement in greening operations.
Chula Vista Port Begins Bike Path Construction
By Karen Robes Meeks
Construction on the Sweetwater Bicycle Path and Promenade project (Sweetwater Pathway), a new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path for the Chula Vista Bayfront, is expected to break ground this summer, thanks to the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners and the City of Chula Vista, who recently agreed to issue Coastal Development Permits for the project.
“This pathway is a key component of the future Sweetwater and Harbor Parks and is just one of the many public recreational amenities planned for the Chula Vista Bayfront, supporting the Port’s goals of creating a vibrant waterfront destination and a safe and healthy place for all to visit, work and play,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
About $4.8 million of the $5.63 million project will be paid for with an Urban Greening Grant awarded to the Port by the California Natural Resources Agency. The Port also added $794,000 through its Capital Improvement Program and the city of Chula Vista chipped in $33,000.
“We appreciate the $4.8 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to create this new pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “With additional funding provided from the Port and the City, the Chula Vista Bayfront will have another amazing amenity for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
“The Sweetwater Pathway will bring the public to areas of the Chula Vista Bayfront that have never before been accessible while also protecting the bayfront’s natural resources and environment,” said Commissioner Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s representative on the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
“I look forward to taking a casual stroll and observing the wildlife that visit or call the area home,” she added.
Construction on the Sweetwater Bicycle Path and Promenade project (Sweetwater Pathway), a new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path for the Chula Vista Bayfront, is expected to break ground this summer, thanks to the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners and the City of Chula Vista, who recently agreed to issue Coastal Development Permits for the project.
“This pathway is a key component of the future Sweetwater and Harbor Parks and is just one of the many public recreational amenities planned for the Chula Vista Bayfront, supporting the Port’s goals of creating a vibrant waterfront destination and a safe and healthy place for all to visit, work and play,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
About $4.8 million of the $5.63 million project will be paid for with an Urban Greening Grant awarded to the Port by the California Natural Resources Agency. The Port also added $794,000 through its Capital Improvement Program and the city of Chula Vista chipped in $33,000.
“We appreciate the $4.8 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to create this new pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “With additional funding provided from the Port and the City, the Chula Vista Bayfront will have another amazing amenity for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
“The Sweetwater Pathway will bring the public to areas of the Chula Vista Bayfront that have never before been accessible while also protecting the bayfront’s natural resources and environment,” said Commissioner Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s representative on the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
“I look forward to taking a casual stroll and observing the wildlife that visit or call the area home,” she added.
State of the Port of Los Angeles
By Karen Robes Meeks
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka will deliver the 2019 “State of the Port of Los Angeles” address on Jan. 24 at the World Cruise Center in San Pedro.
The event co-hosted by the port and the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association highlight the port’s successes, with Seroka discussing the seaport’s seven lines of business, environmental progress and community development initiatives.
“We are very excited to move into a larger venue for this end-to-end overview of the nation’s number one gateway of containerized trade,” said PMSA Executive Director John McLaurin. “Mr. Seroka is an exceptional leader and always eloquently reviews the breadth and depth of the Port of Los Angeles portfolio and business ecosystem inside a trade gateway that touches 1 in 9 jobs in the five-county region.”
The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Port’s World Cruise Center, located at 100 Swinford Street, Berth 93, San Pedro, CA 90731.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka will deliver the 2019 “State of the Port of Los Angeles” address on Jan. 24 at the World Cruise Center in San Pedro.
The event co-hosted by the port and the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association highlight the port’s successes, with Seroka discussing the seaport’s seven lines of business, environmental progress and community development initiatives.
“We are very excited to move into a larger venue for this end-to-end overview of the nation’s number one gateway of containerized trade,” said PMSA Executive Director John McLaurin. “Mr. Seroka is an exceptional leader and always eloquently reviews the breadth and depth of the Port of Los Angeles portfolio and business ecosystem inside a trade gateway that touches 1 in 9 jobs in the five-county region.”
The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Port’s World Cruise Center, located at 100 Swinford Street, Berth 93, San Pedro, CA 90731.
Friday, January 4, 2019
New Olympia Commissioner
By Karen Robes Meeks
Former Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will lead the Port of Olympia Commission as its new Executive Director.
Gibboney outshone two other finalists for the top job formerly held by Ed Galligan, who served 12 years before resigning.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact,” said Gibboney. “I look forward to joining the Port of Olympia team and getting to know the Thurston County community.”
At the Port of Port Townsend, Gibboney managed the operations of an 18-acre shipyard, three marinas, an international general aviation airport and a campus of historical buildings.
She joins the port as it implements the Strategic Plan adopted in 2017, which seeks to develop economic opportunities in the region, be an environmental steward, and create and maintain community assets.
“Gibboney will be expected to move the Port toward the ultimate goal: A More Resilient Thurston County,” the port said.
“The Commission strived for a great public servant to lead our organization with transparency and strong values,” said Commission President E.J. Zita. “We are thrilled to have Sam’s experience and leadership as we progress and change.” Gibboney, 57, is expected to start in Olympia on Jan. 22. Her compensation is set at $175,000 a year.
Former Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will lead the Port of Olympia Commission as its new Executive Director.
Gibboney outshone two other finalists for the top job formerly held by Ed Galligan, who served 12 years before resigning.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead an organization with such significant economic impact,” said Gibboney. “I look forward to joining the Port of Olympia team and getting to know the Thurston County community.”
At the Port of Port Townsend, Gibboney managed the operations of an 18-acre shipyard, three marinas, an international general aviation airport and a campus of historical buildings.
She joins the port as it implements the Strategic Plan adopted in 2017, which seeks to develop economic opportunities in the region, be an environmental steward, and create and maintain community assets.
“Gibboney will be expected to move the Port toward the ultimate goal: A More Resilient Thurston County,” the port said.
“The Commission strived for a great public servant to lead our organization with transparency and strong values,” said Commission President E.J. Zita. “We are thrilled to have Sam’s experience and leadership as we progress and change.” Gibboney, 57, is expected to start in Olympia on Jan. 22. Her compensation is set at $175,000 a year.
Enhydra Wins Accolades
By Karen Robes Meeks
All American Marine, Inc.’s 128-foot, 600-passenger boat Enhydra earned vessel of the year at the 2018 International WorkBoat Show.
The vessel was constructed for tour company Red and White Fleet at All American Marine’s new 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in downtown Bellingham, Wash. It launched at the Squalicum Harbor boat launch.
All American and BAE Systems teamed up to build the Enhydra, currently the biggest lithium-ion battery electric hybrid-powered vessel in North America constructed under USCG Subchapter K certification.
“We are proud to introduce such a large-capacity hybrid technology vessel and working with such great partners such as Red and White Fleet and BAE Systems to develop and build the boat of the future," All American Marine CEO Matt Mullett said. "All American is working to stay at the forefront of the decarbonization movement in the maritime industry, and the lithium-ion hybrid electric propulsion system on the Enhydra is a step in the right direction.”
All American Marine, Inc.’s 128-foot, 600-passenger boat Enhydra earned vessel of the year at the 2018 International WorkBoat Show.
The vessel was constructed for tour company Red and White Fleet at All American Marine’s new 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in downtown Bellingham, Wash. It launched at the Squalicum Harbor boat launch.
All American and BAE Systems teamed up to build the Enhydra, currently the biggest lithium-ion battery electric hybrid-powered vessel in North America constructed under USCG Subchapter K certification.
“We are proud to introduce such a large-capacity hybrid technology vessel and working with such great partners such as Red and White Fleet and BAE Systems to develop and build the boat of the future," All American Marine CEO Matt Mullett said. "All American is working to stay at the forefront of the decarbonization movement in the maritime industry, and the lithium-ion hybrid electric propulsion system on the Enhydra is a step in the right direction.”
San Diego Invites Public Comment
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of San Diego is inviting the public to weigh in on the future of the Embarcadero area of San Diego’s waterfront. The new survey will help prioritize future amenities.
The data collected will be incorporated into the Port Master Plan Update, a blueprint for developing the 6,000 acres of waterfront property over the next 50 years.
“The port is seeking feedback on the public’s preferred uses for the Embarcadero, specifically the North and Central Embarcadero, because of the great interest both residents and visitors have in this highly visible area,” read the press release issued by the port.
The feedback could include “park space, public art, seating areas, retail and other businesses, and ways of engaging with the bay,” the port said. The survey also asks questions about public parking, driving and other ways of maneuvering around the waterfront.
The survey will be available until Jan. 31 and can be found at https://bit.ly/2PFoyfs.
The Port of San Diego is inviting the public to weigh in on the future of the Embarcadero area of San Diego’s waterfront. The new survey will help prioritize future amenities.
The data collected will be incorporated into the Port Master Plan Update, a blueprint for developing the 6,000 acres of waterfront property over the next 50 years.
“The port is seeking feedback on the public’s preferred uses for the Embarcadero, specifically the North and Central Embarcadero, because of the great interest both residents and visitors have in this highly visible area,” read the press release issued by the port.
The feedback could include “park space, public art, seating areas, retail and other businesses, and ways of engaging with the bay,” the port said. The survey also asks questions about public parking, driving and other ways of maneuvering around the waterfront.
The survey will be available until Jan. 31 and can be found at https://bit.ly/2PFoyfs.
