By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Everett would like the community to participate in a crane lighting demonstration happening from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 at the seaport.
The port is gathering feedback on a pair of Federal Aviation Administration airspace navigation compliance options it is considering related to the installation of container cranes acquired for South Terminal.
The FAA requires that any structure taller than 200 feet located within applicable flight zones must be marked or illuminated per FAA Obstruction Marking and Lighting Requirements.
The South Terminal cranes are 215 feet tall, and the port is near the flight paths for both Naval Station Everett and Providence Hospital. As such the port is considering the following options:
• Keep the cranes as they are and mark the parts that exceed 200 feet with the current white and orange hash markings, or
• Paint the cranes to match the port’s shorter, 197-foot tall cranes at Pacific Terminal, and install red and white pulsating lights, to be continuously lit, on the portion that exceed 200 feet.
To find out more information and to weigh in go to http://www.portofeverett.com/your-port/port-of-everett-lighting-demonstration.
Friday, January 24, 2020
Port of Hueneme Has a New Board President
By Karen Robes Meeks
Jess Ramirez will serve the next year as president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Oxnard Harbor District, which governs the Port of Hueneme.
Ramirez takes over for Commissioner Jess Herrera, who was honored with a commemorative gavel for his 2019 service as board president. First elected to the board in 1992, Ramirez has served as president five times. Before retiring last year, he worked as a longshoreman for 51 years.
“The Port of Hueneme is the Greenest Port in America,” he said. “During my tenure as Port President, I want to build on this accomplishment and usher in policies that support our economic vibrancy while moving the Port towards carbon neutrality. I am especially excited about an urban tree project that is currently in the idea stage but can grow to become a model for ports around the globe.”
Jason Hodge will serve as Vice President and Mary Anne Rooney as Secretary.
Jess Ramirez will serve the next year as president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Oxnard Harbor District, which governs the Port of Hueneme.
Ramirez takes over for Commissioner Jess Herrera, who was honored with a commemorative gavel for his 2019 service as board president. First elected to the board in 1992, Ramirez has served as president five times. Before retiring last year, he worked as a longshoreman for 51 years.
“The Port of Hueneme is the Greenest Port in America,” he said. “During my tenure as Port President, I want to build on this accomplishment and usher in policies that support our economic vibrancy while moving the Port towards carbon neutrality. I am especially excited about an urban tree project that is currently in the idea stage but can grow to become a model for ports around the globe.”
Jason Hodge will serve as Vice President and Mary Anne Rooney as Secretary.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Port of Los Angeles Chief Announces Plans, New Cargo Numbers at State of the Port
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Los Angeles handled more than 9.3 million TEUs last year, nearly beating a cargo record, Executive Director Gene Seroka announced at last week’s annual State of the Port.
“In the face of lagging exports due to international trade tensions and tariff uncertainties, the Port of Los Angeles has maintained strong momentum and kept cargo flowing,” Seroka said. “This feat was only possible because of the extensive cooperation and continued efficiency improvements by our terminal operators, supply chain partners and longshore workforce.”
At the event hosted by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Seroka also spoke of plans to kick off the Port’s new Labor Collaborative, a targeted workforce development effort to address port-related work and training needs, as well as the nation’s first Terminal Efficiency Incentive Program that aligns with the port’s new truck reservation system and rewards improved truck turn times.
“It’s time for the courage and long-range vision to imagine what this port will look like in the years ahead and set a course in that direction,” Seroka said. “It’s going to take collaboration to keep cargo volumes strong and our Port community thriving in the midst of increasing competition, an uncertain trade environment and a world where technology is essential to success.”
The Port of Los Angeles handled more than 9.3 million TEUs last year, nearly beating a cargo record, Executive Director Gene Seroka announced at last week’s annual State of the Port.
“In the face of lagging exports due to international trade tensions and tariff uncertainties, the Port of Los Angeles has maintained strong momentum and kept cargo flowing,” Seroka said. “This feat was only possible because of the extensive cooperation and continued efficiency improvements by our terminal operators, supply chain partners and longshore workforce.”
At the event hosted by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Seroka also spoke of plans to kick off the Port’s new Labor Collaborative, a targeted workforce development effort to address port-related work and training needs, as well as the nation’s first Terminal Efficiency Incentive Program that aligns with the port’s new truck reservation system and rewards improved truck turn times.
“It’s time for the courage and long-range vision to imagine what this port will look like in the years ahead and set a course in that direction,” Seroka said. “It’s going to take collaboration to keep cargo volumes strong and our Port community thriving in the midst of increasing competition, an uncertain trade environment and a world where technology is essential to success.”
Port of Vancouver USA Creates New Community Fund Program
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Vancouver USA has developed a new community fund program to support projects that promote trade, tourism and jobs in the region.
The port has set aside $5,000 for the first year of the program, which will be used to fund projects and programs within the port district.
“Over the years, the port has received requests from school groups and others to help with educational and development programs, but we have never had a mechanism to provide assistance,” said port Chief External Affairs Officer Ryan Hart. “We hope this new program will allow some very deserving projects in our community to move forward and we’re excited to see what kind of applications we receive.” Visit https://www.portvanusa.com/community/community-fund/ for more information on the program and to download application form. Application must be submitted by Feb. 7. The port is expected to name award recipients by Feb. 28.
The Port of Vancouver USA has developed a new community fund program to support projects that promote trade, tourism and jobs in the region.
The port has set aside $5,000 for the first year of the program, which will be used to fund projects and programs within the port district.
“Over the years, the port has received requests from school groups and others to help with educational and development programs, but we have never had a mechanism to provide assistance,” said port Chief External Affairs Officer Ryan Hart. “We hope this new program will allow some very deserving projects in our community to move forward and we’re excited to see what kind of applications we receive.” Visit https://www.portvanusa.com/community/community-fund/ for more information on the program and to download application form. Application must be submitted by Feb. 7. The port is expected to name award recipients by Feb. 28.
Port of San Diego Swears in 2020 Executive Officers
By Karen Robes Meeks
Ann Moore has been sworn in as Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, with Michael Zucchet as Vice Chair and Dan Malcolm as Secretary.
Moore said her theme for this year is “Port of the Future” and added that the focus will be advancing the Port Master Plan Update and continuing the transformation of the Chula Vista Bayfront.
“I’m inspired by ports around the world that continue to reinvest in their waterfronts to keep them new and fresh to meet changing public needs,” Moore said. “Seattle comes to mind with its Pike Place Market and plans for a waterfront aquarium. Sydney is another premier example with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The best waterfronts don’t remain the same and that’s how I see the Port of San Diego’s role for San Diego Bay – planning for the future while also being flexible so we can continue to evolve.
Ann Moore has been sworn in as Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, with Michael Zucchet as Vice Chair and Dan Malcolm as Secretary.
Moore said her theme for this year is “Port of the Future” and added that the focus will be advancing the Port Master Plan Update and continuing the transformation of the Chula Vista Bayfront.
“I’m inspired by ports around the world that continue to reinvest in their waterfronts to keep them new and fresh to meet changing public needs,” Moore said. “Seattle comes to mind with its Pike Place Market and plans for a waterfront aquarium. Sydney is another premier example with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The best waterfronts don’t remain the same and that’s how I see the Port of San Diego’s role for San Diego Bay – planning for the future while also being flexible so we can continue to evolve.
Empties Led to Dip in 2019 Cargo Volume at Port of Oakland
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Oakland moved 1.8 percent fewer containers in 2019 handling 2.5 million TEUs last year compared to 2.55 million TEUs the year before, according to latest numbers released Friday.
A 13 percent decrease in empty containers is part of the reason for the lower overall number. Still, the port posted record import and export numbers.
According to the port, exports rose by 3.7 percent – thanks to new markets demand for US agricultural goods – and imports by 1 percent in 2019, resulting in 1.9 million loaded TEUs, breaking the 2018 record of 1.86 million TEUs.
“We’re encouraged that our loaded imports and exports set annual records,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We are looking to improve on this cargo performance in the coming year, especially if the US and China can continue to break down trade barriers.”
The Port of Oakland moved 1.8 percent fewer containers in 2019 handling 2.5 million TEUs last year compared to 2.55 million TEUs the year before, according to latest numbers released Friday.
A 13 percent decrease in empty containers is part of the reason for the lower overall number. Still, the port posted record import and export numbers.
According to the port, exports rose by 3.7 percent – thanks to new markets demand for US agricultural goods – and imports by 1 percent in 2019, resulting in 1.9 million loaded TEUs, breaking the 2018 record of 1.86 million TEUs.
“We’re encouraged that our loaded imports and exports set annual records,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We are looking to improve on this cargo performance in the coming year, especially if the US and China can continue to break down trade barriers.”
Friday, January 17, 2020
SM Line Arrives at Port of Portland
By Karen Robes Meeks
This week, SM Line made its first vessel call to the Port of Portland’s Terminal 6. The arrival of the 4,360-TEU Qingdao, marked the start of weekly container shipping service for the company at the Oregon seaport.
The inaugural call – which departed the Port of Ningbo in China on Dec. 22 as part of the South Korea-based container carrier’s Pacific Northwest Service – included nearly 200 containers being imported, more than 70 export containers going to Korea, and 330 empty containers. The company’s service route includes stops in Shanghai, Pusan, Vancouver, BC and Seattle, Wash, the port said.
“We are excited to welcome SM Line’s maiden voyage to Portland,” said Port Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “Their weekly container service provides an important option for regional shippers and will better connect Oregon businesses to global markets. It is such an encouraging sign to see Terminal 6 busy and productive.”
This week, SM Line made its first vessel call to the Port of Portland’s Terminal 6. The arrival of the 4,360-TEU Qingdao, marked the start of weekly container shipping service for the company at the Oregon seaport.
The inaugural call – which departed the Port of Ningbo in China on Dec. 22 as part of the South Korea-based container carrier’s Pacific Northwest Service – included nearly 200 containers being imported, more than 70 export containers going to Korea, and 330 empty containers. The company’s service route includes stops in Shanghai, Pusan, Vancouver, BC and Seattle, Wash, the port said.
“We are excited to welcome SM Line’s maiden voyage to Portland,” said Port Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “Their weekly container service provides an important option for regional shippers and will better connect Oregon businesses to global markets. It is such an encouraging sign to see Terminal 6 busy and productive.”
