By Karen Robes Meeks
Harbor leaders from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will decide on a Clean Truck Fund Rate proposal on March 9.
The ports are proposing a rate of $10 per TEU that would be charged to beneficial cargo owners for loaded cargo to be moved by non-zero emission or low-nitrogen oxides (NOx) trucks.
“On average, $18 per container will be collected, which is anticipated to generate $90 million in the first year,” according to the ports. “The money collected from the Clean Truck Fund Rate each year will be used to incentivize the turnover of the existing drayage trucking fleet to the cleaner trucks.”
If approved, a few steps will need to be taken before the ports can collect the fees. The California Air Resources Board will need to establish its low-NOx engine emission standard, and the ports will need to set up a mechanism to collect the rate at the gates. Both actions are expected to take place in the spring. Collecting the rate would start shortly after.
The joint meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in the Bob Foster Civic Chambers at Long Beach City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, Calif. It will also be available on livestream at www.polb.com/commission/board-meetings/#board-meetings.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Startups Sought for Maritime Object Tracking Technology
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate Silicon Valley Innovation Program is seeking start-ups for the development of Maritime Object Tracking Technology that could aid US Coast Guard missions.
“During the course of normal operations, Coast Guard aircraft and vessels come across numerous types of jettisoned objects, and navigation hazards that need to be recovered from the seas and waterways,” said Wendy Chaves, US Coast Guard Chief of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and Innovation. “The USCG is interested in tracking solutions that are interoperable with current USCG maritime and aviation assets.”
A Homeland Security Day hosted by the program and USCG is scheduled for March 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Menlo Park, Calif.
Visit https://sri-csl.regfox.com/dhs-svip-homeland-security-day-uscg to register for the event.
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate Silicon Valley Innovation Program is seeking start-ups for the development of Maritime Object Tracking Technology that could aid US Coast Guard missions.
“During the course of normal operations, Coast Guard aircraft and vessels come across numerous types of jettisoned objects, and navigation hazards that need to be recovered from the seas and waterways,” said Wendy Chaves, US Coast Guard Chief of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and Innovation. “The USCG is interested in tracking solutions that are interoperable with current USCG maritime and aviation assets.”
A Homeland Security Day hosted by the program and USCG is scheduled for March 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Menlo Park, Calif.
Visit https://sri-csl.regfox.com/dhs-svip-homeland-security-day-uscg to register for the event.
Port of Grays Harbor Caps 2019 in a Solid Financial Position
By Karen Robes Meeks
At nearly $34 million, the Port of Grays Harbor posted its second highest overall operating revenue and highest revenue by the Marine Terminals.
Although vessels calls fell in 2019, the port moved almost three million metric tons of cargo at its four terminal, a historic tonnage record.
Following two years of record cargo growth, the port is looking at growth opportunities in the coming years.
“We hope to increase the diversity of cargoes we handle here at the Port with progress on a potential new project and private investment at Terminal 3,” said port Executive Director Gary Nelson. “We will also move forward with preparing the former pontoon site for future development to support cargo operations at adjacent Terminal 4. As you will hear from us throughout the year, the Future is Here, in Grays Harbor.”
At nearly $34 million, the Port of Grays Harbor posted its second highest overall operating revenue and highest revenue by the Marine Terminals.
Although vessels calls fell in 2019, the port moved almost three million metric tons of cargo at its four terminal, a historic tonnage record.
Following two years of record cargo growth, the port is looking at growth opportunities in the coming years.
“We hope to increase the diversity of cargoes we handle here at the Port with progress on a potential new project and private investment at Terminal 3,” said port Executive Director Gary Nelson. “We will also move forward with preparing the former pontoon site for future development to support cargo operations at adjacent Terminal 4. As you will hear from us throughout the year, the Future is Here, in Grays Harbor.”
Port of Long Beach Debuts New Logo and Website
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Long Beach has unveiled a new logo and user-friendly website that officials hope will better communicate the port’s approach to operational excellence.
The port’s new graphic features a cargo container that doubles as a check mark which links to Long Beach’s new tagline “The Port of Choice”. The redesigned website, www.polb.com, is mobile-friendly and optimized for tablets and smartphones. It also showcases an interactive map of cargo facilities, port projects and other highlights as well as photo galleries, improved calendar and additional enhanced functionality.
“Replacing the old website with an up-to-date, mobile-friendly platform is a huge step forward for sharing the Port’s story with our diverse groups of stakeholders,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The new logo and tagline, ‘The Port of Choice,’ are a clear declaration of our focus on innovation and visionary leadership that we share with our industry.”
The Port of Long Beach has unveiled a new logo and user-friendly website that officials hope will better communicate the port’s approach to operational excellence.
The port’s new graphic features a cargo container that doubles as a check mark which links to Long Beach’s new tagline “The Port of Choice”. The redesigned website, www.polb.com, is mobile-friendly and optimized for tablets and smartphones. It also showcases an interactive map of cargo facilities, port projects and other highlights as well as photo galleries, improved calendar and additional enhanced functionality.
“Replacing the old website with an up-to-date, mobile-friendly platform is a huge step forward for sharing the Port’s story with our diverse groups of stakeholders,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The new logo and tagline, ‘The Port of Choice,’ are a clear declaration of our focus on innovation and visionary leadership that we share with our industry.”
Friday, February 28, 2020
San Pedro Bay Ports to Collaborate
By Karen Robes Meeks
Harbor leaders for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach signed a memorandum of understanding that would allow the twin ports to work together on issues related to cargo movement efficiency, connectivity, workforce development, cybersecurity and metrics.
“Our two ports are the fastest way to move goods between Asia and US markets and manufacturers,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The kind of cooperation that will flow from this agreement ensures we will continue to be the most efficient gateway for shippers.”
The twin ports will collaborate with those in the supply chain to address operational issues that could help them become more efficient and realize more savings while boosting business flow, security and sustainability.
“America’s two largest and most competitive ports have a long and successful history of collaborating on key issues,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This agreement significantly expands these efforts and underscores our shared commitment to lead and succeed.”
Harbor leaders for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach signed a memorandum of understanding that would allow the twin ports to work together on issues related to cargo movement efficiency, connectivity, workforce development, cybersecurity and metrics.
“Our two ports are the fastest way to move goods between Asia and US markets and manufacturers,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The kind of cooperation that will flow from this agreement ensures we will continue to be the most efficient gateway for shippers.”
The twin ports will collaborate with those in the supply chain to address operational issues that could help them become more efficient and realize more savings while boosting business flow, security and sustainability.
“America’s two largest and most competitive ports have a long and successful history of collaborating on key issues,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This agreement significantly expands these efforts and underscores our shared commitment to lead and succeed.”
Port of Vancouver USA Launches Lecture Series
By Karen Robes Meeks
Next month, the Port of Vancouver USA will launch its annual Lecture Series with Port Chief Commercial Officer Alex Strogen ”Doing Business with the World” address.
Strogen will discuss the port’s marine division, efforts to diversify its cargo business and the importance of the Columbia River for trade. He will also talk about the significance of the port’s relationship abroad and forecast the future of relations between the U.S. and China.
The free public event will take place on March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warehouse ’23 Event Space, 100 Columbia Street in Vancouver, Wash. Pre-registration is required since space is limited. To register, call 360-693-3611 or email RSVP@portvanusa.com with your name and the number of attendees.
Next month, the Port of Vancouver USA will launch its annual Lecture Series with Port Chief Commercial Officer Alex Strogen ”Doing Business with the World” address.
Strogen will discuss the port’s marine division, efforts to diversify its cargo business and the importance of the Columbia River for trade. He will also talk about the significance of the port’s relationship abroad and forecast the future of relations between the U.S. and China.
The free public event will take place on March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warehouse ’23 Event Space, 100 Columbia Street in Vancouver, Wash. Pre-registration is required since space is limited. To register, call 360-693-3611 or email RSVP@portvanusa.com with your name and the number of attendees.
Port of Oakland Nets A Ratings on Bonds
By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Oakland recently received A ratings from Fitch Ratings on its bonds, including an A+ rating for $622 million in senior lien revenue bonds, an A rating for $181.9 million in intermediate lien revenue bonds, and an A rating for underlying bank bonds for the Port's commercial paper (CP) notes.
According to the port, the ratings were given based “on the strength of the port’s sizable origin and destination enplanement base and financial stability provided by long-term seaport contracts supporting cargo operations within a large, economically diverse and wealthy San Francisco Bay Area market.” A strong balance sheet, high debt service coverage ratios, and diverse revenue streams were also taken into account.
The Port of Oakland recently received A ratings from Fitch Ratings on its bonds, including an A+ rating for $622 million in senior lien revenue bonds, an A rating for $181.9 million in intermediate lien revenue bonds, and an A rating for underlying bank bonds for the Port's commercial paper (CP) notes.
According to the port, the ratings were given based “on the strength of the port’s sizable origin and destination enplanement base and financial stability provided by long-term seaport contracts supporting cargo operations within a large, economically diverse and wealthy San Francisco Bay Area market.” A strong balance sheet, high debt service coverage ratios, and diverse revenue streams were also taken into account.
