By Mark Edward Nero
BC Ferries, the service provider responsible for ferry service along coastal British Columbia, has ratified a new five-year contract with the BC Ferry & Marine Workers Union, both sides said Dec. 18.
The settlement took several months of extensive negotiations between the company and union representatives. Although the agreement was just ratified, it was reached in principle before the Oct. 31 expiration of the previous collective agreement. The union’s Provincial Executive and Ships’ Officers’ Component Executive endorsed the tentative agreement for ratification by the membership on Nov. 10.
“This is an historical vote,” union Provincial President Graeme Johnston said. “For only the fourth time in our union’s history has an agreement been reached without the intervention of a third party and before the expiration date of the contract.”
The terms of the new agreement are in place from Oct. 31, 2015 through Oct. 31, 2020. The agreement provides for 8.55 percent in wage increases over the five-year term of agreement, an average of 1.71 percent annually.
“The five-year agreement provides for fair and modest wage and benefit increases for our employees while continuing to provide an efficient and dependable service,” BC Ferries’ President and CEO Mike Corrigan said. “We thank the bargaining teams on both sides for their collaborative efforts.”
BC Ferry & Marine Workers’ Union is the largest marine union in Canada, representing more than 3,600 members from across 35 vessels, 47 ports of call and numerous other job sites. Its membership includes a diverse group of trades, ships officers, commercial services drivers and both ship and shore workers.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Economic Report: Vancouver USA’s Impact Grows
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Vancouver USA is generating $2.9 billion in total annual economic value across its region via cargo handled at the port’s marine terminals and revenue generated by industrial tenants, according to a recently released economic study.
The 2015 Economic Report, which was commissioned by the port and conducted by Pennsylvania-based Martin Associates, is an update of similar studies conducted in 2000, 2005 and 2010.
It states that the current growth is an increase of more than 81 percent from the economic value generated by the port in 2010.
In addition to maritime growth, growth of non-marine tenants – port businesses that don’t rely on shipping – and maritime activity at the port increased direct jobs by 900 and spurred a $42.9 million in increase in direct personal salary income since 2010.
The impact analysis is based on a telephone survey of 302 marine and real estate tenants and firms providing services to the marine terminals and represents a 100 percent sample of port tenants, as well as the maritime community serving the Vancouver marine terminals.
The full report provides an in-depth to look at how the Port of Vancouver’s role as an economic engine helps provide jobs, tax revenue and services in its community and across the Pacific Northwest.
The study, which was given during the Vancouver Port Commission’s Dec. 8 board meeting, is also meant to help the commission and staff members plan for the future as they attract industry, foster maritime activity and invest in infrastructure that supports local workers, families and businesses.
The full document can be seen at http://www.portvanusa.com/assets/POV-Total-Impacts-2015-final-11102015.pdf.
The Port of Vancouver USA is generating $2.9 billion in total annual economic value across its region via cargo handled at the port’s marine terminals and revenue generated by industrial tenants, according to a recently released economic study.
The 2015 Economic Report, which was commissioned by the port and conducted by Pennsylvania-based Martin Associates, is an update of similar studies conducted in 2000, 2005 and 2010.
It states that the current growth is an increase of more than 81 percent from the economic value generated by the port in 2010.
In addition to maritime growth, growth of non-marine tenants – port businesses that don’t rely on shipping – and maritime activity at the port increased direct jobs by 900 and spurred a $42.9 million in increase in direct personal salary income since 2010.
The impact analysis is based on a telephone survey of 302 marine and real estate tenants and firms providing services to the marine terminals and represents a 100 percent sample of port tenants, as well as the maritime community serving the Vancouver marine terminals.
The full report provides an in-depth to look at how the Port of Vancouver’s role as an economic engine helps provide jobs, tax revenue and services in its community and across the Pacific Northwest.
The study, which was given during the Vancouver Port Commission’s Dec. 8 board meeting, is also meant to help the commission and staff members plan for the future as they attract industry, foster maritime activity and invest in infrastructure that supports local workers, families and businesses.
The full document can be seen at http://www.portvanusa.com/assets/POV-Total-Impacts-2015-final-11102015.pdf.
FMC Named Most Improved Small Agency
By Mark Edward Nero
The Federal Maritime Commission received an award for being the 2015 Most Improved Small Agency during a Dec. 8 ceremony recognizing the best places to work in the federal government.
The 2015 Best Places to Work report, compiled by the Partnership for Public Service and Deloitte, provide a comprehensive rating of employee satisfaction across agencies in the federal government.
“I am extremely proud of the work the FMC has done to achieve this prestigious recognition,” Maritime Commission Chair Mario Cordero said in a prepared statement. “Our small but dedicated staff of 125 employees has one of the most important tasks in the country to ensure fair, efficient and reliable international ocean transportation for our nation.”
The report analyzes data from the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey and provides rankings in 14 categories. The Maritime Commission achieved positive gains in all 14 categories measured.
More than half of those categories saw double-digit improvement while Effective Leadership (Empowerment) saw the greatest gain with a 19.7-point increase over 2014. Scores for Strategic Leadership, Training and Development, and Support for Diversity were also among those measures receiving significant increases.
“I want to recognize the support of the Commissioners, senior executives, and the entire staff,” Cordero said. “I am fortunate to work with such a dedicated group committed to continuously improving our performance on behalf of the American public.”
The Federal Maritime Commission received an award for being the 2015 Most Improved Small Agency during a Dec. 8 ceremony recognizing the best places to work in the federal government.
The 2015 Best Places to Work report, compiled by the Partnership for Public Service and Deloitte, provide a comprehensive rating of employee satisfaction across agencies in the federal government.
“I am extremely proud of the work the FMC has done to achieve this prestigious recognition,” Maritime Commission Chair Mario Cordero said in a prepared statement. “Our small but dedicated staff of 125 employees has one of the most important tasks in the country to ensure fair, efficient and reliable international ocean transportation for our nation.”
The report analyzes data from the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey and provides rankings in 14 categories. The Maritime Commission achieved positive gains in all 14 categories measured.
More than half of those categories saw double-digit improvement while Effective Leadership (Empowerment) saw the greatest gain with a 19.7-point increase over 2014. Scores for Strategic Leadership, Training and Development, and Support for Diversity were also among those measures receiving significant increases.
“I want to recognize the support of the Commissioners, senior executives, and the entire staff,” Cordero said. “I am fortunate to work with such a dedicated group committed to continuously improving our performance on behalf of the American public.”
Tacoma Port Commission President Picked
By Mark Edward Nero
On Dec. 17, the Port of Tacoma’s five-member commission chose member Connie Bacon as its president for 2016. Commissioners Don Johnson and Clare Petrich also were sworn in following their November re-elections.
Bacon, who was first elected to the Commission in November 1997, succeeds Johnson as president. She is a former executive director of the World Trade Center Tacoma and spent eight years as special assistant to former Washington Gov. Booth Gardner.
She also serves as adviser to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Fuzhou Committee, is co-founder of Water Partners Tacoma, and is a member of the Port of Tacoma Audit Committee. She’s also a member of the advisory board to the Port of Tacoma Endowed Chair at the University of Washington Tacoma.
In 2016, the Port of Tacoma Commission will have the following configuration: Connie Bacon, president; Dick Marzano, vice president; Don Meyer, secretary; Clare Petrich, first assistant secretary; and Don Johnson, second assistant secretary.
The port’s five commissioners serve four-year terms, with officer positions rotating yearly.
On Dec. 17, the Port of Tacoma’s five-member commission chose member Connie Bacon as its president for 2016. Commissioners Don Johnson and Clare Petrich also were sworn in following their November re-elections.
Bacon, who was first elected to the Commission in November 1997, succeeds Johnson as president. She is a former executive director of the World Trade Center Tacoma and spent eight years as special assistant to former Washington Gov. Booth Gardner.
She also serves as adviser to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Fuzhou Committee, is co-founder of Water Partners Tacoma, and is a member of the Port of Tacoma Audit Committee. She’s also a member of the advisory board to the Port of Tacoma Endowed Chair at the University of Washington Tacoma.
In 2016, the Port of Tacoma Commission will have the following configuration: Connie Bacon, president; Dick Marzano, vice president; Don Meyer, secretary; Clare Petrich, first assistant secretary; and Don Johnson, second assistant secretary.
The port’s five commissioners serve four-year terms, with officer positions rotating yearly.
Friday, December 18, 2015
NWSA Monthly Container Volumes Continue Growth
By Mark Edward Nero
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, said Dec. 16 that it saw its container volumes improve six percent year to date in November, marking its ninth consecutive month of growth.
Containerized exports improved 11 percent year to date to 1,209,562 TEUs on the strength of Washington state’s agricultural sector. The state is home to one of the most productive growing regions in the world, and Seaport Alliance terminals provide simple access to markets overseas.
Containerized imports rose five percent year to date to 1.32 million TEUs, while domestic volumes remained flat at 807,009 TEUs. Through the first 11 months of the year, the NWSA has handled 3,339,057 TEUs, according to data from the ports.
In the month of November, the ports moved a reported total of 283,945 TEUs, compared to 240,578 units during the same month last year, an 18 percent jump.
Among the reasons for the increase was that November 2014 marked the beginning of the West Coast port disruptions during contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
The ports also reported that auto imports continued to be strong in November and were up seven percent year to date to 168,893 units.
Detailed information about the ports’ current and historical volumes can be seen at https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/sites/default/files/November2015-ContainerVolumes.pdf.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, said Dec. 16 that it saw its container volumes improve six percent year to date in November, marking its ninth consecutive month of growth.
Containerized exports improved 11 percent year to date to 1,209,562 TEUs on the strength of Washington state’s agricultural sector. The state is home to one of the most productive growing regions in the world, and Seaport Alliance terminals provide simple access to markets overseas.
Containerized imports rose five percent year to date to 1.32 million TEUs, while domestic volumes remained flat at 807,009 TEUs. Through the first 11 months of the year, the NWSA has handled 3,339,057 TEUs, according to data from the ports.
In the month of November, the ports moved a reported total of 283,945 TEUs, compared to 240,578 units during the same month last year, an 18 percent jump.
Among the reasons for the increase was that November 2014 marked the beginning of the West Coast port disruptions during contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.
The ports also reported that auto imports continued to be strong in November and were up seven percent year to date to 168,893 units.
Detailed information about the ports’ current and historical volumes can be seen at https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/sites/default/files/November2015-ContainerVolumes.pdf.
1st 18,000-TEU Ship Coming to America
By Mark Edward Nero
The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, an 18,000-TEU megaship named in honor of one of America’s founding fathers, is expected to call at the Port of Los Angeles on Dec. 26 and the Port of Oakland on Dec. 31, making it the largest container ship of this capacity ever to call at any port in the United States.
The vessel, operated by France-based shipping line CMA CGM, is the world’s 10th largest containership, at 399.2 meters (about 1,310 feet) by 54 meters (177 feet). It was launched from a Chinese shipyard in November and delivered Dec. 4.
The ship is expected to be deployed on the Pearl River Express, a service connecting the main China ports – including Xiamen, Nansha and Yantian – with US West Coast ports, including the APM terminal at the Port of LA’s Pier 400.
“It’s fitting that the largest container ship to ever traverse North American waters would make its first call right here at the Port of Los Angeles,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a prepared statement. “The arrival of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin sends a powerful message that our port stands among the world’s greatest, and that we are prepared to continue growing and adapting to the demands of our global economy.”
Currently, the largest ships serving the US West Coast can only carry a maximum of 14,000 TEUs. CMA CGM says it has been working closely with the Los Angeles and Oakland ports to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure to support the 18,000-TEU vessel and that it looks forward to working with other ports throughout the US as they begin similar assessments of their infrastructure.
The Port of Oakland says that included among the steps it has taken to improve its infrastructure are dredging berths and channels to 50-foot depths; raising the height of cranes that load and unload vessels; and modernizing marine terminals to handle increased import and export volumes.
Until now, vessels the size of the Benjamin Franklin have been deployed exclusively in the Asia-Europe trade, which is the world’s busiest container shipping route.
The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, an 18,000-TEU megaship named in honor of one of America’s founding fathers, is expected to call at the Port of Los Angeles on Dec. 26 and the Port of Oakland on Dec. 31, making it the largest container ship of this capacity ever to call at any port in the United States.
The vessel, operated by France-based shipping line CMA CGM, is the world’s 10th largest containership, at 399.2 meters (about 1,310 feet) by 54 meters (177 feet). It was launched from a Chinese shipyard in November and delivered Dec. 4.
The ship is expected to be deployed on the Pearl River Express, a service connecting the main China ports – including Xiamen, Nansha and Yantian – with US West Coast ports, including the APM terminal at the Port of LA’s Pier 400.
“It’s fitting that the largest container ship to ever traverse North American waters would make its first call right here at the Port of Los Angeles,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a prepared statement. “The arrival of the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin sends a powerful message that our port stands among the world’s greatest, and that we are prepared to continue growing and adapting to the demands of our global economy.”
Currently, the largest ships serving the US West Coast can only carry a maximum of 14,000 TEUs. CMA CGM says it has been working closely with the Los Angeles and Oakland ports to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure to support the 18,000-TEU vessel and that it looks forward to working with other ports throughout the US as they begin similar assessments of their infrastructure.
The Port of Oakland says that included among the steps it has taken to improve its infrastructure are dredging berths and channels to 50-foot depths; raising the height of cranes that load and unload vessels; and modernizing marine terminals to handle increased import and export volumes.
Until now, vessels the size of the Benjamin Franklin have been deployed exclusively in the Asia-Europe trade, which is the world’s busiest container shipping route.
Port of San Diego Awarded Improvements Grant
By Mark Edward Nero
The California Division of Boating and Waterways has awarded the Port of San Diego a $6.1 million grant for a major improvement project at the port’s Shelter Island Boat Launching Facility.
The award was announced at the most recent meeting of the Boating and Waterways Commission, held at the port’s administration building in November.
The estimated $9.5 million improvement project entails improving the Shelter Island launch ramp’s basin by enlarging the maneuvering area, replacing the worn-out launch ramp, increasing the lengths of the boarding floats, providing a concrete drop-off area for kayaks, and bringing the restroom to ADA standards. The port says it also anticipates receiving $3.35 million in project funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board.
The Shelter Island Boat Launching Facility was built in the mid-1950s and is used by recreational boaters from the general public. Small yachts, inboard and out-board motorboats, private fishing boats, fishing tournament boats and amphibious tour buses all compete for space at the launch ramp and its basin.
“It’s the most popular boat launch in San Diego Bay with nearly 50,000 boat launches a year,” Board of Port Commissioners Chair Dan Malcolm said. “However, this is a heavily congested facility that needs improvement.”
When completed, the new launch facility basin is expected to be 82 percent larger: the new entry/exit point would increase from 25 feet to 60 feet and new walkways and public viewing platforms will be added, as well as a separate area for hand-launched watercraft.
The Port of San Diego said it expects to solicit bids for the project in the fall of 2016, with construction taking place between December 2016 and December 2017.
The California Division of Boating and Waterways has awarded the Port of San Diego a $6.1 million grant for a major improvement project at the port’s Shelter Island Boat Launching Facility.
The award was announced at the most recent meeting of the Boating and Waterways Commission, held at the port’s administration building in November.
The estimated $9.5 million improvement project entails improving the Shelter Island launch ramp’s basin by enlarging the maneuvering area, replacing the worn-out launch ramp, increasing the lengths of the boarding floats, providing a concrete drop-off area for kayaks, and bringing the restroom to ADA standards. The port says it also anticipates receiving $3.35 million in project funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board.
The Shelter Island Boat Launching Facility was built in the mid-1950s and is used by recreational boaters from the general public. Small yachts, inboard and out-board motorboats, private fishing boats, fishing tournament boats and amphibious tour buses all compete for space at the launch ramp and its basin.
“It’s the most popular boat launch in San Diego Bay with nearly 50,000 boat launches a year,” Board of Port Commissioners Chair Dan Malcolm said. “However, this is a heavily congested facility that needs improvement.”
When completed, the new launch facility basin is expected to be 82 percent larger: the new entry/exit point would increase from 25 feet to 60 feet and new walkways and public viewing platforms will be added, as well as a separate area for hand-launched watercraft.
The Port of San Diego said it expects to solicit bids for the project in the fall of 2016, with construction taking place between December 2016 and December 2017.
