By Mark Edward Nero
BC Ferries, the contract service provider responsible for ferry service along coastal British Columbia, was among the recipients of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia’s Maritime Excellence Awards presented by the lieutenant governor of British Columbia at a special ceremony at Government House on Nov. 18.
BC Ferries received the Maritime Museum’s SS Beaver Medal for Maritime Excellence award for the high operating and safety standards and quality of service provided by the Queen of Burnaby and Queen of Nanaimo. The vessels, built in the 1960s, have served British Columbians and visitors to the province very well for over 50 years and are to be replaced by the natural gas-powered Salish Class vessels in 2017.
The SS Beaver Medal for Maritime Excellence recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine sector in the province. These attainments may include --but aren’t limited to – science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills and academic contributions. An organization or ship is also usually granted an award.
Four individuals in the maritime industry were also named award winners during last week’s ceremony:
• Captain Stephen Brown, a deep-sea master mariner who transitioned to executive management positions ashore culminating in the position of president of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia;
• John Horton, a marine artist and marine search and rescue volunteer who has been involved in saving or assisting more than 2,000 people over a 35- year period;
• Captain David Woodman, another BC mariner who in parallel with sea-going pursued a life-long interest in Polar exploration, participating in 10 expeditions in the Canadian Arctic and publishing ground-breaking examinations of Inuit oral history about the Franklin expedition, and;
• Dr. John Harland, a retired Okanagan physician recognized worldwide as an authority on marine technology and author of standard books in this field.
More information about the Maritime Excellence Awards is available at http://mmbc.bc.ca/.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
San Pedro Bay Ports Updating Clean Air Plan
By Mark Edward Nero
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an update to their San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan than includes aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment, as well as expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
Proposals also focus on freight infrastructure investment, innovation and technology to improve supply chain efficiency, comprehensive energy planning, and increased advocacy for stricter emissions standards and government incentives to help pay for projects that advance testing and commercialization of zero and near-zero emission vehicles.
The proposals were publicly unveiled Nov. 18 when port officials met to mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark initiative and unveil the CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which outlines new concepts under consideration for the third iteration of the CAAP.
The discussion document prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port-related sources 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, which aligns with California’s clean air goals and objectives in the state’s new Sustainable Freight Action Plan, as well as efforts by the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach to shrink GHG emissions ahead of state targets.
The joint meeting kicked off a three-month public review and comment period that extends through Feb. 17, 2017. The ports plan to incorporate public comments received and present the 2017 CAAP Update for final consideration by their governing boards in spring 2017 at another joint harbor commission meeting.
Developed with input from industry, government, community and environmental stakeholders, the Discussion Document recommends a new suite of incentives, lease requirements and regulatory approaches to achieve CAAP goals. The working document contains more bold measures for moving the San Pedro Bay ports toward their goal of eliminating all harmful air pollution from port-related sources.
They include near- and long-term proposals in five categories: Clean Vehicles; Equipment Technology and Fuels; Freight Infrastructure Investment and Planning; Freight Efficiency; and Energy Resource Planning.
The ports say that CAAP 2017 improves upon the initial plan adopted in 2006 – and updated in 2010 – to reduce emissions from all port-related sources: ships, trucks, trains, cargo-handling and smaller harbor craft, such as tugboats.
Under the CAAP, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ve have reduced diesel particulate matter about 85 percent, cut NOx in half, eliminated 97 percent of SOx, and lowered GHG an average of 12 percent, even while container volume has increased seven percent.
The findings also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions by 59 percent.
The discussion document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
During the review period, the ports are expected to hold additional community meetings to gather public comment on the discussion document.
Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org at any time during the review period.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an update to their San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan than includes aggressively deploying zero and near-zero emission trucks and cargo-handling equipment, as well as expanding programs that reduce ship emissions.
Proposals also focus on freight infrastructure investment, innovation and technology to improve supply chain efficiency, comprehensive energy planning, and increased advocacy for stricter emissions standards and government incentives to help pay for projects that advance testing and commercialization of zero and near-zero emission vehicles.
The proposals were publicly unveiled Nov. 18 when port officials met to mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark initiative and unveil the CAAP 2017 Discussion Document, which outlines new concepts under consideration for the third iteration of the CAAP.
The discussion document prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from port-related sources 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, which aligns with California’s clean air goals and objectives in the state’s new Sustainable Freight Action Plan, as well as efforts by the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach to shrink GHG emissions ahead of state targets.
The joint meeting kicked off a three-month public review and comment period that extends through Feb. 17, 2017. The ports plan to incorporate public comments received and present the 2017 CAAP Update for final consideration by their governing boards in spring 2017 at another joint harbor commission meeting.
Developed with input from industry, government, community and environmental stakeholders, the Discussion Document recommends a new suite of incentives, lease requirements and regulatory approaches to achieve CAAP goals. The working document contains more bold measures for moving the San Pedro Bay ports toward their goal of eliminating all harmful air pollution from port-related sources.
They include near- and long-term proposals in five categories: Clean Vehicles; Equipment Technology and Fuels; Freight Infrastructure Investment and Planning; Freight Efficiency; and Energy Resource Planning.
The ports say that CAAP 2017 improves upon the initial plan adopted in 2006 – and updated in 2010 – to reduce emissions from all port-related sources: ships, trucks, trains, cargo-handling and smaller harbor craft, such as tugboats.
Under the CAAP, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach say they’ve have reduced diesel particulate matter about 85 percent, cut NOx in half, eliminated 97 percent of SOx, and lowered GHG an average of 12 percent, even while container volume has increased seven percent.
The findings also show the ports continue to exceed their 2023 targets for reducing DPM and SOx (77 percent and 93 percent respectively) and are closing in on their 2023 target of reducing NOx emissions by 59 percent.
The discussion document is available at www.polb.com, www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.
During the review period, the ports are expected to hold additional community meetings to gather public comment on the discussion document.
Written comments may be submitted to caap@cleanairactionplan.org at any time during the review period.
Seaport Alliance Wins Port of the Year Award
By Mark Edward Nero
The Washington Public Ports Association, which represents the interests of the 75 public ports in the state, has recognized the Northwest Seaport Alliance with its annual Port of the Year Award.
The annual award recognizes a Public Ports Association member port that demonstrates exceptional success in the industry.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, formed in August 2015, is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
The selection committee cited the NWSA’s first-year accomplishments, including improvements to General Central Peninsula and Terminal 5 and returning cargo volumes.
“We are honored by WPPA’s recognition of our work,” Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-chair Connie Bacon said in a statement. “We are also grateful for the association’s continued advocacy to keep our state competitive.”
“This partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma is important for our region. It demonstrates that these ports are committed to working together for the benefit of everyone,” said WPPA President Troy McClelland, a commissioner at the Port of Everett. “The entire port community in our state recognizes, supports and is grateful for this accomplishment.”
The NWSA co-chairs received the award at the WPPA annual meeting last week in Tacoma.
The Washington Public Ports Association, which represents the interests of the 75 public ports in the state, has recognized the Northwest Seaport Alliance with its annual Port of the Year Award.
The annual award recognizes a Public Ports Association member port that demonstrates exceptional success in the industry.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance, formed in August 2015, is a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
The selection committee cited the NWSA’s first-year accomplishments, including improvements to General Central Peninsula and Terminal 5 and returning cargo volumes.
“We are honored by WPPA’s recognition of our work,” Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-chair Connie Bacon said in a statement. “We are also grateful for the association’s continued advocacy to keep our state competitive.”
“This partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma is important for our region. It demonstrates that these ports are committed to working together for the benefit of everyone,” said WPPA President Troy McClelland, a commissioner at the Port of Everett. “The entire port community in our state recognizes, supports and is grateful for this accomplishment.”
The NWSA co-chairs received the award at the WPPA annual meeting last week in Tacoma.
Transport Experts: Port of Oakland Has Competitive Advantage
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Oakland can be a “center of gravity” for trade and travel because of its competitive advantages, say two transportation experts whose companies rely on the port to move people and cargo.
They told an Oakland audience last week that key infrastructure projects and geography give the port a competitive advantage.
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance sponsored a business luncheon where experts praised the port’s key infrastructure investments. “One example of a well-timed infrastructure investment is the port’s planned cold storage facility,” said MOL (America) Inc. President & CEO Richard Craig. “This will give Oakland a competitive advantage by bringing California Central Valley products and Midwest beef and pork products to growing Asian markets faster.”
Another upcoming seaport project is the 57-acre expansion of TraPac terminal, the port’s second-largest marine operator. “When completed, TraPac will be the most modern and most efficient terminal,” Craig said. “The port is really making it easier for importers and exporters to do business in Oakland.”
Also, Oakland International Airport, which is managed by the Port of Oakland, has been seeing strong passenger growth, according to Michael Sikes, the Senior Manager of Business Development at Southwest Airlines.
“The center of gravity is shifting to Oakland as a lot of the economic and population growth is in the East Bay and Southwest is taking part by growing with our community,” he said.
The Port of Oakland can be a “center of gravity” for trade and travel because of its competitive advantages, say two transportation experts whose companies rely on the port to move people and cargo.
They told an Oakland audience last week that key infrastructure projects and geography give the port a competitive advantage.
The East Bay Economic Development Alliance sponsored a business luncheon where experts praised the port’s key infrastructure investments. “One example of a well-timed infrastructure investment is the port’s planned cold storage facility,” said MOL (America) Inc. President & CEO Richard Craig. “This will give Oakland a competitive advantage by bringing California Central Valley products and Midwest beef and pork products to growing Asian markets faster.”
Another upcoming seaport project is the 57-acre expansion of TraPac terminal, the port’s second-largest marine operator. “When completed, TraPac will be the most modern and most efficient terminal,” Craig said. “The port is really making it easier for importers and exporters to do business in Oakland.”
Also, Oakland International Airport, which is managed by the Port of Oakland, has been seeing strong passenger growth, according to Michael Sikes, the Senior Manager of Business Development at Southwest Airlines.
“The center of gravity is shifting to Oakland as a lot of the economic and population growth is in the East Bay and Southwest is taking part by growing with our community,” he said.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Pasha Hawaii Ordering 2 LNG Containerships
By Mark Edward Nero
Pasha Hawaii, a Honolulu-based subsidiary of global logistics and transportation company The Pasha Group said on Nov. 15 that it has narrowed its selection to two US shipyards for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled containerships.
Contract specifications are expected to be finalized by the end of the month, Pasha says, with the final selection decision expected to come in January.
Details for the vessel order outline a shipping capacity of 3,400 TEUs, including 500 45-foot containers and 400 refrigerated containers, and a sailing speed of 23 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected mid-2019, with delivery of the second vessel to come in early 2020.
The contract would include the option to order two additional vessels, Pasha has said.
“In addition to increasing capability for our customers, these new ships will represent a new era in shipping for Hawaii in terms of greatly reduced emissions and increased efficiency,” President and CEO George Pasha, IV said in a statement.
The two LNG dual-fueled vessels would be the first of their kind in the Hawaii/mainland trade lane, operating fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency.
Energy savings would also be achieved, according to Pasha, with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.
“We are fortunate to have shipyards within the United States that are very capable of building best-in-class cargo ships, including LNG-powered vessels, competitively,” Pasha said.
Compared to conventional fuels, LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel for shipping. Among the environmental benefits it offers is the reduction of up to 95 percent sulfur oxides, nearly 100 percent particulate matter, up to 90 percent nitrogen oxides, and up to 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust emissions.
Pasha Hawaii, a Honolulu-based subsidiary of global logistics and transportation company The Pasha Group said on Nov. 15 that it has narrowed its selection to two US shipyards for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled containerships.
Contract specifications are expected to be finalized by the end of the month, Pasha says, with the final selection decision expected to come in January.
Details for the vessel order outline a shipping capacity of 3,400 TEUs, including 500 45-foot containers and 400 refrigerated containers, and a sailing speed of 23 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected mid-2019, with delivery of the second vessel to come in early 2020.
The contract would include the option to order two additional vessels, Pasha has said.
“In addition to increasing capability for our customers, these new ships will represent a new era in shipping for Hawaii in terms of greatly reduced emissions and increased efficiency,” President and CEO George Pasha, IV said in a statement.
The two LNG dual-fueled vessels would be the first of their kind in the Hawaii/mainland trade lane, operating fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency.
Energy savings would also be achieved, according to Pasha, with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.
“We are fortunate to have shipyards within the United States that are very capable of building best-in-class cargo ships, including LNG-powered vessels, competitively,” Pasha said.
Compared to conventional fuels, LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel for shipping. Among the environmental benefits it offers is the reduction of up to 95 percent sulfur oxides, nearly 100 percent particulate matter, up to 90 percent nitrogen oxides, and up to 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust emissions.
POLB Monthly Container Volumes Take a Dip
By Mark Edward Nero
October container volumes were down 6.2 percent at the Port of Long Beach compared to the same month last year, as the fallout from the Hanjin bankruptcy continues to settle.
A total of 581,808 TEUs moved through docks last month, according to port data. Export TEUs were 1.2 percent down, relatively flat compared to last October, to 126,770 TEUs. Total imports were 296,711 TEUs, 3.7 percent off. Empty containers experienced the largest drop of 13.8 percent to 158,327 boxes.
Port officials noted the harbor’s last October was the best in the previous eight years, and came during a string of six consecutive months of cargo growth to end 2015.
The port said a major factor affecting its volume is the Hanjin bankruptcy, which the South Korea-based company filed in late August. In 2015, Hanjin Shipping containers accounted for over 12 percent of the port’s total containerized volume.
Hanjin, which until recently was the world’s seventh largest container carrier, owns a majority stake in one POLB terminal, TTI.
For the calendar year through October, the port’s 2016 TEUs trail the 2015 total by 4.8 percent. October was the first month of the port’s new fiscal year.
More detailed cargo numbers are at www.polb.com/stats.
October container volumes were down 6.2 percent at the Port of Long Beach compared to the same month last year, as the fallout from the Hanjin bankruptcy continues to settle.
A total of 581,808 TEUs moved through docks last month, according to port data. Export TEUs were 1.2 percent down, relatively flat compared to last October, to 126,770 TEUs. Total imports were 296,711 TEUs, 3.7 percent off. Empty containers experienced the largest drop of 13.8 percent to 158,327 boxes.
Port officials noted the harbor’s last October was the best in the previous eight years, and came during a string of six consecutive months of cargo growth to end 2015.
The port said a major factor affecting its volume is the Hanjin bankruptcy, which the South Korea-based company filed in late August. In 2015, Hanjin Shipping containers accounted for over 12 percent of the port’s total containerized volume.
Hanjin, which until recently was the world’s seventh largest container carrier, owns a majority stake in one POLB terminal, TTI.
For the calendar year through October, the port’s 2016 TEUs trail the 2015 total by 4.8 percent. October was the first month of the port’s new fiscal year.
More detailed cargo numbers are at www.polb.com/stats.
POLB Extends Comment Period for Deep Draft Study
By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Long Beach has extended the comment period for a study to identify and evaluate improvements to existing navigation channels, enhancing safety, reliability and efficiency for visiting vessels.
The Deep Draft Navigation Study would assess the costs, benefits and environmental impacts of the project alternatives that include dredging to deepen channels, basins, berths and other areas in the port.
Public comments on the port’s Deep Draft Navigation Study are now being accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Comments should be sent to Heather Tomley, Director of Environmental Planning, Port of Long Beach, 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815, or at heather.tomley@polb.com.
The Notice of Preparation for the proposed project is available online at www.polb.com/ceqa.
The Port of Long Beach has extended the comment period for a study to identify and evaluate improvements to existing navigation channels, enhancing safety, reliability and efficiency for visiting vessels.
The Deep Draft Navigation Study would assess the costs, benefits and environmental impacts of the project alternatives that include dredging to deepen channels, basins, berths and other areas in the port.
Public comments on the port’s Deep Draft Navigation Study are now being accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Comments should be sent to Heather Tomley, Director of Environmental Planning, Port of Long Beach, 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815, or at heather.tomley@polb.com.
The Notice of Preparation for the proposed project is available online at www.polb.com/ceqa.
