SAILING THE DIGITAL SEAS
Enhancing Services To Meet Member Needs IN THIS ISSUE Open House & Bocce Tournament
PG 4
Port Reports PG 11 Association Update PG 17
JULY / AUGUST
2022
E XCHANGE THE
E XCHANGE
WELCOME TO THE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Welcome to the July/August edition of The Exchange! We are thrilled to feature the launch of our newly upgraded vessel information database in this edition. In June of 2022, our new online database went live. The Marine Activity Reporting & Vessel Information Network (MARVIN) created a unified database combining the online MFSA Vessel Enrollment Form with the VITALS database. Our new MARVIN platform streamlines data collection, provides additional security and enhances database integrity. This database is not only upgraded for current needs but it’s poised for the future of customizable reporting and other applications requested by our members.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Executive Director
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Note from the Editorial Team
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Board of Directors
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Membership
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4th Annual Bocce Tournament
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Merchants Exchange Open House
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MARVIN
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U.S Coast Guard, Sector Columbia River
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The Port Report
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Port of Vancouver
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Port of Astoria
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Ports of Kalama & Longview
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Columbia River Summary
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Association Updates
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Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee
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NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
Maritime Fire & Safety Association
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Clean Rivers Cooperative
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The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange. Members: If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us: newsletter@ pdxmex.com. Editorial Team >> Mary Wiley - wiley@pdxmex.com >> Bekah Brinkmeier - brinkmeier@pdxmex.com >> Anthony O’Reilly - oreilly@pdxmex.com
Maritime Commerce Club, Columbia River
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Maritime Commerce Club Sponsorship
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Friends of the Exchange
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Merchants Exchange
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Contact Us
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Thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange. We hope to see you all at our Open House and 4th Annual Bocce Tournament on September 1st. Registration is live and we look forward to seeing you there! Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange
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All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Merchants Exchange.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Krout (2023) President Port of Vancouver USA
Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company
Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp
Alex Scott (2023) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.
Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines
Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company
Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp
Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD
Gary Hodson (2023) ACGI Shipping
Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.
Jim Cockrell (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative Owens Corning Mat Cusma (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Schnitzer Steel Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP
MEMBERSHIP Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities. The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It
serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.
Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include: • Vessel Reporting • Communication Support Service • Vessel and Cargo Statistics • Daily Grain Bulletin • Grain Committee Membership • Answering Service • Special Reports and Services
The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.
For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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TH ANNUAL BOCCE TOURNAMENT
4th Annual Bocce Tournament Benefiting the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund TOURNAMENT BASICS •
Bocce Tournament will be held during the Merchants Exchange Open House
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Bocce Courts are located outside of Merchants Exchange offices
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Registration fee is $40 for a team of two (2)
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Check-in at 3:15 pm
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Games start at 3:30 pm
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Round 1 and 2 will be played to 5 points
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Semifinals and Final game will be played to 7 points
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Teams can reduce opponents’ score for $5 a point during the game. LIMIT 3 points per game. Bring cash.
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Prize and Trophy for the Champion Team!
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First 16 teams/32 people to turn in registration forms will be registered to play.
Contacts: Bekah Brinkmeier at Brinkmeier@pdxmex. com or Mary Wiley at Wiley@pdxmex.com. Click to go to Bocce Registration: Form
BOCCE TEAM REGISTRATION
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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE OPEN HOUSE
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE
OPEN HOUSE
&
Come join th 4 TH A N N U A L e F B O C C E T O U R N A M E N T UN!
Thursday, September 1, 2022 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
JOIN US FOR AN END OF SUMMER GET-TOGETHER ENJOY FOOD AND DRINKS, MEET OUR STAFF AND NETWORK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY. OPEN HOUSE •
Free event with hosted appetizers and drinks
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Registration is requested of all guests.
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Raffle tickets sold at online registration and at the event.
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The Raffle will benefit Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund.
Click here to register and buy raffle tickets.: Form
OPEN HOUSE REGISTRATION
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ARVIN M - Marine A - Activity R - Reporting & V - Vessel I - Information N - Network
Digital Modernization ENHANCING SERVICES TO MEET MEMBER NEEDS
In 1879, Boss Shenck’s Saloon, on the Portland waterfront, was an early gathering place for the maritime trade. News of ship arrivals was posted by patrons and the establishment became the birthplace of the Merchants Exchange. The Exchange tracks, records and reports on every vessel that enters the Columbia River waterways. As the leading provider of information related to the intermodal transportation system, we maintain over 100 years of historical data from which we can develop custom reports and historical custom reports. HOW IT ALL STARTED? - VITALS Introduced in 1998, Merchants Exchange developed the VITALS (Vessel Information Tracking) database. The primary driver of the original VITALS database was to offer a seamless process for vessel operators to meet state regulations in an easy and costeffective manner. The online Maritime Fire & Safety Association (MFSA) Notice of Arrival form was created to enroll vessels entering the Columbia River for coverage under the Blanket Enrollment Agreement by their agent. MFSA representatives coordinate with State of Oregon and Washington regulators to ensure vessel compliance of the MFSA Vessel Response Plan (the “Plan”) and process fees.
is considered to be entering the Columbia River as the vessel passes the CR Buoy, roughly 6 miles from the Columbia River bar. Once the online web form is accepted into our database, our Marine Operations Services Department tracks and monitors vessel activities while on our waterways. We operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide the lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers’ maritime and harbor communities with valuable information and service. HOW WE GOT HERE? – RESPONDING TO MEMBER NEEDS In 2018, Merchants Exchange’s former webhost service provider retired which required moving the previous system to a new SQL server. This initiated further upgrades. In 2019 the Merchants Exchange website (www.pdxmex.com) was completely revised and upgraded to improve functionality and accessibility.
Agents are required to submit the Notice of Arrival and MFSA Vessel Enrollment 96-hours prior to entering the Columbia River. A vessel 6
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WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED – MARVIN In June of 2022, our new online database went live. The Marine Activity Reporting & Vessel Information Network (MARVIN) created a unified database combining the online MFSA Vessel Enrollment Form with the VITALS database. Our new MARVIN platform streamlines data collection, provides additional security and enhances database integrity. SOME OF THE NEW FEATURES INCLUDE: • Improved search functionality • Pre-populated fields, when possible Additional updates and revisions were made to the online Vessel Enrollment Form. The Form and Reports were moved to a new website at https://data.pdxmex.com/, creating a secure stand-alone website for our data collection and reporting. In November of 2019, during the Merchants Exchange Strategic Planning Workshop, our members voiced interest in an expansion of our database to improve reporting capabilities and enhancing mobile functionality. Additionally, data collection needs have evolved over the last twenty years and it was determined the data collection could be enhanced and expanded to respond to the member needs of today. In 2020, we completed a comprehensive assessment of the system and documented the functions and operations of the database. In 2021, the Board of Directors approved the budget to proceed with the upgrades necessary to enhance and modernize our database to allow for the improvements to ensure the integrity of the data, address Microsoft Access platform loss of support, address online security, and create new application and services for our members. THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
• Increased clarity of language used to describe fields • Eliminated unnecessary fields • Added units of measurements, when appropriate • Improved quality checks and logic rules • Allows Agents to edit vessel information, except IMO number • Allows Agents to revise the form after submission to certify data accuracy • Permits multiple Agents for one voyage to receive information and notifications WHAT DID NOT CHANGE: • Login process • MFSA requirements for enrollment • General look and feel of the portal • Historical data unaffected 7
Already the upgrades have increased efficiencies and streamlined processes. The new system is more stable and safeguards potential interruption of services. Additionally, the upgrades will allow the system to expand our services to meet member needs. Future developments will include online custom reports and mobile applications. If you have any questions regarding our online portal, please contact marine.room@pdxmex.com or call (503)228-4361 our Marine Operations (MarOps) Service Department or Carl Bertapelle (Marine Operations Services Manager) 503-704-3445.
ONLINE REPORTS Our online web-based reports are accessible to members at the Reporting membership level and above.
4-DAY LIGHTSHIP REPORT This report is based on information submitted by the Agent from the Notice of Arrival Form. SHIP BY LOCATION REPORT Search a vessel by location and review voyage and moves. VESSEL ACTIVITY REPORT Search a vessel by arrivals, harbor moves, inter-port moves, and sailing.
SUBSCRIPTION REPORTS Our electronically distributed reports are accessible to members and non-member for a fee.
DAILY GRAIN BULLETIN The Daily Grain Bulletin is published daily after the grain futures markets close each day. The report contains grain market news for the Pacific Northwest.
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MONTHLY CARGO AND VESSEL SUMMARY REPORT The Cargo and Vessel Summary Report shows the number of vessel calls by cargo type in the Lower Columbia River region by month. The previous year’s information is shown alongside current information. Year to Date totals and projections based upon monthly averages are calculated to make this report a valuable resource. COLUMBIA RIVER GRAIN STATISTICS REPORT
CUSTOM REPORTS As requested, to meet the needs of our members. Contact us to learn more about options for Custom Reports. Our goal is to provide the Pacific Northwest maritime industry information to the most relevant data and vessel intelligence. If there is a way to enhance our data collection and provide our members with better information, then please let us know. Jonathan Nichol (503) 220-2094 or email nichol@pdxmex.com.
The Columbia River Grain Statistics Report is distributed monthly. The report includes Vessel Name, Load Date, Commodity, Amount loaded in pounds, Elevator and Next Port Destination. COLUMBIA RIVER CARGO STATISTICS REPORT The Cargo Statistics Report (Imports and Exports Via Water for the Columbia River Region) is distributed monthly and lists imported and exported commodities in kilograms for each Port in the Lower Columbia River system.
SIGN UP AND STAY INFORMED
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U.S COAST GUARD, SECTOR COLUMBIA RIVER Area of Responsibility: 420 nautical miles of Washington and Oregon coastline, 33 ports, 465 miles of navigable rivers throughout WA, OR, and ID, including the Columbia River, Salmon & Snake Rivers in the east (Idaho).
On October 13, 1976, at the 62nd session of the International Labor Conference, the Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (ILO Convention No. 147) was adopted, which is better known as ILO 147. The primary purpose of ILO-147 was to improve the overall protections towards the health and safety of mariners calling upon various ports. The prescriptive standards (Articles) associated with ILO-147 cover minimum age, articles of agreements, crew accommodations, sickness, repatriations, and prevention of occupational accidents. The various Articles of Convention specify applicability, and establish duties and obligations of the contracting parties, which the United States (U.S.) ratified and entered into force in June 1989. Article 4 is critical as it outlines Port State Control (PSC) actions in the event a complaint or evidence is received that a ship does not conform to the standards of ILO-147, then we may take necessary measures to rectify conditions on board which are clearly hazardous to safety or health.
“Guardians of the Pacific Northwest” Sector Columbia River Response Missions (search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and support for other units) are carried out from Warrenton, OR. Sector Columbia River Prevention Missions (marine safety, vessel inspection, aids to navigation support, and waterways management) are managed by Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland located in Portland, OR. 10
On April 28, 2022, one such complaint was received by a crewmember on board the M/V TAI HONESTY. They were able to contact the Sector Columbia River Command Center as it departed Los Angeles en-route to Longview, WA. The communications outlined an exhaustive timeline in which several members had expired contracts and had been onboard for over 14 months. Based upon the complaint, MSU Portland notified members of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to further investigate the issue and establish an interagency examination during the vessel’s normally scheduled PSC exam upon its arrival on May 06, 2022 in Longview, WA. Immediately upon arrival it was quickly determined that the crew members were distressed, but eager to communicate their concerns of being on board the vessel for approximately 14 months. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that 12 of the 19 crewmembers including the Master, Chief Officer, and Chief Engineer had been onboard since March 13, 2021. The PSC examiners expanded their exam looking into work rest hours, and articles of agreement. Additionally, the team interviewed several of the crewmembers to determine if their current work schedules and duration of time on board presented a hazard to the port and Navigable Waterway. Based upon the information collected during the PSC examination, a control action under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) (46 U.S.C. 70002) and ILO-147 was imposed on the vessel. In which crew fatigue, and the overall duration of time that critical crew members have been on board presented a clearly hazardous condition to the safety of the ship and the navigable waterway. Fortunately, based upon the sound actions and recommendations of the PSC examiners and the amazing work provided by the ITF the 12 members began their journey home on May 14, 2022. WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE
THE PORT REPORT The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports over the course of 3 waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.
Will Isom Executive Director Port of Astoria
Sean Clark Executive Director Port of Columbia County
Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama
Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer Port of Longview
Curtis Robinhold Executive Director Port of Portland
Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA
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ORT OF VANCOUVER
PORT OF VANCOUVER USA UNVEILS VANCOUVER LANDING The first of many projects within the Terminal 1 development is completed The Port of Vancouver USA held a ribbon cutting to unveil the new Vancouver Landing, the first finished public project in the port’s Terminal 1 development. The event took place on the new landing, with speeches by Washington state Senator Annette Cleveland, port CEO, Julianna Marler and port commission president, Jack Burkman. Tanna Engdahl, an elder and spiritual leader from the Cowlitz Tribe, offered a blessing and also spoke briefly. After the event, guests gathered for refreshments in the lobby of the adjacent AC Hotel by Marriott, scheduled to open later this month. This is the first finished project in the Terminal 1 development and was partially funded with capital project funds allocated to the port by the Washington legislature in 2019. The $4.7 million allowed the port to break ground in fall 2019, with full completion of the project by the end of this month. 12
Features of the Vancouver Landing project include dramatic riverfront vistas, a boardwalk timeline of historic events, new sections of the Renaissance Trail, Rotary Club of Vancouver elements, interpretive panels and an embedded map of the Columbia River. WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE
The Renaissance Trail work was constructed with a grant in the amount of $485,000 from the Regional Transportation Commission under the Transportation Alternatives Program and encourages use by pedestrians and cyclists. The boardwalk, also known as Rotary Way, was constructed with a $500,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Vancouver in celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2021. Along the riverside fencing is a series of interpretive panels that display the history of Vancouver and Clark County and the indigenous people who inhabited the area, along with other features of local significance. Port project managers worked closely with local indigenous tribes to accurately reflect the history of the site. “This ribbon cutting is the first exciting event at Terminal 1 with many more to come,” said Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver. “We want to inspire the community to come down to the waterfront and see the progress we’ve made. The entire Terminal 1 development will provide both economic benefits for the community as well as provide a dynamic public destination for all to enjoy.” Later this month, the AC Hotel by Marriott will open for business and the first building by the port’s development partner, Lincoln Property Company, will break ground. While the Landing is primarily completed, there are still some final features that need to be installed, keeping the area closed off until the end of the month so that crews can finish the work. Work at Terminal 1 continues this year, with the deconstruction of the old Red Lion Hotel and Quay Restaurant, and removal of the 100+ year old dock under those structures. In fall 2023, the port will begin work on the new dock, which will include in-water work and the removal of approximately 800 weathered, wooden piles. A new dock will eventually be built to support a new public market. To learn more about the Terminal 1 Waterfront development project, please visit www. discoverterminal1.com.
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ort of Astoria
PORT OF ASTORIA AND CITY OF ASTORIA FINALIZE WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN
The Port of Astoria Waterfront Master Plan is the first step of a joint effort by the Port and the City of Astoria to develop a swath of under utilized waterfront on Port property, between Pier 1 and the Astoria-Megler Bridge (see map). In July of 2021, the City contracted with Walker Macy, a landscape architecture firm out of Portland, to develop the plan in collaboration with the City and the Port, along with a Project Advisory Committee. Throughout the planning and design process, Walker Macy held several community meetings via Zoom to gather input and feedback from stakeholders and community members. The final Waterfront Master Plan was presented to the Port and City commissions in the spring of 2022 to unanimous approval.
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Highlights of the plan include: •
Improved lighting and wayfinding signage along the Riverwalk Trail
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An improved system of waterfront pedestrian circulation along the piers and mooring basin
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A new hotel replacing the existing Astoria Riverwalk Hotel, built on land and oriented to minimize obstruction of public view corridors
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The Market Hall, a social and commercial hub of locals, waterfront workers, and visitors
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The Fishing Village, a collection of buildings that are an extension of the West Mooring Basin including a fresh-caught seafood market
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Two mixed-use buildings for businesses that support the working waterfront industry and commerce
The City of Astoria has since contracted with consultant firm Walker Macy to focus on horizontal development, including changes to zoning and public infrastructure. Regular updates will be made to the public as progress is made to implement the plan’s vision. A copy of the Master Plan and project updates can be found on the Port’s website at www.PortofAstoria.com.
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Ports of Kalama & Longview
LONGVIEW, KALAMA PORTS CONSIDER STUDY TO DEEPEN, ADD TURNING BASINS ON COLUMBIA RIVER
By Sydney Brown, The Daily News Port of Longview commissioners are considering whether they will partner with the Port of Kalama to help fund a federally backed study on improving turning basins on the Columbia River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study would look into improving the Longview turning basin, and whether it is possible to create a turning basin at the Port of Kalama. Turning basins on the Columbia River offer safe areas for larger, deep-draft ships to turn around during events such as emergencies or bad weather. The analysis is estimated to cost $2.2 million total over fiscal years 2022-24, according to port documents. This cost is split with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which would pay $1.1 million. If commissioners approve the partnership, the Longview and Kalama ports would be responsible for $550,000 each to cover the remaining $1.1 million. To make the basins better at accommodating larger ships, the ports periodically deepen the Columbia River at certain terminals, said planning director Lisa Hendriksen. The river itself was last deepened in 2010, but Longview’s turning basin at the time was not. “The feasibility analysis is done to make sure … yes, it’s now time to deepen our turning basin and create a turning basin for Kalama,” Hendriksen told commissioners Wednesday.
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“Once that feasibility study is done, it’s going to take a few years to be completed and the next step would be for us to have a conversation with the Corps on how construction funding and cost will work.” Port Commissioner Jeff Wilson said he acknowledged the need for better turning basin areas, but worried about the port shouldering a half-million-dollar price tag. He said he also wanted the Corps to consider how the Columbia and Cowlitz rivers interact with each other and how a project like this could affect the turning basins. “I would like just a little bit more staff research, outreach to the Corps on this … Because it costs a lot of money, that’s very clear,” Wilson said. CEO Dan Stahl said he had confidence the study would address those concerns. “If you have an interest on our behalf of understanding how these two rivers influence each other, I would think this study would be helpful in gaining more understanding,” Stahl said. Commissioners during their Wednesday meeting did not take any action to approve the feasibility study or whether the Port of Longview would officially co-sponsor the analysis with the Port of Kalama. Read article at The Daily News 15
COLUMBIA RIVER VESSEL ARRIVAL & CARGO DATA JANUARY TO JUNE
Vessal arrivals for 2022 is on track with 2021 as of June of 2022, We saw a dip in February and a slight increase in March and June compared to 2021.
160 140
Vessel Arrivals
120 100 80 60 40 20 0
JAN
FEB
MAR
JUNE
Average
60 50 40 30 20 10 0
JAN 16
2021
MAY
Alumina Ammonia Autos Bentonite Clay BPP Caustic Soda Cement Chemicals Containers Grain Gypsum Inactive/Repair Limestone (Barge) Logs Lumber & Wood… Metals & Ores Pencil Pitch Petcoke Petrol Barge Petrol Tanker Potash Research/Cable Salt Soda Ash Steel Products Windmills/Project Other
Vessel Arrivals by Cargo Type
2022
APRIL
FEB
MAR
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES Clean Rivers Cooperative Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Maritime Fire and Safety Association Maritime Commerce Club Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund Merchants Exchange Grain Committee
2022 NATIONAL HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY June 13-15, 2022 : Boston, MA Electronic Program: https://trb.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/84/sessiongallery
2022 Meeting Calendar d
b
January 12: Virtual Meeting March 9: Virtual Meeting May 11: Virtual Meeting July 13: Virtual Meeting September 14: Virtual Meeting November 9: Virtual Meeting a
c
Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs
PETE PAWLICKI, 2022 CHAIR OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE (LCRHSC) attended the 18th Biennial National Harbor Safety Committee Conference in Boston, MA as the representative for the LCRHSC. The event was hosted by the Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee and put on by the Transportation Research Board. The theme of the conference was “Maritime Strong: Navigating Diverse Growth and Change” with focuses on promising practices, innovation, and technology to address critical safety and security issues related to waterways management. Mr. Pawlicki was invited to speak as part of a panel of other Harbor Safety Committee leaders entitled “Harbor Safety Committees: Importance and Best Practices” that was moderated by Captain Zeita Merchant, USCG. HIGHLIGHTS/NOTES: • Smaller gathering (~500 people estimated). Large presence of USCG and Federal/State agency personnel and regional maritime industry representatives but lower attendance/representation of regional HSCs • Offshore Wind was a large focus of the conference including logistics for implementing offshore wind, maintaining wind equipment infrastructure, looking ahead to operational information for new wind enterprises including availability of support vessels, development, and permitting etc… • Keynote Lunch Speaker was Barry Clifford, an American underwater archaeological explorer, best known for discovering remains of Samuel Bellamy’s wrecked pirate ship Whydah – the only verified and authenticated pirate shipwreck of the Golden Age of Piracy ever discovered in the world. • Overall, speakers were really informative with many current maritime transportation leaders from various Federal agencies who have stewardship over the dynamic marine transportation system.
For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org Bekah Brinkmeier, Association Administrator: brinkmeier@pdxmex.com Anthony O’Reilly, Administrative Specialist: oreilly@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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ARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION
EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT Oil Spill Contingency Plan Holders, such as The Maritime Fire & Safety Association (MFSA), are required to test their abilities to respond to spills in their area by deploying response equipment at least twice per year. The MFSA and its Primary Response Contractor tested their capabilities on June 29, 2022. The states of Oregon and Washington, through the Northwest Area Committee, develop specific response strategies for the waterways in their jurisdiction. The plan for this deployment was an attempt to test how some of these strategies work during periods of high water and flow like we have been experiencing. The variations in river level impact how resources can be deployed – an island or shoreline that needs to be protected when water is at a normal level may be completely under water during high water conditions. Fast water causes anchors to be pulled out of location and response boom to be “entrained,” or sink below the surface of the river. Both of these factors proved to be too much for this particular response strategy. The drill is still a success, as the information learned is evaluated and passed on to the states to help improve responder knowledge. An equipment deployment drill or exercise is intended to demonstrate a contractor’s ability to physically contain or collect spilled oil. It enables the responders to remain familiar with equipment and geographic areas by practicing real-life, hands-on skills.
Clean Rivers’ Operations Manager giving a safety briefing before going out on the water.
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FPAAC CONTINUES TO INCREASE AWARENESS Our last publication highlighted the Awareness Level Training, the level which all FPAAC agency personnel should hold. “Awareness” isn’t just a level of training offered by FPAAC - It is also the knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subject. As personnel have rotated out of the Technician Level, the need for participants to become familiar with the deep draft ports of Cowlitz and Columbia Counties has grown. On May 19, twenty-four firefighters, company and command officers from seven different agencies combined for a day of touring some lesser-known facilities in Longview and Clatskanie. Representatives from each facility briefed (L) Northwest Alloys, Longview, WA (R) US Gypsum, Rainier, OR FPAAC personnel on a number of key details including: access points, staging areas, water supply, weight limits, firefighting capabilities, and much more. This training was very well received and we plan to hold trainings of this nature much more frequently than has been done in the past. At the request of Astoria Fire and their auto and mutual aid agencies, FPAAC held a second Awareness Level Training on June 18, this time at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, OR. This consisted of a PowerPoint presentation followed by an interactive session on how to read a ship’s Fire Control Plan. A special thanks to Aberdeen Fire, Knappa Fire, and Lewis & Clark Fire for sending participants. Anyone interested in learning more about the FPAAC training program should contact Mason Sullivan, sullivan@pdxmex.com. (top) FPAAC Training Coordinator Don Doyle explaining the common ways that crew organization charts can be made up (bottom) Astoria Fire personnel participating in the Fire Control Plan (FCP) scavenger hunt
For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Holly Robinson, General Manager: robinson@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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WE ARE HIRING!
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR Do you have a background in oil spill response? Are you a dedicated worker with mechanical and technical maintenance experience in boats and response equipment? Join our team at Clean Rivers Cooperative, one of the best and most wellrespected oil spill response organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Clean Rivers Cooperative is a member-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to maritime petroleum spill preparedness, prevention, and response. Clean Rivers provides its members with cost-efficient, turn-key solutions that meet or exceed regulatory obligations. We have an immediate opportunity for an experienced Equipment Maintenance Supervisor to oversee and perform preventative and basic corrective maintenance of oil spill response equipment, including but not limited to: response vessels and small boats, skimmers, pumps, and vehicles. Here’s what you bring: Expertise: You are knowledgeable of vessel and equipment maintenance and enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting a variety of mechanical issues. You have an eagerness to identify problems and find solutions. Team Player: You communicate and relate to people across all levels. You know when something needs to be done and you take the initiative to collaborate with others to get it done. Accountability: You have a strong sense of urgency to complete projects necessary to maintain response readiness. You also have a high sense of ownership for completing high quality work. You are selfdirected and thrive in an environment of changing priorities. Here’s what our company has to offer: Impact: We respond to our member’s environmental needs quickly and efficiently, keeping our equipment maintained and in a state of readiness. This position will play an integral role in maintaining our readiness to respond as well as assisting our Operations Manager with the day-to-day functions of Clean Rivers’ operation.
Commitment to Success: We are committed to providing you the resources you need to be successful in your position which includes extensive training in this industry. This position will also be trained to be on-call as a Response Manager with Clean Rivers Cooperative in support of our mission. Minimum Requirements: • High School Diploma or GED is required. An Associate’s Degree, Industrial Trade Certificate, or related military occupational specialty/rating (ex: USCG Machinery Technician) is strongly preferred. • You have 4+ years of experience with vessel operations, seamanship, and equipment maintenance with demonstrated mechanical aptitude. • You demonstrate a high level of attention to accuracy and detail as well as strong problemsolving skills. • You are familiar with computers and are able to use email and spreadsheets in Excel for data entry and record keeping. • You know how to operate a forklift or have the ability to pass Forklift Operator certification. • You have a current 24-Hour HAZWOPER Certification or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire. • You are available and able to travel when needed. Employment is contingent upon: • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen • Ability to obtain Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC) • A valid OR or WA Driver’s license with a clean driving record and Class A CDL or the ability to obtain Class A CDL within 6 months of hire The Equipment Maintenance Supervisor is assigned to Clean Rivers Cooperative and employed by the Merchants Exchange. The starting salary range begins at $76,800 annually. You will also receive on-call compensation, use of a company pickup and cell phone. Our generous employee benefits program includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, flexible spending account, life insurance and a 401(k) plan with an employer contribution.
Please email your resume to: recruitment@cascadeemployers.com
For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com Ben Robinson, Marine Maintenance Mechanic: brobinson@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com 20
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MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB, COLUMBIA RIVER
! e m a g a Join us for REGISTER EARLY limited space!
08.03.22
A special Maritime Commerce Club Membership Appreciation Event
www.MaritimeCommerceClub.org
SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 Don’t miss the best party on the river... Registration opens soon we look forward to seeing you there! www.MaritimeCommerceClub.org THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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MCC MEMBERSHIP NOTICE: The MCC was pleased to host the 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Stone Creek Golf Course on June 30, 2022. Those in attendance participated in the Annual Membership Meeting, received a brief recap of 2021-2022 and voted on the incoming Board Members. We are thankful to have had some in-person events this past year and look forward to connecting with you even more in 2022-2023. Thank you for your continued MCC membership. And thank you to our sponsors - we hope you will renew your much-appreciated support! Please congratulate and welcome the new 2022-2023 MCC Officers and Board of Directors:
APPROVED 2022-2023 SLATE Maritime Commerce Club (MCC) BOARD OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Jim Matthews - Durham & Bates Insurance VICE-PRESIDENT: Melissa Wirthlin - Marsh SEC/TREASURER: Adam Murray - Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt BOARD MEMBERS Alex Scott, Anchorage Launch Services Capt. Peter Roney, Foss Maritime Michael Richards, Port of Portland Bo McCall, Shaver Transportation
PLEASE RENEW OR BECOME AN ANNUAL SPONSOR! Visit our website or contact Margerie today! vis@pdxmex.com
Annual Planning Meeting (for 2022-2023 season) AUGUST 10, 2022 – ALL MEMBERS WELCOME Please be a part of our next year’s planning! Contact Margerie to RSVP: vis@pdxmex.com
www. MaritimeCommerceClub.org 22
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MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB SPONSORSHIP
MCC n a e 2022 - 2023 m o Bec ! y a d o sponsor t MaritiMe CoMMerCe SponSorShip levelS
Premier $2,000
Platinum $1,500
Gold $1,000
Silver $500
Club
- Recognition as Premier Sponsor throughout sponsorship period - Company logo placement on: • Sponsorship banner (extra-large logo) – Displayed at all events • MCC’s website event page – with link to company website • All event materials – save the date, invitation, emails, registration and other materials • MCC section of industry e-blasts and publications (MCC & MEX) - Unlimited entries at member price for all MCC events and luncheons - Up to four (4) membership dues comped for the fiscal year (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
- Recognition as Platinum Sponsor throughout sponsorship period - Company logo placement on: • Sponsorship banner (large logo) – Displayed at all events • MCC’s website event page – with link to company website • All event materials – save the date, invitation, emails, registration and other materials • MCC section of industry e-blasts and publications (MCC & MEX) - Ten (10) entries at member price for all MCC events and luncheons
- Recognition as Gold Sponsor throughout sponsorship period - Company logo placement on: • Sponsorship banner (medium logo) – Displayed at all events • MCC’s website event page • All event materials – save the date, invitation, emails, registration and other materials • MCC section of industry e-blasts and publications (MCC & MEX) - Two (2) entries at member price for Fall Event and Winter Event
- Recognition as Silver Sponsor throughout sponsorship period - Company logo placement on: • Sponsorship banner (small logo) – Displayed at all events • MCC’s website event page • All event materials – save the date, invitation, emails, registration and other materials • MCC section of industry e-blasts and publications (MCC & MEX) - Two (2) entries at member price for Fall Event and Winter Event
www.MaritimeCommerceClub.com / vis@pdxmex.com
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FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.
Columbia Riverfront Hotel 909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion)
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE Get your company featured
We would like to invite our community partners along the River to join in our mission to support and promote the maritime industry with our “Friends of the Exchange” program. Show your support to our maritime industry and raising awareness within our community. The following benefits are included with an annual support of $150:
in our newsletter, Social Media, Website • One (1) feature article or (3) three small advertisements in our newsletter and one (1) social post featuring your organization annually and
REACH OVER 1,000 MARITIME PROFESSIONALS!
Become a Friend of the Exchange TODAY! 24
• Invitations to our Member/Networking Events: Open House, Annual Bocce Tournament, Shipping Education Series, and other special events • Discounted Member Rate for our Shipping Education Series *
• Subscription to “The Exchange,” bi-monthly newsletter, Daily News Bulletin, and industry email updates • Service Directory Listing and Career Opportunity Post shared with our membership * Please note: Friends of the Exchange are not members of the Merchants Exchange and therefore are not eligible to receive member rates for any services or reports associated with membership, with the exception of the member rate to the Shipping Education Series. For more information contact: Mary Wiley, Marketing and Membership Manager at wiley@ pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.
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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS Click company name for additional information.
ACGI Shipping Company Alexander Gow Anchorage Launch Service Co. Blue Water Shipping B.R. Anderson Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA) Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd. Columbia Export Terminal Columbia Grain Columbia River Bar Pilots Columbia River Launch Service Columbia River Pilots Crowley Maritime Corporation Degesch America Duncan Shoemaker & Associates, LLC Durham & Bates Agencies EGT Executive Security Service Foss Maritime Company Fujitrans USA General Steamship Agencies Geo. S. Bush & Company Great Western Malting Haglund, Kelley LLP Inchcape Shipping Services International Registries, Inc International Transport Workers Federation Interport PNW Jones Stevedoring Company Kalama Export Company Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals Kinder Morgan Energy Kirby Offshore Marine K-Line America Lindsay Hart LLP McCall Chemical McDonald - Pelz Commodities Mid Columbia Producers Monarch Inspection Services THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
National Cargo Bureau North American Shipping Agencies Norton Lilly International Olympic Tug & Barge / Centerline Logistics Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality Overseas Merchandising Pacific International Maritime Medical Services Pacific Maritime Association Port of Astoria Port of Kalama Port of Longview Port of Portland Port of Vancouver USA Portland Lines Bureau San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply Sause Bros. Ocean Towing Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Seaport Marine Surveys Shaver Transportation Company Ship to Shore Water Taxi Southport Agencies T. Parker Host Talon Marine Services Temco LLC Terra Hydr Tesoro Maritime Company Tidal Transport & Trading USA Tidewater Barge Lines Toyota Tsusho America TradeWest Brokerage Company Transmarine Navigation Transversal International United States Customs Service United Grain Vanport Marine Washington Department of Ecology Washington State University West Coast Marine Cleaning Western Bulk Chartering Wilhelmsen Ship Service 25
CONTACT US 24/7 Marine Operations Services Department (503) 228-4361 ContactUs@pdxmex.com
200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201
STAFF
Anthony O’Reilly Bekah Brinkmeier Ben Robinson Carl Bertapelle Carl Boelter Chann Noun Curtis Cannizzaro Ellen Wax Holly Robinson John Cordasco Jonathan Nichol Jonathan JT Tuom Kara Estabrook Liz Wainwright Lisa Pomasl Margerie Vis Mary Wiley Mason Sullivan Shauna Dallas Shawn Kubitza Thomas Semrau
oreilly@pdxmex.com brinkmeier@pdxmex.com brobinson@pdxmex.com bertapelle@pdxmex.com boelter@pdxmex.com noun@pdxmex.com cannizzaro@pdxmex.com wax@pdxmex.com robinson@pdxmex.com cordasco@pdxmex.com nichol@pdxmex.com tuom@pdxmex.com estabrook@pdxmex.com wainwright@pdxmex.com pomasl@pdxmex.com vis@pdxmex.com wiley@pdxmex.com sullivan@pdxmex.com dallas@pdxmex.com kubitza@pdxmex.com semrau@pdxmex.com