WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In this issue, we are pleased to highlight some of the important and exciting work being done by our member associations. Be sure to check out pp. 8-13 for updates on what they’ve been working on. We are also featuring some great networking opportunities at several fun upcoming events: our Annual Open House and Bocce Tournament on September 5; the Maritime Commerce Club Harbor Splash on September 12 and Portland Timbers game on October 2. These events are a great opportunity to network with associates as well as create some new connections. I hope to see you at all these events!
Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director
The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.
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
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alex Scott (2026) President Anchorage Launch Services
Chris Cummins (2027) Vice President General Steamship Corp
Alex Hamilton (2027) Parker, Smith & Feek
Gary Hodson (2026) Secretary ACGI Shipping
Todd Krout (2026) Port of Vancouver USA
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.
Earl Dixon (2027) United Grain Corporation
Justin Valley (2027) Foss Maritime Company, LLC
Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.
Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company
Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies
MEMBERSHIP
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.
Kent Cash (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Port of Vancouver USA
Doug Lenz (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery
Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots
Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP
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
We collect data, track and monitor activities and report on vessels that enter the Columbia River waterways. We collect over 100 data points on commercial vessels on our waterways. Please contact us to learn more about our custom reports! Learn more at: www.pdxmex.com/services/reports or contact customreportbuilder@pdxmex.com
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR CUSTOM REPORT BUILDER
The Custom Report Builder gives access to current and past data of ships that travel the Columbia River
Some features and filters:
Arrival Columbia River Bar Arrival Astoria Pilot Vessel Particulars Cargo Load and Unload Departing Berth and much more...
To Request Access to our Custom Report Builder contact Carl Bertapelle at bertapelle@pdxmex.com
THE PORT REPORTS
The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports along three waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.
Port of Astoria
Will Isom, Executive Director
Port Meeting: 1st Tuesday at 4:00 pm
Port of Kalama
Mark Wilson, Executive Director
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm
Port of Portland
Curtis Robinhold Executive Director
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 9:30 am
Port of Columbia County
Sean Clark, Executive Director
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 5:00 pm
Port of Longview
Dan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 9:00 am
Port of Vancouver USA
Julianna Marler Chief Executive Officer
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 9:30 am
*All meeting dates/times are subject to change. Please confirm with the port directly.
PORT OF VANCOUVER USA SECURES GRANT TO PURCHASE ZERO-EMISSION FORKLIFT
Department of Ecology awards port $318,000 grant to acquire all-electric forklift; ongoing transition to zero-emission equipment in port’s Climate Action Plan
VANCOUVER, Wash. – In pursuit of the goals laid out in its emission reduction blueprint, the Port of Vancouver USA has secured a grant to replace a 1978 diesel forklift with an all-electric model. The acquisition of an electric forklift represents a shared investment that will include $318,273 in grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology and $79,568 from the port.
“We’re so pleased to have secured grant funding for the Port of Vancouver USA to replace an old, diesel forklift with brand new electric equipment,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “This upgrade represents another step in our journey to cut emissions in line with our Climate Action Plan, while enhancing our ability to move cargo and operate efficiently.”
The Department of Ecology awarded this grant as part of a program to permanently deactivate old diesel equipment and vehicles used by ports and other public and tribal entities, replacing them with zero-emission equipment. In addition to carbon reduction benefits, electric equipment has fewer moving parts than traditional diesel equipment – equating to lower operating costs and less maintenance.
The port began implementing its Climate Action Plan in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality and health benefits in the community. The plan outlines specific actions for the port, including the electrification or hybridization of diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment.
PORT FINALIZES BOATYARD MASTER PLAN
The Port of Astoria’s Boatyard Master Plan is a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance and expand the Port’s boatyard facilities to better serve the maritime community. The implementation of this plan will significantly boost operational capabilities and foster economic growth within the Astoria community.
Pier 3 is the westernmost of three Port-owned piers on the Columbia River. This 16-acre pier is used for haulout, maintenance, and storage services. The Boatyard has an 88-ton TraveLift, long-term boat and trailer parking, upland vessel storage, powered short-term vessel project areas, and equipment rental.
In the summer of 2022, the Port of Astoria completed a Boatyard Expansion Feasibility Study demonstrating the need for expanded services and infrastructure at the Port’s Pier 3 Boatyard. On the basis of that study, the Port contracted with Maul, Foster and Alongi (MFA) to complete a Boatyard Master Plan with this vision:
The Port and its advisory group aspire to develop the best boatyard on the West Coast to serve small- to-medium-sized commercial fishing and recreational vessels. The Port can achieve this vision by developing structures that allow for year-round vessel servicing, by offering additional industrial and commercial vendor space, and by increasing lift capacity.
An existing conditions report, used to identify opportunities and constraints related to the Boatyard’s physical and economic characteristics, found that, with the necessary investments, the Boatyard is well-positioned to attract vessel maintenance projects across the West Coast.
The Boatyard Master Plan was presented to and unanimously approved by the Port’s Commission on July 2nd, 2024. As part of the planning process, the Port’s leadership team and stakeholders worked together to design a refined concept that reflects the primary aspirations for the Boatyard:
Build boat storage and maintenance facilities, workspaces, storages, and offices to increase lift capacity. Create a one-stop shop for the Boatyard and clients’ needs and improve marketing for services and new investments.
The Boatyard Master Plan’s refined concept includes additional boat slips for small and large boats, 150 MT lift, enclosed work, storage buildings, mixed commercial and administrative offices, and industrial and commercial buildings. The Port is currently exploring funding and financing opportunities through various state and federal programs to implement the plan.
MEMBER MUTUAL AID DEPLOYMENT EXERCISE
As part of the value of membership, Clean Rivers Cooperative member organizations are offered several training opportunities each year such as ICS, HAZWOPER and initial response training. Each year during the second quarter, Cooperative member organizations gather their internal spill response teams for a Mutual Aid Deployment Exercise that is facilitated by Cooperative Staff.
For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com
Vanessa Green General Manager vgreen@pdxmex.com
Polly Hyke Business Manager hyke@pdxmex.com
This training simulates mutual aid assistance to a hypothetical member organization who has requested assistance from fellow Cooperative members to respond to a spill event. Response teams from 9 member organizations participated in this event that took place on June 25, 2024. Each team utilized either their facilities response vessel or a vessel provided by the Cooperative to deploy 4 local Geographic Response Plans (GRP’s) on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Cooperative Staff and crew from the Cooperatives Response Contractor Republic Services assisted and coached the member teams as they worked through the GRP booming strategies. The GRP booming strategies exercised during this training were chosen based on their proximity to the simulated spill site and the priority of the strategy in the Northwest Area Contingency Plan.
For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com
Curtis
Cannizzaro
Executive Director cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
MFSA FILMS VESSEL RESPONSE PLAN VIDEO – JULY 22ND & 23RD, 2024
As you are probably aware, our mission at the Maritime Fire & Safety Association is to be the leading provider and advocate of safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective response services to commercial vessels in the Columbia Willamette River Marine Transportation System.
Given our unique role in an already complex field, we want to ensure we are able to clearly communicate the importance that as an MFSA enrolled vessel on the Lower Columbia or Willamette rivers, the MFSA Plan takes precedence over your federal vessel response plan.
We are excited to announce that we have filmed the components that are to be made into an instructional video for all vessels who transit the Columbia and Willamette River systems. This brief video will detail critical information for agents and vessel masters to be accurate, confident, and compliant in their incident reporting.
Anyone interested in learning more about the MFSA Vessel Response Plan should contact Carl Obermeier, MFSA General Manager via email at obermeier@pdxmex.com
Anyone interested in learning about the FPAAC training program
ENDOWMENT LAUNCHED AT PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Working Waterfront Coalition is proud to announce that we are setting up an endowment with Portland Community College. Founded in 2005, WWC is committed to a long-term legacy as both a coalition and providing training for working wage Jobs.
For more information, please visit our website: www.workingwaterfrontportland.org
Tanya Hartnett Executive Director tanya.hartnett@ workingwaterfrontportland.org
The WWC’s annual scholarship fund at the PCC Foundation spans more than a decade. Our investment has had a profound impact on the lives of PCC students studying in the trades. WWC’s investment in education fuels the local and regional economy as scholarship recipients go on to secure family-wage jobs and make untold contributions to their communities. In creating the endowment, WWC is ensuring support for student scholarships are not only available today, but that it grows and continues in perpetuity, providing a much-needed trained workforce to the Industrial sector.
To donate towards our scholarship please contact Tanya Hartnett at tanya.hartnett@workingwaterfrontportland.org
2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT
June 13, 2024
For more information, please visit our website: www.maritimecommerceclub.org
Margerie Vis Association Director vis@pdxmex.com
Michelle Eyres Association Account Specialist eyres@pdxmex.com
A perfect day for golf at Stone Creek Golf Club. 64 golfers signed up and Justin Valley and the team from FOSS won the first perpetual trophy. Please visit Justin’s office to see it. Thank you so much to the Annual Sponsors, Hole Sponsors, SCGC staff and Merchants Exchange staff for helping to bring everything together. Event Committee members Alex Scott and Bo McCall were essential and fun!
For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org
Carl Bertapelle Treasurer bertapelle@pdxmex.com
Michelle Eyres Association Account Specialist eyres@pdxmex.com
REGIONAL HARBOR SAFETY CONFERENCE
The Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee held its first Regional Harbor Safety Conference on July 9, 2024, at the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s Barbey Center. This event was co-hosted by LCRHSC, Coos Bay Harbor Safety Committee and Grays Harbor Safety Committee. The Chairs of each Committee made presentations to bring attendees up to date on the happenings and issues in their areas. Kevin Campbell presented for GHSC and Mike Dunning presented for CBHSC. A big THANKS to CAPT Justin Noggle, Sector Commander, Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, and the following individuals and organizations for presenting:
• Josh Mulhollem, Oregon Department of State Lands, Waterways Stewardship
• Karla Ellis, Julia Keiter & Terry Geroux, US Army Corps of Engineers
•Jeff Ferguson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Columbia River Bar Pilots arranged for lunch and the Museum let us use the Barbey Center at no cost.
Planning will begin for the 2025 Conference soon!
EDUCATION IN 2024-2025
SHIPPING 201
February 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Feb 5
• Feb 12
• Feb 19
• Feb 26
SHIPPING 202
April 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• April 2
• April 9
• April 16
• April 23
SHIPPING 301
June 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• June 4
• June 11
• June 18
• June 25
NEXT UP!
SHIPPING 101
October 2024
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• October 2
• October 9
• October 17
• October 21
New Year, New Knowledge!
Participating in the Shipping Education Series will help you understand the complexities of the shipping industry and allow you to make informed business decisions. With the skills gained through our courses, you will be able to create and maintain a successful career in shipping.
We provide comprehensive educational programs for you and your employees. Our courses are designed to help employees understand the latest trends and expand their maritime industry knowledge.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The Shipping Education Series is committed to providing the most comprehensive and relevant maritime education available. We strive to provide our participants with the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure the success of the maritime industry in the Columbia River Basin.
The Shipping Education Series evolved out of a need identified by the maritime community to provide a quality educational program that would be specific to the Columbia River Basin with a focus on the Columbia, Willamette and Snake River systems. Since 2015, we have meticulously expanded the program to meet the interests of maritime professionals in our region. We look forward to continued growth in the educational platforms that we offer our members and the greater maritime community.
PROGRAM PLAN
This series is beneficial to anyone in the maritime industry, from entrylevel to executives, as it provides an overview of the current state of the industry and the trends that are shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest maritime community.
Shipping Education Series offers students practical knowledge from experienced professionals. The series has four installments that focus on specific aspects of our industry. Each course is offered as four weekly two-hour virtual meetings. However, if you are unable to attend all sessions, we offer recordings of the sessions that are available for one month after the course has ended.
Although students do not necessarily need to take the classes in order, or complete the entire series, we recommend that you attend all sessions in order to gain the most comprehensive understanding of the topics.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Continuing professional development can have a positive effect on an organization’s overall performance. By investing in their employees, organizations can increase their productivity and become more competitive. Our continuing education program is designed to help maritime professionals stay ahead of the curve and become the best in the industry. Through our courses, we provide a platform for participants to gain knowledge and new insights that will be beneficial to their professional growth and career advancement.
EDUCATION IN 2024-2025
SHIPPING 101: Business of Shipping
The focus of this seminar is to provide an overview of the maritime industry and summary of the various sectors within the Columbia River Intermodal Transportation System.
Our speakers get you started with an overview of the Columbia River Basin’s history and how it grew into today’s thriving maritime industry. We start with an overview of the river infrastructure, ports & terminals, imports and exports, cargo categories, modes of transportation and vessel types. Then we move on to the business of shipping with a summary of key shipping terms and documents, required and involved parties, regulations and regulators, service providers and trade associations.
SHIPPING 201: Movement of a Ship
The focus of this seminar is the business of shipping from the perspective of the ship. We explore requirements and regulations as well as the important roles that agents, pilots, insurance and law play in enabling a ship to move from port to port.
We start with the ship. Our presenters describe the vessels and vessel traffic on our waterways with maritime experts providing details on piloting and navigation of vessels. Then we move on to the roles of vessel agents and regulators in regard to the ship. And finally, we learn about the role maritime insurance and maritime law plays in enabling a ship to move from port to port.
SHIPPING 202: Movement of Cargo
The focus of this seminar is the business of shipping from the perspective of cargo. We cover the scope of people and services it takes for cargo to move safely, efficiently and environmentally responsibly.
We begin by identifying the cargos that are commonly transported in our region. Our presenters introduce supply chain logistics and labor relations to ensure cargo keeps moving while meeting regulatory compliance. Then we explain various transportation modes, including railway, pipeline and barges. In conclusion, we evaluate the economic impact of cargo to the river system, navigation and infrastructure as well as reviewing the individual Ports and the cargo they specialize in.
SHIPPING 301: Marine Highway
The focus of this seminar is the operations and navigation of the Columbia River as a navigable waterway and its role as an American Marine Highway.
We look at operations and impacts of maintaining the Columbia River Marine Highway. We will feature the operations and regulations of dams, locks, dredging, and water navigation to optimize maritime movements on the river. Additionally, we’ll feature our upriver Ports and their impact on regional economies
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHIPPING EDUCATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS PDXMEX.COM/ABOUT-MEMBER/EVENTS
Gold Silver
Columbia Riverfront Hotel 909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion)
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
We 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:
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. Get your company featured in our newsletter, social media, website and
• One (1) feature article or (3) three small advertisements in our newsletter and one (1) social post featuring your organization annually
• 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: Jem Irving, Computer systems & Digital Marketing Specialist irving@pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE
Thank You to our Members
ACGI Shipping Inc.
Alexander Gow Inc.
Anchorage Launch Service Co.
B.R. Anderson & Co.
Blue Water Shipping Inc.
Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd.
Columbia Export Terminal
Columbia Grain International
Columbia River Bar Pilots
Columbia River Launch Service
Columbia River Pilots
Columbia River Steamship Operators
Association (CRSOA)
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Durham & Bates Associates LLC
EGT LLC
Foss Maritime Company
Fujitrans USA Inc.
General Steamship Corp Ltd.
Geo. S. Bush & Company Inc.
Great Western Malting
Haglund, Kelley LLP
Inchcape Shipping Services
International Transport Workers Federation
Interport PNW LLC
John R Dudrey LLC
Jones Stevedoring Company
Kalama Export Company
Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals
Kinder Morgan Energy
K-Line America Inc.
Lindsay Hart LLP
McCall Companies
Mid Columbia Producers Inc.
Monarch Inspection Services
National Cargo Bureau
North American Shipping Agencies
Norton Lilly International
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
Overseas Merchandising (OMIC)
Pacific Maritime Association
Pacific International Maritime Medical Services / SphereMD
Port of Astoria
Port of Columbia County
Port of Kalama
Port of Longview
Port of Portland
Port of Vancouver USA
Portland Lines Bureau Inc.
San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply
Sause Bros. Ocean Towing
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC
Seaport Marine Surveys Inc.
Shaver Transportation Company
Ship to Shore Water Taxi
Southport Agencies Inc.
T. Parker Host Inc.
Talon Marine Services
Temco LLC
Terra Hydr Inc.
Tidal Transport & Trading Inc.
Tidewater Transportation & Terminals
Tidewater Environmental Services
Toyota Tsusho America Inc.
TradeWest Brokerage Company
Transmarine Navigation Corp
Transversal International Corp
United Grain Corporation
United States Customs & Border Service
Vanport Marine
Vigor Industrial LLC
Volunteer Ship Ministry
Washington Department of Ecology
Wilhelmsen Ship Service
STAFF
Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com
Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com
Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com
Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com
Carl Obermeier obermeier@pdxmex.com
Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com
Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
Jem Irving irving@pdxmex.com
John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com
Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com
Jonathan JT Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com
Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com
Lisa Pomasl pomasl@pdxmex.com
Lisa Rau rau@pdxmex.com
Margerie Vis vis@pdxmex.com
Mason Sullivan sullivan@pdxmex.com
Michelle Eyres eyres@pdxmex.com
Philip Miller miller@pdxmex.com
Polly Hyke hyke@pdxmex.com
Shawn Kubitza kubitza@pdxmex.com
Tanya Hartnett hartnett@pdxmex.com
Thomas Semrau semrau@pdxmex.com
Vanessa Green vgreen@pdxmex.com