The Exchange March/April 2024

WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spring is in the air! In this issue, we highlight the Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council’s Annual Summit and essential training programs presented by the Council, a subgroup of the Maritime Fire and Safety Association. In addition, I encourage you to learn more about our “Friends of the Exchange” program (on page 17) an excellent way to promote organizations that engage with the maritime industry along the Columbia River. On page 9 are “The Port Reports”, which provide an outlet for local ports to share their news and achievements with our members, followed by a reminder that our Shipping 301 program starts in June. Finally, we are excited to debut our Custom Report Builder, which instantly provides access to current and past ship data in a made-to-order report.

From

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alex Scott (2026) President Anchorage Launch Services

Chris Cummins (2027) Vice President General Steamship Corp

Roger Hsieh (2027) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

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

Jeff Hibner (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative NuStar Energy

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

2024 MFSA/FPAAC TRAINING AND SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

For more information, please visit

FEBRUARY 15TH, 2024 – FPAAC AWARENESS LEVEL TRAINING

FPAAC member agencies participated in an Awareness Level Training on February 15th at the Cowlitz County Event Center. Don Doyle, FPAAC Training Coordinator, and Dave Wyman, FPAAC Logistics Specialist, worked together to provide this robust and engaging classroom-based training to over forty firefighters, company, and command officers from eight FPAAC and two non-FPAAC member agencies.

The Awareness Level Training, which all FPAAC agency personnel should hold, provides a solid foundation for participants to operate safely and efficiently in support roles without directly engaging in shipboard fire operations. This training is provided by way of a standard PowerPoint presentation, an FPAAC produced Ship Tour Video, and an activity designed to familiarize participants with how to understand vessel fire control plans.

MARCH 26TH, 2024 – FPAAC 1Q TECHNICIAN LEVEL TRAINING

FPAAC held its first Technician Level Training of the year onboard SS Curtiss, which was moored at Port of Vancouver Berth 17. This exercise saw a larger than anticipated turnout with nearly fifty total participants, but a headcount such as this is no surprise when personnel are given nearly full run of a ship.

To begin, participants were divided into companies and assigned to an Incident Commander (IC) who, with the help of an aide and fire control plan, assign crews to find a location and report back via radio so that can receive their next assignment. By starting with this activity, personnel were split into nearly a dozen companies and were able to familiarize themselves with the unique layout and hazards onboard the SS CURTISS before moving to the scenario-based portion of the training. As an added layer of complexity, we specifically asked the crew of CURTISS not to provide any assistance to FPAAC personnel navigating the vessel.

Our final component of the day focused on an engine room fire scenario included a missing crewmember. FPAAC personnel swiftly and effectively assessed the situation, made contact with the vessel representative, and determined the appropriate course of actions.

MFSA and FPAAC would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to the crew of SS CURTISS, as well as the Port of Vancouver for helping us coordinate this incredible training opportunity.

APRIL 2ND, 2024 – 2024 FPAAC ANNUAL SUMMIT

Each year, FPAAC holds an event jointly with the MFSA Board of Directors and staff to highlight and review the programs affecting FPAAC, featuring a variety of subject matter experts who can speak on the topics du jour pertaining to shipboard fire response. With the recent tragedy in Baltimore, there was no shortage of conversation. This year’s Annual Summit was held Tuesday, April 2nd, once again at the Cowlitz County Event Center in Longview, WA. Mason Sullivan, FPAAC Program Manager, welcomed guests and thanked them for being there.

Kicking off the day, Don Doyle, FPAAC Training Coordinator, spearheaded the initial presentation and provided an overview of FPAAC’s 2023 training activities. Following this, he took a deeper dive into the 2Q 2023 Technician Level Training which saw thirty FPAAC Technicians train alongside Seattle Fire and the United States Coast Guard at USCG Base Seattle in June 2023.

Up second was Captain Dan Jordan, a highly experienced mariner and current Administrator of the Columbia River Bar Pilots. Capt. Jordan started off by touching on the recent tragedy in Baltimore, discussing the ships that are brought in by the Bar Pilots and how they safely navigate beneath the Astoria-Megler Bridge. He then discussed general pilotage on the river, including the different groups of pilots, who regulates them, how they train, and finished by sharing recent updates to the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Plan.

Our third speaker, Kyle Higgins, holds positions as a Battalion Chief at Kirkland Fire in Washington State and as a Senior Fire Officer with Resolve Marine Group. Kyle delivered an insightful presentation on salvage and marine firefighting, covering history, regulations, resources, and hazards by also including personal anecdotes from his involvement in significant shipboard fire responses.

Presenting next was LTJG Mark Hayton, an Apprentice Marine Inspector at Sector Columbia River who provided an extremely informative and thoroughly researched presentation on lithium-ion batteries, associated risks, current and future regulations, and recent case studies involving vessel fires caused by a lithium-ion power source.

Concluding our lineup was Spence Byrum, CEO and co-founder of HRS Consulting, Inc. Spence is a retired Coast Guard pilot and safety officer who boasts an extremely diverse background centered on safety. Alongside now MFSA Executive Director Curtis Cannizzaro, he oversaw the last updates to the FPAAC Shipboard Fire Operations Guide (SFOG) and Lower Columbia Maritime Safety Plan and spoke about effective risk management as it pertains to the region.

Before concluding, Mason Sullivan requested Clatskanie Fire Chief Steve Sharek, a longstanding FPAAC Chair and Vice-Chair, to join him at the front of the group for a special acknowledgment, recognizing his years of service and unwavering support for the FPAAC program.

Thank you once more to everyone for their time and participation in this event. We hope to see you again next year!

Anyone interested in learning about the FPAAC training program should contact Mason Sullivan, sullivan@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: 3rd 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 8:00 am

Port of Longview

Dan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer

Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am

Port of Vancouver USA

Juliana 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 ASTORIA SECURES ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR PIER 2

In early March, Port of Astoria Executive Director, Will Isom, and Deputy Director, Matt McGrath, travelled to Washington, D.C. as a part of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association’s (PNWA) “Mission to Washington.” The mission featured meetings with Northwest Congressional Delegation (Oregon, Washington and Idaho), as well as presentations from federal agencies such as USACE, NOAA Fisheries, USDOT and the State Department.

Around that same time, House bill 4366 (Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY24) was passed by the House, Senate and signed by the President. Included in the appropriations was a Community Funding Request for Pier 2 at the Port of Astoria in the

amount of $1,000,000. The Port would like to send a special thanks to Congresswoman Bonamici, Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for their support and advocacy for this investment.

Pictured is Director Isom introducing Congresswoman Bonamici at Wednesday’s PNWA House event. Isom was selected to moderate the Congresswoman’s discussion with PNWA regarding priority issues and infrastructure within her district. The Port was also honored by a visit from Bonamici to deliver the symbolic $1 million check. Pictured are Port Commissioners, Tim Hill and Dirk Rohne, Congresswoman Bonamici, Director Isom, and Deputy Director Matt McGrath.

PORT OF VANCOUVER USA CELEBRATES RECORD YEAR FOR SUBARU VEHICLES IN 2023

More than 98,000 Subaru BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and Solterra and WRX vehicles were imported to North America through the port between January 1 and December 31, 2023, shattering the previous record-year of 91,000 cars in 2018.

“It makes us smile when passing a Subaru on the road because we know it likely came through the Port of Vancouver USA,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “We’re thrilled to have set a record year with Subaru because of all the benefits this relationship brings to the Vancouver community and beyond, and we’re excited to help them succeed in the years ahead.”

Thanks to Subaru’s involvement, every vehicle delivered through the Port of Vancouver USA plays a role in supporting the local economy. Subaru’s investments to prepare vehicles for retail delivery support wages paid to local workers, which are subsequently reinvested in the Washington and Oregon region through those workers’ spending.

“Subaru is appreciative of our longstanding collaboration and the support that the Port of Vancouver USA has offered in order to continue working towards future success,” said Lisa Kline, Vice President, Vehicle Planning and Logistics at Subaru of America, Inc. “Knowing we can rely on such a dedicated business partner who also understands and shares in our community commitment is an important value.”

Vehicles traveling by ship from Japan are port discharged and processed by long-term business partners. Accessories are then installed, and each vehicle is inspected to ensure it meets Subaru’s quality standards. Once imported and processed, the vehicles are moved out of the port to destinations across the United States and Canada.

SOA currently leases approximately 40 acres from the port, where it has imported and processed vehicles since 1993. The Port of Vancouver USA is the largest gateway for Subaru vehicles in the United States.

SHIPPING

201

February 2024

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Feb 7

• Feb 14

• Feb 21

• Feb 28

SHIPPING 202

April 2024

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• April 3

• April 10

• April 17

• April 24

SHIPPING 301

June 2024

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• June 5

• June 12

• June 19

• June 26

SHIPPING 101

October 2024

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• October 2

• October 9

• October 16

• October 23

EDUCATION IN 2024

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

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. Addionally, featuring our up river Ports and their impact to their regional economies.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHIPPING EDUCATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS PDXMEX.COM/EVENTS

2024 ICS PRACTICUM

SIX SESSIONS TO ENHANCE ICS PERFORMANCE

THESE SESSIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE READINESS OF PERSONNEL IN THE REGION OPERATING IN A UNIFIED COMMAND ENVIRONMENT. SESSIONS 1 THROUGH 4 ARE AN IN-PERSON COURSE AND SESSIONS 5 & 6 ARE A HYBRID IN-PERSON / OR ONLINE COURSE. REGISTER FOR ONE SESSION OR ALL.

SESSION 1 – April 17, 2024

12:00-15:00

INITIAL RESPONSE & THE ICS 201

SESSION 3 – May 1, 2024

12:00-15:00

SITUATION UNIT LEADER & INCIDENT ACTION PLAN DEVELOPEMENT

SESSION 5 – May 22, 2024 Online Only 12:00-13:30

PLANNING SECTION CHEIF

SESSION 2 – April 24, 2024 12:00-15:00

PREP FOR TACTICS MEETING & THE TACTICS MEETING

SESSION 4 – May 8, 2024 12:00-15:00

RESOURCE UNIT LEADER, DOC UNIT LEADER, & LOGISTICS SECTION CHIEF

SESSION 6 – May 29, 2024 Online Only 12:00-13:30

OPERATIONS SECTION CHEIF

LOCATION: 5814 NW BALBOA AVE. PORTLAND, OR97210

LUNCH PROVIDED FOR ONSITE SESSIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT: WWW.CLEANRIVERSCOOPERATIVE.COM/TRAINING

If you are interested in utilizing the Cooperative Training Facility or would like more information about exercise planning and facilitation, please visit our training facility webpage by clicking here.

Gold

Silver

For more information, please visit our website: www.pdxmex.com/scholarship Association Director, Margerie Vis: vis@pdxmex.com

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.

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

EMAIL

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