Issuu

IN THIS ISSUE: OUR MARINE HIGHWAY MEMBER UPDATES

PG 5 PG 8-9

PORT REPORTS ASSOCIATION UPDATES

NOV / DEC

2021

E XCHANGE THE

PG 13 PG 18

E XCHANGE

WELCOME TO THE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As we grow nearer to closing out 2021, we reflect on another year spent managing the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and celebrate the successes of the maritime industry in connecting commerce around the world. This edition of The Exchange highlights the importance of America’s Marine Highways, as well as shares important statistics and news from our industry members and partners. Thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange. On behalf of all of the staff, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange

NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange. We are pleased to share the work being done by staff and the direction we are going, as well as community news and reports from industry stakeholders. 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 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Board of Directors

Membership

Friends of the Exchange

America’s Marine Highway

Columbia Grain International

United Grain Corporation

Business Oregon

Statistics 12 The Port Report

Port of Columbia County

Port of Astoria

Port of Vancouver

Port of Kalama

Association Updates

Clean Rivers Cooperative

Maritime Commerce Club

Maritime Fire & Safety Association

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee

Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

Shipping Education Series

Merchants Exchange

Cover Image: courtesy of Mary Wiley, Merchants Exchange © 2021 by Merchants Exchange All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Merchants Exchange.

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

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 (2022) Jones Stevedoring Company

Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp

Eric Kastner (2022) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD

Gary Hodson (2023) ACGI Shipping

Ryan Statz (2022) 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: steamship 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

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.

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! 4

• 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.

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

AMERICA’S MARINE HIGHWAY

AMERICA'S MARINE HIGHWAY America has a versatile and expansive network of navigable waterways including: rivers, bays, channels, coasts, the Great Lakes, open-ocean routes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway System. Think of this as “America’s Marine Highway,” a network of maritime expressways having as many benefits (in some cases more) as America’s road network. However, America’s waterways are under used. The benefits of using our marine waterways -- such as reducing landside congestion and reducing system wear and tear -- are not perceived on an individual level. Using our waterways more consistently would create more public benefits and incentivize shippers to use these critical transportation channels.

So what are the benefits?

Public benefits include: • create and sustain jobs in U.S. vessels, ports and shipyards • relieve landside congestion • reduce maintenance costs and improve the U.S. transportation system’s overall state-of-repair (wear and tear on roads and bridges) • drive the mandatory use of emerging engine technologies • improve U.S. economic competitiveness by adding new cost-effective freight and passenger transportation capacities

MARAD’s Marine Highway Program has one major goal: expand the use of America’s navigable waters. They work closely with public and private organizations to:

• improve environmental sustainability of the U.S. transportation system by using less energy and reducing air emissions (such as greenhouse gases) per passenger or ton-mile of freight moved

• develop and expand marine highway service options and facilitate their further integration into the current U.S. surface transportation system, especially where water-based transport is the most efficient, effective and sustainable option

• improve public safety and security by providing alternatives for the movement of hazardous materials outside heavily populated areas

• highlight the benefits, increase public awareness and promote waterways as a viable (in some cases a superior) alternative to “landside” shipping and transportation options MARAD do not directly operate marine highway services. Rather, they promote their use, efficiency and public benefits.

• improve transportation system resiliency and redundancy by providing transportation alternatives during times of disaster or national emergency • improve national security by adding to the nation’s strategic sealift resources. Current Marine Highway Routes

The Marine Highway system currently includes 26 “Marine Highway Routes” that serve as extensions of the surface transportation system. Each all-water route is designated by the Secretary of Transportation and offers relief to landside corridors suffering from traffic congestion, excessive air emissions or other environmental challenges. Learn more at: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/grants/marinehighways/marine-highway Content provided by U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD)

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

Marine Highway M-5 Sponsors: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) Supporters: Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District/Port of Humboldt Bay, Port of Skagit County, WA, Skagit County Board of Commissioners, Town of La Conner, WA, and Swinomish Tribal Community.

Canada

M-5 ! Seattle

Landside Route Served: Interstate-5

Route Description: The M-5 Route includes the Pacific Ocean coastal waters, connecting commercial navigation channels, ports, and harbors from San Diego, CA, to the US-Canada border north of Seattle, WA. It spans Washington, Oregon, and California along the West Coast. It connects to the M-84 Route at Astoria, OR, and the M-580 Route at Oakland, CA.

! Portland

NORTH PACIF IC OCEAN Attributes: This Route contains several areas identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) as having considerable annual truck hours of delay, most notably in the urban areas of California, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, WA. U.S. DOT reports that Southern California and the Pacific Northwest are also plagued with freight rail congestion. Total domestic trade movements between the three States along the I-5 Route are expected to grow from 145 million tons per year to 366 million tons by 2030, exacerbating existing challenges.

OR ID

M-5

Navigable coastal waters that parallel the entire I-5 Route, combined with numerous deep and safe rivers, bays, and ports, can help to accommodate some of this expected increase in traffic, reducing landside travel delays and greenhouse gas emissions along this essential freight route.

NV !!

Oakland San Francisco CA

Los Angeles ! Marine Highways M-5

M-5

Other Marine Highway Routes

130

San Diego !

260 Miles

Projection: USA Contiguous Albers Equal Area Conic Data Sources: 1. International Boundaries: IPUMS (https://international.ipums.org/international/gis.shtml) 2. Bathymetry data: Michael Baker International 3. Marine Highways: MARAD/DOT

Table of Content

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

Marine Highway M-84 Sponsor: The Port of Portland, Oregon Supporters: The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Landside Route Served: Interstate-84 Route Description: The M-84 connects to the M-5 Route in Astoria, OR and includes the Columbia, Willamette and Snake Rivers, connecting commercial navigation channels, ports, and harbors. It spans Oregon, Washington, and Idaho from Astoria, OR, to Lewiston, ID, and a 26-mile portion of the Willamette River from Willamette Falls to the confluence with the Columbia River.

C C aa nn aa dd aa

Attributes: I-84, which parallels the Columbia River in Oregon, has been identified as a freight truck bottleneck by the U.S. Department of Transportation, resulting in up to 750,000 truck hours of delay annually. This is also noted by U.S. DOT as an area of major rail congestion. Containers from the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland currently move by truck on I-84 (and I-5), and 55 percent of the region's container market moves through the Puget Sound, causing additional truck and rail freight traffic between these ports. Seattle

Increasing the use of the water route paralleling I-84 can help mitigate landside congestion, reduce air emissions, and conserve energy. A container-on-barge service currently calling on smaller ports along the Columbia and Snake Rivers is one example of the Route’s potential. A proposed weekly service between the Ports of Umatilla, Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma could also accommodate the equivalent of 36,000 trucks that travel the I-5 landside Route each year. An operation like this could serve both agricultural exporters and importers in the Pacific Northwest shipping to far Eastmarkets.

Astoria

M-84

Portland

Lewiston

NO RTH PA CIF IC O C EA N

Marine Highways M-84 Other Marine Highway Routes

CA 0

180 Miles

Table of Content

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

Oakland

COLUMBIA GRAIN INTERNATIONAL

CGI CONTINUES TO SUPPORT SAVING THE SNAKE RIVER DAMS We add our voice to those who support maintaining the Lower Snake River Dams. Here at Columbia Grain International we have been supplying the world with grain, pulses, edible beans and oilseeds for over four decades. Our supply chain stretches across the northern tier of the United States from North Dakota to Washington, cultivating the growth of our farmers’ crops to safely nourish the world. We operate nine grain elevators in Eastern Washington, own or participate in loading grain at 3 Lower Snake River terminals, and are the majority owner in 2 export terminals in the Columbia River District. Removing the Lower Snake River dams as part of Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s $33.5 billion framework doesn’t promise to bring back Idaho’s salmon, but it will have devastating effects on our farmers who rely on this river system to successfully transport their crops to key export terminals to supply the international markets. The Columbia River System is the nation’s single largest wheat export gateway, transporting 50% of all U.S. wheat to markets overseas. The Northwest Infrastructure Proposal will slow international trade including the distribution of wheat, soy, corn, wood, autos, mineral bulks, and cruise tourism, and has the potential to eradicate the 40,000 local jobs that are dependent on this trade. For us, it will endanger the economic viability of at least two Portland-based export terminals, which rely heavily on barges and don’t have the land footprint to expand rail placement capacity. The removal of the dams will cause transportation methods to shift towards truck and rail, creating greater instability in freight costs, and exposing farmers to potentially higher transportation costs for grain shipments to destination markets, particularly during the fall when corn and soybean shipments from the Midwest are heavy. The evidence is clear. If the dams are breached, our farmers will be paying more and making less at the end of the day.

For over 40 years, the Columbia Snake River System has successfully served our communities, providing our regions with clean power, jobs, efficient transportation, irrigation, flood control, and more. It is critical now more than ever to keep this region stable and competitive in a time of global economic and social uncertainties. We are committed to cultivating the continued growth of our farmers and our PNW communities, and have serious doubts about the inherent cons which we feel drastically outweigh the pros of this proposal. Proponents of the proposal argue that removing the dams is necessary to restore salmon population. However, studies show that salmon survival rates may be greater now than if no dams existed. This all goes back to the life cycle of fish, and the fact that they spend most of their lives in the ocean. As we learn more about ocean conditions from NOAA fisheries, West Coast wild salmon and steelhead runs are struggling, and the commonality is the ocean. When considering dam removal, “I’ve studied the statistics which came from 40 years of research by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration”, and were compiled by retired Fish and Wildlife Biologist, John McKern. McKern spent much of his 30-year career researching fish survival, and developing and implementing fish passage improvements at the Snake and Columbia river dams. He found that after the fish leave the Columbia River about 88 percent of the remaining fish die during their first two or three years in the ocean from predators, adverse ocean conditions and commercial fishing. The Frazier River in Canada is very similar to the Columbia River system. It and other rivers along the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada have no dams and have the same fish problems as the Columbia River system. Currently, we have done quite well stewarding fish and protecting them every step of the way as they move and make their journey on the river. Removing the dam will have grave implications for our vital farm communities that depend on this transportation system to feed the world. We hope people consider that there are a lot of other things taking place that are impacting our fish. Jeff VanPevenage, President and CEO, Columbia Grain

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

UNITED GRAIN CORPORATION

A VISIT TO AN EXPORT ELEVATOR WITH UNITED GRAIN CORPORATION United Grain Corporation’s wheat, corn and soybean export elevator in Vancouver, Wash., on the Columbia River is the largest of its kind on the U.S. West Coast with storage of more than 220,000 metric tons. It was originally built in the 1920’s and purchased by United Grain in 1970. Like other U.S. facilities serving U.S. wheat buyers, the United Grain export elevator is part of the world’s most efficient supply system and is constantly improving. “Every year we do upgrades and maintenance that make the facility the cutting edge operation it is today,” said Brian Liedl, Director of Merchandising at United Grain.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO TOUR Earlier this year, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) worked with United Grain to record a video tour of this amazing export elevator facility. USW Vice President and West Coast Office

Director Steve Wirsching joined Liedl on a walk around the entire elevator and a detailed discussion of its systems. The program covers shuttle trains arriving from interior elevators and rapidly unloading wheat, explains how the facility separates and stores wheat by class and quality, discusses its investment in high-speed cleaning systems, and the essential work of federal grain inspectors. Federal Control Inside the inspection office, Liedl explained to Wirsching that under U.S. law, grain weight is measured and quality is tested by the Federal Grain Inspection Service before it is loaded onto a vessel for delivery. “After our shipping bins are filled, those independent inspectors have control of the grain and only release it to be loaded after they determine it meets that customer’s specifications,” he said. This program was created originally as part of a three-day USW seminar called “Contracting for Wheat Value for Chinese Customers.” USW shares this information to demonstrate how U.S. grain companies and the federal government are working to ensure all importers get the wheat they want as efficiently as possible.

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

BUSINESS OREGON

OREGON’S STRATEGIC PUBLIC PORTS

By Stephanie Prybyl, Business Oregon

Strategic Business Planning The opportunity to be thoughtful and discerning with staff and stakeholders is a valuable exercise that helps leadership establish goals, prioritize initiatives and allocate limited resources. Strategic planning is especially important for Oregon's public ports because of their dual mission - districts are responsible for a variety of complex business models, yet administratively function as a local government. As a result, a port's strategic business plan further defines port needs, the relationship to state interests and possible markets for pursuit. For over ten years, development of this best practice has been guided by Business Oregon's-adopted New Strategic Business Plan for Oregon’s Statewide Port System (a template for planning begins on page 117). Ports are required to update their strategic business plan every 10 years by law (ORS 285A.654-660 and OAR Chapter 123, Division 025), yet most ports view their plan as a living document. Growing infrastructure needs, advancing technology, developing workforces, fluctuating budgets and adaptations in light of climate change and COVID19, means Oregon is transforming. Port districts need discretion to evaluate core systems, review capacity, reset goals and reaffirm strategy routinely in order to thrive as essential businesses in uncertain times.

PORT PLANNING AND MARKETING FUND It is the policy of the State of Oregon to include its port districts into planning and implementation of economic development by way of technical assistance, intergovernmental coordination and responsible investment. The Port Planning and Marketing Fund is an example of this partnership. This Program awards grant funding to port applicants to cover strategic business planning costs. Grants are capped at $50K (or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less) and a 25% match is required. To begin the process ports consult with Business Oregon, to discuss their interest and receive assistance in filing application materials.

PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION With funding, the port may begin a yearslong process of updating their strategic business plan, which typically encompasses a public process, drafting assistance from a consultant and technical assistance from Business Oregon. Port Commissions must approve the update before submitting

Port of Umatilla 10

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

to Business Oregon for review and consideration of approval.

Which Columbia River ports are poised to take on strategic updates next?

With plan approval a clear path to implementation becomes the focus, ensuring there is wide-spread understanding of a port's vision. For example, Business Oregon will coordinate with the respective district and the Governor's Office Regional Solutions Team to unveil the update generating awareness, building relationships and fostering collaboration.

The Port of Arlington

PLANNING STATUS OF OREGON PUBLIC PORTS

Business Oregon thanks the greater port community for taking a look at the new strategic business plan updates and in advance for engaging in public processes for pending updates. This Merchants Exchange audience appreciates the inner workings of the Columbia River System, thus surely has insights about how to make plans better and ease project implementation where operations intersect with port responsibilities. Collective insights and efforts are valued; together we may seize opportunities that support the beautiful Columbia River through Oregon’s port portfolio.

Which Columbia River ports have recently adopted strategic business plan updates? The Port of Umatilla Top Priority - Developing water resources and planning for the Umatilla Army Chemical Depot The Port of Morrow Top Priority - Maximizing its role as a regional transportation hub by providing service excellence at industrial parks

The Port of the Dalles The Port of Cascade Locks The Port of Columbia County

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY

The Port of Hood River Top Priority - The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement Project The Port of Astoria (and Capital Facilities Plan) Top Priority - Pier 2 Rehabilitation

Port of Morrow THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

STATISTICS Custom Reports Does your organization need customized reports? Members of the Merchants Exchange can get customized reports for your needs. Contact: Jonathan Nichol at nichol@pdxmex.com

Vessel Arrivals - January to October 2021

250

200

150

100

Vessel Arrivals - January to October 2021

120

100

KALAMA EXPORT

TEMCO, LLC (KALAMA)

EGT, LLC

UNITED GRAIN CORP

COLUMBIA EXPORT TERMINAL

TEMCO IRVING

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

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY

PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Port of Columbia County Board of Commissioners announced that Sean Clark has been appointed as Executive Director. Clark first joined the Port of Columbia County in 2014 as the Port Westward Terminal Manager and became Deputy Executive Director in May 2021. Clark has been acting as Interim Executive Director since the resignation of Douglas Hayes last month. “We take pride in selecting and promoting community members to staff and leadership positions at the Port of Columbia County. Our succession planning, which ensures we will never have a key role open for which another employee is not prepared, resulted in a seamless transition moving Sean Clark from Deputy Director to Director,” said Nancy Ward, Commission President. “The Commission is grateful for the seven years Sean invested in learning the business of the Port and we’re confident his leadership will serve our expansion and investment in local jobs and industry,” said Ward. Clark has more than 12 years of port experience and an extensive background in logistics and maritime management. Prior 14

to joining the Port of Columbia County, he was the Harbor Master and Facility Security Officer at the Port of Kalama in Washington. Clark earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Communications from Concordia University. He is a past president and current member of the Northwest Marine Terminals Association, past chair of the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee and represents the Port of Columbia County’s maritime interests at a variety of industry groups. “I am thankful to the Board for their confidence in me and it’s an honor to have this opportunity to continue my career at the Port as the Executive Director. We have a talented and dedicated group of people at the Port, and I look forward to working with them to bring economic opportunities to Columbia County,” said Clark. As Executive Director, Clark will provide strategic leadership for the Port by working with the Commission and management team to establish long-range goals, business strategies, plans, and policies. The top priority for the Port continues to be economic growth, specifically development at the Scappoose Airport, McNulty Creek Industrial Park in St. Helens, and Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie. Clark will also manage the day-to-day operations and promote the Port’s mission of economic development by facilitating job growth within the port district. A native Oregonian, Clark resides in Goble where he and his wife of 27 years have raised their son and two daughters. He is active in the local community and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie and Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce and a former chairman of the Rainier School Board. In his personal time, Sean currently serves as the board president of the Columbia 911 Communications District and is a member of two bands that actively play in the region. WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

PORT OF ASTORIA

EAST BASIN CAUSEWAY The Port of Astoria owns and operates two mooring basins: the West Mooring Basin, near the Port of Astoria piers and offices, and the East Mooring Bason on the east end of Astoria. The East Mooring Basin has faced many challenges over the last decade. The causeway, which provides access to the docks, has been shut down since 2018 due to structural issues. While the East Mooring Basin is still a popular site for boat launches, the moorage slips have been under utilized as a result of the closed causeway and difficulties caused by sea lions inhabiting the area. With the causeway fenced off, boat owners have been using workaround measures; often taking a dinghy from the shore to their vessels. On the afternoon of September 21st, a portion of the East Basin causeway collapsed into the water. Fortunately, as the causeway had been shut down to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, no injuries occurred. In fact, Port management had been working on a plan to demo that particular stretch of causeway due to the poor condition. Plans had already been in the works, but instead of the planned demolition and clean-up, a crew was sent to remove the fallen debris from the water. This project started on September 27th and was concluded by early October. The Port has been working on a plan to fully rehabilitate the causeway and open it back up to the public. Some materials were purchased in 2019 with the intention of rehabilitating approximately 200 feet of the 875-foot structure in 2020. Unfortunately, due to impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the project was put on hold. Since that time, the Port has been working on the pursuit of grant THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

funding to rebuild the entire causeway. A $10 million project proposal has been submitted to the State of Oregon’s Connect program to help fund the rebuilding of the causeway, along with dredging of the East Basin. Several other projects are also in the works to make major structural repairs and improve upon waterfront real estate owned by the Port. At the same time, the Port is facing challenges that affect revenues, starting with the exit of Astoria Forest Products; at the time the Port’s largest customer; in 2019, and most recently with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic shutting down cruise ship travel, which had replaced log exports as another main revenue source. Grant funding has become a keystone in the Port’s plan to repair failing infrastructure and invest in improvements that will bring in new revenues, promote development and growth, and contribute to the region’s economy. 15

PORT OF VANCOUVER PORT OF ASTORIA WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING The Port of Astoria and City of Astoria are partnering to develop the Port of Astoria Waterfront Master Plan that creates a vision and implementation strategy for the Port's industrial waterfront. With recent changes in industry and trade, this site is now poised to re-invent itself, to be a place of commerce and enjoyment, a place that embodies the city's character and a location for all. On Wednesday, November 3rd, the Port and City hosted a public meeting where the project was discussed. Preliminary concepts will be presented and public comment will be welcome. The meeting is open to the public. The Port of Astoria Waterfront Master Plan is 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. The goals of the Waterfront Master Plan include: Creation of a Vision for the Port's Industrial Waterfront that promotes vibrant mixeduse development, leveraging strategic public investments and policy initiatives that set the stage for substantial new private development. A Vision that is long term in focus, but which is capable of adapting to changing economic circumstances over time. A Vision that contributes to the economic prosperity of Astoria. A Master Plan that contributes to the financial stability of the Port and the City. A Master Plan that reinforces Astoria's historic role as the economic hub of the North Coast. The Master Plan is anticipated to be completed by late 2021. 16

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PORT AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS At the recent 110th American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) annual convention, chairman Mario Cordero announced the election of new members to sit on the association’s board of directors. In their new roles on the board, these port industry leaders will drive the strategic course of AAPA to further advance the organization in achieving its core mission, vision and values.

The newly elected board members include: Juliana Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA, representing U.S. North Pacific Ports. Marler was appointed the port’s CEO in January 2017 after serving as its chief financial administrative officer. She is the first female CEO in the Port of Vancouver’s 105-year history and one with a diverse professional background that includes experience in logistics, sales, procurement and contracts and leadership in finance and administration. Read More at The Waterways Journal WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

PORT OF KALAMA

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER AT THE PORT OF KALAMA After a year with no organized activities, the Summer of 2021 brought large crowds to the Port to enjoy concerts, watch outdoor movies and attend special events. The summer of 2020 was perhaps the quietest the Port’s marina and parks have ever been, as the Covid-19 virus put the brakes on gatherings and most outdoor recreation. One year and a slew of new vaccines later, the Port’s marina and parks came alive again as thousands of people returned to their favorite summer hangout. Standing in stark contrast to the previous summer, there were so many entertainment options it was hard to decide what to do first! Summer officially kicked off in May with the completion of the Port’s marina renovation and new, 500 ft. guest dock feature. Improved walking surfaces and lighting rounded out the improvements, making the Port’s marina one of the more popular attractions in the area. Not to be outdone, the Westin Amphitheater brought thousands of people to the Port as McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge resumed their weekly free summer concerts and movie nights. Local merchants also took part, setting up tents during the events

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

and selling hand-made jewelry, unique art pieces, cupcakes and unique food and beverage items. “We had more vendors participating in the outdoor events than we’ve ever had,” said Heidi Sullivan, the Port’s Marina and Recreation Administrator. “It was fantastic to see so many people safely gathering and enjoying all of the beautiful amenities the Port has to offer.” Special events also added to the fun as the Port celebrated its 100th birthday and the Kalama Heritage Festival returned for its 10th year, bringing hundreds of local residents and visitors down to the waterfront to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hawaiian and Pacific Northwest tribal music, art and food. Now that the long days are behind us, we want to thank you for making the Summer of 2021 one for the record books. Here’s to a great Fall!

ASSOCIATION UPDATES Clean Rivers Cooperative Maritime Commerce Club Maritime Fire and Safety Association Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund Merchants Exchange

CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE As a benefit of membership, Clean Rivers Cooperative provides to its members Drill and Exercise support. This includes a team of specially trained personnel to operate in support roles throughout the Incident Command System (ICS) as well as a number of specifically developed tools to aid in effective documentation and communication during these exercises. Previously, this support was primarily exercised in large hotel ballrooms often with hundreds of people gathered around tables and donning ICS vests. The COVID-19 pandemic required quite the shift over these past 20 months. The incorporation of virtual drills with multiple satellite locations has become the standard for the time being. Clean Rivers has been actively working to not only maintain the same level of support during this shift, but to identify areas which would enhance our ability to collaborate with the stakeholders involved in a response. We have evaluated and selected methods that will improve our levels of support not only during virtual drills, but also once in person exercises again become the standard. Upgrades to our Command and Communications Trailer have enhanced communication and presentation equipment, allowing us to increase utilization during drills and exercises. Providing clearer displays for in person and remote guests though an upgraded display system, PA system and computer connectivity allows more participants to be able to clearly communicate in briefings between remote presenters and in person staff. Carl Boelter providing a status update from the Operations Section to remote exercise participants For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com Spencer Paul, Equipment Maintenance Supervisor: paul@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

Critical response strategies and information displayed on digital maps for all participants to view simultaneously

We have also developed and invested in digital tools for tracking and communicating resources and tactics throughout the command post and into the field. Tools like digital mapping, shared document displays and cloud based private access to critical operating information have allowed for continued operational effectiveness in an entirely new environment.

Clean Rivers is proud of the teamwork and collaboration that has been essential to maintaining our region’s continued success throughout this time. We look forward to returning fully to our in person exercises and believe

that the tools developed during this time will help us to increase our effectiveness in both remote and in person events for the future.

Briefings now mesh in person and virtual participants

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

ARITIME COMMERCE CLUB

33rd Annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree“LITE” SATURDAY DECEMBER 4, 2021

The 2021 Spree “Lite” will be an ONLINE EVENT! Due to COVID-19 precautions the Maritime Commerce Club’s Annual Shopping Spree will look different this year. MCC’s goal continues to be to provide children and their families, residing in shelters across the Portland Metropolitan area, the opportunity to experience the holidays.

This event cannot happen without supporters like you. Support the Spree! Visit our website to make your contribution: www.MaritimeCommerceClub.org/2021-childrens-shopping-spree-lite Sponsoring the Spree ensures each child will recieve a gift for the holidays this December. Sadly, early shelter estimates show an increase in participating children this year. In an effort to accommodate this increase in numbers, this year our sponsored children will be allocated (approx $35 each for a present, and an addtitional $25 Fred Meyer gift certificate will be gifted to each family to help with groceries, gifts, etc.)

Seeking Sponsors! Our goal date for gifts to be delivered will be December 4, though we are happy to accept donations to the Spree through December 31.

Your contributions are needed to make this event possible!

www.MaritimeCommerceClub.org 20

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

Thank you 2021 Spree Sponsors! Platinum

Gold Silver

Bronze

THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

ARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION

Maritime Fire & Safety Association held the second of the two required yearly equipment deployment drills on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. The crew met up at Cathedral Park in Portland to cover important safety briefings and receive their instructions. An MS Teams meeting was also set up for the state agencies to be able to evaluate the exercise remotely. The purpose of this deployment drill was to test the On-Water Recovery Branch of the Operations Section. The Task Force consisted of a Marco Belt Skimming Vessel, a Shallow Water Storage Barge, and two workboats. They focused on enhanced skimming, transfers from skimming vessel to the shallow water barge and decanting operations. Notifications were made on behalf of the MFSA by the Merchants Exchange.

For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Holly Robinson, General Manager: robinson@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com 22

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

FPAAC conducted a Marine Fire Command Exercise at the Clean Rivers Cooperative Operations Facility on October 22nd. This consisted of approximately 45 virtual participants from 9 member agencies, as well as the USCG, working through increasingly difficult scenarios centered around the Port of Vancouver’s Berth 10. On November 10th, FPAAC held its 3Q Technician Level Training in both Longview and Kalama with participants from 4 different member agencies splitting into two groups. The first practiced with a number of specialty tools at the PNW Metal Recycling Center, while the second began at the MFSA Foam Totes located at the Port of Kalama. They then swapped locations before finishing the day.

FPACC Technical Training

FPACC Marine Fire Command Exerise THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

U.S. COAST GUARD

PACIFIC COAST – PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY (PAC–PARS) What is the PAC-PARS? The Pacific Port Access Route Study (PAC-PARS) will be the first comprehensive evaluation of maritime traffic patterns along the Pacific Coast bordering California, Oregon, and Washington. Vessel traffic, offshore renewable energy, aquafarms, as well as commercial and government space launching activities are some of the maritime related changes occurring along the Pacific Coast. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting this study to evaluate the usage of coastal waterways, including the navigational conditions for coastal and outer-continental shelf transits. The study will provide a baseline to assist with future determinations regarding the suitability of waterways for current and future maritime activities and if existing routing measures are adequate.

Access to the study can be found by scanning the QR Code at the bottom of this flyer, or visit:

https://www.regulations.gov And search the docket number:

“USCG-2021-0345” Questions or concerns can be sent to:

PACPARS@USCG.MIL Please submit all official comments to the docket above. Comments and related material must be received on or before 25 January, 2022.

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee Board of Directors met virtually on November 10th and the meeting featured Board and Officer Election. The results of both elections are shown below: Elected Board Members for November 2021 (two-year term starts January 2022, expires 2024): Dan Jordan, Columbia River Bar Pilots Fred Myer, Port of Portland Pete Pawlicki, Kirby Offshore Marine Kate Mickelson, Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association Susan Johnson, Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots Todd Bolger, Portland Spirit

Larry Landgraver, Port of Longview Jon Hellberg, Shaver Transportation Curtis Cannizzaro, Clean Rivers Cooperative Josh Emerson, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Dena Horton, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association

Elected 2022 Officer Slate: President/Chair: Pete Pawlicki, Kirby Offshore Marine Vice President: Larry Landgraver, Port of Longview Secretary: Susan Johnson, Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots The General Membership Meeting featured a special presentation from the U.S. Coast Guard on The Pacific Port Access Study (PAC-PARS) which will be the first comprehensive evaluation of maritime traffic patterns along the Pacific Coast bordering California, Oregon and Washington. The next meeting of the Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee will be held January 12th 2022 and updates can be found on the website: lcrhsc.org

For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org Bekah Brinkmeier, Association Administer: brinkmeier@pdxmex.com Ant O’Reilly, Administrative Specialist: oreilly@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

ERCHANTS EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

2021 Annual Raffle - Online! Check out the upcoming drawings:

Package Four: Gorge-ous Vacation The Pacific Northwest is ready and waiting... experience the natural beauty of the Gorge, including a tour & tasting at famed Maryhill Winery and a stay at an historic railroad bed & breakfast, the Lyle Hotel. Drawing date: 11-19-2021

Package Five: Golf for Days A special package for people who can’t wait to hit the links. Show them the champion they’re rooting for! Includes prizes from Stone Creek Golf Club, Eagle Landing Golf Course, Glendoveer Golf & Tennis, and more! Drawing date: 12-03-2021

Package Six: Astoria Ahoy! Experience a taste of a pilot’s life, including an overnight stay at the Pilot’s House, dinner at the Silver Salmon, a family visit to the Columbia Maritime Museum, and drinks at the Fort George Brewery! With special thanks to the Columbia River Pilots, the Columbia River Bar Pilots, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Drawing date: 12-03-2021

To learn more, or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.pdxmex.com/scholarship/scholarship-fund-raffle-2021/ 26

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

2021 Raffle Sponsors:

Thank you for your generous support! www.pdxmex.com/scholarship THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

HIPPING EDUCATION SERIES

This February, we will be sharing Shipping Education 201 in four convenient online sessions on Wednesday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm. Each session is recorded. February 2: What vessels work our river February 9: Why vessels traverse our rivers February 16: How do vessels travel our rivers February 23: Who regulates vessel travel We look at the business of shipping from the perspective of the ship, exploring the requirements and regulation of a ship and the important roles agents, pilots, regulatory agencies, insurance and laws play in enabling a ship to move from port to port.

This April, we will be sharing Shipping Education 202 in four convenient online sessions on Wednesday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm. Each session is recorded. April 6: What Cargo Moves & Why April 13: Who Moves Cargo & How April 20: How Cargo Moves – Transportation Modes April 27: Where Cargo Moves: Pacific Northwest Ports We look at the business of shipping from the perspective of the cargo as it moves, including different types of cargo; labor demands; and modes of cargo transportation. We discuss the needs of supply chain & logistics, and the role of regulatory compliance, as it effects the economy of the Columbia River. 28

WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE

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 Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd. Columbia Export Terminal Columbia Grain Columbia River Bar Pilots Columbia River Launch Service Columbia River Pilots Crowley Maritime Corporation CVT Tanker Brokers & Associates Degesch America 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 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 National Cargo Bureau North American Shipping Agencies THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

Norton Lilly International Olympic Tug & Barge / Centerline Logistics Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality Overseas Merchandising Pacific International Maritime Medical Services Pacific Maritime Association Pacific Ship Supply Port of Astoria Port of Kalama Port of Longview Port of Portland Port of Vancouver USA Portland Lines Bureau Reuters Limited 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 Trans-Tec Transversal International United States Customs Service United Grain Vanport Marine Vigor Industrial Washington Department of Ecology West Coast Marine Cleaning Western Bulk Chartering Wilhelmsen Ship Service 29

200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201

STAFF

Aaron Garber-Paul Anthony O’Reilly Bekah Brinkmeier Carl Bertapelle Carl Boelter Chann Noun Curtis Cannizzaro Dayle Brinton Ellen Wax Holly Robinson John Cordasco Jonathan Nichol Kara Estabrook Liz Wainwright Margerie Vis Mary Wiley Mason Sullivan Shauna Dallas Shawn Kubitza Spencer Paul Thomas Semrau

garberpaul@pdxmex.com oreilly@pdxmex.com brinkmeier@pdxmex.com bertapelle@pdxmex.com boelter@pdxmex.com noun@pdxmex.com cannizzaro@pdxmex.com brinton@pdxmex.com wax@pdxmex.com robinson@pdxmex.com cordasco@pdxmex.com nichol@pdxmex.com estabrook@pdxmex.com wainwright@pdxmex.com vis@pdxmex.com wiley@pdxmex.com sullivan@pdxmex.com dallas@pdxmex.com kubitza@pdxmex.com paul@pdxmex.com semrau@pdxmex.com