THE
EXCHANGE
IN THIS ISSUE Port Reports
pg 6
Association Updates pg 10
20 23 NOV DEC
WELCOME TO THE
EXCHANGE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CONTENTS Letter from the Executive Director
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What an exceptional year 2023 has been. The Exchange has achieved many successes this year, and are poised for another successful year in 2024. This is due fully to the exceptional staff we have here. As you read through the reports from the Ports and Associations, that same hard work and dedication is present throughout our region, maintaining and improving our river system.
Board of Directors
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Membership
3
Columbia River Treaty
4
Statistics
5
The Port Reports
6
Port of Astoria
7
Port of Vancouver USA
8
Association Updates
10
Maritime Fire & Safety Association
10
Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council
11
Clean Rivers Cooperative
13
Maritime Commerce Club, Columbia River
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With the close out of 2023 nearing, we want to take a moment and wish all of our members a very happy and safe holiday season.
Thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange! Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director Merchants Exchange
Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee 17 Friends of the Exchange
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Merchants Exchange
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Contact Us
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NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM 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. 2
Cover image courtesy of Merchants Exchange. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Merchants Exchange.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Krout (2026) President Port of Vancouver USA
Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company
Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp
Alex Scott (2026) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.
Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines
Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company
Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp
Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies
Gary Hodson (2026) ACGI Shipping
Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.
Jeff Hibner (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative NuStar Energy Kent Cash (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Port of Vancouver USA Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP
MEMBERSHIP Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities.
The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.
Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include: • • • • • • •
Vessel Reporting Communication Support Service Vessel and Cargo Statistics Daily Grain Bulletin Grain Committee Membership Answering Service Special Reports and Services
The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.
For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY UPDATE The United States is currently in treaty negotiations with Canada over the Columbia River Treaty, which was ratified by the United States and Canada in 1964 to govern Columbia River flows for flood control and power generation. Both nations are now evaluating potential changes to this agreement. The U.S. negotiating team consists of Chief U.S. Negotiator Jill Smail and representatives from five U.S. government agencies: The Department of State; Bonneville Power Administration; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division; The Department of Interior; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In early September this year, the U.S. negotiating team met for a town hall on the Columbia River Treaty in Portland, Oregon, and in August the U.S. and Canadian negotiating teams met for the 18th round of Columbia River Treaty regime negotiations in Seattle, Washington. Currently, the flood control arrangement between the U.S. and Canada under the current treaty is set to expire in September 2024. Navigation stakeholders like the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) have been persistently advocating and expressing concerns to the State Department and Northwestern Delegation for the federal government to negotiate a compromise before the flood control arrangement expires. Stakeholders have concerns about the severe consequences to navigation from changes to river operations, especially increased or decreased flows. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division held four public information sessions in September and October, briefing the public on treaty modernization and real-time flood risk management operations. More specifically, the information session detailed the Corp's and Bureau of Reclamation’s plans to manage flood risk in real-time should the negotiating teams and two governments fail to ratify a new agreement on flood risk before the expiration of the treaty’s current flood risk component in September of 2024. For more information on those plans or to watch the recordings of those information sessions, click here.
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COLUMBIA RIVER STATISTICS From November 2022 through October 2023, the average monthly vessel call for the following Ports was as follows: Port of Portland: 75 | Port of Kalama: 22 | Port of Longview: 20 | Port of Vancouver: 23 OF NOTE: The highest number of vessels in a single month was October 2023 with 165 total vessel calls to the Columbia River Ports.
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 Jonathan Nichol at nichol@pdxmex.com Vessel Calls by Month for Columbia River Ports 180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
VANCOUVER
Nov-22
Dec-22
Jan-23
Feb-23
Mar-23
Apr-23
May-23
Jun-23
Jul-23
Aug-23
Sep-23
Oct-23
Nov-22 21
Dec-22 21
Jan-23 21
Feb-23 26
Mar-23 21
Apr-23 19
May-23 23
Jun-23 23
Jul-23 25
Aug-23 14
Sep-23 24
Oct-23 32
RAINIER
2
1
1
1
1
2
0
1
1
1
1
0
PORTLAND
77
84
73
57
70
67
80
83
79
82
77
76
PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
1
3
2
1
2
1
3
3
2
2
3
3
LONGVIEW
28
20
27
14
17
13
21
20
13
25
15
21
KALAMA
28
19
26
24
17
24
25
25
14
16
21
26
ASTORIA
0
0
0
0
0
3
6
4
2
2
4
7
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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
Port of Columbia County
Will Isom, Executive Director
Sean Clark, Executive Director
Port Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 8:00 am
Port of Kalama
Port of Longview
Mark Wilson, Executive Director
Dan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am
Port of Portland
Port of Vancouver USA
Curtis Robinhold Executive Director
Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 9:30 am
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 9:30 am
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PORT OF ASTORIA RECEIVES $25.3 MILLION FOR P2 WEST REHABILITATION The Port of Astoria has been awarded $25.3 million in federal grant funding through the United States Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the rehabilitation of Pier 2. This incredible investment will pave the way for a brighter future, ensuring that the Port remains a hub for seafood processors, commerce, and economic growth. The seafood processing cluster on Pier 2 is vital to the Port, the City of Astoria, and the entire region. Federal investment into this infrastructure is critical for its future and will help provide a safe, economically viable pier for generations to come. This project funds the rehabilitation of the Port of Astoria’s Pier 2 West, which is in critical need of repairs and rehabilitation. Project elements include: (1) a new steel bulkhead wall with a 75 year lifespan and that will include a new fendering system, 50 ton double bitt bollards, and a cast-inplace concrete bullrail; (2) removal of the old timber dock; (3) backfill; (4) underpinning of the Pier 2 warehouse; (5) warehouse building concrete slab repairs; (6) new concrete pavement on the pier surface; (7) construction of a stormwater drainage system; and (8) replacement of a water line and fire hydrants adjacent to the warehouse for fire protection of Pier 2. Earlier this year, the Port was awarded a $1.2 million grant from Business Oregon to cover preconstruction tasks including engineering, design, and environmental permitting. In the early stages of the project, the Port contracted with Bergerson Construction as its CM/GC (Construction Manager/ General Contractor) to provide expert project management through these critical pre-construction tasks. Pier 2 West in Astoria is crucial to the region’s economy, but the structure has been deteriorating over the years,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I’m thrilled that the Port of Astoria will receive close to $25.3 million from USDOT to make overdue repairs to this essential infrastructure.”
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HAVE YOU BEEN WONDERING WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE EMPTY AREA AT TERMINAL 1? The next project in our Terminal 1 redevelopment is to replace the century-old dock. This dock is the birthplace of the Port of Vancouver USA and has served many purposes over the years including as the original shipping terminal for the port. It later housed a restaurant, hotel and event space. In the coming years, the new dock will support a public market for the community to enjoy. Crews will mobilize and begin demolition of the existing structure in early October 2023. When it comes to this type of construction in the Columbia River, work is confined to sitespecific “in-water work windows” during which threatened and endangered salmon species are least likely to be present. These windows are determined by federal and state agencies during the project’s environmental permitting and approval process with the goal of minimizing construction impacts on aquatic life. In the case of our dock replacement project, this in-water work window occurs from October 1 through January 31 over a three-year period.
Rendering of future dock and public market. 8
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The complete project will be constructed in three phases as follows:
Window 1 (October 2023 – January 2024) will see the demolition of the existing dock and removal of nearly 1,000 old wooden pilings — most of which date back to the 1920’s. Old pilings were often treated with creosote, which can leach into the river and impact aquatic life. This dock replacement project will remove these treated structures from the river.
Example of fish mix
In Window 2 (October 2024 – January 2025) crews will work on upland ground improvements; rebuilding the bulkhead wall where the dock meets the shoreline and regrade the slope, all of which will help stabilize the new structure during a seismic event. A fish-friendly gravel and/or coarse sand substrate will also be installed. This substrate provides salmon and other fish species improved habitat to forage for food and stay safe from predators.
Window 3 (October 2025 – January 2026) is where approximately 200 steel piles will be installed to support the new dock (and eventually, the public market). In addition to adhering to the in-water work windows, another way we are reducing impacts from construction noise on aquatic life is with “bubble curtains.” While the steel piles are being driven into the ground, compressed air will be pushed through perforated pipes surrounding the work area under the water. This compressed air will form a ring of bubbles floating upward, creating a dense air wall that helps diffuse underwater noise that occurs from the installation of the new piles.
Visual representation of how a bubble curtain buffers noise.
We’re excited to get to work and move one step closer to bringing a public market to Vancouver’s waterfront!
Example of a bubble curtain.
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES
EVENT RECAP: MFSA WORST CASE DISCHARGE TABLETOP EXERCISE On September 21st, 2023, the Maritime Fire & Safety Association conducted its Worst-Case Discharge Tabletop Exercise (WCDTTX), marking the successful conclusion of another triennial exercise cycle. In this simulated response exercise, the fictional cargo vessel M/V GULF ISLANDS was positioned at the Ash Grove Cement facility on the Willamette River, taking on cargo. Another vessel, the M/V WHISKEY TANGO, encountered steering issues, resulting in an allision with the M/V GULF ISLANDS’ port side. The Chief Engineer of M/V GULF ISLANDS estimated that several tanks had been breached, resulting in a discharge of approximately 10,000 bbls of Bunker Oil into the Willamette River. Additionally, an estimated 6,000 bbls remained on board, posing an additional risk of discharge. Despite the challenging scenario presented, participants demonstrated effective coordination and response strategies and tactics. The exercise concluded with a Planning Meeting, ensuring effective management of the incident. A sincere thank you to the approximately 100 participants who contributed to the success of the MFSA WCDTTX. Your commitment to safety and effective response demonstrates our collective dedication to ensuring the well-being of our community, members, stakeholders, and beyond.
For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director, cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, FPAAC Program Manager, sullivan@pdxmex.com 10
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3Q TECHNICIAN LEVEL TRAINING 3Q Technician Level Training was held at Portland Fire & Rescue Station #2 on September 29th, 2023. This training was an “all tools day” where participants were able to observe and practice tool-specific techniques at different stations throughout the training yard. Training concluded with a scenario that featured an emergency SCBA breathing technique following an evolution in the impressive (and smokey) training tower. In total, over 45 personnel from nine different FPAAC member agencies participated in this highly successful training. Technician Level Training for firefighters is critical in providing an understanding of the unique challenges faced with a shipboard fire. Training is also important for agency fire chiefs when it comes to managing such a complex event.
For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director, cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, FPAAC Program Manager, sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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MARINE FIRE COMMAND EXERCISE FPAAC held its annual Marine Fire Command Exercise on October 12th at McMenamins Harbor Lodge in Kalama, WA. Over 30 participants from ten different FPAAC member agencies participated in a series of increasingly severe scenarios focused on a cruise ship berthed in Kalama before being given the opportunity to tour the American Cruise Lines American Song, a local river cruise vessel. While onboard, personnel were given the opportunity to observe the engine room, galley, laundry stores, firefighting systems, as well as the challenges that would be present during an emergency onboard this type of ship. The ability to tour this vessel was a huge benefit to our training, and provided additional understanding and realism to the scenarios exercised. A special thanks to the captain and crew of the American Song for this amazing opportunity!
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2023 CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE MEMBER BOOM RODEO The Clean Rivers Cooperative Annual Boom Rodeo took place on September 28th this year. Even though this event was scheduled a little later in the season than previous years, the cooler and rainier weather didn’t slow anyone down. Twelve teams participated in this friendly competition that was comprised of 9 different stations to demonstrate skills such as boat operation, boom deployment, knot tying, equipment set up and a trivia game. As the teams rotated through the stations, they were shuttled between the Chevron Dock, which was the muster point for the on-water activities, and the Clean Rivers Cooperative Operations Training Facility, where the shoreside activities were positioned. On-water activities included a timed obstacle course, the deployment of 2 different GRP’s and a timed boom corralling activity. Shoreside activities consisted of knot tying instruction with a timed competition, set up and take down of a decontamination station, timed assembly of a fast tank, and a timed assembly of a skimmer and pump system. In the training room, two teams came together to participate in a game of Marine Jeopardy
that included various categories such as spill response, boat operation, safety, and Clean Rivers history. Response Contractor, US Ecology provided instructors who worked with Clean Rivers Staff for both the on-water and shoreside activities. Even though the Boom Rodeo is a fun and friendly competition between member teams, it is also an important learning and training opportunity. The on-water activities afford Members the chance to practice skills that they do not usually exercise in their daily work and GRP deployment activities at the Boom Rodeo can count as a facility deployment credit by the State of Oregon. Members also get to work with other response equipment, such as skimmers and portable storage tanks that would be essential to quickly deploy in an actual spill event. These are the skills needed to maintain an effective response team.
The more fun you can have while training the better! To keep everyone’s energy going, participants enjoyed a BBQ lunch that was THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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provided at the Clean Rivers Operations Facility. Members look forward to the Rodeo each year and the comradery it brings. There are some rivalries between teams as everyone wants to make it into the winner’s circle. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded with the coveted Boom Rodeo Belt Buckles that will be presented at the 2023 Member Meeting in December.
2nd Place Phillips 66
1st Place Nustar Vancouver
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.
3rd Place United States Coast Guard Sectors Portland & Columbia River
For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com Ben Robinson, Maintenance Mechanic - Marine: brobinson@pdxmex.com Polly Hyke, Administrative Coordinator: hyke@pdxmex.com 14
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35th Annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree
SEEKING SPONSORS! The 2023 Spree “Lite” will be an ONLINE EVENT!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 2, 2023 This event cannot happen without supporters like you! MCC began the 2023 Shopping Spree planning early this year, in an effort to see where and how our participating Spree shelter partners are faring since the start of COVID-19. We were notified that many of our partners are still suffering lasting effects of the pandemic, which includes staffing shortages, ongoing safety protocols, and increased client needs. Therefore, MCC has determined that 2023’s Spree event will again utilize the “LITE” platform, which equates to internal (staff) shopping and gift-delivery via Amazon (no on-site shopping or volunteer gatherings). 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. As our shelter partners continue to navigate this new “normal”, MCC is committed to doing all we can to help facilitate a nice 2023 Holiday Season. We cannot do this without you – our wonderful MCC and industry partners! Your contributions are needed to make this event possible!
Your generous financial donation will benefit approximately 150 children and 85 families living in shelters this holiday season Visit our website to contribute today! https://maritimecommerceclub.org/2023-childrens-shopping-spree-lite/
Sponsor the Spree:
Bronze
$100- $249
Acknowledged on:
Silver
$250 - $499
Gold
$500 - $749
Diamond Platinum $1,000+ $750-999
Website Spree Invitations Exchange Newsletter
www.MaritimeCommerceClub.org THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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Thank you 2023 Spree Sponsors! Diamond
Gold
Silver
For more info contact Ashley Ros at ros@pdxmex.com
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2024 Meeting Calendar d
Please note the following items, announcements, and points of contact from the meeting: Board of Directors Meeting Update:
b
January 10, 2024: Host Needed for Hybrid Meeting March 13, 2024: TBD May 8, 2024: TBD July 10, 2024: TBD September 11, 2024: TBD November 13, 2024: TBD a
Thank you to everyone who attended our hybrid meeting on Wednesday, November 15th at Merchants Exchange. We enjoyed seeing you all there!
c
Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs
• The Board of Director elections for the two-year term beginning in January 2024 were held. • The “Dead Ship Tow Guidelines” amendment was approved. US Army Corps of Engineers - Dredging Update Point of Contact: Jessica Stokke, Navigation Business Line Manager Jessica.b.stokke@usace.army.mil Western Maui Wildfire Response August 2023 Point of Contact: Jim Merten, USCG Port Security Specialist James.t.merten2@uscg.mil MARAD - Report Point of Contact: Xochitl Castañeda, Pacific Northwest and Alaska Gateway Director xochitl.castaneda@dot.gov NOAA - Report Point of Contact: Jeffrey Ferguson, CA Navigation Manager jeffrey.ferguson@noaa.gov
The next meeting of the LCRSHC will be held on January 10th, a registration link will be provided once the meeting logistics are finalized. We are in need of 2024 Hybrid meeting hosts! If you are interested in hosting a hybrid meeting for the January meeting, please contact Ashley at lcrhsc@pdxmex.com. We will see you next year!
For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org
Ashley Ros, Association Account Specialist: ros@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM
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FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.
Columbia Riverfront Hotel 909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion)
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/
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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE Thank You to our Members
ACGI Shipping Company Alexander Gow Anchorage Launch Service Co. B.R. Anderson Blue Water Shipping Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd. Columbia Export Terminal Columbia Grain Columbia River Bar Pilots Columbia River Launch Service Columbia River Pilots Columbia River Steamship Operators Association (CRSOA) Crowley Maritime Corporation Degesch America Duncan Shoemaker & Associates, LLC Durham & Bates Agencies EGT LLC Foss Maritime Company Fujitrans USA General Steamship Agencies Geo. S. Bush & Company Great Western Malting Haglund, Kelley LLP Inchcape Shipping Services International Transport Workers Federation Interport PNW Jacob Engineering Group John R Dudrey LLC Jones Stevedoring Company Kalama Export Company Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals Kinder Morgan Energy K-Line America Lindsay Hart LLP Marathon Petroleum/Tesoro McCall Companies 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 (OMIC) Pacific Maritime Association Port of Astoria Port of Columbia County Port of Kalama Port of Longview Port of Portland Port of Vancouver USA Portland Lines Bureau San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply Sause Bros. Ocean Towing Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Seaport Marine Surveys Shaver Transportation Company Ship to Shore Water Taxi Southport Agencies Sphere MD T. Parker Host Talon Marine Services Temco LLC Terra Hydr Tidal Transport & Trading USA Tidewater Barge Lines Tidewater Environmental Services Tioga Group Toyota Tsusho America TradeWest Brokerage Company Transmarine Navigation Transversal International United Grain United States Customs & Border Service Vanport Marine Vigor Industrial Volunteer Ship Ministry Washington Department of Ecology Wilhelmsen Ship Service 19
CONTACT US 24/7 Marine Operations Services Department (503) 228-4361 ContactUs@pdxmex.com 200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201
STAFF
Anthony O’Reilly Ashley Ros Bekah Brinkmeier Ben Robinson
oreilly@pdxmex.com ros@pdxmex.com brinkmeier@pdxmex.com brobinson@pdxmex.com
Carl Bertapelle Carl Boelter Chann Noun Curtis Cannizzaro Ellen Wax John Cordasco Jonathan Nichol Jonathan JT Tuom Kara Estabrook Lisa Pomasl Margerie Vis Mason Sullivan Philip Miller Polly Hyke Shawn Kubitza Tanya Hartnett Thomas Semrau Vanessa Green
bertapelle@pdxmex.com boelter@pdxmex.com noun@pdxmex.com cannizzaro@pdxmex.com wax@pdxmex.com cordasco@pdxmex.com nichol@pdxmex.com tuom@pdxmex.com estabrook@pdxmex.com pomasl@pdxmex.com vis@pdxmex.com sullivan@pdxmex.com miller@pdxmex.com hyke@pdxmex.com kubitza@pdxmex.com hartnett@pdxmex.com semrau@pdxmex.com vgreen@pdxmex.com