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The Exchange Sept/Oct 2021

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INFRASTRUCTURE

SEPT / OCT

2021

E XCHANGE THE

IN THIS ISSUE: OREGON INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE

PG 6 PG 8

PORT REPORT ASSOCIATION UPDATES

PG 11 PG 19


E XCHANGE

WELCOME TO THE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS Board of Directors

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We quickly are moving into the fourth quarter of 2021 – time flies! This edition of The Exchange is packed with information.

Membership

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Friends of the Exchange

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Infrastructure is on everyone’s mind and much debated in Washington DC. We feature two informative articles from Business Oregon summarizing their recent Oregon Infrastructure Summit and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association “Talks Infrastructure”. Additionally you’ll find articles from our regional ports, the USCG Sector Columbia River, and our Associations. Our Shipping Education Series resumes October 6 with The Business of Shipping – it’s not too late to register.

Shipping Education Series

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Business Oregon

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Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

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Thank you for your continued support! 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.

Statistics 10 The Port Report

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Port of Portland

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Port of Coos Bay

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Port of Astoria

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Port of Kalama

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Port of Longview

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Association Updates

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Clean Rivers Cooperative

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Maritime Fire & Safety Association

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Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee

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Maritime Commerce Club

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Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

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Contact Us

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Editorial Team >> Mary Wiley - wiley@pdxmex.com >> Bekah Brinkmeier - brinkmeier@pdxmex.com >> Anthony O’Reilly - oreilly@pdxmex.com 2

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.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Todd Krout (2023) President Port of Vancouver USA

Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp

Alex Scott (2023) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.

Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp Gary Hodson (2023) ACGI Shipping

Eric Kastner (2022) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD Ryan Statz (2022) Columbia Grain, Inc. Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP

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

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

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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.

Show your support! Your Company Logo Here!

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SHIPPING EDUCATION SERIES

SESSION 1: Introduction to the Columbia River Wednesday, October 6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Introduction and Welcome - Mary Wiley, Merchants Exchange Merchants Exchange and Marine Operations Services Maritime Industry Trade Associations Columbia River History Columbia River Ports and Terminals SESSION 2: How does the Columbia River work? Wednesday, Oct 13 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Introduction and Welcome - Mary Wiley, Merchants Exchange Columbia River Imports/Exports and the Economy Columbia River Infrastructure & Treaty SESSION 3: How does Maritime Shipping work? Wednesday, October 20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Introduction and Welcome - Mary Wiley, Merchants Exchange

Webinar Cost: $120 : Members $160 : Non-Members Your reservation package includes: – One pass to all four sessions of our online class, taught live by industry experts. – Final Session (4th Session) online and/or in-person option followed by lunch with the presenters. – Access to recordings of our live classes for the following four weeks.

Cargo Categories and Modes of Transportation Key Shipping Terms and Documents

– Your own digital student guide with all presenter slides (in PDF).

SESSION 4: Who is involved in Maritime Shipping? Wednesday, October 27 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

– Certificate upon completion (hard copy mailed and digital certificate in PDF).

Introduction and Welcome - Mary Wiley, Merchants Exchange Involved Parties and Potential Parties Regulators and Regulations THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

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BUSINESS OREGON

by Stephanie Prybyl, Business Oregon Review of recent event: Sept 13-14, 2021

Do you care about infrastructure? Are you a member of our dynamic infrastructure sector, consisting of community leaders, financiers, regulators, service providers, developers and more? Do you recognize resilient infrastructure as key to solutions that will overcome economic, social and environmental uncertainty? About the Summit: Jointly presented by Business Oregon and the Northwest Environmental Business Council, and in partnership with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Infrastructure Summit explored the interconnectedness of basic infrastructure with community and economic development and long-term sustainability and resilience. This unique event featured 5 keynote presentations and 24 educations sessions across 4 distinct tracks to engage the latest knowledge and best practices, develop business and foster relationships. 6

Summit Preparation: A lot of preparation goes into an event of this size and scale. The Summit’s purpose was spearheaded by a Leadership Roundtable, a group of multi-disciplined professionals who gauge peer status and have an eye on the horizon, so as to anticipate Oregon infrastructure needs. The culmination of discussions held last spring was presented at the conference opening. Representing port districts at this forum was Michele Bradley, Tillamook Bay, and Lisa Mittelsdorf, Morrow. Many thanks to both of them for committing to this effort! Direction stemming from the Leadership Roundtable was implemented by the Planning Committee, a group of multidisciplined professionals who coordinate among the infrastructure sector and manage logistics behind conference sessions. Representing port districts in this capacity was David Ashton, Portland. David has assisted with multiple conferences and is excellent at honing relevant information for the benefit of attendees. Featuring the Blue Economy: Like prior years, educational sessions spanned tracks about infrastructure fundamentals, evolving topics, adaptation and resiliency. But *NEW* this year was a track dedicated to the Blue Economy, highlights of which included, but are not limited to: WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE


business park; Newport keeps it eyes on the global economy with its international marine terminal.

What is the Blue Economy OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center representatives denoted this concept consists of 6 sectors (living resources, marine construction, marine transportation, off shore mineral extraction, ship/boat rebuild, tourism/recreation) impacting 8 regions, 30 coastal states and 400 coastal counties. To become a leader Oregon must create a Blue Economy Hub/identity, collect and analyze data, develop the next generation of workforce, collaborate over innovation, advance blue technology and create opportunity for historically underserved populations. The Challenge of Resilient Ports - The Port of Portland’s Resilience Program was featured, which seeks to reduce vulnerability to multiple hazards and recover, adapt and return operations to normal when faced with challenge. The panel told the story of how the Port responded to the State’s Resilience Plan and worked with a consulting firm to prioritize a seismically resilient PDX runway within planning and budget. Economics of Infrastructure and PlaceApproaches to infrastructure vary depending upon regional economies. This session featured port districts sharing how infrastructure development plays a role within their respective community: Morrow saves money in building projects due to in-house talent; Cascade Locks improves a distressed local economy by expanding its THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

On Land or in Water: Asset Management Fundamentals As a first of its kind for in-water infrastructure, US DOT discussed the development of its Waterfront Asset Management Tool, which will assist public and private port districts in establishing risk based, asset management plans. Between state and federal presenters, stakeholders left with an understanding of how to prioritize maintenance projects and justify the spending of scare resources for maintenance and/or resiliency priorities. Keynote: The Story Behind Washington’s Maritime Blue’s Cluster Development The Summit remains grateful to Jennifer States for explaining how an audacious goal materialized into the State’s new collaboration model for accelerating Blue Economy innovation in support of economic growth, ecosystem health and equitable communities.

Next Year: Save the dates! October 24-25, 2022 The Oregon Infrastructure Summit makes for a valuable opportunity to showcase your organization and services to hundreds of professionals active in the infrastructure sector. Afraid you missed out this year? Fear not, join us next year. Summit partners would be pleased to work with you over conference planning or sponsorship, as a presenter or an attendee! Learn more at www. theoregonsummit.com. 7


PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION (PNWA)

LET’S TALK INFRASTRUCTURE

PNWA continues to work closely with our federal agency partners and our region’s Congressional delegation while the Administration and Congress negotiate a potential infrastructure package. While our vision of what that package will eventually look like remains cloudy, we’re happy to report that when we swap out our crystal ball for binoculars, there is a lot of great on-the-ground infrastructure work already happening right now in the Pacific Northwest. Right here on the lower Columbia and Willamette rivers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contract dredges have been hard at work since April maintaining the deep-draft navigation channel. Work has been proceeding smoothly, and oceangoing ships have had no draft restrictions imposed due to shoaling along the channel. Further downriver, the Corps and its contractors have also been moving forward with the rehabilitation of the Mouth of the Columbia River South Jetty. Placement of massive 40-ton stones on the 6.6-mile jetty that helps ensure our navigation channel is protected and the entrance to our river system is open for business for decades to come. Upriver, we were pleased with the successful spring maintenance outage at the 8

navigation locks on the Columbia and lower Snake rivers this past spring. These planned outages allow the Corps to conduct routine maintenance, but also to inspect the locks and their associated machinery for problems that need bigger fixes. This spring’s inspections did exactly that at The Dalles Lock & Dam, revealing cracks and other damage to the downstream miter gate, caused mostly by misalignment of the gate. The Corps quickly added two weeks to the outage at The Dalles to make interim repairs, and has already developed a plan for longer-term repair work during next spring’s outage to ensure the lock’s reliability. The Corps is also working with PNWA and our members on plans and funding needs for future significant repair and replacement work on navigation lock components at McNary Dam near Umatilla, Ore. PNWA also celebrates some great commercial shipping improvements planned and implemented at our coastal member ports. The Port of Coos Bay, for example, has entered a memorandum of understanding with NorthPoint Development to develop a multi-modal container facility that will move an estimated more than one million 40-foot containers a year, using the Coos Bay Rail Line between the port and Eugene, Ore. The facility is expected to support about 500 short-term construction jobs and up to 250 permanent full-time family wage jobs.

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On a smaller scale, but no less impactful to its large and economically important fishing fleet, the Port of Newport recently opened a new pier to its Dock 5, which is home to 80 vessels that haul in Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, black cod, halibut, tuna, and more. The new pier is the conduit for potable water, fuel lines, power, and more to the boats, as well as a floating fuel facility. While not related to navigation infrastructure, we are also heartened to see members of our region’s Congressional delegation turning away from the contentious lower Snake River dam breaching arguments to focus on salmon infrastructure solutions where they’ll do the most good – in Puget Sound itself. For example, Senator Maria Cantwell (D, WA) secured new dedicated funding for culvert restoration to restore fish passage under roads and other structures and provide critical access to upstream habitat. Representatives THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

Derek Kilmer (D, WA-6) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) also successfully pushed for more funding for the Puget SOS Act, which will improve environmental recovery efforts in the Sound. We look forward to seeing a completed infrastructure package that continues and expands upon all this great work. We also look forward to seeing you – hopefully in person – at our Oct. 19-21 Annual Convention in Vancouver, Wash., where Corps representatives will present an overview of planned 2022 navigation maintenance and repair work throughout the Pacific Northwest. 9


STATISTICS In 2021, the Columbia River ports have seen an expansion of container services to go along with our steady flow of vessel movement. Ports up and down the West Coast are handling record breaking cargo volume, with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach regularly setting new records for number of waiting vessels and number of boxes handled. In order to break through the backlog, container lines are increasingly diverting cargo to other West Coast ports. The intermodal transportation system of the Columbia River stands ready to assist and looks forward to the future as we safely and efficiently move cargo along our waterway!

Cargo Summary

Jaunuary - August 2021 160 140 120

Vessel Arrivals

100 80 60 40 20 0

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

TANKER

3

4

5

3

6

5

6

AUG 6

OTHER

15

19

17

18

20

10

26

21

CONTAINERS

5

4

4

5

2

5

4

5

BULK

90

83

76

81

78

68

66

52

BARGE

8

16

13

15

19

19

19

26

AUTOS

11

11

14

10

15

13

15

12

Cargo Detail

January - August 2021

Custom Reports

16

14

12

Vessel Arrivals

10

8

6

4

2

0

10

JAN

FEB

MAR

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

Autos

11

11

14

10

15

13

15

12

Containers

5

4

4

5

2

5

4

5

Windmills/Project

2

0

1

1

5

0

2

1

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 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

Doug Hayes Executive Director Port of Columbia County

Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer Port of Longview

Curtis Robinhold Executive Director Port of Portland

Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA

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PORT OF PORTLAND

PORT OF PORTLAND WELCOMES NEW SERVICE TO TERMINAL 6 Regional businesses and consumers will have more options to move products following pandemic supply chain issues A year and a half after weekly container service returned to the Port of Portland’s Terminal 6 – thanks to South Korea-based carrier SM Line – more container service is coming to help address critical supply chain issues for local businesses, farmers and growers, and consumers.

our regional economy,” said Dan Pippenger, chief operating officer at the Port of Portland. “That wouldn’t have been possible without SM Line committing to the Portland market and the hard work of all the workers on site. In the last year, longshore workers endured a pandemic, an unprecedented wildfire season and snowstorms – and through it all, they kept goods and products moving in and out of the region. While these new services won’t solve supply chain issues overnight, they will help local businesses find alternative shipping options in our region.” This additional container service also brings more good-paying maritime, warehouse and trucking jobs to the region.

The new business at Terminal 6 includes: An SM Line expansion that will add two additional vessels per month; An additional weekly container service operated by MSC, the secondlargest carrier in the world; and New private charter vessels and domestic 53-foot containers. “Terminal 6 is productive and busy at a time of economic recovery that is so important to 12

”ILWU Local 8’s membership is excited about the progress that the Port has been making in marketing its facilities and infrastructure,” said Mike Stanton, president of ILWU Local 8. “The Local fully supports the Port’s mission to partner with Industry to create jobs and community prosperity for the greater State of Oregon and the Columbia River Region.”

ADDRESSING SUPPLY CHAIN STRUGGLES In 2020, the Pacific Northwest’s connection to the global supply chain was more evident than ever. From toilet paper shortages to months-long delays for appliances, both consumers and businesses struggled to get the daily supplies they needed. These impacts continue to be felt today. WWW.PDXMEX.COM | THE EXCHANGE


While varied, the most common goods arriving to Oregon in containers include auto parts, furniture, bedding and lighting, and footwear and apparel. Hay and animal feed, agricultural commodities, and wood and paper products are the most common items leaving Terminal 6.

SM LINE PARTNERSHIP GROWS In 2020, SM Line brought weekly container service back to Portland for the first time in more than four years. Despite global supply chain disruptions, the service was consistent and productive in 2020, resulting in the Port’s highest container traffic total since 2014. Because of the early success of this partnership, SM Line is expanding their operations in Portland. In addition to their weekly container vessel call, which continues, SM Line is beginning a new intermodal rail service via the Union Pacific railway to Chicago in 2021. The carrier will also bring in additional loader vessels every other week to handle local cargo. Including all of these options, SM Line will load at least six vessels every month. “We thank the leadership of Port of Portland and Governor Kate Brown being presented their willingness to bring weekly container service back to Portland when they were in Seoul in 2019. And also very special thanks to longshore workers for their hard work to keep our PNS (Pacific North-West Service) fluid during an unprecedented period of pandemic and supply chain disruption. All communities’ support makes SM Line’s successful introduction to Oregon market as the first carrier calling to Portland,” said Kwang Kuk Choi, managing director at SM Line. THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

“But we do not stop here. We are pleased to contribute to the resolution of the supply chain constraints in the west coast of the United States through Portland. Portland is an important strategic port for our company, constantly pioneering new markets. SM Line will develop and provide competitive logistics solutions that cover both the sea and inland through partnership with the Port of Portland.”

WELCOMING MSC TO PORTLAND MSC’s Santana route – launched in 2020 – will start calling Portland with a weekly Transpacific service in mid-September. MSC has the largest container fleet to ever come to Portland and marks only the second time in nearly 15 years that the Port has secured a second weekly Transpacific partner. Two other things make the Santana route compelling for local shippers. It’s an express service with only four port calls (Yantian Shanghai - Portland - Tacoma - Yantian). Portland is also the first port-of-call on this route. Most Transpacific services stop at two or three ports in North America before Portland, with most of the cargo getting unloaded on that first port call. Regional importers will now have the fastest transit times from Asia on the market. 13


PORT OF COOS BAY Port of Portland Continued from page 15

CHARTERED VESSELS HELP ALLEVIATE WEST COAST PORT CONGESTION With many ports and inland container yards continuing to experience record congestion, large shippers have opted to use charter vessels to get their goods in a timely fashion. Three shippers are bringing their products to Terminal 6 on chartered vessels. Vessels began arriving in mid-August and will continue to discharge 600 containers every three weeks. These are one-off vessel calls and not part of a regular service. Similarly, eight vessels containing 53-foot domestic containers – rather than the standard 20-foot size – will call at Terminal 6, starting in August and running through 2022. Each vessel will have 200-300 containers to unload.

BNSF EXTENDS INTERMODAL SERVICE In June, BNSF Railway also signed a one-year contract to handle intermodal containers between Seattle, Tacoma and Terminal 6. This continues to be a time-saving alternative for some shippers who face delays from truck congestion at ports to the north. BNSF has been handling containers through Terminal 6 since January 2018.

PORT OF COOS BAY TO CONSTRUCT MULTIMODAL CONTAINER TERMINAL The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay announced Wednesday that it has partnered with NorthPoint Development, a development firm based in Riverside, MO, to construct a multimodal container facility on the North Spit. The Port and NorthPoint have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the project, with the intention of finalizing negotiations and signing a contract by the end of the calendar year. NorthPoint and the Port estimate that the facility, once fully constructed, will move over one million forty-foot containers annually in and outbound through the Port of Coos Bay via the Coos Bay Rail Line. The rail spur on the North Spit will be extended to the project site and infrastructure improvements throughout the line will be completed to accommodate double stack container movements. It is anticipated that construction of this facility will support approximately 500 short-term construction jobs and up to 250 permanent, full-time family wage jobs. “I applaud the Port of Coos Bay and NorthPoint for partnering on the North Spit project,” said Representative Peter DeFazio. “This project will create hundreds of goodpaying jobs on Oregon’s coast, which will boost Coos Bay’s local economy and provide needed support to rebuild the

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economic base for the region. I recently secured $32 million in the 2022 funding bill to support maintenance and improvements of the Coos Bay North Jetty. The more than $50 million I worked to obtain for the purchase and rehabilitation of the Coos Bay rail line also helped to make this possible. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to do everything within my power to support Oregon’s ports so that they remain competitive and continue to support our coastal economy.” Construction of the facility and railroad improvements will result in a significant investment in the community and are currently an estimated $1 Billion. “With the recent closure of the Georgia Pacific Mill and other recent job loss in southwestern Oregon, the Port sees this as an opportunity to rebuild the economic base for the region,” said John Burns, Port CEO. “This is a project that has the potential to diversify the region’s economy and create employment opportunities both for the existing workforce and for future generations.” According to the Oregon Employment Department, Coos County has lost approximately 1,160 payroll jobs from the first quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021. Congestion at major west coast ports has continued to worsen for decades, creating bottlenecks that slow the movement of goods and increase greenhouse gas THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

emissions. NorthPoint views the Coos Bay harbor as an opportunity to create an environmentally conscious, state of the art gateway which will alleviate congestion throughout the west coast and improve the movement of goods in and out of the United States and international markets. “The Coos Bay Harbor offers an innovative solution to an evergrowing global challenge,” said Chad Meyer, President and Founding Partner of NorthPoint. “We have an opportunity to enhance the economy of the region while improving the logistics system as a whole.” The new terminal will promote expedited turn time and eliminate anchoring for maritime vessels, a shipping option greatly needed in the marketplace. As of Sunday August 29th, the ports of L.A. and Long Beach had 47 vessels anchored offshore waiting to berth. Anchored vessels add significant costs in shipping, delays in product delivery and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the majority of imports and exports moving in and out of Oregon travel by truck via the ports of Seattle/Tacoma and Oakland. This adds to the total delivered cost of products and commodities, roadway congestion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing the Coos Bay Rail Line to transport containers instead of trucks will reduce overall emissions up to seventyfive percent. The Port also continues work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory agencies on the Channel Modification Project. This project will deepen and widen the federally authorized channel from -37’ to -45’ Mean Lowest Low Water (MLLW) and 300’ to 450’ nominal width. Deepening and widening the channel is necessary for the Port to remain competitive in the global marketplace as ocean carriers continue to utilize larger ships, a trend that has continued for well over a half century. 15


PORT OF ASTORIA

WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN Partnering with the City of Astoria, the Port is excited to be moving forward with the development of a Waterfront Master Plan, the first phase of a larger effort to re-imagine a swath of under utilized waterfront property between Pier 1 and the Astoria-Megler Bridge. In June of this year, a contract with landscape architecture firm Walker Macy was signed. They will be performing a broad range of services, including project management and community outreach. A project kickoff meeting was held on August 4th and included City and Port staff, Walker Macy representatives, and citizen members of the Waterfront Master Plan Advisory 16

Committee. Future meetings will encourage community involvement, and notices will be posted through the Port and the City. WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN GOAL HIGHLIGHTS: - A Vision for the Port’s Industrial Waterfront that promotes vibrant mixeduse development, captures the public imagination, and enjoys broad support - A Vision that is long-term in focus, but capable of adapting to changing economic circumstances - A Vision that contributes to the economic prosperity of Astoria and the entire region

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PORT OF KALAMA

FIRST LOOK: AMERICAN CRUISE LINES DOCK TO BREAK GROUND THIS FALL Partnership with American Cruise Lines results in new, small cruise ship dock; construction expected to begin in October and wrap in Spring of 2022. After years of planning, the Port of Kalama will break ground on its new American Cruise Lines (ACL) small cruise ship dock later this fall; a project that promises to create a substantial economic and tourism boom for the entire Kalama community.

When complete, the ACL dock will measure approximately 185’ and will connect to the paved areas of the amphitheater. ACL ships currently dock further south at Ahles Point. The more environmentally-friendly central location will improve the passenger experience, while enabling greater tourist access to our marina and parks, the Port’s new Public Market facility and downtown Kalama’s small and retail businesses. The ACL small cruise ship dock project is projected to cost the Port $1.5 million, with American Cruise Lines providing an additional $550,000 as a capital investment.

Recent architectural renderings show the location of the structure for the first time, sitting just offshore of the Westin Amphitheater and just north of the planned Public Market facility. THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

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ENHANCING INFRASTRUCTURE GROWS LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Port of Longview benefits the area’s economy by creating thousands of jobs related to cargo activity, but infrastructure improvements at our main facility are also an important part of the puzzle. In 2019, the Port completed its Berth 6 Stormwater Containment Project which significantly increased the amount of stormwater the Port can treat at one of its most heavily used docks. When the Port and its partners invest in infrastructure, we create jobs, hire skilled labor, and make purchases of all kinds from local businesses. From office and industrial supplies, wiring, rebar, and everything in between, a thriving and

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constantly changing Port relies heavily on businesses in our hometown. In other words, when the Port succeeds, so do our local businesses. With such an enormous asset portfolio, the Port is in a state of perpetual maintenance. Having sound facilities allows the Port to attract cargo and create jobs for families in our Port District. Port staff continually assesses facilities for the same reason you do at home – the longer you put off maintenance, chances are it will cost more in the long run. From the tires on our cranes to the roof tops of buildings and more, our facilities and equipment are regularly inspected and repaired as needed to guarantee our customers’ satisfaction and the safety of our labor force. Even with routine maintenance, it still takes a great deal of money to sustain the Port’s infrastructure. For example, from 2017 to 2019 the Port spent $1.1 million to replace the roof on one of our largest warehouses. And when the 88 tires on one of our giant Liebherr cranes must be replaced, it’s $610 each, or $54,680 for a full set! While the costs are high to maintain Port infrastructure, the benefits to the community in terms of job creation and quality of life are even more valuable.

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

CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE

CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE DEPLOYS NEW SPILL RESPONSE ASSET

Clean Rivers Cooperative has recently completed outfitting a new vessel as a critical component for response readiness in the region. Acquired in 2020, staff have been working diligently to complete fabrication and installation of the final components needed for the vessel to be fully operational. This 30foot Kvichak Vessel incorporates a Marco Skimming Belt System able to recover oil from the water. Powered by twin 90 hp outboard engines this vessel is capable of conducting skimming operations independently or in coordination with additional vessels and boom to increase its effectiveness. The vessel has 24 barrels of onboard storage and can transfer recovered product directly to a storage barge or other portable storage while in operation. The vessel’s first deployment was at MFSA’s equipment deployment on September 15th.

For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

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MARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION technology, which warrant changes to the Study’s identified recommended infrastructure equipment replacements. Why Change is Required The primary driver for change is the move towards converged internet protocol (IP) networks due to the lack of circuit-switched time-domain multiplex (TDM) infrastructure equipment.

PSGP FUNDING AWARDED The Maritime Fire & Safety Association has applied for and received notice of allocation for Port Security Grant Program funding to support the following projects. Unified Communications​ Enhance the existing network of equipment to allow for fully interoperable communications network for the region​ Investment in mobile communications platforms​ Additional training for firefighters​ Increase access to Shipboard Firefighting Training through the region​ Improve the ability to collaborate and share effective strategies nationally​

ENHANCED UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS​ Background In 2017, the Maritime Fire & Safety Association contracted to have a Radio Equipment Replacement Study (“Study”) performed by ADCOMM Engineering. The intent was to identify the “end-of-life” or “end-of-service” dates for radio system components. Since the study was performed, there have been advances in radio system 20

TDM equipment includes landline “copper-wire” plain-old-telephone (POTs) lines, digital subscriber line (DSL), and T1 channel banks. This equipment is no longer manufactured and if available, can only be purchased on the used market. A newer IP-based backhaul network is being designed to be highly reliable and sufficiently resilient to support emergency radio communications. Additionally, it must be designed to be secure to ensure unauthorized personnel cannot gain access to the critical communications network. Improvements Expected By changing the backhaul network from TDM to IP, MFSA will gain: Longevity of equipment. The replacement equipment becomes currently available, off-the-shelf with warranties and replacement cycles. Ease of maintenance. The replacement equipment is simpler to maintain by existing IT personnel. IP-based remote access allows for simple remote monitoring through alarm notifications and ease of troubleshooting problems. Reduced points of failure. With IP-based equipment, routers/ switches and Ethernet patch panels take the place of punch blocks and physical wires. A lesser number of connection points reduces the potential for errors due to physical break points. Simple web-based interface. The replacement equipment can be accessed via IP connectivity with current, available Windows PCs and common software. Note: some equipment is accessible via IP connectivity now but requires Windows 7 or older software.

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Project Timeline Engineering design and procurement planning work has been completed and on-site equipment installation is anticipated to begin in late spring 2022.

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM Background In 2016, the MFSA was awarded funding to update the Lower Columbia Maritime Fire Safety/Security Plan. One of the areas identified as a key component to address was the MFSA/FPAAC Incident Radio Communications Plan Why Change is Required Although some individual participating FPAAC fire agencies have mobile communication assets, the ability of multiple agencies and responders to communicate with each other during an incident is often identified as an issue during drills and responses. This project will provide a dedicated regional asset for interoperable communications at the incipient stages of a shipboard fire or oil spill incident. Project Timeline 1Q 2022: Contractor Implementation, System Engineering and final design ​ 2Q 2022: Contractor Fabrication of Mobile Unit ​ 3Q 2022: Contractor Installation of Communications Equipment ​ 1Q 2023: Final System Testing, Configuration, Optimization

CONTINUED TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTERS​ Background Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) was formed by MFSA to set forth a comprehensive system to ensure effective response to shipboard fires in the Lower Columbia region. Member fire agencies voluntarily contribute both staff time and equipment costs for participation in meetings, drills and other training exercises. Why Continued Training is Required FPAAC developed a Technician Level Training Program which currently supports 42 participants. Prior to participation in the Technician Level Training, participants must complete both Awareness and Operations Level Training. This program is offered to all 13 fire agencies participating in FPAAC, as well as all others in the region. This investment will support the cost of Awareness and Operations Level Training Courses for personnel to receive instruction in both levels of training. Additionally, this will allow for MFSA to conduct a specialized Technician Level Training Course at a live fire training facility. As there are no such facilities in the Pacific NW region, an out-of-state facility is necessary. This training is critical to an effective shipboard fire response.

CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT A bipartisan group led by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), including Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) announced the federal grant award to MFSA. The award had the support of the entire Pacific Northwest Congressional Delegation as well as United States Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. This funding is critical

to providing a comprehensive system to effectively respond to shipboard fires and oil spills in the Lower Columbia Region. It will allow for MFSA to strengthen our fire safety, security, and emergency response program and update our radio communications system. For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com Holly Robinson, General Manager: robinson@pdxmex.com Mason Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator: sullivan@pdxmex.com THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

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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.

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LOWER COLUMBIA REGION HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE The Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee met virtually on September 1st with a special presentation from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding Make Way as well as an update on the PROTEAS anchor recovery project. The next meeting will be held November 10th and updates can be found on the website: www.lcrhsc.org The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register a proposal to revise the training requirements for national Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements as master of towing vessels (limited) or mate (pilot) of towing vessels on inland waters or Western Rivers routes. Comments and material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before November 1, 2021. You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2020-0492 using the Federal Decision Making Portal at www.Regulations.gov The Inaugural Pacific Coast Port Access Route Study (PAC-PARS) is live. The PAC-PARS intent is to analyze current and future demands of waterway usage to ensure safe navigation. Major goals of the study include: analyzing and quantifying historical vessel traffic densities, analyzing and quantifying historical marine incidents/

casualties, collecting and analyzing public comments, working with maritime and environmental partners to determine future waterway use, and make an informed recommendation based on data collected to maintain, amend, or create vessel routing measures. The areas of the study will incorporate all waters on the outer continental shelf to encompass all major routes adjacent to and within port entrances and traffic separation schemes for the entire Pacific Coast. The areas of study will include major ports such as: San Diego, Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Francisco, Humboldt Bay, Coos Bay, Yaquina Bay, Astoria, Grays Harbor, and Seattle/Puget Sound. Of note, comments and related material must be received on or before 25 January, 2022.

2021 D E L E C CAN Out of an abundance of caution, the Board of the Maritime Commerce Club decided to cancel our Annual Harbor Splash this Fall, previously scheduled for September 14, 2021. We look forward to resuming this popular event in September 2022!

www.Mari�meCommerceClub.org THE EXCHANGE | WWW.PDXMEX.COM

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MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB

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Merchants Exchange

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SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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MERCHANTS EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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PRESENTING THE

2021 - 2022 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Christnya Doge International Logistics Management Maine Maritime Academy

Cooper Arnett Marine Transportation California State University Maritime Academy

Lee-Gray Boze Business Management Northeastern University

Alison Weldon Maritime Business Administration & Logistics Texas A&M University (Galveston)

Ksanthipi Lapa International Transportation Management SUNY Maritime College

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la r s h i p F u n

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www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

Merchants Exchange of Portland

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www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

CONGRATULATIONS!

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

ANNOUNCING

ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

2021-2022

The Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund is proud to announce the roll-out of our new Annual Sponsorship Program. Since 2003, the Scholarship has supported 57 students with over $79,000 in assistance. We would like to see this number grow! The Scholarship Fund invites industry and individuals to join us in supporting students seeking or advancing careers in the Maritime Industry by becoming Annual Sponsors.

“Strengthening the Maritime Industry through education and engagement.”

SPONSORSHIP TIERS

PLATINUM: $750+ GOLD: $500 - $749 SILVER: $200 - $499 In Kind Contributers: by donation

ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS From October 1, 2021, through Sept 30, 2022 All sponsorship levels include:

• Proportional name & logo placement on all Scholarship Fund announcements and related event materials. • Company Name, logo and website linked on the Scholarship Fund Sponsors page. • Logo on Sponsor Banner at the Merchants Exchange Annual Open House & Bocce Tournament.

www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

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CONTACT US 24/7 Marine Operations Services Department (503) 228-4361 ContactUs@pdxmex.com

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 Thomas Semrau

EMAIL

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 semrau@pdxmex.com


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