THE EXCHANGE 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
Port Reports pg 6-9
Clean Rivers Cooperative Updates pg 10-11
MFSA Updates pg. 12-13
WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we leave behind the warm summer weather and head into a time of shorter days and colder nights, it is reassuring to know that the maritime industry continues its steady movement forward. In the same way, The Exchange newsletter keeps you apprised of forward momentum in the industry, such as the new waterfront facility being built at Port of Vancouver, the environmental studies being conducted by Port of Astoria, and the annual COBALT training for new United States Coast Guard arriving at Sector Columbia River. Other events covered in this issue include the popular Boom Rodeo and the Merchants Exchange Open House and Bocce Tournament, which raised over $2,000 for our Scholarship Fund. Also, I want to offer a big “thank you” to those who completed the Merchants Exchange survey sent out last month. We learned that a whopping 88% of you regularly read this newsletter!
We hope you continue to enjoy reading The Exchange. And to make it even more relevant and topical for you, please feel free to send us your suggestions and ideas for future issues. Your opinion is valued--we welcome your feedback. Happy Autumn!
Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director
The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.
If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us:newsletter@pdxmex.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alex Scott (2026) President Anchorage Launch Services
Chris Cummins (2027) Vice President General Steamship Corp
Alex Hamilton (2027) Treasurer Parker, Smith & Feek
Gary Hodson (2026) Secretary ACGI Shipping
Todd Krout (2026) Port of Vancouver USA
Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty, attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities.
Earl Dixon (2027) United Grain Corporation.
Justin Valley (2027) Foss Maritime Company, LLC
Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.
Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company
Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies
MEMBERSHIP
The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange Board of Director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member-focused.
Kent Cash (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Port of Vancouver USA
Doug Lenz (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery
Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots
Legal Counsel: Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP
Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include:
• Vessel Reporting
• Communication Support Service
• Vessel and Cargo Statistics
• Daily Grain Bulletin
• Grain Committee Membership
• Answering Service
• Special Reports and Services
The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.
For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com
We collect data, track and monitor activities and report on vessels that enter the Columbia River waterways. We collect over 100 data points on commercial vessels on our waterways. Please contact us to learn more about our custom reports! Learn more at: www.pdxmex.com/services/reports or contact customreportbuilder@pdxmex.com
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR CUSTOM REPORT BUILDER
The Custom Report Builder gives access to current and past data of ships that travel the Columbia River
Some features and filters:
Arrival Columbia River Bar Arrival Astoria Pilot Vessel Particulars Cargo Load and Unload Departing Berth and much more...
To Request Access to our Custom Report Builder contact Carl Bertapelle at bertapelle@pdxmex.com
THE PORT REPORTS
The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports along three waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.
Port of Astoria
Will Isom, Executive Director
Port Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm
Port of Kalama
Mark Wilson, Executive Director
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm
Port of Portland
Curtis Robinhold Executive Director
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 9:30 am
Port of Columbia County
Sean Clark, Executive Director
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 8:00 am
Port of Longview
Dan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am
Port of Vancouver USA
Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 9:30 am
*All meeting dates/times are subject to change. Please confirm with the port directly.
NEW COMMERCIAL, RETAIL BUILDING OPENS AT PORT OF VANCOUVER USA’S TERMINAL
This fall marked the opening of the latest project at the Port of Vancouver USA’s Terminal 1 redevelopment along the Columbia River. A two-building complex featuring 366,000 square feet of Class A office space, 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail space, and premium commercial amenities was completed at Vancouver’s waterfront.
The unique building design also features an outdoor terrace known as The Launch which will give the public a chance to relax and take in sweeping river views.
The project, developed by Lincoln Property, will be the new global headquarters for ZoomInfo, the Vancouver-based go-tomarket AI platform provider.
The complex features 10- and nine-story buildings, 10,000 square feet of undulating landscaped green spaces and outdoor seating that will soon be open to the public. A significant number of parking spaces will be available on nights and weekends.
“The Terminal 1 office building is the latest jewel in the port’s reimagination of this incredible site that’s providing the region with vital economic benefits,” said Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA. “We’re excited for the continued transformation of Terminal 1 into a world-class location for businesses to thrive, shoppers and diners to visit and the public to enjoy.”
“We are thrilled to have worked with the Port of Vancouver, the City, and a myriad of other exceptional partners to deliver the
Terminal 1 project and contribute to creating a truly vibrant community,” said Lincoln Property’s Patrick Gilligan. “This state-of-the-art complex underscores Lincoln’s commitment to the highest standards of sustainable development, placemaking, and architecture.”
The Terminal 1 project, which is targeting LEED Gold certification, is a 10-acre site already featuring an AC Hotel by Marriott, green open spaces, walking
trails, and bike paths, with a public market and multifamily housing in the pipeline. It is adjacent to The Waterfront, a 32-acre master-planned community with several apartment buildings, office space, restaurants, shops, and a $35 million riverfront park.
Once complete, the port’s entire Terminal 1 redevelopment will generate up to 4,000 permanent jobs.
Image(s) courtesy of Port of Vancouver USA
PORT OF ASTORIA INVESTS IN RESEARCH FOR BYPRODUCT RECOVERY CENTER
The Port of Astoria is taking significant steps to address environmental sustainability by advancing plans for a Byproduct Recovery Center (BRC). The goal of the BRC is to treat the wastewater produced by food processing facilities at the Port, particularly seafood processing plants, and reduce the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Columbia River. This initiative aligns with the Port’s commitment to protecting the local ecosystem while supporting the growth of key industries in the region.
To ensure the feasibility of the BRC, the Port is partnering with Aqua-Terra Consultants (ATC), a company with over 30 years of experience providing environmental engineering services to industries such as seafood processing and aquaculture. Led by chemical engineer Alan Ismond, who brings over 45 years of expertise, ATC will conduct a treatability study to determine the effectiveness of wastewater treatment on a large scale. This study will be crucial in evaluating the capacity of the BRC to handle the wastewater produced by the Port’s two food processing facilities. A grant from Business Oregon’s Business Development Department, covering 75% of the study’s cost, will help fund this effort.
The study marks the first step toward a cleaner and more efficient wastewater management system at the Port. The results are expected to guide the next phases of development, further strengthening the Port’s role as stewards of the environment while continuing to support their industrial partners.
Image(s) courtesy of Port of
Astoria
CONGRATULATIONS 2024 BOOM RODEO CHAMPIONS!
1st place: Sunoco Portland
2nd place: Tie! Phillips 66 & Sunoco Vancouver
3rd place: Zenith
The Annual Clean Rivers Cooperative Member Boom Rodeo took place on August 28th, 2024. Eleven teams participated this year, which is our highest team participation to date. Special thanks to the US Coast Guard Sector Portland and the Coast Guard Auxiliary who participated along with the Clean Rivers Member Teams.
For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com
Vanessa Green General Manager vgreen@pdxmex.com
Polly Hyke Business Manager hyke@pdxmex.com
Teams rotated between ten stations of on-water and onland activities such as GRP deployment, boom and buoy ball corralling, knot tying, fast tank, pump and skimmer set up, and marine trivia. Clean Rivers Cooperative Staff, along with Response Contractors Republic Services worked to plan new stations to keep the Rodeo fresh and fun. This year, teams practiced man-over-board rescue skills throwing the rescue rope towards a target within a portable fast tank.
The Boom Rodeo is a fun and friendly annual competition between member teams that dates back to the 1980’s. It is also an important learning and training opportunity. The on-water activities give Member Responders the chance to practice and learn new skills that they do not typically exercise in their daily work routines. The 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.
This year’s Champions will be awarded their commemorative belt buckles during the Clean Rivers Annual Member Meeting on December 10, 2024.
For more information, please visit our website: www.mfsa.com
Curtis Cannizzaro Executive Director cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
Carl Obermeier General Manager obermeier@pdxmex.com
Anthony O’Reilly FPAAC Program Manager oreilly@pdxmex.com
MFSA BOOM DEPLOYMENT EXECISE
On September 4, 2024, MFSA conducted a boom deployment exercise in the vicinity of Clatskanie, Oregon in partnership with our Primary Response Contractor, Clean Rivers Cooperative.
MFSA is required by the states of Oregon and Washington to conduct at least two deployment exercises annually in order to test our Vessel Response Plan as well as the ability of our contractors to deploy equipment within the prescribed planning standard. Evaluators from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Washington State Department of Ecology were on hand to witness the exercise, and MFSA activated our on-call Initial Spill Response Coordinator (ISRC) to participate.
For this exercise we deployed Geographic Response Plan (GRP) LCR-49.8L and LCR-50.5L. GRP’s are pre-planned response strategies that are intended to be quickly deployed in the event of an oil spill. These two GRP’s had not been previously tested so MFSA and Clean Rivers were able to provide valuable feedback to the state agencies that will be used to fine-tune the strategies.
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AND BOCCE TORUNAMENT FOR MEXSF
On September 5, 2024, the Merchants Exchange held our Annual Open House and Bocce Tournament supporting the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund. The theme of the event was “Come Sail Away” with plenty of leis to wear, refreshing beverages to drink, and great Hawaiian food from “808 Grinds” to eat. There were some amazing gift baskets to win, fun games to play, and great opportunities to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Despite the 100-degree weather, we had a strong turnout with many new faces joining the regular crowd. As always, the event highlight was the Bocce Tournament, with sixteen teams competing for the highly prized trophy. After much friendly rivalry and competition, last year’s winners won again this year. Congratulations to Samantha Shaver and Atsuo Utsumi for holding on to the title of “Bocce Tournament Winners!” Bocce registrations and raffle tickets sales netted over $2,000 for the Scholarship Fund, and the event was considered a success by all who attended.
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE STAFF ATTEND COBALT
A REPORT BY LISA RAU, MERCHANTS EXCHANGE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
My colleague Jem Wilde and I are both relatively new to the Exchange, and so were encouraged to attend the Columbia Basin Maritime Leadership Training (COBALT) from October 21-25, 2024, in order to increase our knowledge of the industry and to meet the professionals we will likely be interacting with frequently.
Not only did the week-long training introduce me to a hidden world of commerce and trade that goes on day in and day out 365 days a year, it was a fascinating introduction to the many parts of the puzzle that have to align to keep the import/export trade going. The training involved a combination of speakers from all sectors of the industry, ranging from river pilots to grain exporters to launch services and more, as well as in-person tours of the Ports of Vancouver, Kalama, and Columbia.
The training is conducted by the Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA), run by Executive Director Kate Mickelson and Director of Member Services Tereza Edwards. Kate introduced each speaker with fondness, often sharing fun details like, “he makes a great barbecue” or “he plays in two bands,” highlighting her friendships with those in the industry and adding an element of personalization to the variety of guest lecturers.
It was obvious that each speaker was passionate about his or her work and spoke with enthusiasm and expertise. I especially enjoyed Columbia Pilot Captain Steve Ackerman’s harrowing stories and photos of boarding ships in bad weather, as well as Mr. Neil Maunu’s work at PNWA lobbying Washington and Mr. Chris Parkins of Oregon Parks and Recreation on preserving and managing Oregon’s 362
miles of coastline with 250 miles of it being public beaches.
The Executive Director of Merchants Exchange, Curtis Cannizzaro, was there presenting as well, showcasing the variety of services we offer the maritime industry. He explained that by having a close partnership with two of our in-house associations, Maritime Fire and Safety Association (MFSA) and Clean Rivers Cooperative (CRC), it allows for the fastest possible response time to any oil spill, fire, or hazardous waste accident on the river.
I am so grateful for the chance to spend the week with these industry leaders who generously gave their time to educate us newbies on the ins and outs of the region’s maritime business. Many thanks to Kate and Tereza for producing the event, and to the speakers who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm about the business. It is a week I will never forget.
SHAVER TRANSPORTATION HOSTS “WOMEN IN MARITIME” LUNCHEON
On Friday, September 27, Shaver Transportation sponsored a “Women in Maritime Luncheon and Tugboat Ride” at their facility on River Road in Portland. Host Samatha Shaver welcomed everyone, sharing that every year the group gets larger, which only serves to emphasize the increasing importance of women in the maritime industry. After the delicious lunch, many attendees boarded the “Samantha Shaver” tug for an hour-long tour of the river. Many thanks to Samantha for supporting women in the industry and offering a wonderful afternoon ride on the Columbia River in her namesake tugboat!
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEXT UP! SHIPPING 201
February 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Feb 5
• Feb 12
• Feb 19
• Feb 26
SHIPPING 202
April 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• April 2
• April 9
• April 16
• April 23
SHIPPING 301
June 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• June 4
• June 11
• June 18
• June 25
SHIPPING 101
October 2025
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• October 1
• October 8
• October 15
• October 22
EDUCATION IN 2025
New Year, New Knowledge!
Participating in the Shipping Education Series will help you understand the complexities of the shipping industry and allow you to make informed business decisions. With the skills gained through our courses, you will be able to create and maintain a successful career in shipping.
We provide comprehensive educational programs for you and your employees. Our courses are designed to help employees understand the latest trends and expand their maritime industry knowledge.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The Shipping Education Series is committed to providing the most comprehensive and relevant maritime education available. We strive to provide our participants with the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure the success of the maritime industry in the Columbia River Basin.
The Shipping Education Series evolved out of a need identified by the maritime community to provide a quality educational program that would be specific to the Columbia River Basin with a focus on the Columbia, Willamette and Snake River systems. Since 2015, we have meticulously expanded the program to meet the interests of maritime professionals in our region. We look forward to continued growth in the educational platforms that we offer our members and the greater maritime community.
PROGRAM PLAN
This series is beneficial to anyone in the maritime industry, from entrylevel to executives, as it provides an overview of the current state of the industry and the trends that are shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest maritime community.
Shipping Education Series offers students practical knowledge from experienced professionals. The series has four installments that focus on specific aspects of our industry. Each course is offered as four weekly two-hour virtual meetings. However, if you are unable to attend all sessions, we offer recordings of the sessions that are available for one month after the course has ended.
Although, students do not necessarily need to take the classes in order or complete the entire series. We recommend that you attend all sessions in order to gain the most comprehensive understanding of the topics.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Continuing professional development can have a positive effect on an organization’s overall performance. By investing in their employees, organizations can increase their productivity and become more competitive. Our continuing education program is designed to help maritime professionals stay ahead of the curve and become the best in the industry. Through our courses, we provide a platform for participants to gain knowledge and new insights that will be beneficial to their professional growth and career advancement.
EDUCATION IN 2025
SHIPPING 101: Business of Shipping
The focus of this seminar is to provide an overview of the maritime industry and summary of the various sectors within the Columbia River Intermodal Transportation System.
Our speakers get you started with an overview of the Columbia River Basin’s history and how it grew into today’s thriving maritime industry. We start with an overview of the river infrastructure, ports & terminals, imports and exports, cargo categories, modes of transportation and vessel types. Then we move on to the business of shipping with a summary of key shipping terms and documents, required and involved parties, regulations and regulators, service providers and trade associations.
SHIPPING 201: Movement of a Ship
The focus of this seminar is the business of shipping from the perspective of the ship. We explore requirements and regulations as well as the important roles that agents, pilots, insurance and law play in enabling a ship to move from port to port.
We start with the ship. Our presenters describe the vessels and vessel traffic on our waterways with maritime experts providing details on piloting and navigation of vessels. Then we move on to the roles of vessel agents and regulators in regard to the ship. And finally, we learn about the role maritime insurance and maritime law plays in enabling a ship to move from port to port.
SHIPPING 202: Movement of Cargo
The focus of this seminar is the business of shipping from the perspective of cargo. We cover the scope of people and services it takes for cargo to move safely, efficiently and environmentally responsibly.
We begin by identifying the cargos that are commonly transported in our region. Our presenters introduce supply chain logistics and labor relations to ensure cargo keeps moving while meeting regulatory compliance. Then we explain various transportation modes, including railway, pipeline and barges. In conclusion, we evaluate the economic impact of cargo to the river system, navigation and infrastructure as well as reviewing the individual Ports and the cargo they specialize in.
SHIPPING 301: Marine Highway
The focus of this seminar is the operations and navigation of the Columbia River as a navigable waterway and its’ role as an American Marine Highway.
We look at operations and impacts of maintaining the Columbia River Marine Highway. We will feature the operations and regulations of dams, locks, dredging, and water navigation to optimize maritime movements on the river. Addionally, featuring our up river Ports and their impact to their regional economies.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHIPPING EDUCATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS PDXMEX.COM/EVENTS
Gold
Silver
Columbia Riverfront Hotel 909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion)
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
We invite our community partners along the River to join in our mission to support and promote the maritime industry with our “Friends of the Exchange” program.
Show your support to our maritime industry and raising awareness within our community. The following benefits are included with an annual support of $150:
Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange. Get your company featured in our newsletter, social media, website and
• One (1) feature article or (3) three small advertisements in our newsletter and one (1) social post featuring your organization annually
• Invitations to our Member/Networking Events: Open House, Annual Bocce Tournament, Shipping Education Series, and other special events
• Discounted Member Rate for our Shipping Education Series *
• Subscription to “The Exchange,” bi-monthly newsletter, Daily News Bulletin, and industry email updates
• Service Directory Listing and Career Opportunity Post shared with our membership
* Please note: Friends of the Exchange are not members of the Merchants Exchange and therefore are not eligible to receive member rates for any services or reports associated with membership, with the exception of the member rate to the Shipping Education Series. For more information contact: Jem Irving, Computer systems & Digital Marketing Specialist irving@pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE
Thank You to our Members
ACGI Shipping Inc.
Alexander Gow Inc.
Anchorage Launch Service Co.
B.R. Anderson & Co.
Blue Water Shipping Inc.
Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd.
Columbia Export Terminal
Columbia Grain International
Columbia River Bar Pilots
Columbia River Launch Service
Columbia River Pilots
Columbia River Steamship Operators
Association (CRSOA)
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Durham & Bates Associates LLC
EGT LLC
Foss Maritime Company
Fujitrans USA Inc.
General Steamship Corp Ltd.
Geo. S. Bush & Company Inc.
Great Western Malting
Haglund, Kelley LLP
Inchcape Shipping Services
International Transport Workers Federation
Interport PNW LLC
John R Dudrey LLC
Jones Stevedoring Company
Kalama Export Company
Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals
Kinder Morgan Energy
K-Line America Inc.
Lindsay Hart LLP
McCall Companies
Mid Columbia Producers Inc.
Monarch Inspection Services
National Cargo Bureau
North American Shipping Agencies
Norton Lilly International
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
Overseas Merchandising (OMIC)
Pacific Maritime Association
Pacific International Maritime Medical Services / SphereMD
Port of Astoria
Port of Columbia County
Port of Kalama
Port of Longview
Port of Portland
Port of Vancouver USA
Portland Lines Bureau Inc.
San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply
Sause Bros. Ocean Towing
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC
Seaport Marine Surveys Inc.
Shaver Transportation Company
Ship to Shore Water Taxi
Southport Agencies Inc.
T. Parker Host Inc.
Talon Marine Services
Temco LLC
Terra Hydr Inc.
Tidal Transport & Trading Inc.
Tidewater Transportation & Terminals
Tidewater Environmental Services
Toyota Tsusho America Inc.
TradeWest Brokerage Company
Transmarine Navigation Corp
Transversal International Corp
United Grain Corporation
United States Customs & Border Service
Vanport Marine
Vigor Industrial LLC
Volunteer Ship Ministry
Washington Department of Ecology
Wilhelmsen Ship Service
STAFF
Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com
Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com
Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com
Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com
Carl Obermeier obermeier@pdxmex.com
Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com
Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
Jem Wilde wilde@pdxmex.com
John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com
Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com
Jonathan JT Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com
Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com
Lisa Pomasl pomasl@pdxmex.com
Lisa Rau rau@pdxmex.com
Margerie Vis vis@pdxmex.com
Michelle Eyres eyres@pdxmex.com
Philip Miller miller@pdxmex.com
Polly Hyke hyke@pdxmex.com
Shawn Kubitza kubitza@pdxmex.com
Tanya Hartnett hartnett@pdxmex.com
Thomas Semrau semrau@pdxmex.com
Vanessa Green vgreen@pdxmex.com