Photo by Liam Kohns
WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to our spring issue! We’ve had many exciting events so far this year, with more to come! Read about FPAAC’s firefighters live-action exercise using vessel Fire Control Plans at Terminal 2 at Port of Portland. Learn how drones are being used to identify oil spill characteristics from the air in CRC’s training. And for the first time since the pandemic, we are hosting a live one-day training for Shipping 101 on June 24 here in our office in Portland!
We hope you can join us for one of our golf events featured on page 15, or perhaps attend our Shipping Education Series webinars listed on pp. 12-13. Our goal is to continue to provide top service and educational expertise to our members and the maritime community.
From
Alex Scott (2026) President Anchorage Launch Services
Chris Cummins (2027) Vice President General Steamship Corp
Alex Hamilton (2027) Treasurer IMA Financial Group
Justin Valley (2027) Secretary Foss Maritime Company, LLC
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
Gary Hodson (2026) ACGi Shipping, Inc.
Ryan Statz (2028) Columbia Grain, Inc.
Adrian Burkard (2028) Jones Stevedoring Company
Andy Morris (2028) Blue Water Shipping
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 BioRefinery
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
2025 MFSA/FPAAC TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS
For more information, please visit
FPAAC 1Q TECHNICIAN TRAINING REPORT
FPAAC’s first quarter Technician Level Training was held on March 20, 2025 at Port of Portland’s Terminal Two aboard MARAD Vessel USNS Bob Hope. The training saw participation from 37 individuals representing eight different FPAAC member agencies.
The day commenced with a safety briefing delivered by the vessel’s Chief Mate. Following this, participants were organized into battalions and companies for the day’s exercises.
The primary focus of this quarter’s training was to utilize the vessel’s Fire Control Plans for navigation throughout the ship.
Those assigned to Battalion Chief duties established command posts in the Wheel House and Map Room and made use of the vessel’s fire control plans to assist in directing company staff to a list of pre-determined locations throughout the vessel. This activity allowed participants to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout and potential hazards.
After lunch, the Command Posts were relocated to the B Deck to enhance communications due to the unusual thickness of the decks throughout the vessel. Participants then engaged in various fire scenarios, including an incinerator fire, an engine room fire and a vehicle deck fire incorporating a search and rescue integration to add realism and complexity to the exercises.
During these scenarios, rope bags were used to act as hose lines and estimate distances from the main deck to the assigned locations.
To further aid this exercise, placards with additional scenario information were strategically placed for companies to find and report back to command, aiding in determining the next course of action.
AERIAL OBSERVATION OF OIL ON WATER
Clean Rivers Cooperative staff trained on Aerial Observation of Oil on Water during an 8-hour classroom-based training program developed and taught by Connor Barnes with Leading Edge Environmental and Emergency Services on April 3, 2025. Clean Rivers was happy to host the class at our Operations Facility. This training ensures responders can visually identify oil spill characteristics, such as thickness, distribution, and sheen, and communicate findings effectively using standardized terminology. These resources help responders prioritize cleanup efforts and support incident command decisions during spill response operations. In addition, aerial observation can support operations by directing removal operations towards the leading edge of the spill and reporting conditions that are not easily identified from the ground like equipment failures such as boom entrainment where the spill is breaching the containment either under or over the boom.
This training class is designed in accordance with meeting the requirements for compliance with federal 33 CFR 155, 33 CRF 154, Washington State WAC 173-185, and American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM F1779-24 focusing on equipping personnel with the skills to detect, assess, and report oil from fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) often referred to as drones. Currently, there is no regulation for aerial observation in the State of Oregon – however, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has recently started an aerial observation program led by Emer-
gency Response Planner Scott Smith.
The full-day training was organized into modules that addressed the many considerations of aerial observation starting with a basic review of oil types and natural degradation; standard terminology for aerial observation and the differences between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Bonn Agreement (Europe) standard terminology; oil code color, thickness, and concentration values; types of equipment used including aircraft,
cameras, communication equipment, and sensors; as well as reporting standards and mapping.
In addition to Clean Rivers staff, the class was attended by personnel from Republic Services, Island Oil Spill Association in the San Juan Islands of the Puget Sound, Polaris Applied Sciences based in Seattle, Washington, BP Cherry Point Refinery Emergency Management Team in Blaine, WA, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s State On-Sean Coordinator Kevin Chann and Scott Smith. Each attendee brought their own unique experience and perspective to the discussions. Polaris Applied Sciences representative, Samantha Iliff provided the perspective of how Aerial Observation supports Shoreline Clean up and Assessment Teams (SCAT), and vice versa, SCAT can support the aerial observations by confirm-
ing discoveries from the air. Other discussions ranged from pros and cons of using different types of aircraft to the best types of cameras to use for mapping.
This training is valuable in that it equips responders with critical skills to efficiently assess and communicate the spread and behavior of oil during a spill and enhances responders’ ability to make timely and informed decisions to improve containment and mitigation strategies. For Clean Rivers staff, this training was an opportunity for continuous improvement and skill enhancement. Clean Rivers Response Managers are unlikely to perform the role of the aerial observer. However, with this type of training our Response Managers have the ability to interpret the information communicated by the aerial observer and direct operations accordingly. This ultimately enables Clean Rivers to better serve our membership and protect our waterways.
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.
CENTRAL WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD
The Port of Astoria, in partnership with Atlin Investments, is advancing a transformative redevelopment of the Port’s central waterfront—an underutilized stretch of Port property between Pier 1 and the AstoriaMegler Bridge.
In late 2024, the Port issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to identify developers aligned with the Central Waterfront Master Plan’s vision of a thriving, mixed-use waterfront that reflects Astoria’s maritime identity. The Port received a range of creative responses. While the selection committee advanced only the large-scale development proposals to the interview stage, the Port recognizes the value of smaller-scale concepts and plans to revisit them as the project progresses.
Following the selection process, the Port chose Atlin Investments, in partnership with American Life, Inc. and Elevator Shaft, LLC, to lead the redevelopment. Atlin’s team
brings decades of experience in large-scale development across the Pacific Northwest, including successful projects in Clatsop County.
The development plans include the introduction of a Fishing Village, market spaces, and lodging options, creating a vibrant, mixed-use destination that celebrates Astoria’s character while supporting tourism, small businesses, and the local economy.
As of April 1, 2025, an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) has been signed between the Port of Astoria and the development team— opening the door to deeper collaboration, detailed planning, and community engagement in the months ahead.
This project marks a major step toward strengthening Astoria’s role as a regional hub and creating lasting value for the Port, the City, and the broader community.
PORT OF VANCOUVER RELEASES 2025 PORT REPORT VIDEO
The Port of Vancouver USA released its annual Port Report video, offering the community a comprehensive review of the port’s 2024 highlights and performance.
The video features port leadership detailing what made 2024 one of the port’s strongestever financial years.
It also includes the longshore perspective of handling diverse cargo transiting to and from markets around the globe, and a story from port tenant business Sigma DG that highlights an industrial product made right here in Vancouver that is found nowhere else in the world.
“Our strategic approach of diversifying our business lines made 2024 one of our strongest financial years yet, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs and generating $2.9 billion in regional economic benefits,” said Julianna Marler, port CEO.
“But having a sound strategy was only part of the story. The people who come to work here each day, including talented port team members, our valuable longshore team, and the doers and makers at our 50 tenant businesses, also fueled our success.”
From cutting the ribbon on a massive project at Terminal 1, to helping facilitate the movement of millions of tons of grain, to providing successful purple martin avian nesting areas for 13 years, the video captures what continues to make the Port of Vancouver USA so valuable to the region.
VIEW THE VIDEO
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 101 LIVE
June 2025
• June 24 (1 Day ONLY)
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.
Our 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 to 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 101: LIVE
Based off our Shipping 101 Course, the Shipping 101 live is a one day event where you can have a more personal experience with our speakers in a classroom environment.
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 regarding to the ship. And finally, we learn about the roles that maritime insurance and maritime law play 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 responsibly in an environmentally friendly way.
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 cargoes 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.
This course has been cancelled for 2025.
For more information, please visit our website: www.pdxmex.com/scholarship Association Director, Margerie Vis: vis@pdxmex.com
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange. Get your company featured in our newsletter, social media, website and
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:
• 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
Blue Water Shipping, Inc
B.R. Anderson & Co
Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd
Centerline Logistics / Olympic Tug & Barge
Columbia Export Terminal
Columbia Grain International
Columbia River Bar Pilots
Columbia River Launch Service
Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association
Columbia River Pilots
Crowley Maritime Corporation
EGT, LLC
Foss Maritime Company
Fujitrans USA, Inc
GAC North America - Shipping
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 Department of Energy
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
Overseas Merchandising, Corp (OMIC)
Pacific International Maritime Medical Services / SphereMD
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, Inc
San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply
Sause Bros.
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
Tesoro Maritime Company
Tidal Transport & Trading, Inc
Tidewater Transportation and Terminals
Tidewater Environmental Services
Toyota Tsusho America, Inc
TradeWest Brokerage Company
Transmarine Navigation, Corp
Transversal International, Corp
United States Customs & Border Protection
United Grain Corporation
Vanport Marine
Vigor Industrial LLC
Volunteer Ship Ministry
Washington Department of Ecology
Wilhelmsen Ship Service
World Fuel Services
STAFF EMAIL
Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com
Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com
Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com
Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com
Carl Obermeier obermeier@pdxmex.com
Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com
Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com
Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com
Jonathan (JT) Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com
Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com
Liam Kohns kohns@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