Photo Courtesy of Carl Bertapelle
WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the November/December edition of The Exchange.
One of the best things about publishing this e-magazine is spreading the good news about important and exciting events in our industry, both large and small. In this issue, we are happy to highlight the Port of Kalama’s $26.3 million-dollar federal grant for railway expansion, and Port of Portland’s milestone agreement for Terminal 6. Additionally, we recognize the dedication from those who have contributed so much to the community that we have. The naming of the “John Hartup” response vessel in honor of his critical part in the early years of Clean Rivers Cooperative and the Maritime Fire and Safety association is a perfect example of these efforts. We also see the results of the Maritime Commerce Club’s annual Giving Spree, whose membership support has provided donations for children and families in shelters across Multnomah County during the holiday season.
I hope you will enjoy reading about the various ways that Merchants Exchanges supports and shares the good work being done in the local maritime community. It is our honor and privilege to showcase the continual growth and achievements of our members and partners.
Thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange. I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season!
Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director Merchants Exchange
NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM
The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.
If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us:newsletter@pdxmex.com
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
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 of Columbia County
Sean Clark, Executive Director
Port Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm
Port of Portland
Curtis Robinhold Executive Director
Port Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 9:30am
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.
PORT OF KALAMA RECEIVES $26.3 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR RAIL EXPANSION PROJECT
Largest grant ever received by the Port will expand rail lines leading to the Temco grain elevator, cementing Kalama’s status as a top U.S. exporter of grain
Kalama, WA — The Port of Kalama’s TEMCO Rail Expansion Project received a huge boost on Friday, as Port offcials announced receipt of a $26.3 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
When complete, the TEMCO Project will add over 25,000 linear feet of tracks to the Port of Kalama
rail system, increasing Temco’s loading effciency by an estimated 25-30 percent in the direct loading of grain from rail to ship. The additional rail capacity will enable continuous ship loading without the need to reposition inbound rail cars, which currently causes a 7-hour delay in the loading process. The Temco project will also relieve congestion on the larger national rail system.
“Port Commissioners and staff have worked for years to secure grant funds for this project, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez
Image courtesy of Port of Kalama
and their respective staff in capturing this important infrastructure investment for Southwest Washington,” said Randy Sweet, Port Commission President. “We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Soy Transportation Coalition and its many American farmers for their support and contribution to this project.”
The Port looks forward to working with our Temco partners and the Federal Rail Administration to complete this project for the benefit of our economy and job market. This investment will further solidify the Port of Kalama as the top volume exporter in the Pacific Northwest.
Temco is a joint venture between CHS and Cargill. The company—who leases and operates the facility from the Port—exports feed grains, oilseeds, and wheat to Asia-Pacific markets and employs 125 people in Kalama.
About the Port of Kalama
The Port of Kalama sits on the Columbia River in Southwest Washington, immediately off Interstate 5—situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, just 30 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon, and approximately 120 miles south of Seattle, Washington. Port of Kalama’s industrial area includes five miles of riverfront property adjacent to the 43′ federally maintained deep draft navigation channel of the Columbia River. The Port is served by the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. This excellent transportation infrastructure makes the Port of Kalama ideally suited for businesses of all kinds.
PORT OF LONGVIEW’S INDUSTRIAL RAIL CORRIDOR EXPANSION
The Port of Longview’s Industrial Rail Corridor (IRC), originally constructed in 2004, is a 1.25-mile direct rail connection between the mainline and the Port of Longview. The connection expedites rail service to the Port and bypasses at-grade crossings that impact local vehicle traffic. As originally intended, the rail link spurred exponential growth by attracting the Nation’s newest grain export terminal and increasing cargo tonnage across the docks by more than 500%.
Now, 20 years later, an expansion is necessary to improve rail service to the Port’s marine terminals, support current tenant and customer rail growth, improve marketability of vacant property and increase efficiency of the Port’s current rail system.
The expansion project will be completed in two phases. Phase I includes the construction of a six-track rail bed and two 8,500’ tracks. Phase II will add the remaining four tracks. The project will also increase the overall length of the existing
Images courtesy of Port of Longview
tracks from 7,500’ to 8,500’. Construction is slated to begin in Q2 of 2025.
The IRCE is the Port’s largest financial investment in more than a century. The magnitude of the project requires the Port to seek funding from multiple outside sources. Below is an overview of the Port’s assistance awarded to date:
• Rebuilding Americas Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) $16 million
• Congressionally Directed Spending $2.5 million
• National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) $2 million
• Cowlitz County Rural Development Grant $2 million
• State Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) $2 million
• Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments Surface Transportation Block Grant $600k
PORT OF PORTLAND AND TERMINAL OPERATOR REACH A MILESTONE AGREEMENT FOR TERMINAL 6
Portland, OR (December 6, 2024) — The Port of Portland and Harbor Industrial have reached a framework agreement that will ultimately lead to Harbor becoming the long-term operator of Terminal 6, Oregon’s only international container terminal.
This is the latest development in the Port’s focused efforts to rebuild and grow container service at Terminal 6, a critical resource for businesses in every part of the state that imports and exports products ranging from seafood and animal feed to building supplies. Currently, T6 is operated by the Port and Harbor Industrial, which serves as stevedore, an intermediary between the Port
and labor.
The new framework agreement establishes a timeline and basic terms that will be solidified over the next six months. Operations will continue seamlessly during the transition.
The agreement assumes the Port will receive $5 million in support from the state to stem ongoing losses from container operations and is contingent on receiving a $20 million state investment toward capital improvements at the terminal. The Governor’s Recommended Budget includes this capital funding, as well as funding toward maintenance of the Columbia River navigation
Image courtesy of Port of Portland
channel, which benefits all Oregon ports and communities who rely on marine shipping.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of Governor Kotek and other elected leaders to secure funding for container operations, and for the strong signal their commitment sends to international shippers and Pacific Northwest businesses about the reliability of T6,” said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “We’re confident that with Harbor on board as a long-term operator, increasing container volumes and adequate state investment to keep marine trade moving, Terminal 6 will continue providing widespread benefits for Oregon for many years to come.”
“Our team is excited and thankful for the commitments made by the Port and the State Leadership. We believe this milestone is a fundamental positive shift in support of the Oregon importers and exporters, to ensure an ongoing, reliable and efficient gateway for Oregon businesses,” said Tim McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Harbor Industrial. “This progress will help the Oregon shippers secure a more cost-effective path for their goods while providing job growth for the local communities.”
“Scores of businesses throughout Oregon rely on Terminal 6 to ship their goods and Oregon communities rely on the quality jobs it supports,” Governor Kotek said. “My recommended budget reflects my commitment to resources to facilitate the continuation of container service, and I intend to advocate for these funds in the Legislature.”
“Container shipping is a critical component of Oregon’s economy. I’m encouraged by this framework agreement and hope the parties can continue negotiating toward a long-term agreement,” said Senate President Rob Wagner,
of Lake Oswego. “I look forward to partnering with all parties during the 2025 legislative session to support these efforts.”
Container operations at T6 support more than 1,500 family-wage jobs, both at the terminal and in related industries, generating annual local and state tax revenue estimated at $20 million.
“Terminal 6 connects Oregon with the world and supports businesses from every corner of our state,” said Sen. Lew Frederick, of North/Northeast Portland. “Importantly, Terminal 6 also connects our neighborhoods and people of north and northeast Portland with jobs, from the terminal itself to the many related industries. This is great news.”
The Port and Harbor Industrial are committed to maintaining the significant benefits of shipping Oregon goods through Oregon ports and look forward to continued operations and growth of the container terminal.
Container ports are commonly operated by third parties due to the unique, and sometimes financially volatile, nature of the industry – an approach that keeps the service intact while keeping costs to the public manageable.
Additional details about the terms of the Port and Harbor’s agreement will be shared when the Port Commission votes on a lease, which is anticipated in summer 2025.
PORT OF VANCOUVER USA SECURES $22.5 MILLION GRANT TO DEPLOY, EXPAND CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
The port will expand its current shore power capabilities, pictured here at its Berth 17, to serve river cruise vessels visiting the Vancouver waterfront at Terminal 1. Image courtesy of Port of Vancouver.
The Port of Vancouver USA will be making significant upgrades to its operational capabilities while reducing emissions thanks to a $22.5 million grant it secured in late 2024.
The grant award comes from the federal Clean Ports Program, established to help ports reduce emissions and benefit neighboring communities through improved air quality.
“While the Port of Vancouver USA has been making strides to carry out our Climate Action Plan, this grant award represents a huge leap forward,” said Julianna Marler, the port’s CEO. “We appreciate the continued support of our entire federal delegation for their ongoing commitment to ports in our region, including the creation and funding of the Clean Ports Program.”
In addition to the grant award of $22,570,847, the port will contribute $2.5 million to purchase and deploy the following technologies:
• Two zero-emissions mobile harbor cranes. The port currently utilizes two diesel Liebherr mobile harbor cranes to move 80-meter wind blades, steel and aluminum, and other high and heavy cargo. The grant enables the port to purchase two zeroemissions electric Liebherr mobile harbor cranes that will offer increased lift capacity and expand the port’s cargo handling capabilities.
• Crane charging infrastructure. The port will install infrastructure capable of powering the new zero-emissions cranes via electric cable and battery.
• Shore power at Terminal 1. Once complete, the replacement of the port’s centuryold dock at Terminal 1 will again allow it to welcome visitors from river cruises to Vancouver’s waterfront. This grant award enables the port to install shore power at Terminal 1, allowing cruise vessels to turn off diesel powered generators and plug in while docked in Vancouver.
The port began implementing its Climate Action Plan in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality and health benefits in the community. The plan outlines specific actions for the port, including upgrading dieseland gasoline-powered equipment, installing charging infrastructure and pursuing the use of shore power for vessels visiting the port.
OSRV JOHN HARTUP
For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com
Vanessa Green General Manager vgreen@pdxmex.com
Polly Hyke Business Manager hyke@pdxmex.com
Carl Boelter Operations Manager boelter@pdxmex.com
Ben Robinson Equipment Maintenance Supervisor brobinson@pdxmex.com
Clean Rivers Cooperative is proud to announce the naming of the newest Marco-Belt Skimming Vessel in the Cooperative’s fleet. Put into service in 2022, the skimming vessel was formally named OSRV “John Hartup” on December 10, 2024, during the Cooperative’s Annual Member Meeting.
A longtime employee and manager at Chevron, John Hartup was active in the founding of the Cooperative. He saw a need for dedicated oil spill response equipment along the Lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers in the aftermath of the 1971 collision under the Golden Gate Bridge of the Chevron tankers Oregon Standard and Arizona Standard. He served as the Cooperatives first Board President in 1971 when the Cooperative was known as the Oregon State Oil Spill Cooperative. Mr. Hartup was also involved in the formation of the Maritime Fire and Safety Association (MFSA), a founding member of MFSA, and served as their Board President in 1988. Now in his late nineties, Mr. Hartup attended the naming ceremony and swung the champaign bottle that christened his namesake.
The OSRV “John Hartup” is a 30-foot Kvichak shallow water capable bow skimmer with the capacity of 1,008 gallons and an estimated daily recovery capacity (EDRC) of 3,588 gallons. It is equipped with a Marco filter belt oil skimmer with a large offload pump system and a Kubota hydraulic power unit. It is currently being staged in Portland, OR.
To view the video of the christening event please visit https://cleanriverscooperative.com/members/contact-us
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
SCAN HERE to watch the training video
MFSA VESSEL RESPONSE PLAN
TRAINING VIDEO
This year, we completed the production of our ‘Understanding the MFSA Vessel Response Plan’ training video. This video, created in collaboration with Shields Films, provides a comprehensive overview of the Maritime Fire and Safety Association and the critical role of our umbrella Vessel Response Plan.
The video is an essential resource for vessel masters and agents, offering insights into the activation process of the MFSA Plan and ensuring preparedness and compliance when navigating the Columbia and Willamette River systems. It covers:
• The background and purpose of the MFSA
• The precedence of the MFSA Plan over Federal vessel response plans for enrolled vessels
• A dramatized activation of the plan to convey the process once the plan is activated.
If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out using the QR code provided.
Anyone interested in learning more about the MFSA Vessel Response Plan should contact Carl Obermeier, MFSA General Manager via email at obermeier@pdxmex.com.
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
FPAAC Q4 TECHNICIAN TRAINING REPORT
The Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) 4th Quarter Technician Training was held on November 21, 2024, at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. The training was attended by 53 participants from 7 different FPAAC agencies.
The session began with an informative presentation by LT Mark Hayton from the USCG on the hazards of Lithium-Ion batteries in the maritime environment, including causes of thermal runaway and case studies involving vessel fires caused by a lithium-ion power source.
This was followed by Jeff Moore from Linde Gas, who discussed the future availability and transportation of CO2, building on our Q3 Technician Training where we successfully deployed CO2 in a training exercise.
DC Tom O’Connor from Vancouver Fire then provided an overview of the Shipboard Fire Operations Guide (SFOG) and a debrief of the recent Port of Virginia Command Training which he and Training Coordinator Don Doyle attended.
After a lunch break, the training resumed with practical sessions on calculating the amount of CO2 required for a given fire compartment using scenarios and vessel fire control plans including a cruise ship, break bulk vessel and a Roll on Roll off car carrier.
Don Doyle, FPAAC Training Coordinator, facilitated a discussion on stability and firefighting water management before DC Tom O’Connor returned to lead a recap of the recent “Big Water” training and gave commentary on drone video footage captured during the training.
The training provided valuable hands-on experience with fire control plans, including calculating the quantity of CO2 needed based on the volume of the area to be flooded, and utilizing the processes detailed in the Shipboard Fire Operations Guide.
Thank you once more to everyone for their time and participation in 2024. We hope to see you again next year!
Anyone interested in learning about the FPAAC training program should contact Anthony O’Reilly, oreilly@pdxmex.com
MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB PORTLAND TIMBERS GAME
MCC members, friends and families enjoyed another entertaining evening of soccer at a Portland Timbers game at Providence Park on October 2, 2024. The weather was fabulous—a beautiful fall evening! The final score—not so great. Despite a 26-7 advantage on shots, the Timbers lost 1-0 to visiting Austin FC.
MCC was pleased to be able to offer unused tickets to residents of one of the community partners of the Giving Spree. For many of the residents, this was their first Major League Soccer game ever, so the gift of free tickets was much appreciated.
MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB WINTERHAWKS GAME
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening at our first hockey game with MCC! The energy, camaraderie, and excitement in the arena made it a night to remember. Special thanks to our wonderful hosts the Winterhawks for taking such great care of us and making the event seamless. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues coming together to cheer, laugh, and connect. Here’s to more great team adventures ahead!
Events like these remind us of the value of teamwork and the joy of building connections outside the office. Your enthusiasm and team spirit truly made the night special. We’re already looking forward to planning for next year (with a Zamboni ride) and creating even more fun memories together. Thank you to our sponsors for making this happen!
MARITIME COMMERCE CLUB THE GIVING SPREE
The Giving Spree, formerly known as the Shopping Spree, is a long-time MCC event. Due to COVID and the changing needs of the shelters, the execution of the Spree has changed but the impact remains HUGE. In 2024, the Spree was able to support 152 children and 80 families at shelters across Multnomah County. This year MCC partnered with:
• Letty Owings
• My Father’s House
• Path Home
• West Women’s and Children’s Center
• Clackamas Women’s Services
• Community of Hope
The MCC Board of Directors were invited to attend each of the events or presentation of support. MCC President Michael Richards joined staff at a local coffee shop to chat with West Women’s and Children’s Shelter (WWCS) staff and learn more about their mission and that most families arriving at their door come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. WWCS has appreciated all the Christmas gifts which MCC members have helped to provide. The gift cards we gave them will be used not only for Christmas but to help families later in the year as they seek assistance at the shelter.
President Richards was especially moved by the tour of Letty Owings (Central City Concern). It is the only drug rehabilitation center in the metro area which allows women who are at risk of losing their young children due to drug use to go through rehab WITH their children staying with them. Not only is this model better for mothers and children, it keeps young ones out of the overburdened foster care system.
My Father’s House (MFH) hosts a resident party each Christmas where Santa and Mrs. Clause hand presents out. This year, the Clauses were joined by Buddy the Elf. MFH helps families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by helping them with long-term housing and education around budgeting, job hunting, and more.
Path Home also helps families with the cycle of homelessness by offering a year-long program where families are given an apartment and helped with job skills. The gift cards MCC gave them will help those families far beyond the holiday.
The staff at Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) were so taken by the gifts that they had to be gently reminded that the presents were for the
children. CWS staff work with children in their program who are fleeing domestic violence. Each child chooses a gift which hopefully brings some joy into what is undoubtably a dark time in his or her life.
If the end of the year snuck up on you, it is not too late to support this long-standing philanthropic event. Email Michelle Eyres, Association Account Specialist, for more information. She can be reached at eyres@pdxmex.com or 503.220.2092.
Tidewater Transportation
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Lewellyn Robison
ILWU Auxiliary 5
Portland Lines Bureau
Shaver Transportation
CRSOA Board of Directors
Port of Portland
Maersk Line
Platinum
Gold
Silver
UPCOMING EVENTS
EDUCATION IN 2025
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
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 entry-level 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. Additionally, we will share information on our upriver Ports and their impact on regional economies.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHIPPING EDUCATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS PDXMEX.COM/EVENTS
FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE
Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.
Columbia Riverfront Hotel 909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion) www.ihg.com/holidayinn/ 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.
* 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: Carl Bertapelle at bertapelle@pdxmex.com or call 503-220-2050 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
CONTACT US
24/7 Marine Operations Services Department
(503) 228-4361
ContactUs@pdxmex.com
200 SW Market Street Suite 190 Portland, OR 97201
STAFF
Alex Devis davis@pdxmex.com
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