Edward G Rendell News

Less than three months after seeking proposals from interested parties to design, operate and maintain a major new marine terminal in South Philadelphia, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced on July 23 the shortlist of teams that will continue in the solicitation process developing a public-private partnership that is expected to bring millions of dollars of investment to the region. One of the teams selected was a consortium comprising Delaware River Stevedores (DRS) and Hyundai Merchant Marine America (HMMA). DRS is a joint venture between Carrix Inc., and Ports America Group, the two largest independent terminal operating companies in the United States. DRS has vast stevedoring experience at several major U.S. ports, including the Port of Philadelphia.

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the investment of up to $25 million dollars in commonwealth capital funds to advance the Southport Marine Terminal project at the Port of Philadelphia. The investment will fund pre-construction activities critical to the project's success. Teams qualified to bid for the right to develop and operate the Southport terminal were notified earlier today that the competitive bid process has been temporarily suspended to allow capital and financial market conditions to improve. Initial development proposals from qualified teams, received on May 15 after a months-long competitive process, reflected the detrimental impact of the global recession and international credit crisis on the shipping lines…

The commonwealth has applied for a $1.5 million Clean Diesel Emerging Technology grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to upgrade two marine diesel engines in the Pittsburgh area, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced. "Diesel engines play important roles in our everyday lives, but old, inefficient engines are major sources of air pollution that make it difficult for many people to breathe," Governor Rendell said. "Diesel emissions are not limited to our highways and factories. Marine vessels used at the Port of Pittsburgh are essential to moving freight along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, but they also diminish the region's air quality.

Governor Edward G. Rendell hailed the signing of a historic agreement that will officially begin a five-year, $379 million project to deepen the ’s shipping channel, calling it a major milestone in ongoing efforts to expand commerce and enhance economic development in the region. The partnership agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) represents a significant step forward in a 15-year effort to deepen the river’s shipping channel. The agreement was signed by Assistant Secretary of the Army John Paul Woodley Jr. and PRPA Chairman John H. Estey. “I consider this to be the most important project in the history of the ,” said Governor Rendell.

Pennslyvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced his appointment of John J. Dougherty to the Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (DRPA). term. serves southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Ross bridges. the City of Philadelphia. Council and Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO. Governor Rendell said.

Stolt-Nielsen S.A. appointed Otto H. Fritzner as CEO of Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group (SNTG). Fritzner most recently served as Managing Director, Ship Owning at SNTG. He succeeds James B. Hurlock, who was named Interim CEO of SNTG in July 2003. • SNTG's global operations will be organized into three regions - the Americas, administered from Greenwich, Conn.; Asia-Pacific, administered from Singapore; and Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA), administered from Rotterdam, SNTG's corporate headquarters. • SNTG's Indian Ocean Service and the Europe-to-Asia Pacific Service will be operated out of Rotterdam. I.M. Skaugen ASA announced that Skaugen PetroTrans (SPT), its 50 percent owned joint venture company, has appointed Per Voie as its President.

Governor Edward G. operate them are receiving $8.6 million worth of grants. awarded through the U.S. grant program. state agency. Regional Port Authority. within four months. Philadelphia area. the Port of Philadelphia area. effectiveness by adding sophisticated sensor equipment to CAP aircraft.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. jobs to the local economy over the next three years. tax credits. for more than 15 years. Governor Rendell. project that is expected to cost $12.8 million. times to deliver orders and products. Pennsylvania locations. at least 205 new jobs within three years and retain 26 existing employees. including a first-of-its-kind, multi-million dollar robotic welding system. Grant, $92,250 in CJT, and $410,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits (JCTC). operations. repair, ship conversions and dry-docking services. dock on the Great Lakes. expansion project.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced $17m in capital grants to support projects in Erie that will bolster the city’s economy and expand the region’s tourism industry. Among the grants include $2.5m to Erie Shipbuilding LLC to help the company expand operations at the former Litton Industries shipyard and dry dock. The company will, primarily, convert existing vessels to tug barges, but will also build new ships for VanEnkevort’s Tug and Barge Inc. The company plans to expand VTB’s fleet by five to six vessels within three years. The state grant will help the company with capital expenditures as it seeks to acquire the necessary equipment to outfit the shipyard property.

Matson Navigation Company, Inc.’s (Matson) new containership MV Manukai was christened today by Margaret Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, at a ceremony held at Philadelphia Kvaerner Shipyard, Inc. (KPSI). The vessel is the first of a two-ship, $220 million contract with KPSI. Among those present for the ceremony were Senator Inouye, Governor Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania, Charles M. Stockholm, chairman of the board, Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., and Allen Doane, president and CEO, Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., and chairman of the board, Matson. The Manukai is the first new Matson vessel built since 1992, when the MV R. J. Pfeiffer entered the company’s service, and the first new Matson ship of the 21st century.