Port Commissioners News

Crowley Maritime Corporation has owned and operated a lot of vessels since its founding in 1892. But the latest vessel to join its fleet is unlike any other that has come before it.Crowley’s new harbor tug, eWolf, is unique in that it runs 100% powered by batteries, not diesel engines, meaning it produces zero emissions and nearly no noise. Not only is the vessel the first fully electric tug in the Crowley fleet, but it is also the first of its kind in the United States.Faced with stricter regulations and commercial pressure to prioritize environmental…

Crowley and the Port of San Diego broke ground for the shoreside charging station designed to provide clean energy for the company’s forth-coming zero-emissions tugboat, eWolf.The charging station is a microgrid charging facility that will allow vessels to recharge quickly while reducing peak loads on the community energy grid. It is equipped with two containerized energy storage systems provided by Corvus Energy. The station is designed to operate on off-peak hours from the community’s energy grid, and it includes a solar power array to support renewable energy use.

Richard Dodge, Commissioner of California's Port of Redwood City, announced he will be retiring at the end of July, after 42 years of port service. Dodge was originally appointed to the Board of Port Commissioners in 1980. His service is one of the longest port commissioner tenures in the United States.“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Port of Redwood City over the past 42 years in various Port Commissioner roles,” Dodge said. “It has been incredible to watch the Port evolve and position itself as a leader serving the Silicon Valley and beyond.

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority has named Marcelo “Yudi” Takizawa as its Director of Trade Development. Takizawa has more than 20 years of commercial business and market development leadership experience in the energy and marine transportation space. He comes to the Port of Corpus Christi from Vopak.In his new role, Takizawa will oversee all business and trade development initiatives for the Port of Corpus Christi, including market development, management of customer relationships…

Crowley Maritime Corporation on Monday announced plans to build and operate an all-electric powered harbor tugboat capable of completing a job without expending a drop of fuel—a first in the U.S.The 82-foot-long vessel, dubbed eWolf, will be operational at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal by mid-2023 and comes as Crowley and the maritime industry continue to make strides toward sustainability and decarbonization. Over the first 10 years of its use, the operation of the new e-tug will reduce 178 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx)…

The Port of San Diego is doubling shore power capability at its B Street and Broadway Pier cruise ship terminals to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on and around San Diego Bay.The Board of Port Commissioners approved $4.6 million in funding for the project as well as various agreements related to equipment purchasing, construction and installment of additional shore power equipment that will allow two cruise vessels calling on San Diego to connect to shore power outlets at the same time.

The former chairman of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners Joe Toomy is rejoining the group.Gov. John Bel Edwards reappointed Joseph F. Toomy to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans.Toomy was sworn in during today’s monthly board meeting and will serve a five-year term succeeding Laney J. Chouest as one of two Jefferson Parish representatives on the seven-member regional board. He previously served on the Board of Commissioners from 2009 to 2014 and served as chairman in 2013.With the Port’s acquisition of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad effective Feb. 1, 2018, Port Commissioners also serve as directors of the New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) board…

The Port of Oakland, a major container ship facility located in Oakland, California, in the San Francisco Bay, said that its Commissioners have approved an air quality plan intended to drastically cut diesel and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the Port’s maritime operations.Christened as "Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan", it envisions a zero-emissions operation in the future. The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted last week to approve the 259-page plan.The Port said that the plan would provide a framework for maritime development for the next 30 years. The plan calls for changes in equipment, operations, fuels…

Longtime business and civic leader Yui Hay Lee has joined the Port of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners. Lee was sworn in yesterday to a seat on the seven-member Board.Lee, President and CEO of Oakland-based YHLA Architects, was nominated by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and appointed by the City Council. He replaces eight-year Board veteran Alan Yee, whose latest term expired.“We’re delighted to welcome Yui Hay Lee to our Board,” said President Ces Butner. “He brings a strong business background, exceptional planning and development experience and a commitment to the community.”Lee founded his architectural firm in 1980. He served as a Commissioner on the Oakland/Alameda County Coliseum Authority from 2007-2018. Mr.

A major global marine terminal operator has OKd a new Port of Oakland lease that runs through 2027. The agreement includes options that could keep SSA Terminals (Oakland) here to 2042. The Port today characterized the deal as validation for the city’s maritime future. “SSA is an influential player on the waterfront worldwide, and a significant presence in Oakland,” said Port Maritime Director John Driscoll. Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners approved the new lease last night. Key elements of the deal include: a 19-acre expansion at SSA’s Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT); purchase of three new ship-to-shore cranes by the terminal operator for cargo handling; and options that would extend the new lease an additional 15 years if certain conditions were met.

Officials at the Port of Oakland say they have entered exclusive talks with a Major League Baseball team considering the waterfront at Howard Terminal as a potential location for a new ballpark.On Thursday, port commissioners approved a one-year agreement authorizing negotiations with the Oakland Athletics in the team’s search for a site to build a new stadium.One of two locations being considered by the A’s, the terminal is currently used for maritime ancillary purposes including long-term vessel berthing…

The explosive growth of international boxships is challenging not only the physical infrastructure of North American ports, but also the very nature of the existing supply chains that they impact. The recent dialogue on container shipping has been all about so-called “mega-ships;” those vessels that with larger capacity than those that are already in service at any point in time. In the container trades, as in tanker and drybulk arenas, ocean-going vessels are one link, albeit an important component, within broader supply chains.

A long-held vision to revitalize this city’s decommissioned Army base is nearer reality at the Port of Oakland. Port Commissioners have given initial approval to a landmark deal with CenterPoint Properties for a logistics center at the former base. The tentative agreement caps nearly 15 years of planning for the most-anticipated Port growth project ever. Port officials said today that the agreement includes unprecedented commitments to hire local workers. “The future is at hand,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. The Board of Port Commissioners voted initial approval of the agreement last night. It comes up for final vote Nov. 30. If Commissioners say yes a second time, the deal becomes official in January.

The Port of San Diego is preparing to welcome 83 cruise calls during the 2017-2018 cruise season, with a wide variety of itineraries visiting this inspiring destination. This season Holland America Line remains a strong presence on San Diego Bay along with continued growth from Disney Cruise Line. On Thursday, October 5, the Disney Wonder will be in port, along with Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Approximately 242,000 passengers are expected this year, up from last year’s 224,000. The number of cruise calls remains about the same. Passengers this season will be able to experience a relaxing California Coast cruise, an adventurous voyage around the globe, South Pacific cruises and much more.

Up to six 366-foot-tall cranes will soon be raised 27-feet higher at the Port of Oakland. The port said the $14 million-to-$21 million project will begin this spring at its largest marine terminal. The objective: make it easier to load and unload megaships with containers stacked high above deck. “We’re already working the largest ships to call in North America,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. The governing Board of Port Commissioners approved the crane plan at a meeting last night. It calls for installing longer legs on four-to-six cranes at Oakland International Container Terminal. The terminal handles 70 percent of Oakland’s cargo. Last winter it received the 1,300-foot long Benjamin Franklin, the largest container ship ever to visit the U.S.

The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2017, Brandy D. Christian has begun service as the Port’s president and chief executive officer following her two-year tenure as its chief operating officer. “Brandy is an experienced maritime professional with a strategic mindset and clear focus on actionable goals,” said Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners Michael Kearney. “The Board’s competitive national search for a COO was part of an executive succession plan. We had hoped the successful candidate would eventually be able to lead the Port. Brandy exceeded our expectations by quickly understanding our challenges, identifying opportunities to improve efficiencies, and developing a plan for future growth.

Work could begin next month to nearly double the size of the Port of Oakland’s second-largest marine terminal. TraPac LLC said today it’s ready to begin construction on a 57-acre expansion at the Port’s Outer Harbor. The Board of Port Commissioners approved the project at a meeting Oct. 27. TraPac has signed a new 14-year lease with the Port to grow from 66 to 123 acres. It will add two vessel berths to the two it already operates. The terminal operator said a larger footprint will help it absorb additional cargo volume. “With this expansion, we’re making a long-term commitment to our customers and to the Port of Oakland,” said TraPac Oakland General Manager Mike Porte. TraPac is growing into property adjacent to its existing terminal.

TraPac, LLC has reached agreement to nearly double its marine terminal size at the Port of Oakland. Wilmington, CA-based TraPac said today it plans to lease an additional 57 acres and two vessel berths on the Port’s Outer Harbor. If the deal is approved, it would greatly strengthen TraPac’s position as the second-largest terminal operator in Oakland. TraPac disclosed its plans at a meeting of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners last night. The proposed 14-year lease agreement with the Port becomes final if the Board approves it at a meeting Oct. 27. “This is a significant step forward for TraPac and the Port,” said Port Maritime Director John Driscoll. Marine terminals load and unload containerships in Oakland. They release containerized imports to cargo owners.

Activity across Port of Houston Authority docks continues to show strength as February 2015 tonnage figures reflected a 22-percent increase compared to February 2014. Executive Director Roger Guenther released the information today during the monthly meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Guenther reported that the Port Authority's Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals were particularly busy. A combined 40 percent more loaded containers than a year ago was handled. ". . . Our sharp increases in container volume are not just from East Asian services and diversion from the West Coast," Guenther said. The Port Authority, which handled a record 37 million tons of cargo in 2014, moved more than six million tons through the first two months of this year.

A $1.5 million subsidy program to stimulate night and weekend business at the Port of Oakland has been extended. The port’s largest marine terminal operator responded saying it will use the program to further expand weeknight operations. The announcement comes as the Port abandons its traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. operating model. “The old way doesn’t work any longer,” said Port Executive Director Chris Lytle. Port Commissioners voted last week to continue through June 30 the fund that partially subsidizes extended gate hours. It had been scheduled to expire this week.

The Port of Houston Authority hosted Congressional leaders on port matters for a facilitated visit and tour of the Port of Houston, Friday, June 5. Congresswoman Janice Hahn, Congressman Ted Poe and Congressman Brian Babin visited the Port of Houston and learned more about the national impact of the Port of Houston overall and in particular its safety and security measures. The visit was arranged upon the invitation of Congressman Poe, who along with Congresswoman Hahn co-chair the PORTS Caucus, which represents more than 100 ports across the nation.

On Thursday, May 19, 2016, the Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners agreed to exclude funding for a proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Worth Inlet navigational improvement project from the port’s Master Plan Update. The ACOE project, along with the economic and environmental backup that accompanied the plan, was published for the port’s review in 2005. As global, regional and state markets; the port’s tenant composition; and the environmental and recreational dynamics surrounding the port have changed, the port’s missions and goals continue to evolve. In discussing the 10-year time span between the study and the Thursday evening decision…

As part of strategic efforts to increase cargo business at the Port of San Diego, the port has entered into a conditional agreement with Mitsubishi Cement Corporation (MCC), one of the largest cement companies in California, for potential future operations at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. The conditional agreement, which was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners on June 11, 2015, will allow the port to conduct a project review under the California Environmental Quality Act in anticipation of MCC's potential operations at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal on San Diego Bay.