Transportation Facilities News

Africa needs to take advantage of the economic potential of its ports and shipping sector if it is to realise its growth ambitions. Globally, ports are gateways for 80% of merchandise trade by volume and 70% by value. Investment in ports and their related transport infrastructure to advance trade and promote overall economic development and growth is therefore vital – particularly in emerging economies that are currently under-served by modern transportation facilities. However, port investment must be channelled appropriately to ensure financial sustainability and economic growth. Investment is not always about building new ports or…

A top 10 list of regulatory concerns is by no means all-inclusive, but it does bring to light the full weight of the regulatory hammer on the collective domestic commercial waterfront. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us...” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859.

We are in the midst of a revolution over port infrastructure. This revolution is not about the role of ports as silent engines for our economy and the need for better intermodal infrastructure. Rather, it is about why governments – local, state and federal – believe ports exist, and whether or not public and private entities, other than those directly responsible for ports, should help build or improve port infrastructure and their intermodal connectors. Ports are rightfully linked to a maritime industry that is steeped in tradition.

The first natural gas floating liquefaction unit (FLNG) has completed performance testing at the Wison Offshore & Marine yard in Nantong, China, marking the first time LNG has been produced onboard a floating facility. The performance test was carried out in the presence of classification societies, EXMAR and all the relevant parties, Wison said. During the 72-hour performance test, the performance of the FLNG ensured all key design requirements and production capacities (guaranteed performance) were achieved for the unit’s operational effectiveness.

SSL power solutions manufacturer Thomas Research Products (TRP) has introduced a new surge protector for 480V circuits. The FSP3-480-20kA protects LED luminaires from surges up to 20,000 amps. Utilizing new components, the FSP3-480-20kA is the same size as the company's current 277V model. An LED indicator on TRP's new compact device shows that it is functioning to protect the luminaire. The unit also includes in-line fusing to shut down the luminaire when the capabilities of the surge protector have been exceeded.

Iran, the United States and five other major powers reached an agreement to restrain the Iranian nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. Q: Can you outline the timeline from here? "The P5+1 will now work on a UN resolution to endorse the deal; separately, domestic legislatures and other processes will review text, in the U.S, that includes a 60-day review period; 90 days from today the deal goes into implementation mode in which Iran does a number of nuke steps, and the P5+1 establish legal conditions for relief, but it doesn't get activated until the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) issues a report verifying Iran did what it said it would do, which Secretary (of State John) Kerry put at about 6 months, and which I think is about right, as noted before.

ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) today announced that ExxonMobil has awarded a global commercial license for Immersive 3D Operator Training Simulator technology to co-developer EON Reality Inc. The innovative technology incorporates ultra-realistic, multi-angle immersive virtual reality for training process operators and engineers in oil and gas production, processing and transportation facilities. The technology enables effective training to take place in a safe and controlled environment. The new technology also supports the development of simulators that combine dynamic process training and fully functional 3D models. These complex models include interactive 3D objects such as rotating valves…

Ankara hosted today a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Taner Yildiz, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The parties discussed the main issues of constructing a new gas pipeline across the Black Sea towards Turkey. The meeting considered the preliminary feasibility study on the new gas pipeline and approved its new route. The four strings will have an aggregate capacity of 63 billion cubic meters a year. 660 kilometers of the pipeline’s route will be laid within the old corridor of South Stream and 250 kilometers – within a new corridor towards the European part of Turkey. Already on January 28 Gazprom will submit a notice requesting a conduct of FEED operations for the new Turkish offshore section.

Washington’s citizens could see mobility improvements in highways, ferries and freight rail if the state’s three capital grant applications are selected to receive a portion of the $600 million available nationwide in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funds. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also submitted three applications this week for planning proposals that support economic development, environmental resiliency and integrated transportation choices. Of the $600 million available in TIGER grant funds, $35 million is dedicated to transportation-facilities planning. Improve intersections adjacent to Interstate 82 in Benton County. Replace the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal in Snohomish County.

The Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation published its final report on United States freight transportation, offering an assessment of its current condition with recommendations for strengthening nationwide infrastructure and U.S. economy. The panel, led by its Chairman, U.S. Rep John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) and Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), was founded by Full Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall, II (D-W.Va.) in April 2013 to examine U.S. freight transportation, the role it plays on the nation’s economy and ways in which it may be improved, including financially, structurally and technologically. Direct the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army and the Commandant of the U.S.

It has been over three years since the tragic accident occurred aboard the Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010. The industry and the relevant federal agencies have done much to put in place improved safeguards to prevent such an accident – which left 11 dead and 17 injured – from happening again. Congress, on the other hand, has done little to intervene to force new requirements on either the federal government or industry. Meanwhile, energy-related work in the Gulf of Mexico is rapidly increasing and forecasts are that it will remain busy for the next few years.

Deborah Hadden has been appointed Port Director by Thomas P. Glynn, CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). In her new role, Hadden will be responsible for directing the planning, development, marketing, operation, security, financial management, administration and maintenance of Massport’s non-aviation properties in the Port of Boston. Hadden had been Acting Port Director since October, 2012, and was instrumental in achieving many successes in directing the Port of Boston in the last 10 months.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) consider the FY 2014 Administration Budget contains mixed blessings for the industry. With the release today of President Obama’s fiscal 2014 budget, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)—representing seaports in the United States and throughout the Americas—stated there are both positive and concerning aspects of the budget pertaining to ports and the efficient and secure movement of freight. In regard to modernizing and maintaining America’s port navigation infrastructure, AAPA commends the Administration’s budget request for being $42 million higher than last year’s $848 million request for the coastal navigation portion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (“BSEE”) issued three significant documents addressing response, enforcement, and safety issues related to offshore operations in August 2012. Specifically, BSEE issued (1) new guidance concerning regional Oil Spill Response Plans (“OSRPs”), (2) formalized policy addressing direct enforcement actions against contractors engaged in offshore activities, and (3) a Final Rule implementing new safety measures related to well control operations occurring on the outer continental shelf (“OCS”). The following is a summary of these new developments.

Award to precede speech on grant opportunities for reducing diesel emissions. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) will be honored in Wilmington, Del., on Oct. 7 as the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) “U.S. Port Person of the Year” at a special luncheon given by the Port of Wilmington Maritime Society. AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle will present the award in recognition of Sen. Carper’s many contributions toward improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including its deep-draft navigation channels. The award also credits Sen. Carper for his work on enhancing U.S.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that work can begin on the West Vancouver freight access project in Washington State now that an agreement has been signed between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Port of Vancouver. The project, which received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program, will make safety and efficiency improvements for the entire Port by creating access and eliminating a freight chokepoint. “Building better access for the Port will help move goods in and out of Vancouver more quickly,” said Secretary LaHood.

Clean Harbors, provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout North America, announced it has based a regional response center here to respond to environmental emergencies throughout the Gulf Coast region. The new facility also augments the company’s natural disaster response and logistical support services for the region, as well as supports existing field services locations in Louisiana and Texas. The response center is a staging area and warehouse for resources and supplies that enables Clean Harbors personnel to quickly respond to land-based and off-shore spills and emergencies at industrial and chemical facilities, as well as petroleum drilling, refining, storage and transportation facilities.

Yesterday, during a hearing convened to review the progress of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, called upon Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Coast Guard to address the issues impeding a seamless introduction of the program. The TWIC card was designed to prevent access to secure areas of maritime transportation facilities by individuals who pose a threat to our nation’s security.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta named Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis, USCG, (ret.) as the Associate Under Secretary of Transportation for Maritime and Land Security at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Admiral Bennis, who led Coast Guard response in New York to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, will direct TSA exercise of security responsibilities for the nation’s seaports and land transportation assets. In his last Coast Guard assignment as captain of the Port of New York, Bennis directed the successful evacuation by water of approximately 500,000 people from lower Manhattan. “Rear Admiral Bennis’ leadership during an unimaginable situation was remarkable,” said Secretary Mineta. Under Secretary of Transportation for Security John W.

The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey held the 25th Annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner on June 11 at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. It drew a record crowd of more than 900 people and raised over $600,000 for the Institute. "We are thankful for the support of the maritime industry and our friends," said the Rev. Canon Peter Larom, SCI's Executive Director. Richard T. du Moulin, President of Intrepid Shipping and Silver Bell Dinner Chairman since 1996, reported that 15 new companies joined SCI's loyal supporters. "The Institute's service to seafarers and port communities is unequaled among freestanding maritime agencies," said Mr. du Moulin.

Paul I. Perez, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Steven J Trent, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Frank Cioffi, Resident Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Lance Newman, Special Agent-in-Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), today announced the unsealing of indictments and the arrest of 14 individuals on charges that include social security fraud, possession of counterfeit alien registration card, and unlawful re-entry following deportation. This has been a yearlong investigation that culminated early today as federal, state, and local law enforcement began rounding up those individuals indicted.

Vietnam must better coordinate the planning and construction of an integrated seaport network to handle the country’s rapid trade growth, according to container transportation leader APL. The company was providing an update of the findings outlined in a research paper, entitled: “Vietnam Transportation and Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities”, developed earlier this year by the NOL Group, the Singapore-based parent company of APL, to examine Vietnam’s transportation and logistics environment. “Vietnam’s cargo growth potential is tremendous. Average historical growth of containerised cargo of 20% could rise to 25% per year. Previous government forecasts have underestimated actual growth of container volumes…

In the process of enhancing homeland and maritime security in the United States, the federal government is substantially increasing the burden on the owners, operators, managers, and agents of foreign ships. The heaviest burden, though, is being felt by the individual crewmember. For a short time after the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2002, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officials in some ports (particularly the Port of New York and New Jersey) would not allow non-U.S. crewmembers to land (come ashore) in the United States. This knee-jerk reaction gradually faded and INS processing of foreign crewmembers slowly returned to nearly the pre-9/11 situation. In March 2002, an incident in Chesapeake, Va. changed the unofficial INS policy.