Geraldine Knatz News

Canadian, U.S. Coast Guards and Foss Maritime coordinate a textbook response operation. Robust response trumps the need for later salvage. In the early hours of Friday, October 17, the crew of the Russian cargo ship Simushir attempted to repair a broken oil heater. On its way to Pevek in the Russian Far East, the vessel suddenly lost propulsion and began drifting toward the nearest land, which in this case was the archipeligo Haida Gwaii. Just off the coast of northern British Columbia…

Gary Lee Moore, who has served as Los Angeles City Engineer and General Manager of the city’s Bureau of Engineering for the past decade, has started his duties as interim executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “Gary is a trusted public servant, with a 28-year track record with the City,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who appointed Moore to the position last month. “The port is a critical economic engine for the city and region,” said Moore. Moore replaces Geraldine Knatz…

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a new Port Master Plan that is the first comprehensive update of the Port’s development policies and procedures since its original plan took effect more than three decades ago. The new plan incorporates previous amendments and anticipated future changes to the use of property within the coastal zone managed by the port. The document promotes orderly development consistent with the port’s long-term goals of making the best use of its land and water resources…

Port of Los Angeles officials announced the development of its Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) initiative designed to improve energy efficiency at America’s busiest container port. Included in the plan will be the nation’s largest port energy assessment. The E-MAP, unveiled during an energy workshop with representatives of the Port, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), marine terminal operators and others, will serve as the Port’s blueprint to identify…

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the signing of an agreement with Yang Ming, a marine transport company, to extend its lease at the Port of Los Angeles for an additional nine years. Yang Ming’s current lease at the West Basin Container Terminal ends in 2021; with this agreement, it extends to 2030 and represents additional port revenues of between $365 and $525 million, depending on cargo volumes. In conjunction with the lease extension, Mayor Villaraigosa signed a Memorandum of Understanding Tuesday in Beijing to expand and modernize the Yang Ming terminal facilities at the port.

The Port of Los Angeles’ Trade Connect program has earned the nation’s highest honor for promoting American export trade. The Port was among the 2013 honorees recognized for export sales or service during an “E” Award ceremony at the U.S Department of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am delighted to be recognizing this year’s Presidential ‘E’ Award winners for their outstanding contributions to U.S. exports and congratulate the Port of Los Angles on its outstanding export achievement,” said U.S. Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank, who presented the award.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., has been honored by the University of Southern California Alumni Association with the prestigious Alumni Merit Award. Knatz earned a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering and a doctorate in biological science from USC. “The Alumni Merit Awards are given to individuals whose remarkable accomplishments speak well for the range and quality of a USC education,” said Patrick E. Auerbach, the interim associate vice president for alumni relations. “Dr.

The Los Angeles Harbor Commission approved a resolution initiating an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on a proposed berth-improvement project by Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI). Start of the EIR process is the first step in YTl’s proposed plan to deepen and improve its terminal facilities, allowing the terminal operator to accommodate next-generation vessels and increase cargo volume at its site. “Terminal modernization and improvements such as those proposed by Yusen Terminals Inc. are key to the Port of Los Angeles’ long-term global competitiveness and success,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released the following statement on Tuesday night: “I am pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached between labor and management that will bring to an end the eight-day strike that has cost our local economy billions of dollars. I would like to thank both the employers and the union for returning to the bargaining table in earnest beginning last night and working feverishly to reach a new deal. The result is a contract amenable to both sides and the return to work during this holiday season for thousands of men and women who are vital to keeping our port running around the clock. I also wish to express thanks to the federal mediators who quickly flew to Los Angeles today, fully prepared to work with both sides to reach an agreement.

Projects Advance Modernization of the TraPac Container Terminal. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved construction contracts totaling more than $127 million for two major projects that advance modernization of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant, TraPac, Inc. With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the Port of Los Angeles’ overall capital improvement program. The Port is investing more than $1.2 billion over five years to remain competitive in the global economy. “Redevelopment of the TraPac terminal reflects the Port’s larger commitment to retaining its global position as America’s premier seaport,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. Approved Nov.

Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approve $127-million construction contracts for two major projects. Both projects are part of a $365 million expansion of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant TraPac, Inc. due to be completed in 2016. With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the Port of Los Angeles’ overall capital improvement program. The Port is investing more than $1.2 billion over five years to remain competitive in the global economy.

Environmental and Project Approvals Advance Visionary Concept. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission today certified the final Environmental Impact Report for the proposed redevelopment of City Dock No. 1 and approved the framework for bringing a world-class marine research center to the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. The action sets the stage for creation of a state-of-the-art waterfront research institute where leading scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs can collaborate on solutions to today’s marine, environmental and maritime industry challenges.

Port of Los Angeles receives 8 proposals to develop its 30-acre LA waterfront property. The 30-acre, fully entitled San Pedro waterfront property is known as Ports O’ Call Village, located along the Port’s Main Channel and adjacent to downtown San Pedro. The deadline for submitting proposals was Friday, Oct. 5th. The development site includes 3,000 linear feet of rare water frontage and 375,000 square feet of retail and tourism-related entitled uses. Located at the south end of the Harbor (I-110) Freeway…

Congresswoman Hahn’s Port Security Bill Passes the House. Congresswoman Janice Hahn’s port security legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 411 to 9. H.R. 4005 “Gauging American Port Security Act” or GAPS Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a comprehensive classified examination of remaining gaps in port security and prepare a plan to address them. “The loopholes that continue to exist in port security keeps me up at night,” said Rep. Hahn. “My first question as a member of the Homeland Security Committee was to Lee Hamilton, vice chair of the 9/11 Commission, on what Congress should be doing to protect our ports. Mr. Ships make 50,000 calls a year on U.S. ports, carrying two billion tons of freight and 134 million passengers.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has received a formal proposal co-sponsored by a broad array of industry organizations, labor, and governments to require loaded containers to be weighed to determine their actual weight. The proposal was submitted by Denmark, The Netherlands, the United States, BIMCO, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).

Port of Los angeles Executive Director Receivs Peter Benchley ‘Excellence in Solutions' Ocean Conservation Award. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., has been named the 2012 recipient of the Blue Frontier Campaign’s Peter Benchley Ocean Award for  “Excellence in Solutions.” The Blue Frontier Campaign is a national marine conservation activist organization working to improve ocean policies in coastal states. The Peter Benchley Award is named in honor of lifetime marine wildlife conservationist Peter Benchley, best known for writing the bestseller novel ‘Jaws’ in 1974.

Harbor Commission Approves Environmental Impact Report, Lease Agreement; Historic Battleship Plans to Open to Public July 7. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission today voted unanimously to create a new home for the historic battleship, the USS IOWA, in a prime location along the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. In separate actions, The Harbor Commission approved the lease agreement and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) necessary to bring the World War II icon to the LA Waterfront  where it will be converted to an interactive naval museum and living memorial.

Port of Los Angeles gets final Coast Guard approval to create first harbor tour vessel retrofitted with Hybrid-Electric propulsion system. The Port of Los Angeles has received final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to install a hybrid propulsion system on its 42-year-old harbor tour boat, the Angelena II. Upon completion later this spring, the Angelena II will be the first harbor craft of its kind retrofitted with a hybrid propulsion system that will reduce emissions and fuel usage by more than 95 percent.

Charlotte, North Carolina (March 31, 2011) – On March 31, 2006, Maersk Line’s SINE MÆRSK changed the course of low-sulfur distillate fuel use when she called Los Angeles. Five years later, this fuel switch has resulted in a 3700 ton savings in air emissions benefitting those who live and work in California. A 4100 ton savings in air emissions has been made in North America with vessels calling California, Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver and Houston. There has been a 95% reduction of sulfur oxides (SOx)…

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., has been elected president of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). Knatz was unanimously chosen as the IAPH’s 29th president at the association’s biennial World Ports Conference last month in Busan, Korea. More than 700 delegates, speakers and guests from 52 countries attended the 27th IAPH World Ports Conference held May 23-27 and hosted by the Busan Port Authority. Working sessions focused on the role and responsibility of ports in the global economy, word trade, climate change, logistics and community.

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have selected seven local maritime and cargo companies as this year’s recipients of the Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Awards, an honor presented to those taking extraordinary measures to cut air emissions, modernize facilities and implement innovative operations to reduce air pollution. “These partners have shown a real commitment to cleaner and greener port operations, going above and beyond what is required,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “The Clean Air Action Plan awards are a fantastic way to put a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of the goods movement industry to meet and exceed air quality goals…

An estimated 42,600 visitors toured four military vessels as Navy Week at the Port of Los Angeles came to a close with the departure of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln on Monday. “We’d like to thank San Pedro, the Port of Los Angeles, the City Los Angeles and the thousands of visitors who participated in Navy Week,” said Commander Christopher Scholl. “We greatly appreciate the interest and enthusiasm this visit generated. We’re grateful to those who waited patiently to visit these magnificent ships and crew.

For the second consecutive year, the Port of Los Angeles experienced record-breaking exports as outbound container volumes surged 14.5 percent in 2011 compared to 2010. Imports also increased 2.3 percent compared to the previous year. Total annual volumes, including empty containers, rose 1.4 percent. Complete statistics are available here. “We’re fortunate to have stronger year-over-year results in 2011 but we are not resting on our laurels as the nation’s premier trade gateway,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “That’s why we are investing $1.5 billion in capital improvements over the next five years. “2011 was our second straight year of record exports and it’s an example of how our Port is prepared to handle a shift in global trade patterns…