Tay Yoshitani News

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – a trade group representing ports throughout the Western Hemisphere – today at its 103rd Annual Convention and Expo in Houston honored three port industry leaders. Receiving AAPA’s Distinguished Service Award were former Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani and Dr. Bory Steinberg, founder and principal of the water resources advisory firm of Steinberg & Associates, and a former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program chief. Receiving AAPA’s ImPORTant Service Award was Port of Everett (Wash.) CEO John Mohr. Recipients of the association’s Distinguished Service Award are honored for their dedicated efforts toward the enrichment of the maritime and port industries throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced Friday that 72 projects will receive a total of $600 million from the sixth round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. Of these, 12 Coalition for America’s Gateway and Trade Corridor (CAGTC) member projects were awarded a total of $135 million for projects with full costs exceeding $490 million. One in three grant dollars, just over $198 million, was awarded to 25 projects supporting freight movement. Compared to previous rounds, this represents a decrease in the amount of money and total awards given to freight relative to other types of projects.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) informs it has elected Kristin Decas, CEO and port director for the Port of Hueneme (Calif.) as its incoming chair for AAPA’s 2014-2015 activity year. Ms. Decas will take office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston in November. “The upcoming activity year will be an exciting one and we look forward to Kristen’s leadership as AAPA continues to address the issues of most relevance and importance to all our member ports,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. “Kristin is a proven leader and will be a great asset to AAPA, and to the port industry. Ms. Decas took over as the Port of Hueneme’s CEO in February 2012.

The American Association of Port Authoritiesred (AAPA) informs that Fred. P. Hochberg, chairman and president of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, has agreed to serve as the luncheon presenter on Tuesday 25, March at its 2014 Spring Conference in Washington, D.C. Mr Hochberg's presentation will follow a number of other high profile speakers, including U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee; U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; Canadian Transport Minister Lisa Riatt; M. Gen. John W.

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) introduced The Maritime Goods Movement Act for the 21st Century (H.R. 4105) legislation that would replace the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT), designed to fund the operation and maintenance of American ports. McDermott said HMT is outdated and currently incentivizes shippers to bypass American ports and move goods bound for the United States through Canada and Mexico, amounting to $30 million in losses to maritime infrastructure, with losses expected to increase if current trends continue.

Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange issued a challenge to Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani three days ahead of the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks NFC Divisional Playoff game. The Port of New Orleans, in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, is betting tasty, fresh Louisiana seafood with the Port of Seattle that the Saints will be victorious. “The Who Dat Nation is on a roll, just like Louisiana,” LaGrange said. The Louisiana seafood includes boiled crawfish, wild alligator and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp.

Oct. 13-17 conference to feature keynote addresses from USDOT’s Deputy Secretary, Canada’s U.S. Ambassador and Disney Cruise Line’s President. For the first time in its 60-year history, the Canaveral Port Authority will serve as host of the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) annual convention, which takes place Oct. 13-17. And, for the first time in AAPA’s 102-year history, the business meetings for its international conference will be split between two locations: Port Canaveral, Fla.—one of the world’s busiest cruise ports with growing cargo; and Orlando, Fla.—one of the busiest American cities for conferences and conventions.

On Thursday, August 15th, at 10:00 AM, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani, and Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe will hold a press conference at the Bell Harbor Conference Center rooftop deck overlooking the Port of Seattle to announce new legislation that will support Washington state’s trade economy and significantly strengthen American ports, including many in the Pacific Northwest. Outdated harbor maintenance taxes divert many American-bound cargos to ports in Canada. The Senate bill is expected to level the playing field for American ports competing for cargo while boosting investments in port infrastructure and maintenance.

Crowley Maritime Corp was recently honored with the Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award during the 62nd Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon in Seattle. Crowley’s Gordon Brink, administrative assistant, harbor ship assist and tanker escort  services, accepted the award from the Port of Seattle’s CEO Tay Yoshitani on behalf of the company. Each year the award is granted to a company that demonstrates environmental initiative and leadership through its commitment to helping the Port of Seattle maintain a low-carbon footprint.

The Port of Seattle is now recruiting for its Veterans Fellowship Program. The Port of Seattle says it is dedicated to helping military personnel transition from active duty to civilian employment. The port understands the importance of veterans serving their country and it is estimated that as many as 20% of the port's employee base are veterans or still on active duty (2011). In the picture from left to right: Luis Navarro, Director, Office of Social Responsibility, Rob Porcarelli 
Corporate Counsel, Starbucks; Ricardo Martinez, U.S. Navy, Separated; Nicholas McCallon, U.S.

Port of Seattle has signed-on as a participant in Green Marine, the largest voluntary environmental program for the maritime industry in North America. Port of Seattle state that it is the first  U.S. port outside of the Great Lakes region to join Green Marine. Green Marine is a transparent and inclusive program that addresses nine key environmental issues including air emissions, community impacts (noise, dust, light) and environmental leadership. The program encourages its participants –ship owners, ports, terminals and shipyards- to reduce their environmental footprint by taking concrete actions. Green Marine relevance and credibility…

Virginia Port Authority Executive Director Named Chairman; Two Past AAPA Board Directors Receive Distinguished Service Award. Virginia Port Authority Executive Director Jerry Bridges was formally installed on Sept. 15 as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) chairman of the board for 2011-12. Mr. Bridges accepted his new chairmanship duties at a membership meeting in Seattle during which the entire slate of 2011-12 officers was inducted as part of AAPA's 100th Annual Convention.

Sept. 11-15 conference to also spotlight Port of Seattle’s centennial anniversary. Against the backdrop of one of the USA’s busiest and most picturesque working waterfronts, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) -representing seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere - will hold its 100th Annual Convention, Sept. 11-15, in Seattle. “We’re thrilled to be holding our 100th Annual Convention and Expo in Seattle, which last hosted it 22 years ago and, prior to that, during the Port of Seattle’s 10th anniversary in 1921,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Throughout the week-long business program, attendees will hear from top government…

Crowley Maritime Corporation was recently recognized for its environmental stewardship by the Port of the Seattle and Seattle Propeller Club, which teamed up to present the company with its second-consecutive honorable mention award for Marine Environmental Business of the Year. The awards ceremony took place at the 60th Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon aboard Holland America's cruise ship Zaandam in Seattle. The event, attended by more than 500 people from the regional maritime industry, marked the culmination of Seattle's annual Maritime Festival.

Crowley Maritime Corporation was recently recognized for its environmental stewardship by the Port of the Seattle and Seattle Propeller Club, which teamed to present the company with its runner up award for Marine Environmental Business of the Year. The awards ceremony took place at the 59th Annual Maritime Festival Luncheon aboard the cruise ship Carnival Spirit in Seattle. The event, attended by more than 500 people from the regional maritime industry, marked the culmination of Seattle's annual Maritime Festival.

In recognition of its measurable efforts to reduce its environmental footprint both at sea and in port, Holland America Line has been selected as the 2010 Marine Environmental Business of the Year by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club. "We applaud and congratulate Holland America Line in winning the 2010 Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award," said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. In the last three years Holland America Line challenged its ships to operate at 98 percent of their fuel budget, and in each of those years the ships consumed 96 percent of their fuel budget. Ships based in Seattle during the Alaska cruise season from May through September eliminate diesel engine emissions through a combination of fuel conservation and shore power usage.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation conducted a Hearing on Security of Terminal Operations at US Ports. The purpose of the hearing was to examine the possible security implications of acquisition by Dubai Ports World of P&O Ports. Senator Stevens (R-AK) pointed out that federal agencies, such as the Coast Guard and the Customs & Border Protection, are in charge of port security, not the operators of individual terminals. Most of the statements of the witnesses are not yet available. Mr. H. Edward Bilkey, COO of DP World, said that his company welcomes the opportunity to tell its side of the story regarding the acquisition. Mr. Christopher Koch, World Shipping Council, discussed the international character of shipping. Mr.

The Port of Oakland announced today the award of a $4.75 million maritime security enhancement contract to Florida-based ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire & Security. Under the contract, ADT will install an integrated security system using advanced technology to assist the Port of Oakland, the nation's fourth busiest container port, in its overall security assessment and improvement program. The contract is being funded through a 2002 seaport security grant award from the federal Transportation Security Administration. The contract calls for a comprehensive system design: automated access control, video surveillance, perimeter intrusion detection, as well as an integrated communications infrastructure.