This week in San Diego, Matson, Inc. received delivery of its newest vessel from General Dynamics NASSCO. Christened Lurline, it is considered the biggest combination container / roll-on / roll-off (con-ro) vessel ever built in the US, the company announced Dec. 26. The 870-foot-long vessel – Matson’s largest and one of its fastest – will embark on its maiden voyage to Hawaii next month, stopping in Oakland and Long Beach, Calif., on Jan. 9 and Jan. 11 before arriving in Honolulu on Jan. 15. The Lurline is the first of a pair of "Kanaloa Class" con-ro ships by NASSCO, and the third of…

Michele Heffes is the Port of Oakland’s new Port Attorney, the first woman to hold the title in the port’s 92-year history. Heffes, a 31-year port veteran, takes over for Danny Wan, who became the Port’s Executive Director on Nov. 14. She started at the port in 1988 as an environmental scientist. In 1993, she became a Deputy Port Attorney, then served other roles in the Port Attorney’s Office, including Assistant Port Attorney. “I’m honored to serve as the Port Attorney for the preeminent public institution in the Bay Area,” said Heffes. “I look forward to working with the Board…

The 65th annual Christmas Ships Parade returns to the Port of Camas-Washougal on the historic Columbia River on Dec 7. The port will host as many as 30 decorated vessels for a special performance of this local tradition. Free hot cider and cookies will be served in the port’s meeting room for those wanting to escape the cold. Carolers from Washougal High School will add to the evening’s festivities. The event is free. Doors open to the public at 5 p.m., with the parade set to begin at 6 p.m. at 24 South A Street in Washougal. For more information,…

Port of Seattle Commissioners moved to fund a portion of the Miller Creek restoration project in collaboration with the cities of Burien and SeaTac. The motion to negotiate an inter-local agreement to allocate $800,000 of the $3.5 million joint project would help with the replacement of a failing culvert and the creation of 450 feet of new salmon spawning habitat on port land along Des Moines Memorial Drive. The creek supports existing runs of Coho salmon. “When fully funded, this project will help restore Miller Creek to a more natural state, cooling and filtering the water to restore salmon habitat,”…

The Port of Everett’s $66.2 million budget for 2020 reflects a significant investment in its future and that of the region. The 2020 fiscal plan includes $24.7 million in operating/non-operating expenses and $24.3 million in capital investment. Approximately $6.5 million has been put aside for environmental remediation and public access projects, and $9.2 million to pay the principal and interest of the port long-term debt. The $24.3 million capital investment – $103.1 million through 2024 – will help fund 45 projects that further the port’s Strategic Plan. The plan includes upgrades to Seaport facilities, development of the former Kimberly-Clark mill…

The US Coast Guard (USCG) is asking the public to weigh in on proposed safety requirements at several bar entrances in central and northern California. The community has until Dec. 9 to submit comments on the proposed Regulated Navigation Areas for harbor bar entrances to Crescent City Harbor, Humboldt Bay, Noyo River and Morro Bay. According to the Coast Guard, “the proposed regulation would create additional safety requirements for recreational and small commercial vessels operating in these areas during periods of hazardous conditions, such as high wind or breaking surf, as well as establish clear procedures for restricting and closing…

The Port of Everett will receive $15.5 million in federal funds for improvements along Everett’s waterfront, paving the way for future freight transportation. The money, which comes from the US Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, allows the port to buy the land, build utilities, make stormwater improvements and prep the site to support container-on-barge service in the future. “This grant award is a win-win for the Port of Everett that will clean up a neglected environmental hazard while also restoring the former Kimberly-Clark mill site to support maritime freight and commerce – stimulating Everett’s…