New Guidelines for Port of Olympia Commission Meetings

New Guidelines for Port of Olympia Commission Meetings

By Karen Robes Meeks On Friday, the Port of Olympia released new guidelines for how the public can attend and post comments for remote commission meetings, which the port began practicing March 9 to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Those wanting to provide public comment must sign up in advance or submit written comments by 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com. Written input will be gathered and delivered to the commission before the meeting starts. In order to speak at the meeting, individuals must sign up by 9 a.m. on meeting day at commissioncoordinator@portolympia.com and confirm if the comments…
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Lynden Continues to Operate Amid COVID-19

Lynden Continues to Operate Amid COVID-19

By Karen Robes Meeks Employees throughout Lynden’s family of companies continue to move vital goods to customers amid the COVID-19 development. Chairman Jim Jansen said in a release Friday that Lynden is committed to delivering essential supplies and services to customers and communities. "The safety of our people and serving our customers are our priorities during these challenging times,” he said. “We've been keeping freight moving to Alaska since 1954, and we're not planning to stop now." The company’s barges, trucks and planes bound for Alaska have been keeping the supply line going without disruption since late February as the…
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Port of Los Angeles Open for Business, Focused on Future

Port of Los Angeles Open for Business, Focused on Future

By Karen Robes Meeks Amid the COVID-19 health crisis, business operations and major infrastructure projects continue to move forward at the Port of Los Angeles, said the port’s top official Thursday. In his latest video update, Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said the port is open for business and is pushing forward on several long-term infrastructure projects, including upgrading Everport Terminal and marine oil terminals as well as enhancing its on-dock rail capabilities. Projects currently active total $367 million and will mean roughly 3,011 construction jobs. The port is also partnering with the supply chain on bolstering exports out of…
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USCG Cutter Returns to Oregon Following Counter Narcotic Patrol

USCG Cutter Returns to Oregon Following Counter Narcotic Patrol

By Karen Robes Meeks After 65 days on a counter narcotic patrol to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, US Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast members came home to Astoria, Ore., Friday. During their patrol in international waters off the Mexican and Central American coasts, crew members came across and boarded five suspected smuggling vessels, arrested three smuggling suspects and found 1,252 pounds of pure cocaine valued at roughly $21.5 million. “I am inspired daily by the tenacity and professionalism of this crew,” said Cmdr. Dan Ursino, commanding officer of the Steadfast. "Their resilience to remain focused, in light of the global health crisis and uncertainty…
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Port of Long Beach Bridge Project Reached Milestone

Port of Long Beach Bridge Project Reached Milestone

By Karen Robes Meeks The Port of Long Beach’s Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement project reached a major milestone this week when crew members linked into place the last major steel floor beam on California’s first cable-stayed bridge. Slated to open this year, the $1.47 billion bridge will feature six traffic lanes, a bike and pedestrian path, more room to accommodate larger cargo ships and better traffic flow with more efficient transition ramps and connectors. The work is being done amid the COVID-19 health crisis. While the project is among the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors allowed to continue, officials are…
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Port of Hueneme Unveils Environmental Results

Port of Hueneme Unveils Environmental Results

By Karen Robes Meeks The Port of Hueneme posted high marks in its annual environmental assessment and accreditation, scoring high in four of the six categories for 2019. The port earned a 5/5 for Waste Management, Prevention of Spills and Leakages, Community Impacts, Environmental Leadership and garnered a 2/5 for Underwater Noise and a 3/5 for Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution from Green Marine, which reviews environmental programs for the North American maritime industry using over 100 performance criteria consisting of six categories. “The Port of Hueneme has led the way in California, charting the course ahead for the state’s…
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Port of LA Chief Expects Better April Numbers, Lower Overall Volume

Port of LA Chief Expects Better April Numbers, Lower Overall Volume

By Karen Robes Meeks In a video statement released Friday, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka updated the public on the current state of cargo at the nation’s busiest seaport. Operations continue to run smoothly with no congestion or disruption, and terminals and gates are open daily with the evening labor shifts starting an hour later than usual so cargo handling equipment and radios can be sanitized, he mentioned. But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to affect numbers. “As the economy has contracted, we are seeing smaller container ships return to service,” Seroka said. “Unfortunately,…
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Matson Donated $3.7 Million

Matson Donated $3.7 Million

By Karen Robes Meeks Last year, 960 charities and nonprofit programs benefited from donations totaling $3.7 million from Honolulu-based Matson Inc. Matson gave $1.42 million in cash, services and equipment support to Hawaiian groups and $1.24 million to Alaskan organizations. The company supported Kahauiki Village, environmental programs in Alaska and food banks in Alaska and Hawaii. The company also donated $180,000 to United Way chapters in Hawaii and Matson's mainland US cities; $60,000 to the American Heart Association; $55,000 in support for Coast Guard Chief Petty/Warrant Officer Associations in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, Wash., and Calif., $37,000 to the American Red…
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Port of San Diego Approves Coastal Development Permit

Port of San Diego Approves Coastal Development Permit

By Karen Robes Meeks The development of a park on San Diego Bay’s Chula Vista waterfront moved forward recently when harbor leaders at the Port of San Diego approved a Coastal Development Permit for the future Sweetwater Park. To be located near E Street and Bay Boulevard, the proposed park would be an open space with meadows and specialty garden, walkways and bike paths and other features to complement the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. “The parks that are being designed and planned, including Sweetwater Park, will give us the long-awaited, enhanced shoreline recreation and active commercial harbor we’ve wanted…
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Lynden Companies Continue Operations Amid COVID-19

Lynden Companies Continue Operations Amid COVID-19

By Karen Robes Meeks Lynden announced recently that its family of companies continues to keep regular business operations and schedules, including Alaska Marine Lines’ barge services to Southeast, Central, and Western Alaska. “In many of our operations, our services are critical to the communities and businesses that we serve,” President and CEO Jon Burdick wrote in a letter to customers. “Our mariners, drivers, flight crew and cargo handlers often provide the majority or only cargo services to many locations, so communities depend on us for food and other living essentials. Many of our customers rely on us to provide services…
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