By Karen Robes Meeks Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is the new chair of the US Conference of Mayors’ Ports and Exports Task Force. The mayor, who announced his appointment to his constituents earlier this month, said “As Chair I will bring the Port of Long Beach experience and expertise and highlight our Clean Air Action Plan, key infrastructure projects affirming our commitment to operational excellence and other initiatives that make our port one of the best ports in the world.” “Strengthening trade and commerce at our ports is critical to the success of our national and regional economies throughout…

By Karen Robes Meeks Maintenance dredging of the Charleston Marina channel and Inner Basin in the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay is expected to begin this week, according to a port announcement made earlier this month. Dredging, which was expected to start Dec. 17 and take four to six weeks to complete, will take place mainly during day time hours and during ebb tides. The maintenance work at the marina, which is home to more than 400 slips, will temporarily limit vessel traffic and accessibility. For more information on accessing the Charleston Marina during that period, call 541-888-2548, or…

By Karen Robes Meeks For the fifth straight month, the Port of Los Angeles handled more than 800,000 TEUs, keeping the nation’s largest seaport on pace to reach 9 million for the year. The port moved 832,331 TEUs in November, making it the port’s sixth busiest month ever. This despite last month’s numbers reflecting a 9.9 percent decrease from the same period last year when the port moved 924,256 TEUs. Los Angeles also saw an 8.8 percent decrease in imports down to 422,793 TEUs and a 14.3 percent slowdown in exports to 152,527 TEUs compared to the November 2017 figures.…

By Karen Robes Meeks The Port of Long Beach is on the way to a record year for the second consecutive year. Long Beach moved 621,835 TEUs last month, 1.5 percent higher than November 2017, adding to the port’s 2018 tally of 7,349,377 TEUs. With volumes up 7.3 percent for the year, officials predict that the numbers will surpass last year’s record of 7,544,507 TEUs. “American retailers are stocking up on goods made in China to avoid anticipated higher tariffs,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “You’re seeing the opposite effect on the other side of the ocean. Chinese businesses…

By Karen Robes Meeks Port of Everett Board Commissioner Glen Bachman was recently sworn into his second six-year term in office. Bachman, who was first appointed in August 2013, represents Port District 3, which includes the waterfront between north and south Everett, parts of the north Mukilteo waterfront to east to the Snohomish River. “I am honored and humbled that you have placed your trust in me,” Bachman said. “With your trust, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to carry out the Port’s Strategic Plan that develops a balanced waterfront. This is an action that includes public access, public…