Port of Long Beach Provides Nearly 12,000 COVID Shots to Mariners

Port of Long Beach Provides Nearly 12,000 COVID Shots to Mariners

After an 18-month effort, the Port of Long Beach on Dec. 31 wrapped up its COVID-19 vaccination program, which saw close to 12,000 shots given to mariners serving on cargo ships visiting the San Pedro Bay. “We are proud to have sponsored free vaccines for sailors visiting the port,” Port of Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “The port is about more than just moving cargo, it’s about the people who move the cargo and keeping them healthy and safe.” The program – run jointly by the port, the National Guard and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services…
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POLB Channel Deepening Project Receives Federal Authorization

POLB Channel Deepening Project Receives Federal Authorization

The Port of Long Beach’s Channel Deepening Project is one of the U.S. projects included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, the newly signed law by President Joe Biden that allows funding for flood control, navigation and ecosystem-related projects, it was announced Dec. 28. Long Beach’s channel deepening effort is among five navigation projects in the country that passed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ “rigorous planning process to make the cut for construction authorization under the new water resources law,” the port said in a statement. Long Beach and the Army Corps are jointly funding the…
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Port of LA Reports Soft November Cargo Numbers

Port of LA Reports Soft November Cargo Numbers

The Port of Los Angeles last month saw its overall cargo numbers drop by 21% year over year, moving 639,344 TEUs in November, according to new data released by the seaport Dec. 14. Los Angeles processed 307,080 TEUs in loaded imports in November, falling 24% from the same time last year. The number of empty containers coming through the port also dropped 26% from November 2021 with 242,148 TEUs. However, the POLA also saw a 9% increase year over year in loaded exports last month with 90,116 TEUs, data show. So far this year, the port has processed 7% fewer…
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Port of Everett Named WPPA Port of the Year

Port of Everett Named WPPA Port of the Year

The Washington Public Ports Association has named the Port of Everett as the 2022 recipient of its Port of the Year award, which is given to a member port for demonstrative success in the industry, the port announced Dec. 12. The award, which was presented Dec. 9 at the association’s annual Conference Awards Breakfast at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, spotlighted Everett’s leadership in innovation in the community and the industry. “Washington Public Ports Association is so proud of the Port of Everett, and all the incredible work they have done over such diverse lines of business,” said Patsy Martin,…
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Port of Seattle, Small Business Administration Team on Business Development

Port of Seattle, Small Business Administration Team on Business Development

The Port of Seattle and the U.S. Small Business Administration Pacific Northwest Region are teaming up to develop and nurture small businesses in the region via a Strategic Alliance Memorandum between the two agencies, the port announced Dec. 2. SBA Regional Administrator Michael Fong, District Director Kerrie Hurd, Port Commissioner Sam Cho and Port Executive Director Steve Metruck were present for the ceremonial signing of the agreement.  Fong said that the SBA is excited to partner with the port to leverage their resources to reach more small business owners and entrepreneurs and create opportunities for them. “The Port of Seattle’s…
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Port of Seattle Hires New Labor Relations Director

Port of Seattle Hires New Labor Relations Director

The Port of Seattle has hired longtime labor veteran Mikel O’Brien as its new senior director of labor relations, the port announced Dec. 1. O’Brien, who had been the port’s senior manager for labor relations since 2015, brings more than 25 years of human resource and labor relations expertise to the new role, 22 of which were with the port. She also worked in HR and labor relations in Utah and Washington state.  As senior manager, she oversaw a team responsible for “negotiating and administering 24 collective bargaining agreements covering over 1,000 employees,” as well as managing compensation studies, serving…
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Port of Grays Harbor Chief Receives Service Award from PNWA

Port of Grays Harbor Chief Receives Service Award from PNWA

Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson has been given a Distinguished Service Award by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, the port announced Nov. 25. The honor, which was awarded to Nelson during PNWA’s annual convention on Oct. 12, spotlights those who made tremendous contributions to the region’s navigation, energy, irrigation and recreation communities, according to the port. Nelson has been with the port since 2000, overseeing the “historic growth and diversification of the marine terminals, the completion of Deeper Draft, and the addition and expansion of the port’s business portfolio to include the Satsop Business Park and Friends…
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West Coast Seaport Cargo Volumes Outpaced by NY/NJ, PMSA Data Show

West Coast Seaport Cargo Volumes Outpaced by NY/NJ, PMSA Data Show

In September, more imported containers went through the Port of New York and New Jersey than any other U.S. port, including the Port of Los Angeles, according to November edition of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association’s West Coast Trade Report. The report, released Nov. 18, shows that the Port of New York and New Jersey handled 423,424 imported TEUs, far more than the 343,462 TEUs handled by Los Angeles.    With outbound loaded and empty TEUs, the East Coast gateway moved a total of 842,219 TEUs, 18.6% more than the 709,873 TEUs handled in September by the POLA.   “It…
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Port of Everett to Celebrate New Terminal

Port of Everett to Celebrate New Terminal

On Thursday, Dec. 1, federal, state and local officials plan to celebrate the completion of the new 40-acre Norton Terminal at the Port of Everett with a ribbon-cutting event. The new $40 million terminal is the centerpiece of the port’s more than $100 million “Mills to Maritime” initiative aimed at bolstering cargo flow and jobs in the region. The event also celebrates the completion of the MTCA (Model Toxics Control Act) Third Interim Action Cleanup Project.  “This work transformed the former Kimberly-Clark mill site into a new 40-acre maritime hub to enhance the movement of commerce, restore jobs and keep…
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Long Beach Port Offering Free Charging for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks

Long Beach Port Offering Free Charging for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks

Heavy-duty electric truck drivers operating in the Port of Long Beach can now charge their trucks for free, thanks to the opening of two public charging stations at the port. The port announced Nov. 18 that it has collaborated with EV Connect to install the stations at the Clean Truck Program Terminal Access Center at 1265 Harbor Ave.  Heavy-duty electric trucks can use the charging station for up to two hours as long as they have paid their annual truck fees and are authorized to operate within the port. To use the charging stations, driver can either download the EV…
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