November/December 2021 – Page 2 – Pacific Maritime Magazine

Port of Hueneme Receives $5M Federal Dredging Grant

The Oxnard Harbor District’s Port of Hueneme has been selected to receive a $5.1 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to help provide long-term infrastructure enhancements in and near the port via a dredging project, the Harbor District revealed in late September. The project includes dredging an additional five feet—from 35 feet to 40 feet —to enable fresh produce container vessels to load heavier with each visit, according to the port. It also includes installing 600 feet of sheet pile wall, demolishing old and installing new fender and mooring systems, repairing dilapidated areas of the concrete deck, and…

Navigation Technology Takes Major Strides Forward

The earliest mariners charted their courses in the open sea by examining the location of the sun and stars, the direction of currents, and even by following the movements of seabirds. Over time, our ability to find our way around the ocean has developed to the point that today we can track the position of ships with satellites, identify hazards with camera technology and quickly share location data with other ships and the land. Today, navigation is taking more steps forward. Maritime technology companies, including Alphatron Marine, Raymarine and ABB are working on technologies that further change the way mariners…

Builders on West Coast, Elsewhere, Answer Demand for Mid-Sized Yachts

The pace of America’s yachtbuilding industry remains steady due in part to surging demand during the pandemic. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), retail sales of new powerboats in the U.S. increased nearly 13% in 2020 over the previous year, and sales throughout 2021 have shown no signs of waning. U.S. yacht builders have struggled with the rising costs of raw materials and skilled labor during economic downturns, and several closed for good. Some remaining builders pivoted to refit and repair work, while others are focusing on smaller builds. Yacht builders also are responding to new market interest…

Climate Change and Ports

West Coast port leaders are becoming more and more concerned about the immediacy of climate change. As global temperatures increase, sea level rise, fire, drought, flooding, extreme weather events and heatwaves follow. All of these factors have both subtle and severe long-term effects on systems of all kinds, both human and environmental. The problem is urgent, but it is solvable—if smart actions are taken now. There are a range of potential solutions, including new policies, new and improved technologies, and redesigned market and financial instruments. While each port, each community, and each company will choose their own path, a comprehensive…

Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents at Lowest Level in Decades: IMB

The latest global piracy report from the International Maritime Bureau recorded 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery for the first nine months of 2021—the lowest level of reported incidents since 1994. In 2021, the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) reported 85 vessels boarded, nine attempted attacks, two vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked. Although reported incidents are down to their lowest level in decades, violence against seafarers has continued with 51 crew members kidnapped, eight taken hostage, five threatened, three injured, two assaulted and one killed, according to the latest statistics from the IMB, which is a division…

A Brief Introduction to the Maritime Transportation Security Act

Do you have a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)? Do you remember the days when you didn’t need to give 24 hours’ notice before your ship could enter a U.S. port? Well, these and several other improvements to port security were brought to you by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) in 2002 in response to the attacks of 9/11. Background Following 9/11, Congress first focused on aviation security. Shortly afterwards, lawmakers began to work on new laws and regulations on maritime and port protections. Hence, the MTSA was established by the federal government, and signed into law by President…

Diving and Salvage

The maritime industry has changed and evolved over the past couple of years, due in large part to the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped much of the globe. But despite COVID-19 hampering the operations of many types of businesses, diving and salvage has not only continued, but remained steady. And a number of West Coast-based companies have managed to stay busy with current projects, as well as with planning for the future. Here’s a look at the ongoing work of some of the major Pacific companies. American Marine Corp. American Marine Corporation, which has locations in Alaska, California and Hawaii…

Port of Oakland Executive Director to Head Calif. Ports Group

Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan is the new president of the California Association of Port Authorities. Members of the trade group selected Wan for the role in mid-October. He succeeds Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “I’m honored to represent California ports because of the significant role they play in supporting the state and national economies,” Wan said. “I hope to continue the association’s work in making our ports sustainable and efficient.” CAPA represents 14 deep water ports. It sets public policy objectives that are advanced with local, state and federal government. Wan will guide the…

Port of San Diego Adopts Maritime Clean Air Strategy

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners in mid-October approved a policy document to help port officials identify future projects and initiatives to improve health through cleaner air for those who live, work and play on and around San Diego Bay, while also supporting efficient and modern maritime operations. Nearly all the goals and objectives in the Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) go beyond what is currently required by the State of California, according to the port. As an update to the port’s 2007 Clean Air Program, the MCAS identifies a vision centered on health equity, with ambitious…

Port of Oakland Regains Key Asia Shipping Route

Japanese shipping giant Ocean Network Express (ONE) is restoring a key Asia-U.S., trade route at the Port of Oakland, the port announced in mid-October. ONE, the world’s sixth-largest container carrier, is bringing its PS5 service back to Oakland Nov. 13. The service, which connects the U.S. West Coast with ports in Tokyo and China, had been discontinued in 2019. ONE has said that it’s reinstating the service to help meet the rising demand in Japan for meat products. The updated service’s route will be as follows: Shanghai, Ningbo, Los Angeles, Oakland, Tokyo and Shanghai. The port said resumption of the…