2014 brought an interesting mix of new vessels to the West Coast, including ferries, pilot boats, tugs and barges. The fact that most of the vessels were built in Pacific Northwest yards to the designs of West Coast naval architects for use in West Coast waters is an indication of both the strength of the commercial maritime industry and the quality of designs and vessels coming from the West Coast.
In March the Columbia River Bar Pilots took delivery of a new 75-foot by 21-foot pilot boat, the Astoria, built by Seattle’s Kvichak Marine Industries to a design by Camarc, Ltd., of the UK. The all-aluminum, self-righting boat is the third by the same builder and designer for the pilots, and will join the 2008-built Columbia and replace the retired 2000-era Chinook. MORE
Hawaii-based freight handling and transportation company Young Brothers Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against the captain and first mate on one of its tugboats, alleging that the first mate’s inebriation led to the grounding of a tug and barge last Halloween.(Read full article)
PMA Halts Night Ops at LA-Long Beach Complex
By Mark Edward Nero
Operations at the adjoining ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are approaching “complete gridlock,” and crews will no longer be assigned to load and unload cargo ships overnight at the two ports, according to the Pacific Maritime Association.(Read full article)
CA Fines Shippers for Air Violations
By Mark Edward Nero
The California Air Resources Board said Jan. 13 that it has fined four shipping companies a combined $146,719 for failing to switch from dirty diesel “bunker” fuel to cleaner, low-sulfur marine distillate fuel upon entering regulated California waters, within 24 nautical miles of the coast.(Read full article)
Oakland Port Breaks Cargo Handling Record
By Mark Edward Nero
Cargo volume has reached an all-time high at the Port of Oakland, according to newly-released statistics. The port said Jan. 13 that it handled the equivalent of 2.394 million 20-foot freight containers in 2014. The amount breaks the record of 2.391 million boxes moved in 2006.(Read full article)
Pacific Maritime Magazine is published by Philips Publishing Group. All rights Reserved.
New Vessel Review: West Coast Players
Young Bros. Sues Ex-Tug Capt. Over Grounding
