PORT ACTIVITY UPDATE
Infrastructure, environmental resilience top priorities for ports
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hroughout the pandemic, ports around the world have worked hard to ensure crucial supply chain links are maintained while keeping operations as safe as possible. Even with the enormous efforts required for this, many are still finding the time to pro-actively plan for the future with key infrastructure improvement projects, environmental sustainability, and other initiatives that will position them well for future growth and opportunities. As is tradition, the APP’s recent Annual General Meeting provided an opportunity for members to update their colleagues and peers on activities. For example: • Ports & Harbor Director Jeremy Talbott with the Port of Valdez reported that it’s been a great year for the salmon fishery;
provided an opportunity for members to update their colleagues and peers on activities. allocated to this sector. He also was pleased to report on the success of Bill 19 that passed through the Oregon Legislature to allow the Department of Corrections to transfer surplus property to the Port at no cost. The result was an extra 140 acres being transferred. Here’s a snapshot of how other Port Members have fared over the past year:
as strong exports and two new log customers (one intercoastal and the other for exports). • In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recently completed upgrade to Pier 5, Paula Miranda, General Manager with the Port of Newport, highlighted an increased interest in wave energy on the Oregon coast, including a partnership between the Port and Oregon State University for research and contact from companies looking to use the Port’s facilities for projects related to wave energy;
American Samoa – Department of Port Administration (DPA)
• Kim B. Puzey, General Manager with the Port of Umatilla, said they have seen unprecedented growth in data centers with several hundred acres of industrial property being
Photo courtesy the Port of Newport
• Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson said it had been a very good summer with a very active Westport Marina as well
As is tradition, the APP’s recent Annual General Meeting
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, the Port of Newport celebrated the official opening of the Port Dock 5 access pier. Above: Port of Newport Commission President Jim Burke cuts the ribbon. The new pier is 168 feet long, with the gangway adding an additional 85 feet. 24 — PACIFIC PORTS — September 2021
Director Chris King was pleased to report that American Samoa remains free of COVID-19 — one of a handful of places in the world that has been untouched by the pandemic. Borders were expected to be opened by September 13 with proof of vaccination required for all travelers. The DPA will continue to implement safety protocols, including no crew disembarkation from visiting ships for the foreseeable future. In other news for the DPA, the Ofu, Manu’a Airport Runway Reconstruction Project got underway following a Groundbreaking Ceremony in March this past year. As of the end of August, demolition of the old concrete runway had been completed and preparation of the subgrade and base course layers was 75 percent complete. The DPA also launched a Port Electronic Ticketing System to streamline ticketing and boarding processes for ferry operations for Manu’a and other neighboring islands in the South Pacific region.
