Port Bureau FEBRUARY 2014
Greater Houston Port Bureau Roll-On Roll-Off Carriers and Supporting Industries in the HoustonGalveston area
The P3 Network Potential Effects of the Pending Shipping Alliance
Security District Update Changes coming for the Houston Ship Channel Security District
News Spotlight on Robert Baker, ExxonMobil New Maritime Superintendent of Exxon’s Baytown Refinery & Port Bureau Board Member
Announcing the 2014 Maritime Person of the Year - Ned Holmes Holmes will be honored at the 85th Annual Maritime Dinner in August
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Port Bureau
News
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3 Captain’s Corner 4 Port Watch
The State of Things that Were Changes from a major shipping alliance
Editor Christine Schlenker Assistant Editor Judith Schultz Art Director Christine Schlenker For information about the Port Bureau:
Phone: (713) 678-4300 Email: info@txgulf.org
18 Keep Rolling
13 Spotlight
29 Roger Guenther
17 Ned Holmes
30 HSCSD
Robert Baker, ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery
6 The P3 Network
2014 Maritime Person of the Year
Writers Dave Cooley Matt Logan Christine Schlenker Judith Schultz Patrick Seeba Cover Photo Capt. Louis Vest Photographer Patrick Seeba
Port Bureau Staff Jeannie Angeli Cristina Gomez Janette Molina Al Cusick Printing Company DiPuma Printing and Promotional Products www.dipuma.com
For information about the Port Bureau News stories or advertising:
Email: editor@txgulf.org
2 | February 2014
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10 Commerce Club
January 2014: RADM Kevin Cook, USCG
From Auto Show to Rodeo
Publisher/President CAPT Bill Diehl, USCG (Ret.), P.E.
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A History of Ro-Ro and Local Highlights New Executive Director of PHA New Chairman Gary Scheibe A Publication of the Greater Houston Port Bureau The Port Bureau News magazine is a monthly publication of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, a member-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting the maritime community, providing vessel movement information and offering members premier networking and advertising opportunities to drive business. The magazine is distributed to over 6,500 professionals in the Houston maritime community via U.S. mail and email. Advertising is available for members.
Captain's Corner
From Auto Show to Rodeo
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s I write this month’s article to you, the Houston Auto Show just finished up at Reliant Center, prompting our newsletter staff to think about ro-ro and devote editorial space to it accordingly. The development of the Houston/Galveston ports as an auto center is a remarkable part of our business. We see the enormous vehicle carrier vessels at least once a week from the Port Bureau windows and can only guess at the intricacies of their tightly formed layers of automobiles as they exit the ship just beyond our doors. The feature begins on page 18. As exciting as a trip to the Auto Show is (and who can resist the chance to gaze at the latest sports vehicle or luxury car fresh from the factory floor), it will soon be superseded at Reliant by the flagship of all Houston events: the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Although the Rodeo won’t officially start until March 3, signs of its impending arrival are popping up everywhere. The entertainment line-up has been announced, tickets are on sale, and announcements for Go Texan dinners, chili cook-offs, and dances abound. Somewhere trail-riders are gearing up to make their February trek toward Reliant Center. Go Texan Day comes up on Friday, February 28, and the staff – particularly the native Houstonians – feel strongly about participating. Although we may have to draw the line at a chuck-wagon style lunch, we will probably turn out in our western attire to give the proper salute to this fine Houston tradition. There is some diversity of thought among us as to which rodeo event is best: some prefer the calf scramble, others a particular concert, and one just really goes to eat the food. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has been an enduring and expanding event since its inception in 1932, raising millions for scholarships, research and its other programs. It has broadened its reach to fulfill its charitable, scientific and educational mission. In the same way, although admittedly on a much less grand scale, your Port Bureau staff seeks to expand its reach to fulfill our mission of building
the maritime community through advocacy, education, promotion and networking. We will soon introduce our Port 101, Introduction to the Port, seminar. Send your new employees to learn about port governance and how the many segments of the maritime industry work in Houston and in Texas. This orientation session will help them better understand the financial aspects of the maritime industry, the work of the Houston Pilots, and, of course, we can’t let them out without a thorough understanding of the importance of harbor maintenance and dredging. We’ll give them a tour of HarborLights and provide an opportunity for a one-on-one question and answer session. Port 101 will be a relaxed, yet informative, small group atmosphere and will encourage networking with other participants. If you have other topics or ideas you’d like to see included, please give us a call at (713) 678-4300 or an email to info@txgulf.org. We welcome your suggestions. I am also putting out a call for our upcoming Round Table discussion events. I need those of you who are not new to the industry and have had the opportunity to gain expertise in your respective fields to join us. We want to know more about how our members operate, what advocacy issues are urgent to your business, and what we can do to promote a higher level of understanding amongst all the areas of the maritime community. What are your thoughts for fostering economic development and managing the new challenges of the 21st century? Don’t miss out on these opportunities to lasso your way into becoming more informed, more involved, and to make new connections in the industry. Cowboy boots welcome, but not required. ò
Greater Houston Port Bureau | 3
© Patrick Seeba
PORT WATCH
Tom Marian, Buffalo Marine Service
The State of Things That Were
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ow that 2013 is squarely behind us, business executives, politicians and number-crunching prognosticators from near and far are cobbling together their “state-of-the-(fill in the blank)” shticks for prime time. Regionally, throughout the maritime commerce sector, the various State of the Waterway/Port presentations are either waxing positively about increased trade or mystified as to why 2013’s numbers were below those of 2012. In some instances, it is merely a matter of larger ships carrying more cargo - while for others - it could reflect land-based transportation modes displacing water-borne liquid imports. Preamble aside, how did the ports throughout the State of Texas fare in 2013? Mostly favorable as reflected in a statewide increase of 4%.
2013’s leader in the percent-gained category – Sabine - ended on a very positive note with a 7% monthly gain. The fact that Sabine jumped over 24% in 2013 was even more impressive when one takes into consideration the drop in crude imports in this refinery-centric port complex. Yet, the offshore demand for refined products more than compensated for this. Likewise, the two ports closet to yields of the Eagle Ford 4 | February 2014
Texas Ports Deepdraft Vessel Arrivals Dec. 2013 Year-to-Date Percent Change
shale drilling, Brownsville and Corpus Christi, logged the second and third highest annual gains at 15.4% and 13.3% respectively. Both ports ended the final month of the year with gains of 17% and 3.4% respectively. The final two ports to bid adieu to a stronger 2013 were Freeport and Galveston. This despite the fact that both ports experienced significant monthly decreases to the tune of 14.5% and 12.7% respectively. No matter, a gain is a gain, and Galveston’s year-over-year 2.2% rise as well as Freeport’s 4.5% annual increase were welcome outcomes. Turning to the other end of the performance spectrum, Texas City and Houston racked up fewer arrivals in 2013 than in 2012. In the case of Texas City,
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despite posting the highest monthly tally of the Port of Houston Deepdraft Vessel Arrivals year, a 10.5% jump was not enough to dig the port 2013 vs. 2012 out of negative territory where the arrival 3500 numbers finished up -4.5%. That being 3000 said, the biggest contributor to the vessel count is the dramatic decrease in tanker 2500 activity. Houston, on the other hand, was 2000 2013 (Total = 8,291) off on both a monthly and year-to-date 1500 basis. In fact, with a monthly decline of 2012 (Total = 8,396) 2.2% which pushed down its final annual 1000 arrival numbers by 1.3%, Houston’s 2013 500 maritime picture was nothing to crow 0 about. Nonetheless, the arrival numbers are not entirely revealing. Specifically, the 4% annual decline in tank vessels primarily attributable to the substantial decrease in imported crudes – more than accounted for the number of fewer arrivals perplexing that the tow movements are off by more than in Houston. This was further aggravated by 6% for the year. Is this evidence of a softening in this the nearly 4.5% fewer container vessels that called upon sector of the marine market? Not likely, in that terminal the Houston “box terminals.” This is also deceptive since congestion due to capacity increases have introduced actual container tonnage is up about 5% from 2012 to delays which, in turn, reduces transit activity. This is 2013. somewhat borne out by a very robust demand for fleeting Not surprisingly, the energy sector was the major space throughout the region. driver for 2013’s vessel arrival gains – directly & indirectly. Chemical tankers saw a respectable gain of over 10% for the month which was just enough to keep pace with 2012’s total numbers. Conversely, LPG arrivals fell 4% for the month but finished the year at a blistering pace of 22% above last year’s totals. General cargo also dropped roughly 4% over the last month but finished with 3% more arrivals this year. Bulk vessel calls were an impressive 12% higher in 2013; certainly aided by the flood of overseas materials bound for the Texas shale gas fields. Granted, car carriers did not enjoy a banner year in 2013, as 15% fewer carriers moored at the Port’s City Docks in 2013. That being said, car sales have been white hot in the region for the past two years. Hence, 21 fewer car carriers did not necessarily translate into an equivalent number of fewer cars since more cars were parked on the ships in order to accommodate higher demand. The remaining categories were all off for 2013 largely a result of cargoes being shifted to other vessel types.
Clearly, the State of what was in Texas ports portends of what will be in 2014. While there may be fewer raw materials flowing into the trade pipeline via ships, there is certainly a persistent demand for refined products. This particular trade dynamic continues to stimulate economic activity beyond the waterfront – an environment that benefits the State at many different levels. Which raises the ultimate question, is it sustainable? I suppose it simply depends upon the State. ò
The final “State of the Texas Vessel Arrivals” data point involves the brownwater activity across the Houston Ship Channel. At first glance, it is a bit
Greater Houston Port Bureau | 5
© CMA CGM
THE P3 NETWORK
What will change with a major shipping alliance? Matt Logan, GHPB Analyst
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.P.Moller-Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement Compagnie Générale Maritime (CMA CGM) of France have formed a shipping alliance: the P3 Network. As these three companies are the top three global container fleet operators in terms of market share percentage (15.25%, 13.5%, and 8.3% respectively), many are crying foul over the agreement. Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM believe their partnership will increase efficiency, create more opportunities, and drive down cost for the container shipping industry in general. Opponents argue the agreement violates antitrust laws and pushes the container shipping industry down a slippery-slope which will be bad for consumers by driving out competitors and driving up rates. The P3 Network plans to operate along the AsiaEurope, trans-Pacific, and trans-Atlantic routes and their goal is to begin operation in the second quarter of 2014. According to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the P3 Network would give the three-carrier conglomerate a 42% share of the Asia-Europe market, 40% share of the trans-Atlantic market, and a 24% share of the trans-Pacific market. This exceeds the 30% market share threshold common across the globe for maritime partnerships, prompting watchdog organizations from numerous countries to look into the P3 Network agreement. 6 | February 2014
In December the FMC held a summit in Washington D.C. that included regulators from Europe and China to examine the P3 partnership. After this summit, the FMC delayed its ruling until 2014 and requested more information from the three-company alliance. This put a stop on the 45-day time period the FMC has to render a decision on the new alliance. The response from P3 is expected to come sooner rather than later in order to ensure operations start in the second quarter of 2014, but the P3 Network can take as long as they wish to respond to the FMC’s questions. Once a response is given, a new 45 day evaluation clock will begin, and the FMC must decide whether or not to seek an injunction on the alliance during that time period. The FMC can, however, seek an injunction at anytime in the future if it believes the P3 Network violates any antitrust laws. Laws in Europe are slightly different and alliances like the P3 Network are allowed to take effect immediately. However, if at any time regulators from the European Union
“Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM believe their partnership will increase efficiency, create more opportunities, and drive down cost for the container shipping industry in general.”
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(EU) determine the P3 Network violates Article 1 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU, they will issue a statement of objections. This statement of objections can take up to a year to compose and would describe how the regulators believe the P3 Network violates EU antitrust laws. The P3 Network would then have the chance to
respond, but if they do not change the minds of EU regulators, the alliance would be dissolved and fines would follow. China is expected to mirror what the FMC and EU regulators decide regarding the P3 Network, but has pointed out there is not a Chinese company that has any stake in the high market share P3 would control. P3 members maintain that each will operate independent sales centers, ensuring a competitive environment and choices for consumers. P3 says they are not concerned with driving out competitors or increasing prices, but rather reducing operating costs by consolidating services. The P3 Network would operate 225 vessels on 29 loops, with a 2.6 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) capability. This type of alliance is not a new concept; the G6 line has been in operation for years and consists of six large shipping companies: APL, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line, and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). In response to the P3 Network, the G6 line announced an increase in its coverage to 240 container ships reaching 66 ports across America, Asia, and Europe. If investor reaction is any representation of how well the P3 Network will work out, the outlook is overwhelmingly positive. A.P. Moller-Maersk, which is traded on the Copenhagen exchange under the sign MAERSKB, has risen over 50 percent since the announcement of the P3 Network, from 42,480 DKK ($7,690) in June of 2013 to 65,550 DKK ($11,866) in January 2014. A chief concern amongst
8 | February 2014
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customers and other shippers is that the “transshipment hubs” created by the P3 Network consolidating services will result in longer transits and wait times for other carriers and increase safety issues at the terminals. Reaction from other shipping companies to the proposed P3 Network can already be seen. Hanjin announced earlier this month it was ending its service between the U.S. East Coast and North Europe. The company sites “dismal market conditions” as the reason, but many fear this will be the trend if large alliances are allowed to dominate the container shipping industry. In what is seen as another related development, German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd AG is acquiring Chilean shipping company Sud Americana de Vapores SA in order to gain more market share. With some companies leaving the market and larger companies acquiring smaller ones, many regulators fear the shipping industry is heading toward an oligarchy or cartel-like environment. Either of these scenarios would be bad for consumers of the shipping industry in the long-run.
The shipping industry has been in a downturn since orders for new ships far exceeded market demand during the recent recession, and shipping companies have dropped rates to compete with the limited demand ever since. The P3 Network is a direct response to this trend and, according to Deutsch Bank AG, sends a clear message that “the pricing war is over”. Whether the alliance is allowed to proceed remains to be seen. The Wall Street Journal reported in December 2013, citing sources with direct knowledge of the discussions, that the P3 Network will gain approval but will be required to give concessions to limit dominance over any particular shipping route. If P3 does gain approval, its network will have a significant impact on the shipping industry. The next big question will be: Who does this benefit, P3, customers, or both? ò For more information, contact Matt Logan at mlogan@txgulf.org or (713) 670-1267.
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January 2014 Commerce Club Featuring RADM Kevin Cook Commander, USCG District 8
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ADM Kevin Cook, Commander, USCG District 8, addressed a room-capacity crowd at the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Commerce Club luncheon at Brady’s Landing on January 9.
As Commander of the Eighth District, RADM Cook is responsible for U.S. Coast Guard operations spanning 26 states, including the Gulf coastline from Florida to Mexico and the adjacent offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee River systems. With such a vast scope of priorities, the Coast Guard is kept on-the-go with diverse coastal and waterway concerns.
“It was a busy year, and it’s just going to get busier in 2014,” said Cook as he explained how the Coast Guard is overseeing the expanding objectives of District 8. Security, the current state of storm and hurricane preparedness measures, search and rescue, and the emerging challenges presented by the growth of industry, such as fracking wastewater disposal, were among the topics covered by Cook during his presentation.
RADM Cook’s remarks were punctuated by the spectacular backdrop formed just outside the facility’s dining room windows as the bulk carrier vessel Capt. Steven L. Bennett underwent a precision turn performed by tugs from Suderman & Young and Bay-Houston Towing. For a split-second, it was impossible to believe the 180 degree turn could be completed, but the skill and competency of the tug pilots shone as the vessel was gently pushed into place and docked at City Dock 29. Capt. Mike Morris, Presiding Officer of the Houston Pilots, will be the featured speaker at the next Commerce Club luncheon on February 13. ò
The “Capt. Steven L. Bennett” preparing to be our luncheon entertainment. 10 | February 2014
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Mike Bell, Blank Rome speaks with Port Commissioners Chairman Janiece Longoria and Dean Corgey.
Above Left: CAPT Roderick Walker, (Ret.), Witt O’Brien’s; CDR Zeita Merchant, USCG; and Pat Little, Buffalo Marine. Above Center: Commerce Club guests are treated to a lunch buffet.
Above Right: Commissioner Corgey; Capt. Mike Morris, Houston Pilots; and Chuck King, Buffalo Marine share a laugh.
Below Right: Capt. Rich Russell, AET; LCDR Xochitl Castaneda, USCG; Tom Marian, Buffalo Marine; and CDR Gary Messner, USCG
Commerce Club Sponsors:
Premier Table Sponsor:
Greater Houston Port Bureau | 11
2014 Commerce Club Luncheons The Commerce Club Luncheon Series by the Greater Houston Port Bureau brings together Houston-area maritime professionals to network and to learn from regional and national speakers. Join us every second Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Brady’s Landing in Houston. Advanced individual tickets are $30 for members or $40 for non-members ($5 surcharge for seats paid at the door). Sponsorship tables of 8 are available for $750. To register, please call (713) 678-4300 or email cgomez@txgulf.org.
March 13, 2014 Joe Bob Perkins CEO, Targa Resources
Current Sponsors:
Joe Bob Perkins has served as Chief Executive Officer and director of TRC, the General Partner of TRP and TRI since 2012 and has served Targa in other capacities since 2003. Prior to joining Targa, Mr. Perkins gained extensive experience in business development and consulting for exploration and resources firms. Mr. Perkins graduated with honors from Texas A&M University and with distinction from Harvard Business School.
Houston Pilots Port of Houston Authority Watco - Greens Port West Gulf Maritime Assn.
April 10, 2014 RADM James Watson (Ret.) President, ABS
James Watson, the chief offshore regulator in the U.S., joined the Americas division of ABS as the president and chief operating officer. At ABS, he will have responsibility for activity in North, South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Over the course of his 33 year active duty career with the Coast Guard, Watson attained the rank of Rear Admiral, serving in a variety of both management and operational positions in Washington, D.C. and at field units across the country.
May 8, 2014
Blades International Houston Pilots Port of Houston Authority West Gulf Maritime Assn.
Current Sponsors:
Wolfgang Freese President, Hapag-Lloyd
Wolfgang Freese has served as President of Hapag-Lloyd since 2009. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President Area Gulf-Pacific of Hapag-Lloyd (America), based in Houston and thus responsible for the south and west of the USA. Freese joined Hapag-Lloyd in 1971 and has held various specialist and management positions at Hapag-Lloyd in Germany and other countries. He was appointed SVP Area West in May 2000.
12 | February 2014
Current Sponsors:
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Gulf Winds International Houston Pilots Port of Houston Authority SchrĂśder Marine Services Suderman & Young Towing West Gulf Maritime Assn.
Spotlight on Robert Baker Marine Superintendent, ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery Christine Schlenker, GHPB Analyst
PNG LNG project site. Photograph provided by Santos, an Australian energy company and part of the joint venture with ExxonMobil.
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obert Baker became interested in the maritime field from the influence of nearby relatives while living in Carmichael, California where he was raised. He had an uncle who was a merchant marine officer living in San Francisco. He made voyages to South America and on one voyage brought back a toucan and donated it to the San Francisco Zoo. Robert also had an older cousin who was in the Navy and was stationed at Treasure Island and served on destroyers. “As I look back I can see how they influenced my career choices.”
Robert started his academic career at Texas A&M College Station with the hopes of becoming an oceanographer. During his freshman year, he learned about the Texas A&M University Maritime Academy from his college roommate who spent the summer prior to his freshman year, in the summer school at sea program, taking
courses aboard ship and learning the basics of how to run a commercial vessel. After investigating the program, Robert decided to change his major to Marine Transportation and in 1977 he graduated with a small class of five cadets with a Bachelor of Science, a merchant marine Third Mate’s license, and a commission as Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve. During the first few years after graduation, Robert sailed with the U.S. Navy’s, Military Sealift Command Pacific (MSCPAC), aboard a variety of vessels, including a break-bulk cargo ship, oceanographic vessels, a replenishment tanker, and a cable ship that laid undersea SOSUS cable used in anti-submarine warfare. He sailed the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and obtained an unlimited Chief Mates License.
After meeting his future wife, Lindy, he came onshore to work as an inland vessel dispatcher with Dixie Carriers, which later became Kirby Inland Marine. While at Kirby, Robert started his MBA in Finance at the University of Houston, graduating in 1983. After earning his Greater Houston Port Bureau | 13
MBA, Robert worked for Conoco in several commercial, economic and operational positions in Conoco’s Crude Oil Trading International and Marine group. In 1995 he expanded the scope of his maritime career by adding five years in the containership industry, working with Sea-Land in Charlotte, North Carolina. Robert worked in the Strategic Planning and New Business Development division as a corporate fleet planning analyst and then later as the Atlantic Division Planning Manager, managing the division’s capital expenditures, budgets, and strategic planning. In 1999, Maersk purchased SeaLand and moved most of the international operations to New Jersey and Copenhagen. “It was a real shame, SeaLand had great people and Charlotte was a beautiful place to live.” Although he was offered other positions in the remaining divisions, Robert took a short break from commercial employment and returned to Houston to teach maritime transportation courses at Texas A&M University at Galveston and continues to teach as an adjunct professor today.
In 2001, Robert joined ExxonMobil, as a financial and operations analyst for the Inland barge and later the Alaskan North Slope fleet. Three years into his tenure, he moved to the ExxonMobil Development Company’s newly formed LNG Ships and Marine Systems group. Since that time he has worked primarily on global upstream LNG projects in Qatar, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the U.S. in nautical advisor, economic and commercial roles. Robert played a significant role in the development of ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG export terminal in Papua New Guinea near Port Moresby. The project received the final investment decision to begin development in April 2010 and required planning and building an entire shipping supply chain along with the terminal and supporting port facilities. Robert assisted in the development of the LNG shipping coverage strategy and budgets, the acquisition of the LNG tankers, the port development in PNG, and assisted in the negotiations of the sales and purchase contracts with buyers from China, Taiwan,
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and Japan. Robert was transferred to ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing in Melbourne, Australia from July 2010 to December 2012 and served as the Commercial Shipping Manager for the PNG LNG project working on the commercial agreements with the LNG buyers and ship owners and setting up the operations for the project. Robert continued to work on the PNG LNG and other LNG projects including future arctic LNG projects until his transfer to his current position in December 2013. During his active career in the maritime industry, Robert continued to participate in the Navy Reserve and after 30 years of service retired in 2008 at the rank of Captain. The Navy offers a special Merchant Marine officers program to approximately 2,400 officers to gain the benefit from having experienced Merchant Marines in the Navy. Through this program, Robert was able to work with a “broad smattering” of Merchant Marine/Reservists from across the country and in a diverse range of maritime industry fields, ship pilots, shipyard managers, shipping company managers, maritime lawyers, engineers
and those who continue to sail. Robert served one year active duty for the Navy as the lead for special mission ships that operated in the Pacific. He was also the officer in charge of the activation of the hospital ship USNS MERCY. His other training and operational assignments included: anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, the Military Sealift Command, Naval Control of Shipping, Convoy Operations, the Maritime Administration, instructing at the Navy’s ship handling school and working in support of Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. He also was a member on the Promotions Selection Board selecting commanders for promotion. Although Robert has only been the Baytown Refinery’s Marine Superintendent for a month, he enjoys his new job and says he still has a lot to learn despite the significant overlap between his current role and past roles. He is crossing paths with many former colleagues in the industry and says, “It’s nice to get reacquainted again” with his old network. In late January 2014, the Port Bureau Board of Directors nominated Robert to fill
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the Director position vacated by Capt. Bill Hennessey at retirement, and Robert has agreed to join their ranks. Robert lives in Clear Lake with his wife of 33 years, Lindy. She is a Senior Vice President at Bank of America. They have three children: the oldest son is a graduate
of Clemson and now works at a commercial real estate firm in Houston; the youngest daughter graduated with a Public Relations degree from Baylor last December and is amidst the job hunt; and the middle son is in college and wants to join the Coast Guard.ò Below: the Baker family.
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Ned Holmes 2014 Maritime Person of the Year
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ed S. Holmes, successful businessman, philanthropist and civic leader, will be honored by the Greater Houston Port Bureau as the Maritime Person of Year at the 85th Annual Maritime Dinner on August 16, 2014. Holmes has had a career in finance and real estate that has spanned four decades and has been an active supporter of economic development in Houston.
Holmes spent five years on the City of Houston Planning Commission and has had longtime involvement with the Port of Houston Authority. He was appointed as port commissioner in 1987, served as chairman from 1988 to 2000 and was then elected chairman emeritus. Holmes founded Commercial Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company based in Houston, in 1980. He served as its president until 1985 and chairman from 1986 to 2001. Beginning in 1991, he also served as senior chairman of Heritage Bank which was whollyowned by Commercial Bancshares. In February 2001, Commercial Bancshares merged with Prosperity Bancshares, Inc., a multibank holding company, and Holmes served as chairman until 2006. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. In 2003, Holmes was appointed as a commissioner of the Texas Parks & Wildlife by Gov. Rick Perry, resigning in 2007 when he was appointed as a commissioner of the Texas Transportation Commission. He served as a commissioner until 2012. He is credited with securing the funding to move the Houston Grand Parkway and U.S. 290 projects forward while he served as a commissioner. Holmes is currently chairman and CEO of Holmes
Investments, Inc., a firm that develops and manages real estate through the U.S.
Holmes has served on numerous charitable boards, including Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Board of Visitors, Episcopal High School, The Montessori School of Houston and the Houston Ballet. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his leadership including the Impact Award from the West Houston Association, the Eugene H. Vaughan Civic Leadership Award from the Center for Houston’s Future, and induction into the Houston Hall of Fame.
The 85th Annual Maritime Dinner will be hosted at the Bayou City Event Center on August 16, 2014. Holmes will be honored in a presentation that is the highlight of the evening. Last year’s event attracted nearly 600 attendees. Table reservations can made by calling the Port Bureau at (713) 678-4300. ò
Above: Ned Holmes was a presenter for Judge Ed Emmett, the 2013 Maritime Person of the Year, along with Chairman Janiece Longoria and Ambassador Chase Untermeyer.
Greater Houston Port Bureau | 17
A multi-cargo vessel with containers and ro-ro cargo. Photo by Capt. Louis Vest.
Keep Rolling
A History of Ro-Ro and Local Highlights Matt Logan, Christine Schlenker & Judith Schultz
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cross the ocean, where the estuary of the Firth of Forth dips into the coast of Scotland near Edinburgh, lies the birthplace of modern ro-ro. The British railways were expanding rapidly in the 1840s and experiencing an era of growth that established their central long-distance lines, many of which are in use today. Following the completion of multiple rail projects, London and Edinburgh were connected by rail in 1850, making the task of transporting passengers and goods less arduous. The next logical step in their plans was to extend the new route to the north, reaching to Dundee and Aberdeen, but the waters of the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay stood in their way. The solution was a “Floating Railway” proposed by a young, enterprising engineer, Thomas Bouch. Bouch suggested a crossing made 18 | February 2014
possible by building special vessels with railway lines on the decks, with matching equipment provided at the harbors at each end of the crossing. Railcars could then run directly on and off the vessels to continue on the route. Bouch’s plan was adopted, and he designed the loading mechanism while Thomas Grainger, a partner in the railway engineering firm of Grainger & Miller, designed the ferry vessel -- aptly christened the Leviathan. The first transfer took place in 1850 and ro-ro was born. The Firth of Forth rail ferries operated successfully and with little difficulty until 1890, when the Forth Bridge opened further upstream with substantial new railway lines. Grainger went on to a distinguished career with the railways, but Bouch met with disaster in engineering the doomed Tay Bridge. The “Floating Railway” envisioned by young Bouch
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is an engineering concept still utilized today. Riding the train from Germany to Denmark? When the train reaches Puttgarden, it will pull right into a huge ferry equipped with built-in rails, transport passengers across the Baltic Sea, and continue its journey through to Rodbyhavn, Denmark. Passengers have the option of leaving the train compartment and visiting the upper deck for scenic viewing or eating in the full-service restaurant during the 45 minute trip. It was military use that prompted new ideas in the development of ro-ro. Ro-ro technology was used successfully in WWII to construct tank landing craft and to significantly reduce loading/unloading times. This spurred merchant ship owners to explore applying the practicalities the roll-on/roll-off system. The increase in automotive and oceanic shipping further boosted its popularity as the need to safely and efficiently transport vehicles grew.
Cars shipped across the sea were lifted by cranes and placed between decks on a general cargo vessel. Only a small number of vehicles could ship at one time. Their fuel tanks were emptied and batteries were disconnected. The loading process was time-consuming – an average of 15 cars per hour – and it was difficult to protect the valuable vehicles. Damage from accidental contact with other cars and the collapse of other stacked cargo as the vessel pitched and rolled during the voyage were constant threats. Things improved when bulk carriers were equipped with folding decks and an increased number of vehicles could be transported. The new, moveable decks allowed for vehicle transport on the voyage out and another cargo, such as bulk grain, to be shipped on the return journey. Autos were loaded and unloaded by cranes utilizing a lift-on lift-off (Lo-lo) system.
Variations on a Theme Ro-ro (roll on roll off) vessels often serve multiple cargo types to boost transportation efficiency, giving rise to an alphabet soup of acronyms. ConRo: A hybrid between a ro-ro and a container ship. This type of vessel uses the area below the decks for vehicle storage while stacking containerized freight on the top of the decks. GenRo: A general cargo vessel equipped with roro facilities. These vessels tend to be smaller and more compact than pure car carriers or ConRo, ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 DWT. LMSR: Large, Medium-Speed, Roll-on Roll-off refers to several classes of cargo vessels operated by Military Sealift Command. LMSRs can carry an entire U.S. Army Task Force, including 58 tanks, 48 other tracked vehicles and more than 900 trucks or other wheeled vehicles, supporting both humanitarian as well as combat missions. RoLo: Roll-on lift-off is a hybrid vessel type with vehicle decks served by ramps but the other cargo decks accessible only by crane. ROPAX: A roll on roll off passenger vessel is a ro-ro vessel built for freight vehicle transport with passenger accommodation. The vessels with facilities for more than 500 passengers are often referred to as cruise ferries. Sources: www.marineinsight.com, www.navy.mil.
At the time, these vessels were lauded as models of efficiency. By the mid-1960s, however, a new form was taking shape in the minds of naval architects. Why not build a ship that would allow the vehicles to roll on to the vessel at one port and roll off at another? By designing the vessel to accommodate arteries of ramps connected to internal decks, the vehicles could be driven directly onto the ship and into their unique stowage deck for transport. Upon arriving at their destination, the cars could exit the ship right into the port facilities. In 1973, the European Highway, the first Pure Car
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Carrier (PCC) was built by Japan’s K-Line. It could carry an astounding 4,200 automobiles. Other companies soon followed, and the Pure Car Carriers and their fraternal twin, the Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC) of today are distinctive vessels, structurally constructed in a rectangular pattern that completely encloses and protects the cargo. A stern ramp and a side ramp allow for dualloading of thousands of vehicles and contain an extensive fire control system. The liftable decks of the PCTC
increase vertical clearance and have heavier decks for “high and heavy” cargo.
The Faust, built by Wallenius Wilhelmsen in June 2007, ushered in a new era of carriers known as LCTC (Large Car/Truck Carriers), with an 8,000 car (or carequivalent units) capacity. The world’s first partially solarpowered ship, the Auriga Leader, a PCC with a capacity of 6,200 cars, was built in 2008 by Nippon Yusen. The list goes on as vessels get bigger, better, and smarter.
At Gulf Winds our business is always about
More than the Move. By partnering with Gulf Winds, your dollar goes towards more than moving freight. Gulf Winds continually partners with ICM (International Cooperating Ministries) to build churches and orphanages all over the world. We believe our company’s mission shouldn’t just be reserved for office walls.
The ro-ro system of transport rolls out its ocean-going highway throughout the wheeled industries. Automobiles, trucks, semis, trailers, tractors, heavy machinery, just about anything on wheels can find its way onto a ro-ro vessel. While up-to-theminute statistics are not yet published, it is estimated that more than 1.3 billion passengers, 188 million cars, 856,000 buses and 28.7 million trailers were carried on 5.9 million ro-ro crossings globally over the last few years. Ferrying the goods is not without its hazards. The vast, open cargo areas, the nearness to the waterline, and the high degree of list in the event of a collision or accident can create an unusually treacherous environment for the ro-ro crew in the midst of a maritime emergency. Ro-ro is easy to find. It’s a ride
Our mission is to glorify God by providing world class logistics services through continual investment in our people, clients, community and the world we live in. Let us not lose heart in doing good!
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Ro-Ro Deck Tweendeck # IV
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Tweendeck # III
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Tweendeck # II
Tweendeck # I
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A diagram of Atlantic Ro-Ro’s Astrakhan Mark I vessel. Image provided by Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers. across the ship channel on the Lynchberg Ferry or a 20-minute cruise on the Bolivar Ferry watching the dolphins sport in Galveston Bay. Not quite as common and perhaps a little further from home, it’s a very lucky sailor driving his (or her) car onto an aircraft carrier to hitch a ride home, perhaps on the USS Ronald Reagan. Could any ride home be more cool than that? No, not until the day young astronauts wheel their lunar vehicle from the Sea of Tranquility via lunar ferry to homeport at the
Johnson Space Center.
Read on for more information about some of the local companies involved in the business of transporting roll on roll off cargo. Special thanks are due to the following people for their time and patience in answering our questions: Jeff Hakala, Ceres Gulf Rick Shannon, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers.
T R A N S P O R TA T I O N hdrinc.com
Forward Thinking For 30 years, HDR has been a trusted advisor for ports along the gulf coast. We strive to provide clients value by delivering sustainable solutions, on time and on budget. That’s how we develop long-term relationships—by earning our clients’ trust, for the long haul.
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© ATLANTIC RO-RO
Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers
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tlantic Ro-Ro Carriers (ARRC) was established as a liner service in 1995, operating between the port of St. Petersburg, Russia and several U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. Today, ARRC has grown into an affiliation of five companies with offices in Montreal; Hoboken, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and, Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, Russia, with a staff of over 130 people responsible for moving millions of tons of cargo, as well as in-house fleet ownership, technical and crewing management, commercial operation and logistics services. Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers, New Jersey, is the ship operator of ARRC Liner Service while the Houston office acts as the line’s agent in the region. Representation in Russia is provided by Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers, Moscow who acts as the main customer service and sales base while Baltic Mercur, St. Petersburg, provides ship and technical management as well as liner agency and sales Atlantic Ship Management, Odessa, Ukraine, is another ship and technical management arm of the group. Commonwealth Independent States Navigation, Montreal, Canada, meanwhile, is responsible for the overall commercial management for the line. All vessels employed on Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers liner service are ice-classed, allowing the company to provide a year-round reliable service. These Astrakhan Mark I and Mark III vessels are multipurpose tweendeckers capable of carrying a combination of containers, ro-ro, 22 | February 2014
bulk, and break bulk with deadweight carrying capacity of up to 17,000 metric tons. Vessels are equipped with four holds and hatches, a quarter stern ramp, gears with powerful cranes and derricks, and a heavy lift derrick.
ARRC offers the only direct nonstop transatlantic service connecting St. Petersburg with the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. Transit times range from 13 days between New York and St. Petersburg and 19 days between Houston and St. Petersburg. Up to three sailings per month leave Houston. During the past 19 years, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers has moved millions of tons of cargo. The line efficiently matches very different east-bound and west-bound cargo compositions to reduce port turn-around times and control costs of operations, which in turn means competitive rates to ARRC clientele. In addition, the ARRC has almost 20 years of experience in working with over-dimensional and over-weight cargo, making them specialists in the field of project cargo. With ARRC, the cargo arrives with no stops, no trans-shipment and no re-handling, providing shippers with the advantage of guaranteed delivery times, security and reliable infrastructure. ARRC is a market leader for trans-Atlantic transit times and schedule frequency. Russian Export Service
Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers’ versatile fleet is suited for handling a wide variety of cargoes: break bulk, ro-ro,
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heavy lift, oversized, containers, and hazardous cargo. They ship over 400,000 metric tons of metal products each year, including aluminum, steel, copper, ferrochrome, titanium, and zinc. Russian forestry products are another key cargo base moving in both containers and as break bulk. Cargo includes plywood, hardwood, wood-pulp, and paper in reels. Containerized freight represents a significant part of the west-bound booking program, with up to 300 containers per sailing. The variety of cargo being handled by ARRC includes bulk cargo as well. On a monthly basis ARRC line transports bulk parcels of up to 10,000 metric tons (from as little as 500 metric tons per bill of lading) of ferro and non-ferro products as well as IMO classified cargoes. U.S. Export Service
A combination of ocean freight expertise, intermodal proficiency, and superb customer service enables ARRC to participate in the transport of some very large projects. Such projects include equipment for Norilsk
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Nickel, exported from Baltimore and Houston; a solar turbine plant exported from San Diego and Houston; Thyssen Krupp – airport bridges for the St. Petersburg airport Pulkovo; Robbins – tunnel boring machine for the expansion of the Moscow subway system; National Oilwell Varco – rigs for Surgutneftegas in Tyumen. The line’s longest handled unit measured 39.3 meters while the heaviest handled unit, a compressor, weighed 98 tons. ARRC also transports over 2,000 units of high and heavy ro-ro cargo between the U.S. and St. Petersburg, Russia, annually. They maintain up to three sailings per month via Baltimore and Houston in peak season. In addition, in the period 2010-2012, ARRC organized storage facilities and handled the intermodal delivery of over 2,500 of these units. ARRC can accommodate cargo in liner-owned and shipper-owned equipment and can accept all container types, including reefers. Each year ARRC handles over 4,000 containers in both westbound and east-bound directions offering not simply port-to-port ocean services, but door-to-door logistics
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solutions as well. Depending on the customer’s needs and committed volumes, ARRC is able to allocate up to 150 TEUs per sailing without a required minimum. Flexibility is one of ARRC’s main advantages and as such ARRC strives to offer flexible terms on container demurrage and free time allowances to all their customers. Intermodal
Through their intermodal services, Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers has door-delivered a multitude of units to remote and difficult to access inland destinations in the U.S., Canada, Russian Federation and CIS countries. ARRC customers have the opportunity to receive cargo tracking and surveys, customs clearance services and SED filing, flexible storage arrangements at ports of call or nearby facilities, and intermodal delivery. It is company policy to offer an individual approach to each customer request.
BARGING AHEAD ever so politely.
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Buffalo Marine Service, Inc.
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CSAL
Future Plans
Launched in March 2008, the Canada States Africa Line (CSAL) is a sister liner service to ARRC, offering monthly transatlantic sailings to ports in Southern Africa. Transit time is 20 to 40 days. Ports of call in Southern Africa include Richards Bay, Durban, Cape Town, and Walvis Bay. North American ports of call are to Montreal, Baltimore, Savannah, New Orleans, and Houston. CSAL offers tailored solutions for projects into West and East African ports.
Atlantic Ro-Ro’s plans for the future involve several strong initiatives. In December 2013, a maiden call to Holland was performed by the M/S Atlantic Nyala as part of northern European expansion plans. The ongoing schedule is projected to call at Flushing/Rotterdam on a monthly basis through April 2014, when it will then move to a biweekly service. A central Asian transit through Russian or Baltic country ports is also under consideration as is adding a regular Ust-Luga port of call to the ARRC line rotation.
CSAL is experienced in a variety of bulk cargoes, such as fertilizer and malt, ferrochrome, and zinc, general cargo, containers, equipment/project cargo, and ro-ro and benefits from the same fleet of multipurpose tweendeckers. They are the only carrier on the south transatlantic route offering direct service between ports in South Africa and Walvis Bay and Nambia and ports in Canada and the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.
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Fleet rejuvenation and fleet building programs are also underway. The new fleet will allow ARRC to accommodate larger bulk parcels to complement the break bulk/container sales program. New fleet will inevitably have 1A Ice Class ratings allowing ARRC to also explore an Arctic trade lane.
Wherever the future takes them, the spirit of Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers will always be defined as direct, reliable and on time.
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Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA
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ilh. Wilhelmsen ASA, newly incorporated in 2010 within the Wilh. Wilhelmsen group of companies, offers global car and ro-ro customers high quality sea transportation and integrated logistics solutions from factory-to-dealer through its operating companies.
The shipping segment, in which the group’s and the joint venture’s shipping activities are carried out, includes ship-owning, chartering, transportation and consulting services. The shipping segment comprises ocean transportation, ship owning and chartering. Together with its partners, Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA has grown to become the market leading operator within ocean transportation of rolling cargo. Ocean transportation services are performed by the joint ventures between Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, EUKOR Car Carriers, and American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Together, these three companies have a share of approximately 25% of the global car carrier fleet (measured in car equivalent units “CEU”).
The three ship operating companies are specialized in transportation of rolling cargo, such as cars and ro-ro cargo (high and heavy and non-containerized cargoes). These cargo types and markets complement one another, and enable the group to optimize vessel utilization. The companies are favorably positioned with a broad base of customers and a comprehensive global coverage. The fleet operates in some 40 trades all over the world, with the main trades being Asia to Europe and the U.S., Oceania, the Atlantic and the Pacific.
The operating companies’ customers are the main automotive and high and heavy manufacturers as well as the U.S. government. While Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics serves most major car and ro-ro cargo manufacturers and has more than 4,000 different customers, EUKOR Car Carriers’ largest customers are the Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia. Their car exports out of Korea represent about two thirds of EUKOR’s cargo base. American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier has the U.S. government as its main customer.
terminal services, technical services, inland distribution and supply chain management. Ocean transportation activities are supported by a variety of advanced shorebased logistics services. Logistics activities are conducted by the joint ventures. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics conducts the bulk of the logistics activities, but Glovis, American Auto Logistics, and American Logistics Network also offer such services. The logistics segment is organized into four areas: terminal services, technical services, inland distribution and supply chain management. These four business areas offer cargo handling, vehicle repair and outfitting, quality control, inland transport management and supply chain management from factory to dealer.
The terminal function is the link between the ocean transport and the road, rail, and short-sea activities. Easy access to terminals is vital in order to arrange for cargo shipments. Typical activities at a terminal include preparing cargo for overseas shipment, including survey and temporary storage and loading and discharging cargo on and off the vessel.
Technical services include preparing cars and other equipment for the market place. Typically, a technical services facility includes production lines where modifications, repair, equipment outfitting and quality inspections are made. Damage repair, including spray painting, is also done at these facilities. Most of the technical services facilities are located close to marine terminals or close to customers’ factories. Inland distribution services include managing transport of cargo by road, rail, or smaller vessels from a factory to the terminal and from the terminal to the dealer. Supply chain management is a service offering the customer a total package transporting cargo from factory to
The operating companies in the shipping segment combine their ocean transportation services with a variation of logistics services. There is, therefore, a strong link between the two segments. The logistics segment includes logistics services conducted by the group and the joint ventures such as
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dealer, including one or more of the other services.
Ro-Ro Stevedores from Ceres Gulf
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© CERES
nyone who has worked or frequently visited the turning basin can attest to the long line of cars driven down turning basin drive covered in white protecting coatings. Ro-ro stevedores are chiefly responsible for handling this high-value cargo, and often require additional training to load and unload ro-ro cargo. Attention to detail and an ability to maneuver a range of different types of vehicles is a must; a clean driving record is a plus too! Jeff Hakala, Vice President of Texas Ports for Ceres Gulf Inc., says at Ceres training is emphasized for all their supervisors, and especially for their ro-ro supervisors. It is not uncommon for ro-ro supervisors to go through 18 training courses per year. The West Gulf Maritime Association gives a longshoreman course specifically
for ro-ro operators.
Over $2.7 billion worth of passenger vehicles totaling more than 160 thousand metric tons were imported through the Port of Houston in 2012. It is not uncommon for individual vessels to carry hundreds of vehicles at a time in addition to the containers or break bulk cargo carried by tweendecker (multi-cargo) vessels. This means that management and coordination of the unloading is critical for ro-ro cargo. Ro-ro stevedores must plan their route and coordinate with port and sometimes local police for the appropriate traffic management to ensure the vehicles arrive to their destinations safely and without damage. Every year Baltimore, Maryland hosts the “RoRo Rodeo” where managers of stevedoring operations handling ro-ro cargo meet to exchange ideas and best practices. ò For more information, contact Matt Logan at mlogan@ txgulf.org, Judith Schultz at jschultz@txgulf.org or Christine Schlenker at cschlenker@txgulf.org or (713) 678-4300.
Sea & Shore
Ship & Store
www.odfjell.com 28 | February 2014
The Odfjell Group is a leading participant in the global market of seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other specialty bulk liquids. The Odfjell Tankers fleet of about 90 ships, trades globally and regionally. The Odfjell tank terminal division of 12 partially owned tank terminals is in a network with 12 other tank terminals partly owned by related parties. The terminals are all strategically located around the world, and with Odfjell Group headquarters in Bergen, Norway, the Company has more than 20 offices world wide.Odfjell has about 3,500 employees and annual gross revenue of about $1.2 billion.
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Roger Guenther Announced as New Executive Director of Port of Houston Authority Christine Schlenker, GHPB Right: Roger Guenther and the Port Commissioners after Guenther’s appointment January 31, 2014. Photo provided by Port of Houston Authority.
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OL Len Waterworth stepped down from his position as Executive Director of the Port of Houston Authority effective Friday, January 31, 2014, and was replaced by Roger Guenther the same morning. Although Waterworth informed the Commissioners of his resignation Monday, January 27, KTRK reported that the Commissioners decided to delay the announcement to allow for negotiations with Waterworth’s successor. Guenther has worked with the Port Authority since
1988, and most recently served as Deputy Executive Director of Operations. In an interview with the Houston Business Journal, Guenther said, “(My greatest challenge) is to ensure I’m leading the people that work here to accomplish the things we need to do — making sure we have funding for our channels and providing the capital assets to capture the growth in cargo.” COL Waterworth’s replacement on the Port Bureau Board of Directors is yet to be announced. ò
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Updates from the Houston Ship Channel Security District Patrick Seeba, HSCSD
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t the January 2014 public meeting of the Houston Ship Channel Security District, the District Board of Directors elected Gary Scheibe Chairman for 2014-2015. Gary is Security Manager/FSO for the Shell Deer Park Chemical and Refining Facility, and has served on the Board since 2010. Gary has a Master’s Degree in Security Management and holds several Department of Homeland Security certificates related to critical infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness. A 27 year law enforcement professional, Gary served as a lieutenant in the Houston Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence division, and was responsible for coordinating Homeland Security strategies for HPD. His professional work includes experience with Urban Area Security Grant Initiatives (UASI), Robin Riley was honored at his final meeting as Chairman of the Security District Board of Directors. Port Security Grants, Homeland Security Grants, as well as the Buffer Zone Protection Program, Multi-Juat Buffalo Marine Service will serve the remainder of Mr. risdictional IED Plan, and Catastrophic Planning Grant Clement’s term for Zone Two, and Didier Auber, Plant Program. Gary has served as the District Board’s liaison Manager of Arkema in Clear Lake will serve a full term to the Houston Ship Channel Security District’s Advias Mr. Leavin’s replacement in Zone Four. ò sory Council since 2009. His published work includes a graduate study on The Impact of Terrorism and Technology with focus on the Port of Houston, and Houston For more information, contact Port: An Analysis of Post 9/11 Security in Urbanization, Patrick Seeba at pseeba@hscsd.org or Policing, and Security: Global Perspectives. (713) 670-1271. In addition to filling the Chairman’s position, the Ship Channel Security District reappointed Gulf Winds International Chairman Steve Stewart as Vice Secretary, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Clayton Curtis from Oiltanking as District Treasurer, Port of Houston Authority Associate General Counsel Tom Schroeter as Secretary, and appointed Lubrizol Corporation Plant Manager Todd Adamec as Assistant Secretary. During the meeting which included updates on District projects, finances, and initiatives, the Board appointed two positions to fill vacant seats left by the departures of Bobby Clement, Security Supervisor from Albemarle Corporation, and Jake Leavins, Head of Houston HyCO Cluster from Linde Gas North America. Mr. Charles King, Vice President of Compliance and Marine Affairs 30 | February 2014
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The 85th Annual Maritime Dinner Saturday, August 16, 2014 Reception, Dinner & Silent Auction 5:30 pm - Cocktails 7:00 pm - Dinner 8:00 pm - Presentation Bayou City Event Center 9401 Knight Road, Houston, Texas
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Honoring Ned Holmes