In this issue…

  • Executive Director’s Note
  • APP bestows Life Membership upon Mr. Jack Chong-Gum
  • Welcome New Member: BNAC Environmental Solutions Inc.
  • APP’s 107th Annual Conference: Join us in Nanaimo!
  • Port of the Future Conference (Houston) – APP Member discount available.
  • Summary of the APP’s Winter Conference in Oahu
  • Clean Pacific Conference (Seattle) – APP Member discount available
  • Member News:
  • LA, Long Beach Forge Alliance / San Diego approves two new leases for Seaport Village / Port of Hueneme gets a new Commissioner / Port of Redwood City Commissioners approve 2020 Vision Plan

Executive Director’s Note…

Well, it’s been one full month since I took on the position of Executive Director for the Association of Pacific Ports…and what a month it’s been! In addition to getting administrative systems, processes and templates in place, I’ve been meeting and corresponding with many members, getting to know their priorities and ensuring those priorities are factored into action plans for the future. And, of course, we’ve been hard at work with the team at the Port of Nanaimo to organize the APP’s 107th Annual Conference (August 9 to 12, 2020 – more on that below).
Over the coming months, you’ll start to see some changes to the APP. Through increased communications and engagement with the wider maritime industry, our goal is to raise the Association’s profile to be able to provide greater relevancy and value add for all members. That includes:
  • More frequent e-news; an enhanced member directory, quarterly print newsletters and an annual report.
  • A new, more dynamic and informative website that features original content, best practice guides and lessons learned, and day-to-day news from members, plus advertising and promotional opportunities as well as a more connected social media strategy to drive traffic to the site.
  • Representation at maritime conferences and trade shows such as Seatrade, Clean Pacific, GreenTech, Pacific Marine Expo, Maritime Security Challenges, etc.
  • Strategic partnerships to cross-promote events (for example, see offers from Clean Pacific and the Port of the Future Conference in Houston this month) as well as work with marine trade publications to broaden the reach of the APP’s key messages.
  • Create opportunities for collaboration among ports and organizations on key initiatives – for example, harmonizing and promoting port incentives for shipping lines; or work with other non-profits to ensure APP members’ opinions are included and considered.
Even though it’s only been one month and there’s still lots of work to do on internal and administrative functions, we’ve already started.
  • We established and began work with the Associate Member Sub-Committee to increase value for Associate Members.
  • Worked with Cruise Insight Magazine to relay the cruise capabilities of Port Members for an upcoming article.
  • Represented the APP at local events such as Cargo Logistics Canada, the Vancouver Shipping Industry Luncheon, and the Chamber of Shipping Annual General meeting.
  • Set a new template for www.pacificports.org and started work on the new website (due out before the end of March).
  • Entered into two agreements with event organizers to provide discounts to conferences for members (see details below on how you can save on registration fees to Clean Pacific in Seattle and the Port of the Future Conference in Houston).
As we move forward, you’ll see more and more opportunities to reap the benefits of membership. Stay tuned and please, I encourage you to call or email anytime – I’d love to hear your ideas!
Best regards,
Jane McIvor
Association of Pacific Ports
jane@pacificports.org / +1-604-893-8800

APP bestows Life Membership upon Jack Chong-Gum, IAP

The APP is very pleased to recognize the achievements, contributions and long-term dedication of Mr. Jack Chong-Gum, IAP, recently retired Director of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Port Authority. Mr.Chong-Gum’s leadership in both the RMI Ports Authority as well as the Airport Authority were in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of RMI Combined Utilities / Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) which operates two major diesel power plants on Majuro Atoll, RMI.
MEC also operates smaller diesel power plants on three neighboring atolls. Furthermore, MEC is responsible for implementation, operation and maintenance of the country’s solar renewable energy program. With its principal lines of business being predominantly the generation and transmission of electricity, MEC also buys and sells diesel fuel to fishing vessels and is looking to expand its petroleum business beyond the Marshall Islands.
Congratulations Mr. Chong-Gum!

Welcome New Member!

The Association of Pacific Ports is pleased to welcome BNAC Environmental Solutions Inc.as our newest Associate Member. In joining the APP, owner Chris Richardson noted that the Association’s international reach played well into their growth strategy. “Given the success we’ve seen here on the West Coast of Canada, along with our global ECO-certifications for environmentally friendly industrial products, hydraulic fluids Heavy Duty Cleaners and absorbents (to name just a few), we are confident that markets throughout the Pacific Rim can benefit greatly with our alternatives to toxic chemical products,” he said.

APP’s 107th Annual Conference.. .Join us in Nanaimo! August 9 to 12, 2020

Planning is well underway for the APP’s 107th Annual Conference. Working with the Port of Nanaimo, the conference committee has developed the theme: Striving for Balance — Navigating through complexities facing today’s ports.
For today’s ports, the pressures of achieving a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability can be daunting. Add to that task increased risks on safety, security, asset and infrastructure management, and marine industrial land use policies and it’s no secret that port governance and management is a minefield of complex decisions. The APP’s 107th Annual Conference shines a spotlight not only on the pressures facing ports but on the opportunities that are created by these very same issues.
By offering insightful and dynamic presentations from industry leaders, the APP’s 107th Annual Conference is a must-attend for ports across the Pacific Rim. Starting with a big-picture look at the environmental state of the Pacific Ocean, the global economy, and the impact of these on the maritime industry, keynote speakers, panels and group forums are being planned to identify the issues, highlight solutions, and learn lessons from those who have already put plans into actions and are seeing results.
Whether you’re a port demonstrating leadership, looking to build new relationships or learn about practices in other ports around the world, this conference promises to enlighten, entertain and educate you.
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
  • International trade and global economics.
  • In context: Perspectives from terminals, shipping and ports.
  • Achieving environmental sustainability.
  • Emergency planning.
  • Asset and infrastructure management.
  • Marine industrial land use.
  • Keeping the cargo moving.
  • Smart ports — future technological breakthroughs.
Plus port updates, networking opportunities and field trips!
And keep visiting our website for updates : www.pacificports.org/events (Early bird registration starting soon).
Interested in sponsoring? Find out more details here. (pdf)

Summary of the APP Winter Conference

As the half-way meeting point for Association of Pacific Ports members on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, Oahu, Hawaii, provided the perfect location to bring colleagues and key industry stakeholders together to conduct association business, hear updates from port representatives and partners in port management, and network with peers, colleagues and old friends.
Highlights from the three-day conference (January 22 to 24, 2020) included welcoming Jane McIvor, incoming Executive Director, and extending a warm thanks to outgoing Executive Director Lisa Pomasl; the establishment on an Associate Member Sub-Committee; an informative tour of the Matson Inc. Terminal in Honolulu; and a preview of the upcoming Annual Conference in Nanaimo, B.C.
Looking first at association business, a significant development for the APP was the establishment of the Associate Member Sub-Committee. To be co-chaired by Jeannie Beckett, The Beckett Group, and Joe Carrillo, SSA Marine, the committee will identify ways to create and add more value to those members who support the goals of the association. The Executive Committee was in agreement that Associate Members are an important part of the APP and must be given a bigger voice to be able to contribute meaningfully as well as benefit from the strong connections that can be made at APP events. Beckett and Carrillo will work over the coming months to develop recommendations that can be considered by the Executive Committee.
For a full recap on the presentations and features of the Winter Conference, Download our full summary here. (pdf)

Member News

Los Angeles, Long Beach forge alliance on range of measures to improve infrastructure, increase operational efficiency
Feb. 24, 2020 — The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will strengthen collaborative measures in the areas of cargo movement efficiency, connectivity, workforce development, cybersecurity and metrics under an agreement approved by their respective Harbor Commissions.
“Our two ports are the fastest way to move goods between Asia and U.S. markets and manufacturers,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The kind of cooperation that will flow from this agreement ensures we will continue to be the most efficient gateway for shippers.”
“America’s two largest and most competitive ports have a long and successful history of collaborating on key issues,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This agreement significantly expands these efforts and underscores our shared commitment to lead and succeed.”
The nation’s largest seaport complex will work in concert with industry stakeholders to identify and address operational issues to unlock additional efficiencies and lower costs for shippers while improving sustainability, business continuity and security.
The two neighboring ports that share the San Pedro Bay move 37% of the nation’s containerized imports and 25% of its exports. More than 3 million jobs nationwide are connected to the complex. Meanwhile, the ports continue to face competitive challenges for market share.
—-
Port of San Diego approves two new leases for Seaport Village
February 17, 2020 — As part of the Port of San Diego’s continued efforts to revitalize Seaport Village, the Board of Port Commissioners approved two new leases for the shopping, dining and entertainment center located on the Embarcadero along San Diego Bay.
Grain & Grit Collective, the San Diego-based hospitality group behind Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Little Italy Food Hall, and Not Not Tacos, will introduce their second concept in collaboration with Sam “the Cooking Guy” Zien, who is widely recognized for his televised cooking show “Sam the Cooking Guy,” online show “STCGO,” and numerous cookbooks. Anticipated to open in summer 2020, the yet-to-be-named restaurant will be in the Lighthouse District of Seaport Village and will provide entertainment and special events in the adjacent courtyard and surrounding walkway for the enjoyment of guests and the general public. Activities and events will include family-friendly gaming, live music, art nights, food and wine tastings, movie nights, cooking demos, and more.
—-
Celena Zacarias appointed to Port of Hueneme Commission
February 5, 2020 — In a special meeting held on Monday, February 3, 2020, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners appointed Celina Zacarias as Harbor Commissioner. Commissioner Zacarias will be filling the vacancy left by the passing of Commissioner Dr. Manuel Lopez.
Ms. Zacarias brings a wealth of experience, community and business relationships. Her knowledge of the Port, its contributions to both the economy, the community and its operations helped guide the Board’s consideration among a room of highly qualified candidates.  Upon her appointment, Commissioner Zacarias expressed her gratitude for the trust conferred upon her by the Board of Commissioners for her appointment:
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $9.5 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce.
—-
Port of Redwood City Commissioners approve 2020 Vision Plan
February 3, 2020 — The Board of Port Commissioners unanimously approved a 2020 Vision Plan — the first of its kind in Port history. The plan will strategically guide all of the Port’s work over the next 25 years. Focus will be placed on four key areas to strengthen the Port’s impact to the region’s economy and quality of life: Land Use, Market Preparedness, Operational Efficiency, and Sustainability.
“Each of these pieces has an important role in the Port’s ecosystem, and this plan helps balance them harmoniously with the ultimate goal of leveraging our phenomenal regional asset — now and for years to come,” said Kristine Zortman, Executive Director, Port of Redwood City.
Got news? Send to jane@pacificports.org .