Author: admin

Click here for the June 2019 edition of Maritime Matters.

Click here for the May 2019 edition of Maritime Matters.

26TH ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME
HALL OF FAME HELD ON MAY 8, 2019
AT THE GRAND HYATT NEW YORK
NEW YORK CITY

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey held its 26^th Annual International Maritime Hall of Fame awards dinner on May 8, 2019 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

The International Maritime Hall of Fame awards had their beginning in 1993 when the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey created them to honor, every year, a group of maritime visionaries who best exemplified the qualities of futuristic thinking guiding maritime transportation into the years ahead.

Since then, a broad cohort of leading lights of the industry have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  They include figures from the worlds of container shipping, tanker and dry bulk shipping, terminal operations, ocean transportation intermediaries, stevedores, tug and barge operators, major railroads, in addition to those who represent both employers and labor in the maritime sphere.  Funds raised for the awards promote educational services within the industry.

The most recent inductions into the International Maritime Hall of Fame celebrated the achievements of five illustrious leaders of the industry.

Harold J. Daggett, International President, International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO was honored for his exceptional leadership of the growth and stability of the maritime industry, of labor productivity, of keeping cargo moving, of negotiations and contract agreements with employers.

George Economou, Founder, Chairman and CEO, of Dry Ships Inc. was recognized for being a global leader in maritime transportation and all related business activities; in high quality customer relations, and in the growth and stability of his highly diversified international fleet.  His award was accepted by his son, Phillipos.

John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Ports, was honored for his leadership of the economic achievements and financial success of Virginia Ports, his work there having maximized facility usage at one of the United States leading seaports.

Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group S.A. was recognized as a pre-eminent figure in the international maritime community.  Under his leadership, CMA CGM had grown its business over the years in truly exponential terms.

Last but not least, Mr. Richard S. (Rich) Weeks, President and CEO of Weeks Marine, Inc., was honored as a leader in all facets of marine construction.  Under his stewardship Weeks Marine had grown its impressive market footprint in dredging, construction and, more recently, the development of environmental-friendly offshore sources of power.

The May 8 event attracted the largest number of attendees – approximately 450 – in recent years.  Its Master of Ceremonies was Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of the American P&I Club, a current Director (and former President) of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey.

Click here to view pictures from the event.

Click here for the April 2019 edition of Maritime Matters.

MARITIME MATTERS – March 2019

---

MAPONY/NJ February Networking Luncheon

The MAPONY/NJ Networking Luncheon held on February 27 at the India House in NYC was a great success. Our keynote speaker, RADM Jack Buono, the Superintendant at the US Merchant Marine Academy, presented the vigorous vision for the Academy and answered a variety of questions from attendees. You’ll want to be sure to attend our next event!

USCG

• The Ice Season is coming to an end and the USCG is actively replacing specialized ice aids to navigation (ATONs) with “normal” ATONs.

• There was a cyber attack incident in the Port. The event involved a US flag vessel and was contained at the vessel level. When the vessel contacted the USCG, a full, robust multi-agency response ensued. The problem was quickly found and resolved. No involved parties’ identities are revealed to maintain confidentiality. All parties are urged to review and upgrade their cyber protection protocols.

• There will be a Hudson River Harbor Safety Committee Steering Cttee meeting held on March 25, 2019.

• Fleet Week will commence on May 22, 2019 with the traditional Parade of Ships from 0700 to 1430. Berthing will be the same as last year. Brooklyn berthing will be delayed until departure of the cruise ship.

• The LaGuardia Safety Zone will become operational as of April 1, 2019.

• CDR (select) Eric Runyan will assume the duties of CDR Nicole Vaughan by mid June 2019.

Bridges

• Portal Bridge – AMTRAK has requested comments from maritime users of the waterway and is hoping to perform a test deviation of openings. The deviation would close the bridge to vessel traffic from 0500 to 1000 and from 1700 to 1800. Openings would be provided for tide restricted vessels between 0700 to 0800 and between 1700 to 1800. Comments can be made at USCG Docket USCG 2019-0086.

• PATH Vertical Lift Bridge – PANYNJ will seek to request weekend closures from April 6 through September 30 between the hours of 0001 Sunday through 0001 Monday.

USACE

• In East Rockaway, sand is being removed from the channel and is being deposited on the beach.

 

• Dredging of the 50ft area in Newark Bay will take place during the August to October 2019 time frame.

 

• Routine maintenance dredging in Sandy Hook Channel will take place in September or October 2019.

PANY/NJ

• Dredging of Berths 76-92 has been completed and hydro-surveys are being finalized.

• The two current meter work order has been placed. The first is expected to be mounted at Buoy 18, with the second to be placed in accordance with guidance from Stevens Institute as they upgrade the NYHOPS model.

NYCEDC

• Hunts Point RFP – NYCEDC has released an RFP seeking responses from qualified public entities interested in developing and operating a dedicated barge service and marine terminal in New York Harbor, serving the Bronx’s Hunts Point peninsula. More information can be found at: https://www.nycedc.com/opportunity/hunts-point-marine-terminal-rfp

• Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Expansion Project – NYCEDC Asset Management Group and McLaren Engineering Group plan to expand Pier 12 380 feet to the south with a concrete or steel pile support wharf structure. There are currently 31 expected vessel calls for 2019, with an average of 8 days between calls. Current planning calls for Preliminary Design to begin in March 2019. Design Development will to return to Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee for guidance in June 2019. The estimated construction date is early 2020 with an estimated construction end of 2021.

• The Maritime Support Services Study response period has closed with 120 replies. The replies are being analyzed and a May/June 2019 delivery is expected.

• NYC Ferry is in discussions with NYCDOT to determine next steps for the ferry service expansion.

• NYC Mayor DiBlasio announced very initial plans for increased inundation resiliency in Lower Manhattan. Initial plans could call to move the lower Manhattan shoreline into the existing waterline by as much as 500 feet. HOPs will be consulted by mid-summer of 2019.

Passenger Vessel Sub-cttee

The next meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2019.

LNG Bunkering

With the increased usage of LNG as a marine fuel, it is essential the Port of NY/NJ be both operational and competitive. MAPONY/NJ will reach out to solicit persons/organizations who want to join a NY/NJ LNG Bunkering Subcommittee.

Bayonne Tram

Staten Island EDC has made an announcement that they will study the potential to erect a Bayonne-Staten Island Tram which would be placed in proximity of the Bayonne Bridge. An April 16 demo meeting will be held and MAPONY/NJ will attend to obtain more information.

NOAA

• Colleen Roche has been named as the NOAA Northeast Navigation Manager. Colleen is a civilian NOAA employee and should provide longer-term stability.

• A new NY/NJ current study will begin June 14, 2019 with the placement of devices at approximately 30 locations. Data from the study will be used to update existing tables and models.

• NOAA will present their Coastal Inundation Dashboard at the HOPs June 2019 meeting.

NYSA

Almost 700 NEW longshoremen and checkers have been authorized to be hired in the Port area. New labor should be available in a few months and be in time for the vacation period to help avoid any labor shortages.

Shared Harbor Day

The Education Subcommittee of our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee is inviting all members of the NY/NJ maritime community to participate in Shared Harbor Day, which will be held at Pier 15 in lower Manhattan aboard the HORNBLOWER HYBRID (which will remain dockside during the program). The program will take place from 1000 to 1400 on Sunday, April 14, 2019, and will convene a diverse mix of recreational and professional mariners with the goal of increasing safety of operations and understanding the operational realities of mixed vessels. Panels will include mariners and regulatory personnel. Attendance is free but attendees must register at: https://sharedharborday2019tickets.eventbrite.com This event is being organized by our Education Subcommittee with generous support from Hornblower.

CPP

The Council on Port Performance advised they will hold a port-wide job fair on May 15. Further information will be forthcoming. Save the date!

Deep Draft Working Group

After months of experience with the large vessels now transiting our Port after the completion of the 50 foot channel and the raising of the Bayonne Bridge, our Deep Draft Working Group has met with representatives from the marine terminals and vessel agents. Discussions covered a myriad of operational issues and concentrated on berth availability and timely arrival/departure schedules.

Recreational Vessel Committee?

Michael Fortenbough of the Manhattan Sail Squadron pointed out that in a mixed use waterway it is essential there be close coordination between recreational and professional mariners. Accordingly, Michael will reach out to various recreational boating groups to solicit interest in forming a Recreational Vessel subcommittee. He will report back at a future meeting.

SHIPPING 101

We currently have 18 participants registered for our Spring 2019 SHIPPING 101 class, scheduled for the week of April 8-12. A “few” seats are still available…get in touch with us ASAP if you want to join the April class!

ACPARS

The USCG has announced in the Federal Register that they are beginning a new study of routes used by ships to access ports on the Atlantic Coast of the USA. This study will build on the Atlantic Coast Port Access Study dated April 5, 2017. In light of developments involving offshore wind projects, this update is both timely and necessary. Initial updates will be posted to the Docket by May 1, 2019, with the initiative scheduled to be completed by May 2021. Comments may be submitted by docket number USCG-2011-0351 at https://www.regulations.gov

USACE/PANY/NJ Anchorage Study

• Work continues. USACE made a “progress report” to the HOPs Steering Committee on March 6, 2019.

• USACE urged all interested parties to help identify economic benefits accruing to new/expanded anchorages that afford better abilities to conduct bunkering, security boardings, ability to safely handle 18,000 TEU vessels, ability to secure “dead” ships or vessels with other problems, avoid unnecessary displacement of traditional users, etc. Our HOPs Committee is drafting such correspondence and “DRAFT” copies of same will be circulated for comment/revision.

• At present it seems the Gravesend area “might” be the best site for additional 50 foot anchorage(s).

BOEM

• BOEM is still in the leasing stage.

• Final wind areas to be released at the close of March 2019.

• Initial 5 year leases allow assessment/survey and submission of a construction plan.

• Hoping to hold auction in second half of 2019.

• Currently, Ocean Winds is pre-COP; Atlantic Shores (Offshore Wind) just purchased lease from US Wind and has not yet started any activity; Equinor Wind is in pre-COP.

• Potential NY Bight leases are expected from Ocean Wind, GSOE, Skipjack, and US Wind.

America’s Cup

• There will be 90 minutes of racing with a 3 hour window for setup/racing/breakdown

• June 20 Youth Day/June 21-22 Race dates

• Open to public 1500-2000hr

• Spectator area north of the race course

• Free practice days on June 19/20

• Tech base will be established at Liberty Landing Marina

• Racing craft will be stored from May 28 through July 2, 2019

• More updates re safety zones, closures (if any), etc to be forthcoming.

MAPONY/NJ Representation

• On March 5-7, 2019, MAPONY/NJ represented the interests of the Port of NY/NJ at a meeting of the NOAA FACA Hydrographic Services Review Panel. HSRP works with and advises NOAA regarding their activities in the USA. Our representation on this panel ensures our Port is at the forefront of receiving full and new NOAA products such as surveys, Precision Navigation services, PORTS arrays, current studies, etc

• On March 14-15, 2019 MAPONY/NJ represented the interests of our Port at the semi-annual meeting of NAMO (North American Maritime Organizations) which was held in Washington DC. This group gives us excellent access to HQ agency personnel, and meetings have been held with CBP, USCG, BOEM, AAPA, APA, CMTS, and others.

MARITIME MATTERS – FEBRUARY 2019

---

A Great Year!

As reported by the Port Authority of NY/NJ, last year was a record-breaking one at the Port of New York and New Jersey. For the first time in its history, which dates back to when the first container ship sailed across New York Harbor in 1956, the Port broke the 7 million TEU (20-foot equivalent units) mark. The record-setting amount of cargo (7,179,788 TEUs) exceeded the previous year’s quantity by almost 7 percent. The boost was fueled by an 8.2 percent increase in imported goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and other products, over the previous record for imports set in 2017. The ensuing growth also resulted in the port handling one-third of all containers on the East Coast in 2018, a 2.8 percent increase in market share from last year.

Size and Volume of Cargo Ships Increases With the Rise of the Bayonne Bridge
The June 2017 completion of the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project, which raised the clearance under the bridge from 151 feet to 215 feet, also played a role in giving last year’s cargo numbers a lift. The additional clearance allows the nation’s largest ships to now pass under the bridge to access port terminals in New York and New Jersey. Since the bridge project was completed, an increasing number of larger ships are calling on our port. Today, nearly 30 percent of the port’s containerized cargo is carried on vessels with the capacity to handle 9,000 or more TEUs–the size that could not transit under the old Bayonne Bridge.

ExpressRail Moves A Record Amount of Rail Cargo
In addition to a record-setting increase in cargo containers, the Port also set a new record for rail cargo. The Port Authority’s ExpressRail system moved 645,760 containers, up 13.8 percent over 2017. The record-breaking duo of container and rail cargo further solidifies the Port of New York and New Jersey’s position as a dominant port—the busiest on the East Coast and the third busiest in the nation, following Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Helping accommodate the Port’s pattern of growth is the recent partial opening of the $149 million ExpressRail Port Jersey facility, the concluding piece of the Port Authority’s $600 million capital investment program dating back to the 1990s. The new facility, which is expected to be fully operational early in 2018, fulfills the agency’s strategic five-year goal to handle more than 900,000 rail lifts in 2023, the equivalent of more than 1.5 million fewer truck trips traveling through the local roads. When ExpressRail Port Jersey is complete, the rail facilities will collectively have the capacity to handle up to 1.5 million containers a year.

Autos, Cruise Ship Passenger Volume, and Bulk Cargo Also Showed Growth
The port also experienced strong volumes in its auto line of business. Although total volume was down 0.7 percent when compared to 2017, more than 573,000 finished vehicles moved over port facilities in 2018. The auto line of business also contributed to more than 500 vessel calls in last year.

More than 856,000 travelers climbed aboard passenger ships at Brooklyn and the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonne, a rise of more than 17 percent over the previous year.

Port commodities such as road salt, scrap metal, and edible oils also saw strong growth. A total of 3.68 million metric tons were handled in 2018, representing a more than 16 percent increase as compared to 2017. A really GREAT year!

USCG

• With the recent spate of extreme cold weather, the USCG Ice Season activities are at full implementation.
• USCG Sector NY has fully ramped up to “normal” operational status after the recent lack of Government Funding. During the furlough period, the USCG did a great job of maintaining all essential services!
• The Portal Bridge continues to be a topic of conversation with ongoing teleconferences to determine working waterway carriers concerns. There may be a test deviation period to establish workable “closed times”, and “advance opening notification notice” procedures.
• The deconstruction of the old Tappan Zee Bridge continues. Survey has shown that there was no debris found in the channel. Salvage continues on the downed East Side span. The West Side span will be de-constructed by a non-explosive method (cutting), and no disruption to the navigation channel is expected.
• The next Hudson River Safety Committee is now scheduled for March 25, 2019. Location and time to be advised.

USACE

• USACE engineers are currently designing plans for the Summer/Fall maintenance dredging of the Newark Bay 40 and 50 ft areas.
• The dredging of Sandy Hook Channel has been delayed to late Summer 2019 due to the recent Government furlough period.
• It has been found that the Wards Point dredging area still has several “shallow spots”. The area should allow a 35ft clearance but is temporarily restricted to 34 ft clearance until the remaining shallow spots are removed.

PANY/NJ

• Dredging at Berths 76-92 at APMT and Maher has been completed for 50 ft clearance
• All dredging scheduled for Winter 2018/9 has been completed. Final charts are being developed.
• Plans are underway to decide 2019 dredging operations
• The NY/NJ Anchorage Study is continuing in coordination with USACE. An initial report is expected to be presented to our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee in March.
• The study to determine the need of any harbor deepening study to improve accommodations for 14-18,000 TEU capacity vessels continues.
• PANY/NJ has received the specs of the long-awaited current meters from NOAA, and plans are now in motion to acquire, and deploy the equipment.

NYCEDC

• Response to the Maritime Support Services Study has been strong. The reply period closes on March 1, 2019. We look forward to seeing the completed report.
• The information requested by USCG regarding the revised Hallets Cove Ferry landing will be provided by the end of February, 2019.
• With the expected expansion of the NYC Ferry system several proposed new landings are undergoing USCG review to confirm safe operational parameters.

Education Sub-Committee

• Our Education Sub-Committee has advised that they WILL be conducting another Mixed Waterway Seminar this April. More details regarding dates, location, etc will be forthcoming shortly.
• The Education Sub Committee has submitted a proposed budget for communications and outreach activities. After review, it was agreed that creating a budget for these activities is worthwhile, and plans as to how to raise the required funding will be made shortly.

SHIPPING 101

• The Spring 2019 Session of SHIPPING 101 is scheduled for the week of April 8-12, 2019. The course will be held at Seamen’s Church Institute in the Port. Sign up SOON!!!!

NY/NJ Offshore Wind

• NY State has established a NYS Offshore Wind Maritime Task Force to consider input from the Maritime Sector. It is hoped that similar activity will take place in NJ, and that NY and NJ concerns are properly coordinated.

Deep Draft Guidelines

• After many months of operations with the “new” 14,000 TEU vessels, our Deep Draft Committee will undertake to review the existing Deep Draft Operating Guidelines to consider any updates or modifications are in order. We will apprise all parties of any such changes.

HSRP

• The next meeting of the Hydrographic Services Review Panel will take place in Washington, DC on March 5-7, 2019. As previously advised, Ed Kelly is a member of this NOAA advisory panel that evaluates NOAA navigational, climate, weather, survey products, and positioning data, and advises NOAA management as to sufficiency, problems, and opportunities.
• Please let Ed know of any concerns so that they can be relayed to NOAA.
• Our active participation benefits NOAA, and ensures the improvement of NOAA services, and puts NY/NJ concerns at the forefront.

26th Annual International Maritime Hall of Fame Honors Five International Leaders, May 8, 2019 at the Grand Hyatt New York, New York City

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey, in 1993, founded the Annual International Maritime Hall of Fame to recognize maritime visionaries, who through excellence in their company, organization, or services, best exemplify the qualities of futuristic thinking that will guide the maritime industry in the 21^st Century.  The five honorees are:

Harold J. Daggett

International President, International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO.  

Harold Daggett is a leader in the growth and stability of the maritime industry, of productivity, of keeping cargo moving, of negotiations, contract agreements.

George Economou

Founder, Chairman, CEO, DryShips Inc.

George Economou, based in Athens, GR, leads in maritime transportation and business activities; in high quality customer relations, and in the growth and stability of his international fleet.

John F. Reinhart

CEO, Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority

John Reinhart is the leader of the economic engine, financial successes of the Port, and maximizes facility usage of one of the nation’s outstanding seaports.

Rodolphe J. Saade

Chairman, CEO, CMA CGM Group S.A.

Rodolphe Saade is a global leader in container transportation and shipping to the world’s commercial ports; growth in transpacific and transatlantic trade routes, including #1 container carrier status in the USA.

Richard S. (Rich) Weeks

President, CEO, Weeks Marine, Inc.

Rich Weeks is a global leader in marine construction, dredging, tunneling, contractors’ lists, environmental firms.

Click here for more info.

MARITIME MATTERS – JANUARY 2019

USCG

• USCG has maintained all essential services throughout the Government Shutdown period
• The old Tappan Zee Bridge span on the Eastern side was demolished via an explosive demo plan on Jan 15, 2019. The demo plan had the span drop onto a network of chains so that the span could be lifted and moved for remote deconstruction. The full 600ft channel is now open. The Western span is subject to further study before being deconstructed.
• The Portal Bridge continues to be a point of contention. The source of the problem is that the bridge is old, and has apparently not been kept in a state of good repair, thus causing the bridge to become stuck at times, and therefore disrupt commuter train service/schedules. The maritime industry only requires this bridge to be raised approx 1-2 times per month. Currently USCG and Industry are attempting to minimize rush-hour opening requests, and are giving 24 hr notice for opening requirements. It is essential that this bridge remain operational to preserve navigational capacity. Noted that the USCG Bridge Unit in D1 has been closed during the furlough period.
• With the extreme cold weather, fast ice is present on the upper Hudson River. As a previously advised, the USCG Ice Season Guidelines are in effect. The USCG Ice Sector Command Center can be reached at: tel: 718-354-4356
• USCG efforts to coordinate with BOEM regarding Offshore Wind Safety Guidelines are on hold while BOEM is furloughed.
• On Feb 2, 2019 in honor of the Chinese New Year there will be a 20 minute fireworks display from a moored barge.
• Due to the furlough, any Mariners needing to update their medical status or license should send all required paperwork to the NMC for processing.

USACE

• As a part of DoD, USACE remains funded during the shutdown.
• The Anchorage Study is continuing with a report expected this Spring.
• Newark Bay work has finished. Maintenance for the 50 and 40 f sections will occur during the Summer/Fall of this year.
• Sandy Hook work will be done during this Winter, or moved to Summer/Fall due to environmental restrictions. USACE is working with US Park Service, but difficulties have occurred due to the furlough at US Parks Service.
• East Rockaway is scheduled for an RFP soon.

PANY/NJ

• The North America Marine Highway Alliance has been formed to study possible service route for coastal shipping operations.
• A review of all PANY/NJ berths will be conducted.

NYC EDC

• EDC has presented the plan for an expansion of the NYC Ferry system. The expanded network will now include service to Staten Island, the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and a further reach to the Bronx and Jamaica Bay. The expanded service pattern will result in the addition of 6 vessels during peak periods.
• EDC has distributed a questionnaire designed to facilitate the update of their Maritime Support Services study.
• EDC is planning work at Hallets Cove designed to make environmental improvements, and create a kayak launch platform. Due to the proximity of the planned kayak launch platform to an existing NYC Ferry landing, extreme care will be taken to ensure mixed use waterway safety protocols are in place.

OFFSHORE WIND

• BOEM has announced the sale of extensive acreage off the Massachusetts shore for a sum in excess of $400 million. It was noted that the sale did NOT provide for requested setbacks, or pass-through zones.
• NY State has created an Offshore Wind Maritime Technical Group to discuss maritime requirements in/around potential offshore wind areas currently under consideration in the NY Bight. The group will include NY State Dept of State, NYSERDA, NY DED (observers), and maritime representatives: USCG District 1, PANY/NJ, Sandy Hook Pilots, Towboat and Harbor carriers, and NYSA.
• At the prompting of MAPONY/NJ, a meeting was arranged by the NJ Board of Commissioners of Pilots and Docking Pilots with a representative of the NJ Governor’s office to discuss safety requirements for proposed offshore wind projects. MAPONY/NJ, NJ Board of Commissioners of Pilots and Docking Pilots, and NJ Sandy Hook Pilots Assn met with the Governors office. The Governor’s office assured that our concerns were heard and understood.

MIXED USE WATERWAYS

• The Port of NY/NJ is increasingly facing issues related to mixed use of waterways. All parties are working together to ensure maximum adherence to established safety protocols.
• The HOPs Education Sub-Ctte is actively working to coordinate commercial/recreational interface safety. They are planning to once again offer a Mixed Use Waterways forum this Spring. The Sub-Cttee has also been asked to propose a working budget to the Harbor Ops Steering Cttee so that funding could be made available for printing/distribution, meeting expense, etc.
• The Passenger Vessel Cttee will meet on Jan 20, 2019 to discuss issues relating to mixed use.

SHIPPING 101

• MAPONY/NJ is currently making plans for the Spring 2019 session of our highly regarded SHIPPING 101 course, and will be advising dates/venue shortly

MAPONY/NJ Networking Luncheon with RADM Jack Buono

February 27, 2019

You are invited to our second Networking Luncheon featuring speaker, US Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent and former SeaRiver CEO, RADM Jack Buono.

This luncheon is the perfect opportunity to speak one on one with RADM Buono and network with members of the maritime industry.

Come and enjoy beverages, a sit down lunch, and an all around great time with the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey.

Click on the link below to register or RSVP. 

Get more information

For additional information regarding this event please contact Tiffany Torrey at ttorrey@torrey-enterprises.com or (518) 817-2597.

We look forward to seeing you at our event!

MARITIME MATTERS – NOV. 2018

 

WE MOVED!!…in case anyone missed our prior notices, we can confirm that as of the AM of 29 OCT 2018 we have been operational at our new location of:

1201 Corbin Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07201

As previously advised, we will keep all of our prior telephone, fax, and internet addresses.

Although we still have a few unpacked boxes, the move went well, and although nothing could ever compare to our prior view of the Harbor, we now have a very active view of part of the Port, the double stack rail operations, truck activity, and Newark airport!

 

USCG

• The explosive de-construction of Pier C of the old Goethals Bridge structure is scheduled for 1000-1100hr on NOV 11, 2018. VTS advises that the Kills channel will be closed for a short period to accommodate the de-construction. Other than a short, temporary closing, there is no other expected impact to the Channel.
• Despite the many navigational and security challenges posed, the visit of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the Port from NOV 19-26 2018 went smoothly. USCG extends thanks to all impacted parties.
• The de-construction of the remaining eastern span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge is still under study. The current concept is that in the absence of any viable mechanical solution, there will most probably be an explosive deconstruction which will not affect the main channel except for a probable brief closure during the actual explosion period. The current plan is that this work will take place sometime in Mid-December, with more accurate timing to be made available shortly.
• Unfortunately, a Mariner was lost at sea from the vessel Northern Jaguar while the vessel was preparing a sideport to receive a Pilot. The Mariner, who was not wearing a PFD, was washed overboard when seas entered the sideport. A search was conducted by USCG, Sandy Hook Pilots and other to no avail.
• In anticipation of the impending winter weather, USCG will hold its customary Ice Season Meeting on DEC 7. Full detail regarding time/place will be forthcoming, and we will relay that info to all MAPONY/NJ Members.
• Also in consideration of winter conditions, USCG will commence placement/activation of seasonal ATONs (Aids TO Navigation) during the week of NOV 12-16, 2018
• Despite some negative media comments, all parties were reminded that although there were congestion issues related to the opening/closing of the Hackensack River Bridge, the problem was NOT a “maritime” problem, but rather a problem with the failure of the bridge to operate properly.

 

NY/NJ Anchorage Study

• Study continues with the joint USACE/PANYNJ plan to reevaluate the anchorage capacities of the NY/NJ Harbor after completion of the 50 ft Channel Deepening Project. The reevaluation is necessary due to the introduction of new generations of larger vessels than the Deepening Project had considered. The study will make recommendations for anchorage requirements for current, and projected future vessel needs. Anchorages have impacts on ALL vessels using the Harbor.
• The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a notice announcing that it plans to prepare a General Reevaluation Study (GRR) with an integrated environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate environmental impacts from reasonable project alternatives and to determine the potential for significant impacts related to the improvement of anchorages included in the federal navigation project for New York and New Jersey Harbor anchorages. A public scoping meeting will be held in New York on 8 November. Comments must be received by 10 December. 83 Fed. Reg. 54919
• We will keep all parties advised regarding the progress of this vital study.

 

USACE

• USACE continues to have their team work with all concerned stakeholders in the NY/NJ Harbor to determine current and future anchorage usage/need, and plans to have follow-up meetings in December.
• USACE confirmed that in reply to the Williams permit application pertaining to the proposed Champlain Hudson Power Exchange (CHPE) project intending to place power transmission cables in the Hudson River that the USACE will require at least 15 ft burial of all such cables. This is an important step to preserve safe commercial navigation in the Hudson, and it is hoped that this will become the new “standard” fro placement of cables.
• USACE reports that both the Newark Bay and Wards Point dredging projects have been completed, and expects to release post-dredging surveys shortly.
• USACE is working with National Park Service to proceed with the necessary dredging to be done in Sandy Hook Channel.
• Dredging at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal has been completed.
• USACE is waiting to hear about removal of construction barge relating to the construction of the Staten Island Wheel project which has now been cancelled.

 

PANYNJ

• PANYNJ is expecting to finish required dredging operations at Berths 76-92 before the close of 2018.
• The long-awaited current meters are expected shortly. PANYNJ is awaiting deployment plans from NOAA. PANYNJ will follow-up with Sam DeBow of NOAA who is our acting NOAA Navigation Manager.
• An updated and enhanced version of PortTruckPass (PTP), the Port of New York and New Jersey’s web based Port Community System portal, is expected to launch by November 19, 2018.
  PTP was developed by the container terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey in partnership with the Port Authority of NY & NJ in 2014. It was the first common portal of its kind in the country allowing users (primarily truckers, beneficial cargo owners, shippers and NVOCCs) to more efficiently research information and plan activities associated with cargo transactions across multiple terminals.

 

NJDOT

• NJDOT advised that they will have active oversight of NJ Freight and Rail operations and initiatives.
• It is expected that NEPA requirements will require the Carteret Marina to undergo further public outreach as part of their project process.

 

SHIPPING 101

• We are pleased to advise that the MAPONY/NJ FALL 2018 session of SHIPPING 101 is currently in session at the Seaman’s Church Institute facility in Port Newark with 18 students in attendance.

 

TLD CAREER OUTREACH

• Efforts continue to make outreach to the public to inform them of the potential for jobs in the Transportation Logistics and Distribution Industries.
• On October 4, 2018, the PANYNJ sponsored a TLD Job Fair at the Donald M Payne School of Technology in Newark, NJ.
• On October 23, 2018, NYCEDC sponsored a TLD Career Fair at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn with over 400 High School students in attendance.
• This type of outreach is essential if the Industry is to attract a knowledgeable and efficient future workforce.

 

NYCEDC

• With the continued success of the NYC Ferry System, NYCEDC is studying the potential to add additional services/landings to the System.
• A study is underway to evaluate possible service extensions and landings, and a compilation of approximately 10 “best possible options” will be compiled. The possible proposed additions will be presented to our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee for review and comment.
• NYCEDC is planning to “update” its 2007 Maritime Support Services Survey. The updated study plans to expand the earlier study by adding additional service categories such as fueling locations, chandlers, marinas, launch services, pilots, agents, excursion vessels, etc. NYCEDC will reach out to various stakeholders to obtain required scope/data. MAPONY/NJ will work closely with NYCEDC to develop this project.
• In conjunction with PANYNJ, NYCEDC will institute a North Atlantic Marine Highway Alliance which will seek to establish/enhance waterborne carrying capacity.

 

HUDSON RIVER

• On October 2, 2018, the Hudson River Harbor Safety Navigation and Operations Committee held its first Full Committee meeting in Hyde Park, NY.
• The meeting was well attended, and included reports from the Steering Committee, various Federal and State agencies, and discussion of several pertinent Hudson River topics.
• The Committee seems to be off to a good start!!

 

TUG & BARGE DAY

• On October 10, 2018, the Tow Boat and Harbor Carriers of the Port of NY/NJ once again sponsored the popular Tug & Barge Day at the Staten Island Homeport facility.
• The committee once again hosted a large USCG contingent with opportunities for vessel boarding and training as well as interested industry personnel, and service providers and vendors.
• The weather was perfect and all attendees enjoyed the event which also included a BBQ lunch and T-shirts!

 

OFFSHORE WIND

• Both New York and New Jersey continue to promote offshore wind power development.
• NJ is moving quickly to catch up to where NY is. As a result of the Murphy Administration taking control in NJ, NJ is aggressively seeking to develop offshore wind power capacity.
• MAPONY/NJ has continued to meet with both NY and NJ entities in order to present the safety, security and operational requirements of the Maritime Industry.
• Interested offshore wind power developers continue to meet with our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee to present possible scenarios for evaluation and comment.

 

WMAB

• The next meeting of the NYC Waterfront Management Advisory Board will be held on November 28, 2018. Discussion will include the updating of the NYC Waterfront Management Plan, which will include a multitude of topics including, secondary channels, maritime highway opportunities, dredging requirements, zoning, etc. E. Kelly of MAPONY/NJ is one of the members and will report updates.