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March 13, 2013
In this issue:
All Port of Tacoma terminals are back in operation today following a fatal accident at Pierce County Terminal Tuesday. A member of ILWU Local 23 employed with Pacific Crane Maintenance Co. was injured and died during routine maintenance on a crane at the terminal.
Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends. The state Department of Labor & Industries is investigating the cause of the accident.
At their Thursday meeting, commissioners are expected to consider a request to purchase five new straddle carriers to replace older cargo-handling equipment.
Commissioners also will consider design work for a stormwater treatment system at the West Hylebos log yard.
After the action agenda, commissioners will receive a progress report on developing a Land Use and Transportation Plan to support the Port’s 2012-2022 Strategic Plan.
See the full agenda.
Commission meetings begin at noon in Room 104 of The Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. While meetings usually are the first and third Thursdays of the month, the March meetings fall on the second and fourth Thursdays. Meetings are available live and on demand from the Port's website.
The new year started off strong at the Port with container volumes posting a 36 percent gain in January over a year ago.
Containerized imports grew 45 percent and exports were up nearly 44 percent as shippers prepared for the Lunar New Year. Factories in China close their doors for one to two weeks for the holiday in early February. The volumes also continue to reflect the addition of the Grand Alliance and its associated carriers.
Meanwhile, automobile imports through the Port improved 26 percent as car dealers built up their inventory. Demand for autos is expected to improve this year as the U.S. economy slowly improves and pent-up demand drives consumers back to showrooms.
View all cargo stats.
CEO John Wolfe will give an update on the Port March 26 at the Tacoma Propeller Club’s lunch meeting. Wolfe’s presentation will include an update on the Port’s 10-year strategic plan launched last April and details on the Port’s new bulk business opportunity.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. at La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St. in Tacoma. Cost is $25. Reserve your seat by calling 253-627-0671.
With nearly 2,500 acres of prime industrial real estate on deep water, the Port is giving businesses a reason―and room―to grow. Our customers describe in this video the strong relationship they share with the Port and how we make fulfilling their needs our top priority.
A roundtable discussion March 13 will focus on exporting U.S. goods and services to China, one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world.
Jack Ding, resident Beijing attorney for Desh International Law, and Bryan Peterson, vice president of international banking for Umpqua Bank, will lead the lunch discussion. The event is presented by the World Trade Center Tacoma.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. at the World Trade Center Tacoma, 950 Pacific Avenue, suite 310. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Ticket price includes lunch. Register online.
Quickly and easily search worldwide shipping schedules for carriers calling the Port of Tacoma with a new feature on our website at www.portoftacoma.com/shipping.
Search by region, country or port for sailings departing from or arriving at Tacoma. Further filter your results by adding a carrier name, vessel type or departure date range. Let us know what you think about this new feature by emailing portinfo@portoftacoma.com.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Sister Cities International Film Festival continues this month with films from Tacoma’s sister cities of Alesund, Norway, and Taichung, Taiwan. The festival runs through April 4.
The March 14 film, “O’Horten,” is a drama about how retirement changes the life of a 67-year-old engineer. The March 21 film, “Cape No. 7,” tells the unlikely story of how seven ordinary residents of Hengchun, Taiwan, form an impossible band.
Cultural programs begin at 6:15 p.m., with the films following at 7 p.m. at the Blue Mouse Theatre, 2611 N. Proctor St. Purchase $10 tickets online, at the theater or at The Pacific Northwest Shop.
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