Category: Reports

PMSA’s McLaurin warns about higher California taxes to reduce maritime emissions.

PMSA’s McLaurin warns about higher California taxes to reduce maritime emissions.

Posted on by Stas Margaronis
John McLaurin at Propeller Club of Northern California

The president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) warned maritime operators and customers to expect higher California air emission related taxes and fees in 2019.

John McLaurin, PMSA president, told a Propeller Club of Northern California luncheon audience to prepare for higher taxes and fees on harbor trucks, warehousing and possibly a tax on ocean containers.

He also strongly criticized plans by the Oakland Athletics to build a new ballpark at Howard Terminal on Port of Oakland property.

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Opposition to Proposed Oakland A’s Ballpark at Port of Oakland

Opposition to Proposed Oakland A’s Ballpark at Port of Oakland

Posted on by Stas Margaronis

Maritime Stakeholders Voice Opposition to Proposed Oakland A’s Ballpark at Port of Oakland

by Stas Margaronis

The proposed Oakland Athletics baseball park to be located at the Port of Oakland (See rendering) is drawing criticism and opposition from maritime stakeholders, but a spokesman for the Oakland Athletics says that many of the industry’s concerns can be addressed.

Taj Tashombe, Vice President External Affairs for the Oakland A’s, outlined remedies to the Propeller Club of Northern California board of directors at a January 18th meeting: The Athletics will work with the City of Oakland and the Port of Oakland to mitigate traffic issues caused by fans attending baseball games 80 times a year and impacting harbor trucking. The team will support an infrastructure investment fund and trucks-only on and off freeway ramps linked to the nearby 880 freeway.

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A Message From U.S. Coast Guard To Towing Vessel Partners

Posted on by Stas Margaronis

Towing Vessel Industry Partners:

Please note and save the date for the following Subchapter M implementation industry outreach and education meetings:

Seattle, WA    – 12 September 2017 @ 1000 – Federal Center South
Portland, OR   – 14 September 2017 @ 1000 – Marine Safety Unit Portland
Alameda, CA    – 19 September 2017 @ 1000 – Coast Guard Island
Long Beach, CA – 21 September 2017 @ 1000 – Sector LA/LB

Building and maintaining a positive working relationship with our industry partners is a continued priority as we begin to sunset the Towing Vessel Bridging Program and transition to the Inspection of Towing vessels. The meetings we have planned are a continuation of efforts to communicate the policy, tools, and resources available to help you succeed in the transition to inspection.

While we intend for these meetings to be informative in nature, we hope to promote an open forum environment to hear and address questions and concerns you may have with regard to Sub M implementation and compliance. Coast Guard representation from PACAREA, regional Districts, local field units, and the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise will be in attendance to emphasize our commitment to regional and national implementation consistency.

Tentative agenda items:
1. Subchapter M Policy and Guidance
2. Implementation tools and resources
3. COI Process and local expectations
4. Questions and concerns

If you have specific issues you would like to see addressed during the public meetings please contact your local Sector or District towing vessel representative.

A more formal invitation and detailed agenda will be communicated at a future date. Thank you for your continual efforts to operate safely.

USCG