Maritime

Port Says No to Chargers' Stadium at Tenth Ave. Marine Terminal

jgilmore@portofsandiego.org (Ronald Powell (619) 400-4789/(619) 665-2815) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:29:17 +0000

Stories in the local media continue to refer to the San Diego Unified Port District's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal as a possible site for a new Chargers' football stadium, but Port Commission Chairman Stephen P. Cushman said such a development is impossible.

"The Port Act of 1962 (pdf), which lays out the purposes for creating the Port District, clearly states that it is the policy of the State of California to develop ports for the benefit of the people of this state," Cushman said. "Specifically, the act says the Port District's purpose is to acquire, build, maintain and operate port facilities.

"As trustees of the Port District's terminal at 10th Avenue, we are committed to upholding that policy and responsibility," Cushman continued. "There is no way our working port and a football stadium can coexist at the Tenth Avenue facility. It is time for all idle speculation about such a development to stop."

Related article:

Ask the Port: The Search for a San Diego Chargers Stadium (video)

Port of San Diego and Royal Caribbean Celebrate New Cruise Calls to Mexican Ports

gbatuyon@portofsandiego.org (John Gilmore (619) 686-6222) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:44:30 +0000

The Port of San Diego is welcoming Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas, which is now offering 29 round trip cruises from San Diego to the Mexican Rivera.

The San Diego arrival of Radiance of the Seas marks the start of the cruise line's military appreciation campaign.

In recognition of the contributions made by the U.S. military, Royal Caribbean is donating $10,000 to Wounded Warriors Families Support, an organization that provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations.

In addition, the cruise line is offering special cruise pricing to active and retired U.S. and Canadian military personnel for a cruise vacation aboard Radiance of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas for cruises between October 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010.

"Our contribution to the Wounded Warriors Family Support organization is our way to help give back to those who have given up so much already,” said Betsy O'Rourke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International.

The 29 round trips from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera will occur between now and May 2010 with itineraries ranging from 4 to 12 nights. Ports of call may include Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Huatulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Manzanillo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

The news cruises began Sept. 25, 2009. In addition, Royal Caribbean will depart from San Diego in May 2010 for a 13-night cruise to West Coast and Alaskan ports.

Royal Caribbean and the Port of San Diego welcomed the new service Sept. 25, 2009, with a tour of the 2,500-passenger Radiance of the Seas and a lunch aboard the ship. The vessel features 10-story glass elevators, rock climbing, several themed restaurants, an indoor/outdoor country club and a basketball and volleyball court.

Michael Bixler, a member of the Board of Port Commissioners and Chair of the Port’s Cruise Industry Advisory Committee, thanked Royal Caribbean for the new business while noting the added calls will help the Mexican tourism industry, which has been impacted by an economic downturn in both the United States and Mexico.

“We appreciate the business these cruises bring to us, our tenants, the region and to our friends in Mexico,” Bixler said. “Every time a cruise ship comes in they bring in an estimated $2 million to the region’s economy.”

In addition to Royal Caribbean, cruise lines calling on San Diego and the Port of San Diego include Carnival, Holland America and Celebrity.

“This new cruise ship business is important not only to the Port but also to the region,” said Rita Vandergaw, the Port of San Diego’s Marketing Director. “We have many cruises leaving out of San Diego in the next six months. The bargains are tremendous."

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New Regulations for Old Trucks to Take Effect Oct. 1, 2009

melicone@portofsandiego.org (Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6281) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:21:07 +0000

Owners of diesel-fueled, heavy-duty trucks that are used to transport cargo to and from ports have until Sept. 30, 2009, to comply with a new state regulation requiring them to enter their operator information into a truck registry.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the regulation last year. The aim is to reduce truck emissions associated with the marine terminals in the state. Trucks manufactured in 1993 or earlier will be prohibited from entering the terminals and must be replaced with trucks that have newer, less polluting engines. In addition, trucks built between 1994-2003 would be required to install a special filter designed to cut emissions.

Owners of the older model trucks have until January 1, 2010, to replace or retrofit their trucks. Truck owners and operators serving the Port of San Diego’s marine terminals may register their truck information at the CARB website.

In addition to the CARB registry, truck operators must register with the Port of San Diego’s web-based registration system, also known as eModal. The eModal system will help avoid long delays at the terminal entrances. Detailed registration information is available (pdf).

Trucks that are registered will receive an identification tag which is installed on the truck and is used to automatically capture data at the security gate for both the truck and its driver. This system will allow security personnel at the marine terminals to verify and process trucks quickly. This type of tracking is in use at the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles and Oakland.

Trucks visiting the Port’s Tenth Avenue and National City Marine Terminals that haven’t registered their operator information will be reported to CARB beginning Oct. 1, 2009. The Port strongly urges its customers to register before the upcoming deadline.

Grants to assist with truck replacement or retrofitting are available through the state’s Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emissions Reduction Plan. CARB and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the local agency responsible for administering the grant funding, will soon be taking applications from interested truck owners. For more information on funding, please contact Mike Watt of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District at (858) 586-2711.

The Port of San Diego has set aside money to help pay for retrofits and replacements. Truck owners who qualify for complete replacement may receive up to $50,000 in state grant funding with the Port matching half of the remaining cost, up to $50,000. For those qualifying for retrofitting, they may receive up to $5,000 in grant funding. The Port would match this amount up to $5,000.

The Port hosted three informational meetings in August and one in September about the upcoming registration deadlines and it informed truck owners about the new screening systems at the marine terminals.

Royal Caribbean International Announces New Cruises Leaving From the Port of San Diego

melicone@portofsandiego.org (Contacts: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6281) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:04:38 +0000

San Diego has a new seasonal homeport ship that will be offering Mexican Riviera cruises and West Coast cruises from the Port of San Diego. Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas will begin the new itineraries on September 25, 2009. The new cruises will run until May 2010.

The 2,500-passenger vessel will have 29 round trip cruises to Mexico, ranging from four- to 12-night itineraries. Depending on the length of the cruise, ports of call on the Mexican Riviera cruises may include Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Huatulco, Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo), Manzanillo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

In addition, a 13-night cruise that calls on West Coast and Alaskan ports, and ends in Vancouver, British Columbia, will depart from San Diego on May 8, 2010.

"The Port of San Diego is thrilled to add the Radiance of the Seas to its fall/winter lineup," said Stephen P. Cushman, Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. "Cruise travelers will enjoy the variety of the cruises and the region will benefit from the extra business."

To celebrate the new cruise business and to welcome the Radiance of the Seas to San Diego, the Port and Royal Caribbean International will be hosting a ship tour and luncheon on Friday, September 25, 2009. The media is invited to attend. To reserve a spot, please contact LoriGsupport@rccl.com by September 18, 2009. Advanced arrangements must be made to board the ship.

Each homeport cruise ship at the Port of San Diego has an economic impact of about $2 million. This figure is derived from the average amount that a cruise ship passenger spends while in the San Diego region, along with the employment associated with serving the cruise ship and the many businesses and services that support it. They include food companies, linen services, trucking companies, fuel companies, landside tour companies and florists.

In fiscal year 2008, the Port of San Diego had 297 cruise calls with almost one million passengers. There are currently six cruise lines making calls at the Port.

To accommodate the growing cruise business, the Port of San Diego is building a new, 52,000-square foot terminal on Broadway Pier. Construction is anticipated to be completed in December 2010.

Royal Caribbean is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand. For additional information, visit Royal Caribbean's Web site.

Historic Star of India Returns Home Along San Diego Embarcadero

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:24:29 +0000

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has a lot to celebrate. Their flagship, the historic Star of India, returned home on September 11 after more than three weeks of scheduled maintenance at BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair and a mandatory U.S. Coast Guard inspection.

Museum staff hosted a “welcome home” celebration for the ship’s return to its berth on the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 N. Harbor Drive, accompanied by music from the Navy band and cannon blasts. She returned the same way she left on August 18, via a helping tug from Pacific Tugboat Services, just around noon. On September 11 only, through 1 p.m., adults can get into the museum for the price of a child’s ticket, which is $8. Kids 12 and under get in free.

“Most of what’s been changed is below the waterline. People will say what’s different,” said Mark Montijo, Vice President of the Maritime Museum. The answer is plenty.

In the three and a half-week dry dock at BAE Systems, along the Port of San Diego’s Working Waterfront, the historic tall ship has undergone high-pressure washing, mild sandblasting, her mandatory 10-year Coast Guard inspection and two coats of Ceram-Kote, a special hi-tech ceramic/epoxy coating on her iron hull.

Robyn Gallant, director of marketing for the Maritime Museum, said the ship’s last coat of paint worked so well, it needed to be sandblasted off, as opposed to coming off more naturally through hydroblasting. That in turn, caused costs to go up to an estimated $250,000.

“We had expected her to return on September 7 but the additional repairs delayed her return until (September 11.) We are trying to create a very patriotic environment on this historic and somber occasion of September 11,” said Gallant.

The Star of India was launched when Abraham Lincoln was President 146 years ago and is the oldest active sailing ship in the world. The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels.

Once the Star is gone, the sun will set for the Diligence’s duty as a dry dock after more than 50 years in service. Built in Seattle, she serviced anywhere from four to six vessels each year at BAE Systems. Before that, she was used by the Navy.

“The Star of India was the first vessel to go into (our other dry dock) the Pride of San Diego. And she’ll be the last vessel in the Diligence. So, I guess we’ve got a little history there with the Maritime Museum,” said Dennis Huddleston, Commercial Ship Superintendent for BAE Systems.

As for what’s next for the Diligence, she could either be sold or sunk in the ocean and turned into a living reef. Two Port of San Diego tenants making history and another successful job along the Working Waterfront.

Historic Tall Ship Star of India Getting in Ship Shape

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:15:33 +0000

The historic tall ship the Star of India has been getting hands on treatment during her dry-dock at Port of San Diego tenant BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. The ship has been undergoing routine maintenance since it “sailed” south from its berth at the Maritime Museum of San Diego along the Embarcadero on August 18.

Crews at BAE Systems hoisted the ship out of the water into their dry-dock Diligence. The U.S. Coast Guard was scheduled to inspect the ship on Friday, August 28. This is requirement every 10 years in order to clear the ship for sailing. Following the inspection, BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair and their subcontractors completed the preparation on the Star of India’s iron hull for paint. They will be applying Ceram-Kote, a special hi-tech ceramic/epoxy coating beginning August 31.

“It’s not the best time – it’s not our preference for the dry-dock to be done at the height of tourist season. But (BAE Systems) determines when the dry-dock work can be done, and the Coast Guard tells us when the ship requires inspection. So we go when they tell us to go,” Gallant said.

BAE Systems adheres to high environmental standards when conducting their work on the Star. The steps to get to this point include erecting scaffolding from the dry dock basin up to her water line, installing 19,000 square feet of environmental protection, then accomplishing a 5,000 psi high pressure wash, according to Dennis Huddleston, commercial ship superintendant.

“Once these steps were complete a sand blasting sweep of the entire underwater hull from the ship's keel to water line band was required. The Maritime Museum will accomplish specialized repairs utilizing volunteers over the weekend,” Huddleston said.

In the meantime, there is still a lot of activity going on at the Maritime Museum, from sailing adventures on Dennis Connor’s yacht, America to adventure sails from San Diego to Catalina on the tall-ship Californian. But Gallant said she can’t wait until the Star comes back to her home.

“When she’s not here there’s this big hole down here,” Gallant said. “We do miss her but we hope the result will be another 100 years of service for the last remaining active ship of her kind in the world.”

Star of India Makes Historic 'Voyage' for Dry Dock Maintenance

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost (619) 686-6222) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:03:58 +0000

Something is missing along the North Embarcadero. The Star of India, a waterfront icon and flagship of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, was towed on August 18 to BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair for refurbishing and inspections.

The oldest operational tall ship in the world, the U.S. Coast Guard requires the 146-year-old vessel to undergo out-of-water inspections every 10 years.

Tugboats gently maneuvered the 280-foot-long vessel away from the Embarcadero, towed it just south of the Coronado-San Diego Bridge and carefully eased it into the dry dock, Diligence. It took approximately a dozen BAE Systems employees, including two divers, to get the ship safely into position.

The Star of India will remain there for approximately three weeks. The iron-hulled vessel will be blasted with sand and water to prepare it for a coating, known as “Ceramkote,” that is expected to prevent rust from attacking the hull.

"In the case of the Star, the seawater always wants to attack and erode the iron hull. Our job will be to clean the existing hull of all its growth from years past and prepare it for the new paint without disturbing any of the iron,” said Randy Butler, Program Manager for BAE Systems.

The maintenance is expected to cost $225,000. Robyn Gallant, Marketing Director for the Maritime Museum said donations help keep the ship as well as the entire museum's fleet afloat. "Without volunteers and donations, these ships would deteriorate. It's very important to do this maintenance and for people to continue to donate."

“We’re proud to be a part of this project,” said Randy Butler, Program Manager for BAE Systems. “Keeping the Star of India in its remarkable condition is a major undertaking. The Maritime Museum should be commended for the hard work they do.”

Due to the dry-docking, the Star of India will not sail this year. She is scheduled to sail across San Diego Bay and into the Pacific Ocean on November 13 and 14, 2010, maintaining her record as the oldest actively sailing square-rigged ship.

The effort is an example of the Port of San Diego’s Working Waterfront Group in action.

Star of India to Leave Berth for Routine Maintenance

bmoreno@portofsandiego.org (Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:19:39 +0000

Effort Example of Cooperation Among Working Waterfront Port of San Diego Tenants

An icon of San Diego Bay is about to change its address – but only for a few weeks.

The Star of India, the flagship of the Maritime Museum of San Diego along the Embarcadero, will “sail” to BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, located just south of the Coronado-San Diego Bridge to undergo routine dry-dock maintenance for approximately three weeks, until Sept. 7.

“This occurs every 10 years to keep her in seaworthy condition to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements,” said Robyn Gallant, director of marketing at the Maritime Museum. “We anticipate costs to be $225,000 however, we will not know the full extent of the repairs until she is actually hauled out of the water.”

The public’s last day to board the Star of India will be Saturday, August 15, from 9 am to 9 pm. On Sunday, August 16, the gangways will be pulled up and she will be closed to visitors. On Tuesday, August 18, the ship will be towed to BAE Systems, a member of the Port of San Diego’s Working Waterfront Group. The public is invited to watch her leave her dock at 6:45 am.

Randy Butler, Program Manager for BAE Systems, said the biggest challenges in working with such a vintage ship are information, care and awareness.

“We need good information about the ship in order to handle the vessel while docking,” Butler said.

Once at BAE Systems, the dry-dock, Diligence, will be lowered into the water by flooding the tanks. The Star will be carefully moved into the dry-dock, under the guidance of tugboats, Butler said. Line handlers will center the vessel over the keel and side blocks. Once centered the tanks in the dry-dock will be pumped out and the Dry-dock will rise up and lift the Star along with it. Once the tanks are pumped and the dock is high and dry again the Star will be completely out of the water and resting on top of the keel and side blocks.

“The hull must be cleaned and preserved and the trick is to accomplish this without removing any more iron. In the case of the Star, the seawater always wants to attack and erode the iron hull. Our job will be to clean the existing hull of all its growth from years past and prepare it for the new paint without disturbing any of the iron,” said Butler.

During her maintenance, BAE Systems' workers will apply a special coating, known as “Ceramkote,” to seal her hull.

The effort is an example of the Port of San Diego’s Working Waterfront Group in action.

“Practically all of the Port Tenants know each other and work hard to help each other with projects such as this. Keeping the Star of India in the remarkable condition that she exists as today is a major undertaking and the Maritime Museum should be commended for the hard work they do. BAE Systems is proud to be a part of this project,” Butler stated.

Pacific Tugboat Services, another Port tenant, is offering the museum a discounted rate to guide the Star south, and the four pilots are donating their time to the effort, Davis said.

“We would love to have sponsorships to defer the costs, especially in these economic times. Ceramkoat brought down the price to help the work and BAE Systems has cut their costs down as well,” said the Star’s First Mate and Project Manager Jim Davis.

Due to this year’s dry-docking, the Star of India will not be taken out to sail on what Davis refers to as her “birthday,” or launch date of Nov. 14. Following a two-year hiatus, she and the fleet will sail again on Nov. 13 and 14, 2010, which will be a Saturday and Sunday. At that time, about 200 people, made up of her volunteer crew and invited guests will take her out for a sail on the Big Bay.® Davis said they are always looking for volunteers, so if you are interested in helping out, contact the Maritime Museum.

BAE Systems purchased Southwest Marine in 2005 to create BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. It is America's leading non-nuclear ship repair, modernization, conversion and overhaul company, employing an average of 1,200 workers in San Diego.

The Port will document the upcoming maintenance through video press releases, so be sure to check back at portofsandiego.org for the latest updates on the Star of India.

NASSCO to Launch Navy Supply Ship Matthew Perry on August 16

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost (619) 686-6222) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:42:45 +0000

General Dynamics NASSCO will launch the U.S. Navy’s newest supply ship — which provides food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea — on August 16 at the company’s shipyard.

The Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) will be christened and launched into San Diego Bay during a one-hour public ceremony that begins at 5 p.m PST. The ship is named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the U.S. Navy officer who opened American trade with Japan in the mid-19^th century.

The Matthew Perry is the ninth in a series of 14 supply ships NASSCO is building for the U.S. Navy at the shipbuilder’s facility at East Harbor Drive and 28^th Street (map).

“No launch is ever quite the same. Each vessel takes on a life of its own as it touches water for the first time,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.

As with all NASSCO launchings, the general public, as well as NASSCO employees and their families, are invited to attend the free event.

Vice Admiral Richard Hunt, commander of the U.S. Navy’s 3^rd fleet, which is headquartered in San Diego, will be the ceremony’s principal speaker. San Diego resident Hester Evans, Commodore Perry’s great-great-great-granddaughter, will christen the ship with the traditional bottle of champagne.

Designed and built by General Dynamics NASSCO, construction of the 689-foot-long vessel began in April, 2008. The Matthew Perry will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in early 2010. The ship’s name will be preceded by “USNS” for United States Naval Ship.

The vessel will have a crew of 124 civil service mariners and 11 active-duty sailors under the Navy’s Military Sealift Command.

Visitors who want to attend the launch ceremony are urged to use public transportation to arrive at the shipyard. The Harborside station on the blue line of the San Diego Trolley is located directly across the street from NASSCO’s main gate, which opens at 4 p.m.

NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, employs more than 4,500 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States.

The shipyard is an integral part of the industrial “Working Waterfront” along San Diego Bay, providing good-paying jobs and serving as an economic engine for the region.

New Hyundais and Kias Offloaded at National City Marine Terminal

dfrost@portofsandiego.org (Dale Frost) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:39:15 +0000

Longshoreworkers drove more than 1,200 shiny new Hyundais and Kias off the car-carrying vessel Cypress Trail on August 5 in one of the first deliveries of autos under a new contract for Port tenant Pasha Automotive Services. The vehicles will travel by railcar for delivery to dealerships in Texas.

This new business deal is between Pasha Automotive Services, an auto processor, and Glovis America. Glovis America is a logistics company providing service for Hyundai and Kia brands. The three-year contract between Glovis and Pasha Automotive Services is expected to bring 50,000 new cars through the Port of San Diego each year.

“We selected the Port of San Diego for its strong work force and excellent rail system,” said Glenn Clift,Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Glovis America, Inc.

Officials from Glovis, Hyundai, Kia, EUKOR Lines, Pasha and the Port gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony near the ship to mark the occasion. The ship call provided a day's work for 60 members of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local No. 29.

“It’s great for us too,” said longshore foreman Augustine Reyes. “It’s nice to have this extra work.”

In addition to the two new brands, other vehicle accounts handled by Pasha Automotive Services and imported through the Port of San Diego include Honda, Acura, Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Lotus, Mitsubishi and Isuzu.

Pasha Automotive Services began operations at the National City Marine Terminal in 1990 with the Isuzu account. With steady growth, last year Pasha imported 438,000 vehicles for distribution primarily throughout the western U.S. region.