PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1635 THE MARITIME EXCHANGE 240 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 BEACONWinter 2021 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Volume 31, No.1 www.maritimedelriv.com w [email protected] w /company/maritimedelriv w @maritimedelriv Exchange opposes tariffs on blueberries Interview with Section 201 investigation underway at ITC Steinar Nerbovik by imports in the same industry. An porting cross-border trade . . . and the President and CEO investigation generally begins with a desire to avoid restrictions and tariffs Philly Shipyard written request from a trade associa- on products U.S. consumers are de- tion, union, or other entity alleging manding year round.” Supermarket damage or threats of damage caused chains need supply 52 weeks a year by an increase in imports. to meet consumer demand, which is “What is startling about this is that growing rapidly as consumers aim the supposed injured parties — the for a healthier diet, but blueberries domestic blueberry growers — did do not grow in the U.S. in the win- not request the inquiry, as is typically ter months. The coalition formed to the case,” said Gary Horlick, counsel oppose limitations on blueberry im- for Chilean blueberry exporters. ports, including the current Section Instead, according to an analysis 201 investigation. provided to the Chilean & Ameri- A Section 201 review is differ- can Chamber of Commerce, the ef- ent than an anti-dumping and coun- Imported blueberries ready for fort resulted from a commitment that tervailing duty investigation, which processing at the port of Wilmington, USTR Robert Lighthizer made to seeks to determine an unfair or anti- Del. Florida and Georgia representatives competitive foreign trade practice. to obtain their approval of the U.S.- Section 201 only looks at whether the In an unusual move, the U.S. Mexico-Canada trade agreement. local industry has suffered significant Trade Representative asked the U.S. “The Republic of Chile is a trusted injury. International Trade Commission to Steinar Nerbovik was appointed president U.S. ally and a valued trading partner According to Customs and Border and chief executive officer of Philly Ship- start an investigation into increased for our region. CACC will vigorous- Protection data, the Delaware River yard ASA and Philly Shipyard, Inc. in No- imports of blueberries under Section ly resist any attempt to imperil this is the largest gateway for U.S. blue- vember 2014. Nerbovik first joined Aker 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. The important commodity,” said CACC berry imports. With a value of $481 Philadelphia Shipyard in 2003 as vice presi- hearing took place on January 12. dent of projects. board President Robert Palaima. million in 2019, Delaware River Section 201 authorizes the presi- In yet another departure from tra- ports handled more than double the dent to implement temporary trade dition, some domestic growers and level of their nearest competitors at Q: Please tell us about the shipyard’s measures, often known as safeguards, shippers have allied with importers ports in Southern California. The sig- pivot to government work and the to support national industries that are and retailers under the Blueberry Co- major training ships contract won in suffering significant damage caused alition for Progress & Health in “sup- continued on page 7 2020. A: Since our founding about two de- cades ago, Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI), Corps FY21 work plan supports 45-foot project situated in the Philadelphia Navy Yard A bit of great news to kick off in the recently approved FY21 bud- they were originally deepened to 45 complex, has mainly built container 2021. get. feet. These non-contiguous areas, ships and tankers for the commercial The U.S. Army Corps of En- “This additional funding will sup- identified as “ranges” in the Corps side of the Jones Act market. By law, gineers FY21 work plan released port the continuing progress to bring work plan, run from just north of the ships that transport goods between two January 20 makes $53.2 million ad- this project to fruition,” said Ex- Walt Whitman Bridge to just south of points in the United States must also be ditional funding available for the 45- change President Dennis Rochford. the Delaware Memorial Bridge. constructed in the U.S., but that mar- foot channel project. This supple- The priority now is to transition from “This is great news and the result ket is only so big, and building demand ments the $22.5 million operations construction to maintaining areas of of stakeholders, the Corps of En- has peaks and valleys. While we are and maintenance funding included the channel that have shoaled in since gineers, and our regional Congres- still pursuing commercial work, we sional delegation working together have made a shift toward demonstrat- to advance this project, which is so ing our value as a reliable partner to the Maintenance dredging the new priority critical to the viability and future of government in the new build market as our port,” said Pilots’ Association for well as in repairs and conversions. the Bay and River Delaware Presi- dent David Cuff. In 2019, we competed for and won The supplemental funds will also dry-docking contracts for two large support the effort to upgrade a num- government cargo ships. This repre- ber of dredge material placement fa- sented our first foray into government cilities. Having adequate facilities is work. critical to keeping the main channel In April 2020, PSI was awarded a and river tributaries maintained to contract for the construction of up to their authorized levels. five National Security Multi-Mission “This is a major step forward Vessels from TOTE Services. TOTE for a project the Commonwealth of is managing the vessel construction Pennsylvania has invested upwards on behalf of the U.S. Department of of $150 million to match the federal With the project priority shifting from construction to mainte- Transportation’s Maritime Adminis- funding for this project. It comple- tration. These ships will offer a world- nance, work has not diminished. The Corps’ Hopper Dredge ments other investments the Com- “McFarland” successfully dredged two separate ranges of the class maritime training platform for our monwealth has recently made in port channel this past fall. Following completion of dredging Wilm- nation’s future mariners and support infrastructure improvements,” said ington Harbor, Norfolk Dredging is under contract to dredge humanitarian assistance and disaster Jeffrey Theobald, Executive Direc- Marcus Hook Range with scheduled completion by mid- relief efforts. March. tor of PhilaPort, local sponsor for the project. continued on page 17 The Beacon 2 Winter 2021

Looking to 2021 and beyond

other precautions to prevent infection. Even he announced plans for a $1.9 trillion stimu- those who have received vaccinations. lus package. On his first day in office, he -man The appearance of multiple variants has dated mask wearing on all federal properties. alarmed health officials and the general public. From an economic perspective, these are much As has the news that some people who were needed steps. Yet there’s even better news. vaccinated tested positive for coronavirus. Joe knows the port. This leads to increasing concerns that many Americans, far too many, may be reluctant to In his lengthy Senate career, Biden was a take the vaccine. One recent study found that staunch supporter of Delaware’s ports, and by nearly 30% of healthcare workers — those extension, the entire Delaware River port in- who need it most — are hesitant to receive it. dustry. As Vice President, he continued efforts to champion projects like the Delaware River The zeitgeist of the moment is one of utmost So what does that mean for our economic channel deepening. relief that 2020 is finally behind us. By the recovery? middle of last year, everyone was convinced Though we don’t yet have visibility into the that 2021 must certainly bring much needed At the January Chamber of Commerce of Biden trade agenda, we know he will seek to relief, and by fall — when we were sure that Greater Philadelphia Economic Outlook ’21 re-establish positive relationships with U.S. al- at least one vaccine and possibly two were im- webinar, experts Joe Davis, Vanguard’s global lies and trade partners. We can be hopeful that minent — that hope for a swift reprieve from chief economist, and Pat Harker, president and part of that must include a rollback of restric- our trials soared as if on wings. CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Phila- tive tariffs. delphia, agreed on many things. Yet they par- It didn’t take too long for the balloon to pop. ticularly shared one overarching expectation: No doubt we will find much to debate as President Biden launches new programs and It started when we learned that only 2 mil- we simply cannot expect economic recovery policies. But one thing is certain: he is laser lion Americans of the expected 20 million re- until we get COVID-19 under control. If the focused on ensuring Americans can get out of ceived vaccinations by year’s end. The good pandemic starts to escalate again, this will stall their homes, back to work, and are sufficiently news is that the system is starting to gain progress. They also believe additional stimulus confident to start spending. ground; by late January about 24.5 million measures will help. people have received at least their first shots. New administration – new plans But we are far from out of the water. Health Whether you agree with his policies or not, experts agree that until at least 70% of the pop- it’s clear Joe Biden has a carefully developed ulation is inoculated, we must continue to wear strategy to attack the virus and get the econo- masks, maintain physical distance, and take all my back on track. Even before taking office, Winter 2021 The Beacon 3

Exchange membership: A lot of bang for your buck! Without fail, when we talk to and stow plan filing, NOA/D (no- So much more: Members re- members about their experiences tice of arrival/departure) filing, and ceive reduced rates for advertising with the Exchange, we invariably access to real-time vessel tracking. and training programs, free notary hear “I didn’t realize you do all An aggressive public policy service, access to our jobs board, an that!” agenda: Members’ voices ring loud answering service, and staff support Welcome New So as we head into a new year, and clear through the Exchange’s to meet a host of needs from regu- what better time to shine a spotlight government affairs program. We latory compliance and research to Members on the undeniable value and many work collaboratively to promote graphic design. benefits of membership with the Members know the Exchange positive change at all levels of gov- Cardno, Inc. Maritime Exchange. ernment. offers many benefits, but they may The Exchange’s core mission not be aware of the full range of 121 Continental Drive has not wavered since its incorpora- A full committee roster: If possibilities. And we stand ready to Suite 308 tion in 1875: to protect and promote there’s a need, chances are the Ex- add new programs to meet evolving commerce on the Delaware River change has a group to tackle it. member needs. All you have to do Newark, DE 19713 and Bay. This remains the guiding Standing and ad hoc committees is ask. 302-395-3361 principle by which the Exchange offer Exchange members a venue Thank you for your continued www.cardno.com develops and operates its many pro- where dialogue with government of- support of our entire slate of servic- grams and services. ficials, peers, and business partners es — a program that has contributed to the past and future success of our Critical port information: is not only encouraged, but leads to Marano Truck Lines & port community. Most members are familiar with real problem solving and solutions. Warehouse, Inc. Exchange ship reporting activities, If you are not a member, feel 9820 Blue Grass Road the reason the Exchange was first Information is everything: Nu- free to visit www.maritimedelriv. established and our “bread and but- merous members-only publications, com or contact Beverly Ford at Philadelphia, PA 19114 like our daily clips and Federal Reg- [email protected] for ter” even now. Exchange members 215-516-1010 are eligible to subscribe to Maritime ister Highlights, President’s Report, more information. And if you would On-Line,® which includes 24/7/365 and broadcast alerts with weather, rather talk to a person than read a [email protected] safety, security, and policy updates, support and has grown far beyond computer screen, give us a call. We www.maranoco.net vessel schedules and reports to in- help ensure members get important are always on duty. clude TRACS cargo manifesting news as it breaks. Mott MacDonald 111 Wood Avenue South Thank you ASOEX! Iselin, NJ 08830 The Exchange extends its sincere apprecia- tions following treatment of certain imported 973-379-3400 tion to the Asociación de Exportadores de Fru- fruit products. The annual audits have shown [email protected] tas de Chile, known as ASOEX, for its continued increasing improvement over the years, with the www.mottmac.com support of the Delaware River Ports Cold Stor- group hitting near 99% compliance with their age Facility Task Force. plans in recent years. Since 2011, ASOEX, the Chilean fruit export- “The success of this program is attributable Philadelphia Barge Company, LLC ers association, has provided funding for the in- to the dedication of our port operators, but none P.O. Box 391 dependent audits of the Best Management Prac- of it would be possible without ASOEX. We are Chester Heights, PA 19017 tices plans developed and implemented by task indebted to them for their faith in our work and force members. It has also supported task force commitment to helping us achieve our collective 302-547-3405 administration. goals,” said Exchange President Dennis Roch- [email protected] The goal of the task force is to support work- ford. www.philabarge.com er safety by ensuring proper training for opera- CBP gets a handle on ACE delays Over the course of several months procedures to use during system down- went into action to upgrade software they encounter delays in status mes- in 2020, cargo flow throughout the times. The hope was to invoke these or and hardware and to modify processes sages that are not announced through U.S. frequently ground to a slow crawl. similar procedures during the delays. to accommodate the increase in mes- official CBP channels. Though CBP The culprit? An overloaded Auto- In response to the letter, CBP Area sage volume and associated slow- monitors its systems for backlogs and mated Commercial Environment sys- Port of Philadelphia hosted a meet- downs. The team also identified addi- other glitches, users may identify a tem that resulted in lengthy delays in ing for Delaware River stakeholders tional programming changes that could problem unnoticed by CBP. transmitting cargo clearance messages to share concerns with HQ personnel. be implemented if needed. For more information on TRACS or from Customs & Border Protection to James Swanson, director of Cargo Se- “Fortunately, it doesn’t look like any of the other Maritime On-Line ser- waiting carriers and importers. curity and Controls for Cargo and Con- we’ll need to undertake any new pro- vices, including access to vessel sched- The slowdowns were largely due veyance Security at CBP, announced gramming at this point,” Fink said. ules, Coast Guard notice of arrival and to an unanticipated volume of e-com- that recent technical and procedural “But we are prepared if needed.” departure processing, and real-time merce shipments arising from what are changes vastly reduced the delays, CBP encourages stakeholders to vessel positions, please contact 215- known as Section 321, Type 86 entries. though they did not completely resolve contact their client representatives if 925-1524 or [email protected]. These allow import of goods valued at the problem. Swanson said the agency less than $800 without payment of du- is looking to implement additional ties and taxes. changes to further improve processes. ® After an extended period with no “Fortunately, the system delays are improvement, members asked the Ex- far less frequent. We and our members Maritime On-Line change to take action. Working with are grateful to CBP for their respon- the Philadelphia Customs Brokers and siveness to a problem that was quickly Freight Forwarders Association, the becoming near catastrophic,” said Ex- Did you know the Exchange operates the Exchange asked Area Port Director Jo- change IT Director Michael Fink. information superhighway of the Delaware River seph Martella for help. “We recognize The Exchange first noticed the maritime industry and beyond? Providing real-time that local CBP has no control over ACE slowdowns when CBP transmitted to vessel positions, schedules, and tools to file crew system operations,” said Exchange VP its TRACS manifesting system triple and cargo manifests, Maritime On-Line is your one- Lisa Himber, “so our goal was to iden- the number of messages in a single hour stop source for port information. tify local procedures we could follow that it typically receives in an entire day. during system slowdowns.” TRACS is used by nearly 300 ocean Contact the Exchange at [email protected] to find Following multiple ACE outages carriers to clear U.S.-bound cargo. out how we can help your business in 2017, the Exchange, its members, Like many other ACE participants, operate more efficiently. CBP, and Coast Guard developed local the Exchange’s IT and Operations staff The Beacon 4 Winter 2021

Meet your Exchange staff Exchange staff are our most valued asset. Because we are a service So here is the second and installment of the two-part series that offers organization, satisfying members, advertisers, and all constituents is a pri- you an opportunity to connect a face with the voice that asks “How may I mary focus for everyone on the crew. Since much of our communication help?” Read on to learn a little about those people on the other end of the takes place by phone, email, and VHF radio, members rarely have an op- line and what they do for the Exchange. No doubt you will be surprised portunity to meet our staff face to face. by the diversity of experience and knowledge our staff brings to bear on your behalf.

Meet Darleen Meet Laura Miller Michalak Maritime On-Line Account IT/Operations Coordinator Manager

Darleen Michalak began her ca- Laura Miller recently celebrated reer at the Exchange in February her eighth anniversary at the Ex- 1992 as assistant to then-Vice Presi- change, having started in Decem- dent Dennis Rochford. In addition ber 2012. Following a long stint of to the administrative duties, Darleen was tasked with learning and oper- banking and retail jobs, Laura need- ating TRACS, the cargo manifesting ed a change and started looking for component of the Exchange’s Mari- something new and exciting. time On-Line® system. She began her career at the Ex- Then, only a handful of compa- change as an Operations Specialist nies participated in TRACS. The with no prior maritime experience. system grew exponentially in 2004 Her strong customer service back- when Customs & Border Protection ® mandated electronic manifesting. ground provided the skills needed to assist members and Maritime On-Line TRACS now serves nearly 300 steamship lines/agents who are meeting gov- system participants. Because the Exchange is almost purely service oriented, ernment requirements for submission and receipt of manifest information for Laura quickly proved herself to be a valuable member of the team. cargo imported into the U.S. As part of her role at the Exchange, Laura interacts daily with members Over the nearly 30 years Darleen has been assisting TRACS users, she seeking information on port operations. She responds to internal and exter- has developed a unique expertise in troubleshooting the most complex sys- nal requests for information or assistance on all aspects of Maritime On- tem inconsistences. Line, including vessel schedule information, position information, and crew As IT/Operations Cordinator, Darleen continues to provide training and technical support to fellow staff and to system users. She helps draft techni- and cargo manifest data. cal documentation for system enhancements, tests new programming, works “I learn something new every day and feel a sense of community in the with CBP and other help desks, and coordinates problem-resolution efforts. maritime industry. It is one of the reasons I enjoy my job and the people so Like most Exchange staff, she wears several hats. Darleen also organizes much,” Laura said. the Exchange’s Maritime Operations Committee and helps maintain the Ex- When she advanced to her current role as Maritime On-Line Account change website. Manager, Laura’s responsibilities grew to include providing input on system Darleen feels that the world of maritime is in her blood. Her maternal grandfather was a Swedish ship captain who met Darleen’s grandmother functionality, testing new programs and enhancements, and a assuming a while his ship was docked in Port Richmond. Her father enjoyed fishing and broader role supporting TRACS customers. This includes working behind often took Darleen and her younger siblings to the pier on Allegheny Avenue the scenes with Customs and Border Protection to resolve technical manifest in Port Richmond to watch the “boats and water.” Two of her sisters are also issues. in the industry. Most recently, Laura has been instrumental developing the Exchange’s Darleen said, “I’m starting my 29th year at the Exchange and have en- Delaware River 101 training program, which provides a high-level introduc- joyed the fact that something different happens all the time and it’s never tion to port operations and the maritime industry on the Delaware River. boring. I’ve developed many relationships over the years with colleagues that are truly heartening.” Away from the Exchange, Laura loves being a mother to her son, Liam, In her spare time, Darleen enjoys the beach, gardening, and spending and a “ciocia” or aunt to her nieces, Raighan, MacKenzie, and Mila. To- time with her three children and their families, her husband Tom, and her gether with her fiancé, Ryan, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, sisters and their families. and appreciating a good movie or TV series. Laura attended Camden County College and resides in New Jersey with her family.

Meet Robb Reyes Operations Specialist

Robb Reyes started his tenure at the Exchange as a part-timer in Au- gust 2004 working night/weekend/vacation relief shifts at the Exchange Ship Reporting Tower. He left briefly and rejoined the staff as a full-time Operations Specialist in November 2014. While on watch, Robb assists Maritime On-Line® users and mem- bers and provides vessel movement information to the maritime com- munity. “There is always something new to learn and something I didn’t expect as vessel schedules change,” said Robb. “I like seeing what the industry changes mean for the local economy.” While on duty, Robb interacts with the different people that make up the maritime community on the Delaware River, and he has enjoyed being able to assist them over the years. Robb recalled a time recently While in public safety, Robb helped create the San Diego Water Res- when he passed along a simple schedule change. “It’s always great when cue and Dive Team, sitting on the Occupational Safety and Health Ad- someone calls back on your next watch thanking you for the help the night before, saying they got an extra hour of sleep because of you,” he ministration and National Fire Prevention Association committees that said. formed the confined-space safety regulations for both. Before coming to the Exchange, Robb served in the U.S. Navy for Robb enjoys photography, fishing, and organic gardening. He also six years in three different helicopter squadrons serving in Southeast raises chickens. Robb went to San Diego City College and Southwest- Asia, South America, the Mediterranean, and San Diego. He remembers ern College for emergency medicine, nursing, and fire science. He also buzzing President Nixon on the beach at San Clemente. “It didn’t go attended the University of Maryland’s fire science instructor course and over well with NCIS or the Secret Service,” Robb said. He was also a the California Institute of the Arts and studied graphic design. firefighter/EMT for over 20 years. During this time, he’s seen life and Robb lives in Lewes, Del. He has two daughters and three grand- death and everything in between. He’s delivered over 100 babies and daughters. His son-in-law is currently serving in Afghanistan. said he focuses on the good, not the bad. Winter 2021 The Beacon 5

Meet Paul Myhre Meet Karen Scotton Director of Operations Operations Specialist

Paul Myhre is one of only two cur- Karen is another long-time rent Exchange staff members with “on member of the Exchange team, the water” maritime experience. Be- starting with us in February 1993. fore joining the Exchange in 2008, he As Operations Specialist, one of worked for the Sandy Hook Pilots As- Karen’s primary responsibilities is sociation on its station boat maneuver- to collect vessel movement infor- ing around Ambrose Light outside New mation and distribute it throughout York Harbor. the Delaware River maritime com- munity. She is one of the friendly “I worked for the Pilots for eight voices on the VHF radio or the years as a messman and chief cook,” phone when mariners, govern- Paul said. “It’s a little different than ment officials, and other Exchange what I do at the Exchange,” he joked. members need up-to-the-minute information. Her history and knowledge Paul noted that he is the third generation of the river allow Karen to excel in her job, and the Exchange routinely of his family to work in the maritime in- receives compliments on her customer service from members. dustry. During her tenure at the Exchange, Karen has assisted the masters of While he’s not preparing meals at the Exchange, as the director of opera- countless vessels, as well as the agents that represent them, as they transit tions, Paul oversees the Operations Department and its functions. With six throughout the Delaware River. direct staff reports, he is responsible to ensure the crew has what it needs to She also supports Maritime On-Line® users, tracking down missing cargo releases, answering questions, and providing instructions to ensure serve the Exchange members and Maritime On-Line® users. system participants are able to effectively meet their own job requirements. “The people that make up the Operations Department are real super- Working from the Exchange Ship Reporting Tower in Cape Henlopen stars,” he said. “Their overarching commitment to customer service, dedi- State Park, Karen serves as part of the night/weekend crew that keeps the cation, and ability are what allows the Exchange to perform so well.” Exchange running 24/7/365. “Karen has proven her dedication time and Paul’s job requires close collaboration with the IT staff and program- time again and is always willing to lend a hand when needed,” said Mari- mers, as he is an integral part of the system development design team. And time Exchange Operations Director Paul Myhre. “It is a true pleasure to he jumps in to provide IT and system user support when needed as well. have her as part of our crew.” Paul is a member of the Coast Guard Area Committee and the Area Mar- Karen loves horses and has raised several over the years at her farm in itime Security Committee, occasionally assisting its Port Security Grant Willards, Md. She especially enjoys riding on the beach in Cape Henlopen Sub-committee, and participates in the Mariners’ Advisory Committee for State Park, with the Tower as a backdrop. She also enjoys raising chickens. the Bay and River Delaware. She has three grown children and a grandson she adores. Paul also worked in the IT industry as a systems engineer before joining the Exchange. He earned the rank of Eagle in 1994 and continues his scouting career today as an assistant scoutmaster in his son’s troop and a committee mem- ber with his daughter’s Cub Scout pack. He also sits on the board of his neighborhood association. When not on the clock, Paul enjoys traveling with his family in their RV. “We like to stay in or near national or state parks and explore,” he said. Hiking, exploring, and seeing the beauty of the nation are some of Paul’s interests. His family recently completed a three-week journey through 14 states and visited many memorable sites, including Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park. Paul lives in Middletown, Del. with his wife, two children, and two dogs. He holds a Bachelor in Information Resources Management and a Master of Homeland Security, both from Wilmington University. He also has a Master in Emergency Management from Millersville University.

Meet Donna Stargell Changes and opportunities for Donna continued. In 1999, the Exchange moved to its current Cherry Publications/Office Administrator Street location. It was at that time that Donna added board liaison and publications administration to Donna epitomizes the work ethic and dedication her ever-expanding list of responsibilities. Donna that is consistent among all Exchange staff and that produces the annual port directory almost single- reflects the organization’s core values. She started handedly, from content to layout, and does the ini- at the Maritime Exchange in November 1996 as the tial layout for The Beacon, including coordinating receptionist, when the Exchange operated from the advertising for both. “Crafting ads and other design top floor of the Continental Building at 4th & Mar- elements for our publications is one of the more ket Streets. creative and interesting aspects of my job, and one Donna quickly took on additional responsibili- I really enjoy,” Donna said. ties, and she became the office administrator in 1998. More recently, she assumed some accounting “One of the main focuses at that time was restruc- functions and helps maintain the Exchange website. turing the Exchange database as we transitioned to Like other staff members, Donna appreciates Microsoft Access. That’s when I added database the different aspects of her work. “One of the main administration to my responsibilities,” Donna said. reasons I’ve been at the Maritime Exchange for the From its small beginnings, the Exchange database last 24 years is the diverse nature of my job. That animals and has rescued and fostered many kittens has grown to include nearly 100 different lists, in- I get to wear so many different hats and fill a vari- over the years, including one who was trapped in a cluding committees and working groups, port direc- ety of roles means a more fulfilling workday. And it storm drain and found freedom thanks to Donna’s tory listings and categories, and Maritime On-Line certainly contributes to keeping things interesting,” intervention — along with help from fellow staff- users, just to name a few. The database is the life- she said. ers Beverly Ford and Michael Fink (and a Philadel- blood of the Exchange, and without it, we would not Donna earned a B.A. in History from Temple phia police officer with a crowbar). “That was a real be able to communicate effectively with members, University and lives in Northeast Philadelphia. team effort with an excellent outcome. Stormy was port stakeholders, government representatives, the Some of her favorite pastimes include reading, adopted within days,” Donna said. media, and the many other Exchange constituents. dancing, and jewelry making. Donna also loves The Beacon 6 Winter 2021

APHIS receives much-needed COVID relief U.S. Senators and House members “These funds will be distributed to made history on December 21 when APHIS and U.S. Customs and Border they agreed on the longest bill ever Protection and will help keep the pro- to pass the Congress: the $2.3 tril- gram fully operational for that period.” lion Consolidated Appropriations Act In late 2020, the Exchange met combined $900 billion in COVID-19 with APHIS officials and discussed stimulus funding with a $1.4 trillion the severe drop in AQI revenues. On omnibus spending bill. learning that the APHIS financial situ- Of particular interest to readers of ation could severely jeopardize cargo The Beacon and Exchange members is inspections and release, the Exchange the news that the bill includes an emer- asked members of the tristate Congres- gency operation appropriation of up to sional delegation to support APHIS $635 million for the Animal and Plant operations. At stake are the $143 mil- Health Inspection Service Agriculture lion a year in fruit and other agricultur- Quarantine Inspection program. The al products moving through Delaware funds are expected to help cover op- River ports as well as the health of the erations through the end of FY22. U.S. ecosystem. “The federal budget for fiscal year “We are extremely grateful to the 2021 included some good news for the members of our regional Congressio- Agricultural Quarantine Inspection nal delegation for leading the effort to program, which has seen significant secure this funding. They recognize user fee shortfalls due to the severe the importance of the fruit trade to the pandemic-related reduction in inter- Delaware River port community,” said national travel,” said Osama El-Lissy, Dennis Rochford, Maritime Exchange deputy administrator of the APHIS president. Plant Protection and Quarantine office. Winter 2021 The Beacon 7

“Known but to God:” The Unknown Soldier and the “USS Olympia”

forms regarding the transfer of each arrival in Washington, D.C. Due to On Nov. 11, 1921, the Unknown body were burned, along with any the size restrictions of the doorways Soldier was transported to Arlington other records in the files describing the aboard the “Olympia,” the crew were for final burial. At the ceremony, Presi- selection of the remains. These actions unable to place the casket below deck dent Harding awarded the Unknown assured the destruction of a paper trail without disturbing the remains. This Soldier the Medal of Honor and the that might reveal the site from which meant it had to be stowed topsides in a Distinguished Cross. From that day the remains came. secure location for the rough crossing forward, the Tomb of the Unknown This year marks the 100th anni- On Oct. 3, 1921, the “USS Olym- ahead. Soldier would be an honored resting versary of the Tomb of the Unknown pia” sailed from Philadelphia for Le The “Olympia” encountered two place for all fallen service members Soldier and the “USS Olympia” voy- Harve, France, arriving on Oct. 24. hurricanes and weathered tropical “known but to God.” age that brought home those sacred That day, U.S. Army Sargent Edward gales all across the Atlantic during her We are so fortunate to have the remains. Younger was tasked to select one of westerly voyage but arrived safely at “USS Olympia” here in Philadelphia The U.S. lost approximately 77,000 the unidentified American servicemen the Washington Navy Yard on Nov. 9, and docked at the Independence Sea- soldiers during the First World War. To to become America’s unknown soldier, 1921. Greeting the ship and her pre- port Museum. Please check her visit- commemorate the supreme sacrifice meant to represent all of America’s un- cious cargo were Secretary of War ing hours during the coming year and made by these brave service members, identified war dead. Younger, himself a John Weeks, Secretary of the Navy Ed- think about this national treasure at officials decided to re-inter in Arling- twice-wounded veteran of World War win Denby, and Gen. John Pershing. Penn’s Landing. Armistice Day, now ton National Cemetery one of the many I, laid a bouquet of white roses on one Navy sailors and Marines carried known as Veterans Day, is Nov. 11 and unidentified bodies buried in American soldier’s casket, designating him as the the Unknown Soldier over the side and should never be forgotten. military cemeteries in France. The of- Unknown Soldier. On Oct. 25, the re- placed him on a caisson. Gen. Persh- We wish the “USS Olympia” fair ficial records of the Army Graves Reg- mains were brought aboard the “USS ing selected eight decorated World War winds and following seas istration Service, deposited in the Na- Olympia” at Le Harve for the final I veterans to serve as pallbearers. The and best of luck to Peter tional Archives, describe the selection journey home. pallbearers were led by Medal of Hon- Siebert, the new presi- of America’s first Unknown Soldier. Setting sail on Oct. 25, the “Olym- or recipient Army Sargent Sam Wood- dent and CEO of the Bodies of four unknown soldiers pia” had a full crew and a Marine de- fill, who accompanied the Unknown Independence Seaport from four separate French cemeteries tachment whose duty it was to guard Soldier to the Capitol, where he laid in Museum. were brought to Chalons, France. All the Unknown Soldier until their safe state for two days.

ITC investigates Current law requires the ITC to ing, the case ends, and there is nothing days to implement new measures, and evaluate many factors as part of its further for us to do. Otherwise, the ITC he must notify the Congress of his ac- blueberries analysis, including changes within the must present recommendations to the tion on the same day. Congress then affected industry and broader econom- president, and attention will turn to the has 90 days to issue a rejection resolu- continued from page 1 ic considerations. “Americans may be White House,” Horlick said. tion. consuming more of the fruit than U.S. Presidential options available for “The Exchange has been down this nificant majority of the berries comes growers can supply now or have the ex- mitigating the damage are numerous, road previously, fighting 201 tariffs to the Delaware River from Chile, pansion capacity to provide,” Rochford though the most frequent remedy is to against imported steel in 2001,” Roch- Peru, and Argentina. said. “These and any number of other impose tariffs, quotas, or a combina- ford said. “We are in this for the long “Imported blueberries add hun- circumstances could be responsible for tion of the two. The president has 60 haul if necessary.” dreds of direct jobs to the local port the increase in imports.” industry,” said Maritime Exchange The Exchange submitted written President Dennis Rochford. “Need- comments to the ITC in advance of the less to say, the Exchange strongly op- January 19 deadline. Trust Ecolab to Help You Win poses efforts to place additional tariffs When this article went to press, or quotas against these imports. What 18 members of Congress, including the Fight Against Pests decision makers often fail to consider Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, had also when they raise the alarm on behalf of expressed concern about the investiga- U.S. industries are the over 30 million tion. The bicameral, bipartisan letter to U.S. port and related jobs associated USTR Lighthizer noted that “interna- with international trade.” tional trade is critical to our food sup- Palaima, whose company Dela- ply,” and that “the market disruptions ware River Stevedores operates at felt at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis ports in Philadelphia, South Jersey, highlighted the fragility of our supply and Delaware, said, “We in the tristate chain. Working with our internation- port community are proud of the role al partners strengthens those supply we have played in keeping the sup- chains and ensures a reliable food sup- ply chain flowing during the COVID ply for Americans across the country.” crisis. We are especially proud of the The ITC must now decide by Febru- trade with Chile that allows Americans ary 11 whether significant damage has to consume fresh fruit, including nutri- occurred. “If there is a negative find- tious blueberries, year round.” Specialized expert fumigation: • Temperature-controlled commodities • Import/Export and In-transit shipboard • Spotted Lanternfly treatments • Approved BMSB Treatment Provider nationwide • Disinfectant treatments with products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-COv2, the cause of COVID-19 • NEW FACILITY offers year-round treatment and secure drop off 800-796-9062 • 302-655-8179 www.ecolab.com/fumigation

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Key to WPM compliance is at origin Wood packing materials are the backbone of Reputable shippers have taken extreme mea- than a year,” Svensson said. But he recognizes that international ocean shipping, and they come in sures to comply with the international require- just because CBP pest interceptions have slowed all shapes and sizes. As dunnage, they brace steel ments. Some have even increased the temperature does not mean they cannot increase again. cargos in a ship’s hold, wooden pallets allow for above the requirement for heat treatment. “Despite The Houston group has proposed a program that standard-sized loading of cartons, and all types of their best efforts, pests will get through from time will confirm the compliance of ISPM 15 at origin, goods are packed in wooden boxes, crates, skids, to time,” said Richard Brazzale, managing director enable a more seamless entry into the U.S., and bet- and drums for shipment. of Lake Shore Associates, an industry consulting ter protect America’s forests. Wood materials are more economically friendly group. At the heart of the program, stakeholders believe, and less costly than other packing materials. But Taking action is training. “Despite our best efforts, CBP can find there is a down side. pests after we’ve completed our inspection,” Svens- Unprocessed wood can be a pathway for the in- Though USDA and CBP have worked with the son said. “We want them to tell us what they do to troduction of pests harmful to the agriculture of the maritime industry to identify methods to dispose of find pests so we can train the people overseas to do it importing country. According to a 2014 study by non-compliant material in the U.S. rather than re- the same way.” Brazzale said that initial discussions R. A. Haack and others, about 0.1% of shipments quiring immediate re-export, Brazzale and his fel- with USDA and CBP have been positive. to the U.S. with wood packing material have an in- low stakeholders at the Port of Houston think more Other ideas include incorporating certifications sect infestation. At this rate, the U.S. could see up to can be done. of compliance into the cargo survey process and 13,000 potential new introductions of wood-boring After identifying a workable solution for incin- potentially making ISPM 15 compliance part of the insects each year. eration, members of the Houston port community C-TPAT program. The Customs-Trade Partnership To combat the risk, the U.S. and other countries formed a steering committee to look at other op- Against Terrorism outlines a series of steps shippers, adopted the International Standards for Phytosani- tions. carriers, terminal operators, and others must take and tary Measures, known as ISPM 15. The standard “Clearly, the best solution is to eliminate the in return offers expedited vessel and cargo clearance requires that regulated wood packing materials be entry of non-compliant wood altogether,” Brazzale in the U.S. either heat treated or fumigated. Service providers said. The group is also working with insurers to include performing these treatments must be accredited, Clipper ships have been among the most dili- ISPM 15 compliance in marine insurance packages. and inspectors at ports of entry must be able to see gent in working to prevent the introduction of pests “This will be a long-range program. Things are the certifying markings on treated products. through dunnage. “What we’re trying to do is focus moving, but like many new ideas, progress can be “Though the U.S. adopted ISPM 15 in 2004, more on inspecting the dunnage before it gets on slow,” Brazzale said. “This program builds on what we still see non-compliant materials arriving at the ship,” said Peter Svensson, senior vice presi- started in the Delaware River. It is so important, and U.S. ports,” said Lisa Himber, vice president of the dent, head of Clipper Americas Inc. Chartering – it’ll become even more critical when cargo volumes Maritime Exchange. “Sometimes the IPPC [Inter- USA. “Once it’s aboard, it’s too late.” start rebounding.” national Plant Protection Convention] logo, which The first step is to pick the right dunnage — to “The Maritime Exchange supports the proposal, is part of the marking, isn’t visible because a piece ensure only treated materials are used. Beyond that, and we believe there are positive synergies between of wood has broken off the whole. Or we may see a stevedores loading Clipper vessels in Antwerp have what’s happening in Houston and the activities here single unit inadvertently unmarked. And sometimes partnered with an organization supporting autistic on the Delaware River,” Himber said. “We look for- the wood has not been treated and is truly non-com- workers who manually inspect every piece of dun- ward to working collaboratively to improve opera- pliant.” nage. “It seems to be working well. We haven’t tions at both ports.” seen an EAN [emergency action notice] for more

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Exchange launches innovations group In keeping with its mission to agency identify and validate where the next level and use the new tools could run into the hundreds of thou- promote maritime commerce, the technology can be used to streamline to help communication with our line sands of dollars if a shipowner had Maritime Exchange inaugurated a our work, processes, and inspection and government. As a next step, we to add a port call to its schedule to new working group that will em- procedures” said USDA Associate hope to begin sending information dispose of the material. brace innovation and creativity. In Deputy Administrator Carlos Mar- in real time using an XML format “We were extremely pleased with this case, the focus is on processes tinez. to improve operations, communica- the spirit of partnership that charac- and technologies to improve agricul- The second bi-monthly meeting tion, and clearances even further.” terized our initial discussions with tural product processing. took place on January 19. In addi- A history of success USDA and CBP officials,” said Rob- “Our goals are as simple as they tion to status updates, discussions ert A. Herb, agency director at Ter- are important,” said Exchange Vice focused on the successful comple- Ramping up the new working minal Shipping Company/John S. President Lisa Himber. “The Inno- tion of a Maersk pilot program to group was the next logical step for Connor. “Their willingness to work vations Working Group will develop test remote data transmission direct- an organization whose members had with stakeholders was a great help to and implement ideas to control costs, ly with USDA. In the pilot, USDA previously racked up two wins part- us in guiding our principals on the increase efficiencies, and ultimately and Maersk successfully completed nering with USDA. updated USDA methods and rem- keep user fees low.” 10 trials, uploading voyage data The Exchange Agriculture Work- edies, especially here on the Dela- Members include representa- from Maersk’s Remote Monitoring ing Group led an effort that direct- ware River.” tives from the USDA Animal and Program into USDA’s 556 program ly resulted in changes to national That effort led to another - Dela Plant Health Inspection Service, or for cold treatment management and USDA policy in 2016. The updated ware River ports program to test APHIS, and local terminal operators, clearances. On the heels of the suc- policy allowed for incineration as a incineration as a treatment for addi- brokers, and treatment providers. cessful trial, Eric Holt, chief com- secure disposal option for non-com- tional forms of wood packing mate- Topics at the October 2020 inau- mercial officer at Holt Logistics pliant dunnage from maritime cargo rials, such as pallets or crates. That gural meeting included alternatives Corp., mentioned that the Packer at U.S. ports of entry. “Dunnage is two-year effort finished in March of wood material used to brace cargo in to methyl bromide, such as vacuum Avenue Marine Terminal is now in 2020. “The information gained from steam and irradiation, for treating the position to follow suit and set the ship’s hold. It’s mind-boggling the project will help APHIS and CBP products. The group also considered up its new remote reefer monitoring to think about the huge impact this make informed decisions about the options for non-compliant wood ma- system to communicate directly with little-known instrument of trade can potential for using incineration as a terial disposal and remote transmis- USDA in a similar fashion. have on port operations,” Himber secure disposal method for all forms sion of in-transit cold treatment data “All these technology enhance- said. Dunnage and other wood pack- of non-compliant WPM,” Martinez designed to reduce the need for on- ments are meant to make our cus- ing materials must meet internation- said. site personnel. tomers more successful by giving al standards for treatment, known as With APHIS now reviewing costs “The USDA is constantly look- them the transparency into cargo ISPM 15, to prevent the international for treatment-monitoring user fees, ing at ways to leverage new tech- status and ultimately putting them transport and spread of disease and the new efforts are timely. “Anything nologies to help achieve its mission in a position to succeed by increas- insects that could harm the environ- we can do to help keep costs and fees of protecting American agriculture ing their speed to market,” Holt said. ment. down is a win for Exchange mem- while facilitating safe agricultural “The remote data transfer program Prior to the new policy, the only bers, a win for Delaware River port trade. The Innovations Working dramatically increased our internal authorized treatment for non-com- customers, and a win for APHIS,” Group is a perfect venue to help the efficiency. Now we need to take it to pliance was re-exportation. Costs Himber said. The Beacon 10 Winter 2021 Greetings from the new SCW Executive Director Dear friends of the Seamen’s Center In my five years at the Center prior sity in Philadelphia, a B.S. in Busi- of Wilmington, to my promotion, I rose through the ness Administration with a minor in Hello, my name is Christine Las- ranks from executive assistant to office Human Resource Management from siter. manager. I had come to SCW as a stay- Cabrini (College) University, and I Dec. 31, 2020 marked the end of at-home mom raising my two sons, Josh am currently working to obtain a Non- an era at Seamen’s Center of Wilm- and Ben, with my husband Ron. Before Profit Management Graduate Certifi- ington, Inc. After an exemplary 20- having children, I had a 20-year career cate from the University of Connecti- year career as executive director, Joan with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (Pfizer) cut. Lyons retired. where I held various roles, such as man- Along with raising a family, work- I am honored and humbled to aged care national accounts, contract ing, and attending school, I volunteer share with you that SCW board mem- specialist, national accounts group, na- for my community civic association bers selected me to serve as their next tional accounts coordinator associate, board and serve on the board of trust- executive director. I look forward to customer information group, and busi- ees as vice president at Aldersgate carrying on SCW’s legacy of welcom- ness analyst. While there I designed and UMC in Wilmington. I enjoy spend- ing and assisting seafarers from all assisted in the development of instruc- ing time with my “boys,” family, and over the world to ports in the state of tor-led training materials to support a friends golfing, skiing, camping, and Though we are still in semi-lock- Delaware and building on the strong company-wide SAP implementation. playing board games. Oh!!! And of down conditions, the Center is open foundation that Joan carefully devel- All of this led me to SCW where I course . . . long walks on the beach. and helping seafarers. I look forward oped. Although I will miss her greatly, could apply my skill set and grow into Please allow me to thank all our to having the opportunity to make new I wish Joan health and happiness in new roles. supporters who allow us to continue friends within the Delaware River port her new adventures with family and I hold an MBA in Pharmaceutical our mission of serving mariners visit- community when we can all get togeth- friends. Marketing from St. Joseph’s Univer- ing Delaware ports. er again. Seafarer experiences improve at Del. River ports While the worldwide humanitarian crisis affect- Since the onset of the pandemic, airport closures, vere mental distress for those left aboard but leaves ing the world’s mariners is far from over, it is a plea- national and local restrictions, and difficulties obtain- an equal number of seafarers stuck at home with little sure to report that seafarers arriving on ships at ports ing authorization to leave their ships, whether inter- hope of work or pay. in the tristate region are now finding a smooth home- nal or external, have conspired to prevent seafarers Most recently, the global business community has ward path. from repatriating when their contracts expire. entered the conversation. In mid-January, a group of The Maritime Exchange extends a sincere thank Today, the backlog of crewmembers looking to international investors managing more than $2 tril- you to the personnel at U.S. Customs and Border go home still numbers in the hundreds of thousands. lion of assets called on world leaders to designate Protection, both locally and at Headquarters, for their Over the last seven months, international agencies seafarers as essential and establish processes for safe willingness to work with industry to seek a solution such as the United Nations, International Maritime crew changes. to the problem that respects seafarers’ rights while Organization, International Labor Organization, and Money talks. Here is hoping for a speedy end to maintaining safety for CBP personnel and security at others have pleaded with Nation States to facilitate this ongoing global emergency. our nation’s ports. crew changes, the lack of which not only causes se- Winter 2021 The Beacon 11 The view from the rear of the taxi By: Rev. David Reid, MA FNI As seafarers, one of our favorite sayings was that travel expenses on a tight budget. They achieved this like many who suffer some form of mental health is- the best view of the ship was from the rear window with different zones for repatriation; for a ship at any sue, I felt alone. Onboard a merchant ship there was of the taxi as you headed home. U.S. East or Gulf coast port, crew would be flown nobody who I could share my feelings with. Instead, Sadly, this euphoric feeling of being homeward home after six months. However, if the ship were on those feelings cycled around and around in my mind. bound has been under threat due to the COVID-19 the West Coast or in Asia, crew had to wait for nine I came out of this on my own while we were dis- pandemic, with seafarers enduring extended periods months. charging at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam where the of service that are well beyond their original con- Our ship was under time charter to American sounds of war broke my cycle of depression. By the tracts. There is also a flip side to this story: for ev- shipping line States Marine Lines to provide added time I left the ship in New York, I had been away for ery seafarer that must remain at sea, another is stuck capacity to States Marine’s busy USA-Asia-USA 11 months. ashore unable to work — desperate to return to a ship service. The Vietnam War was ongoing, and business These are the realities our seafarers today are ex- to earn a living. was robust. Typically, it took about five to five-and- periencing. All of us, whether we are from seafarer For many who are reading this, the idea of serving a-half months for a complete cycle from New York missions, stevedores, agents or surveyors, can make in a job which requires you to spend many months outbound to the return. So, it was normal to expect a a difference by our interactions with the seafarers we away from family, friends, and community is an alien single round trip and then be flown home for leave. meet. concept. A few have been on extended business trips As we headed back to New York, our first U.S. I learned the importance of social interaction that might have been delayed or missed a birthday at port after clearing Panama, I waited expectantly for while training as a hospital chaplain. A simple tech- home. How do we grasp the impact of being forced news of my relief, packing with thoughts of being nique known as “the 10 and 5 rule” works like this: to be away? What does it do to the wellbeing and home for the Christmas holidays. No such relief ma- when approaching people, engage with eye contact at mental health of the individual? Does this increase terialized. We discharged our cargo in New York, 10 yards and acknowledge their presence at 5 yards the risk of an accident? What can the rest of us do to Philadelphia, and Baltimore then began loading in by giving a greeting. help? Tampa and throughout the Gulf for South Vietnam. So, on your next visit onboard a ship at one of the In my early days serving on a British cargo ship, As we sailed for Panama my heart sank because I great terminals within our port, use the 10 and 5 rule I experienced the full effect of having to stay lon- knew that not only was I not going home, I would be to engage positively with all the seafarers you meet. ger than expected. In the 70s, the normal contract stuck at sea for another five months. They will feel the difference, and you will know that under ship’s articles was for about six months. Brit- I experienced weeks of depression as a result of you have made a contribution to social interaction ish shipowners were mindful of keeping their crew this extended duty. Looking back now, I realize that that really does matter. Seafarer organizations keep crew connected Internet access a growing demand among seafarers An intensifying global discussion somewhat offset by the ability to com- So what are their options? cally we deliver three hotspots to the has focused on unwarranted exten- municate with colleagues, friends, and While at sea, where crewmembers vessels so crewmembers have unlim- sions of seafarer contracts. While the family with Zoom, FaceTime, and oth- spend a majority of their time, seafar- ited internet access while in port. We world debates, staying connected is er remote communication platforms. ers are limited to the communication used to bring rolls of quarters for pub- paramount for those stuck aboard their But many seafarers cannot enjoy the services provided by the ship owner or lic phones. Then we delivered phone ships. simple luxury of talking with loved personal satellite devices. Just as with cards. Now we provide hot spots and For many people, the physical ones until they reach a port of call, if any employer, work conditions and SIM cards.” isolation caused by the pandemic is even then. agreements vary. While one shipping Good news for seafarers may be line may provide Wi-Fi internet con- on the horizon. A few companies, in- nectivity at sea and in port, others may only provide common-area computers cluding SpaceX, Amazon, and One- for email. Web, have begun projects to provide Yet one trend has emerged for com- global internet access via thousands munication in port and while at sea — of microsatellites. SpaceX has already using the internet as the primary meth- launched hundreds of these satellites od to communicate home. Younger into low earth orbit as part of its Star- mariners, who tend to be more digital- link endeavor, with a goal of operating ly adept, are prioritizing the availabil- up to 12,000 satellites. But it may be ity of shipboard internet access when many years before seafarers can take seeking contracts. advantage of this technology in the Both seafarer organizations in the open ocean. Delaware River region report that the “It is wonderful that SCI, SCW, most requested item by visiting crew and the many others like them around is SIM cards. These cards can connect the world provide these communica- personal devices to the internet and in- tion services,” said Jason Zuidema, ex- clude a pre-paid data allowance. The ecutive director of the North American cards work in multiple countries and provide a good alternative for mariners Maritime Ministry Association. “Driv- while in port. ing 20 or 30 miles to deliver SIM cards “Communicating with home has to a ship may be a poor business model become more important than ever. for the commercial industry, but this Most crews are not allowed off their simple act of kindness that seafarer or- ships due to COVID restrictions set in ganizations perform every day means place by the ship’s captain or steam- so much to the people who deliver our ship line,” said Seamen’s Center of cargo.” Wilmington Executive Director Chris- Whether at sea or in port, seafarers’ tine Lassiter. shift to the internet has been definitive. Seafarers can purchase satellite While at sea, connection speeds may connectivity when not provided by not be adequate for many young men the ship. While the costs have come and women joining the ranks of the down in recent years, prices still re- ocean bound. Ship owners will need main comparatively high, and internet to increase internet availability for remains the preferred method to com- municate with loved ones and to con- their crews at sea and while in port to duct personal online business. continue to attract employees willing “In addition to SIM cards, we pro- to sign on for lengthy contracts. More vide internet hotspots to the vessels,” and more lines are stepping up to pro- said Helene Pierson, executive direc- vide this service, but as SCI and SCW tor of the Seamen’s Church Institute of can attest, the industry in general has a Philadelphia and South Jersey. “Typi- long way to go. The Beacon 12 Winter 2021 Seeking alternatives to methyl bromide By: Miriam Borja-Fisher, Senior Business Development and Marketing Manager Western Fumigation

Methyl bromide is an odorless, col- team of international researchers, U.S. orless gas used to control a wide vari- regulators, and industry stakehold- ety of pests in agriculture and shipping. ers to present potential alternatives to It has also been found to be dangerous Chilean exporters. to the environment. Among the options was C60 irra- As a result, the U.S. and other coun- diation technology, which could po- tries phased out the use of this fumigant tentially preserve the cold chain and starting in the mid-1980s, disallowing possibly extend the shelf life of perish- it altogether in 2005. Fortunately for ables. Yet it presented two significant international shipping, signatory coun- challenges: high acquisition and ongo- tries recognized the importance of the ing maintenance costs and very limit- chemical and allowed continued use ed throughput, particularly worrisome for quarantine and preshipment pur- given ever-increasing import volumes. poses. The stationary systems also meant an For the last four decades, Western additional footprint at a port facility or Fumigation has worked to identify oth- elsewhere along the supply chain that er options for treating cargo. could introduce a significant bottle- Western became a structural part- neck in cargo flow. Low consumer ac- ner in the rise of fruit imports to the ceptance of irradiated food at the time Delaware River by providing fumi- also hampered its viability. Exchange Director Barbara Hunter (front row, second from the right) represented West- gation services, mandated by USDA The electronic beam irradiation pro- ern Fumigation at its conference in Santiago, Chile in 1984. Also pictured are semi- since 1980. Methyl bromide, the only cess, known as E-Beam, has increased nar speakers (l to r) Dr. Luciano Campos, Horst Berger, Dr. Gordon Mitchell, Albert USDA-approved treatment at the time, capacity over the older technology. Yet Marulli, Dr. Theo Ouwerkerk, Dr. Jack Armstrong, and J. Edwin Sameth, founder and also played a key role in this growth throughput is still relatively low for to- Chairman of the Board of Western Industries. by allowing USDA to fulfill its mission day’s volumes. to protect U.S. agriculture from inva- The “systems approach,” which fo- ment, as participant fields are sampled mate could potentially be used to treat sive pests that have cost U.S. producers cuses on pest mitigation before export weekly. If one failure is identified dur- organics. It is possible the product will $137 billion a year in damages. rather than treatments at ports of entry, ing sampling, the field is considered be available within two export seasons. While Western began a search for is another potential methyl bromide al- non-compliant and unable to continue The initial target of EFUME was new treatments and technologies, it at ternative that has gained wider accep- in the program for the remainder of the to offer a solution to California citrus the same time spearheaded the battle tance, mainly in Chile’s more disperse season. Even with this significant risk, exports that were denied entry to Asia to preserve methyl bromide until eco- growing areas. On the downside, many a diverse group of exporters is suc- following the ban of methyl bromide. nomically and technologically feasible have found the USDA program too rig- cessfully working within the program Western saw this as an opportunity alternatives became available. In 1984, orous and demanding too high a capital and avoiding fumigation requirements to marry the needs of U.S. exporters Western Fumigation, in partnership investment in pre-harvest pest mitiga- upon arrival. with the needs of its import customers. with USDA and the National Institute tion. It may also require more soil- The most promising alternative is Thus, Delaware River Chilean fruit im- of Technology in Chile, organized a based pesticides and stringent manage- a new fumigant that would rival the ports have become a key stakeholder in efficacy of methyl bromide, with sig- this project. Through Western Fumiga- nificantly more eco-friendly attributes. tion’s founding membership and cur- This product is called EFUMETM by rent chairmanship of the Crop Protec- Draslovka Services Group. The mol- tion Coalition, the Delaware River port ecule itself, ethyl formate, is naturally community has a voice at the table. occurring, and it has been commercial- Western pledges its continued sup- ly available since the 1950s as a flavor port and commitment to the Delaware enhancer. While effective against a River port community and will con- broad range of invasive pests, it poses tinue its advocacy on behalf of its cus- very low risks to humans and the en- tomers. For any questions, please con- vironment and has no ozone depleting tact Miriam Borja-Fisher at mborja@ potential. Sourced naturally, ethyl for- westernpest.com.

MARAD authorizes construction of two more NSMVs The U.S. Maritime Administration than 1,200 shipyard jobs in Philadel- announced it has authorized the con- phia. struction of two additional National The NSMVs will include numer- Security Multi-Mission Vessels. The ous instructional spaces, a full training ships will replace aging training ves- bridge, and space for up to 600 cadets. sels at Maine Maritime Academy State maritime academies graduate ap- and Texas A&M Maritime Academy. proximately 70% of all new officers MARAD authorized the first two NS- each year, and many support national MVs, destined for SUNY Maritime security by crewing military sealift College and Massachusetts Maritime vessels. Academy, in April 2020. The NSMV is also a highly func- “The NSMV is part of a strategy tional national asset that includes mod- to bolster maritime education, revi- ern medical facilities, a helicopter pad, talize U.S. shipbuilding, and provide accommodations for up to 1,000 peo- a much-needed shot in the arm to the ple in times of humanitarian need, and U.S. maritime industry,” said Doug roll-on/roll-off and container storage Burnett, MARAD chief counsel. capacity for use during disaster relief “America must be a maritime nation if missions. it is to continue to lead the world in this In May 2019, MARAD awarded century.” TOTE Services a vessel construction With this action, recapitalization of management contract for the NSMV the nation’s aging maritime training program. In April 2020, TOTE se- fleet is nearly complete. Construction lected Philly Shipyard to construct up of all authorized vessels at Philly Ship- to five NSMVs with fixed prices and yard will also strengthen America’s schedules. industrial base while supporting more Winter 2021 The Beacon 13 The Beacon 14 Winter 2021

Towing industry continues push for expansion of safety fairway By: Brian Vahey, Senior Manager – Atlantic Region The American Waterways Operators

In the summer of 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard published its long-await- ed proposal to create a series of navi- gation safety fairways for shallow- and deep-draft vessels transiting the Atlan- tic Coast. The advance notice of proposed rulemaking was the culmination of years of collaboration between the Coast Guard and maritime industry stakeholders, beginning with initial development of the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route study more than a de- cade ago. The Coast Guard began the ACPARS with the recognition that an ever-increasing number of waterways safely is especially important for op- users, combined with competing de- erators transiting offshore Delaware mands for offshore space, could nega- Bay. Towing vessels transiting north tively impact navigation safety if tradi- and south past Delaware Bay regularly tional transit lanes were not protected meet fishing vessels leaving Cape May from offshore obstructions. and tankers and passenger vessels con- The Coast Guard published its gregated at the Bay’s entrance. It is in comprehensive ACPARS final report this area that navigation is most con- in 2017. Included within the recom- gested, and conditions are made more mendations is the creation of vessel complex for tug operators because tug fairways for tugboats and deep-draft vessels. Fairways are not physical and barge units cannot hug the Cape boundaries, and vessel operators are May coastline closely inshore as they not mandated to use them, but they enter or exit the Bay. Navigation space are an important regulatory tool at the will become increasingly critical to Coast Guard’s disposal to protect navi- safety as offshore wind development gation safety by identifying historic projects move forward. vessel transit lanes and prohibiting the The American Waterways Op- development of obstructions within erators has urged the Coast Guard to those lanes. prioritize safety when it finalizes the The fairway proposal published last fairway rulemaking by expanding the June is consistent with the ACPARS proposed fairways to 9 NM, and we are recommendation in all but one im- working closely with the Delaware Bay portant respect: it does not include 9 maritime community to reconcile our NM for the proposed towing vessel safety fairway as recommended in the respective interests while being mind- ACPARS. ful of safety. Fortunately, the Delaware The towing industry has advocated Bay port area enjoys a spirit of collab- for a 5 NM navigation route plus a 2 oration and communication that goes NM safety buffer on both sides of the back more than a century: the Maritime navigation route. This spacing would Exchange and the Mariners’ Advisory be enough to potentially accommodate Committee both bring together area three towing vessels transiting abreast stakeholders to work through conflicts of each other while accounting for a and arrive at solutions that facilitate the variety of possible sea state conditions. safety and economic health of the port By contrast, the Coast Guard proposal area. would only give towing vessel opera- AWO engages regularly with these tors 5 NM to operate within the fairway. two groups, and we look forward to Delaware Bay area requires buffer continuing to do so, both on the fair- Ensuring that towing vessel opera- way and on other issues that impact the tors have sufficient room to navigate safety of port operations. Winter 2021 The Beacon 15

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Servicing the Eastern United States Ports since 1928 The Beacon 16 Winter 2021

PPMS increases Randive introduces new tech for scholarship awards underwater inspections Due to the ongoing world- for 2021 wide health crisis, access to maritime vessels, marine facili- Among its other organizational goals, ties, and waterfront worksites the Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society has become extremely difficult. is committed to helping strengthen tomor- A large part of the problem is re- row’s maritime workforce. strictions on travel. “To achieve this goal, the society has “In response to these chal- awarded over 30 scholarships since 2012,” lenges, Randive, Inc. has devel- said Board President Nathan Hauser. In oped a safer, more economical 2021, the Society will grant five scholar- ships of $2,000 each, a 33% increase over solution for underwater inspec- last year’s awards. tion needs and requirements,” said Kurt Erlandson, president Randive’s dive supervisor monitors and communicates with divers while per- Students pursuing maritime, transporta- forming in-water repairs at a local shipyard. The video images can be broad- tion, or logistics degrees and those seeking & CEO. Recently developed casted and viewed live by multiple interested parties in different parts of the to update or obtain Coast Guard licensing and successfully field-tested, world. are eligible to apply. Scholarships are also L.O.U.I.S., the Live Off-site available to individuals already employed in Underwater Inspection Ser- or smartphone. Those attending ited personnel availability,” said the industry for professional development vices, allows vessel superinten- will also have a direct line of Keith Michalski, vice president coursework. communication via online chat of Marine Operations. In the Applications, which are due by April 15, dents, class surveyors, owners, 2021, are available on the Maritime Society and other interested parties who with the on-site dive supervisor, event a marine casualty requires website at www.portsofphilamaritimesoci- wish to or are required to attend allowing for questions and re- an emergency inspection, a ety.com. inspections to do so from the quests just as if they were there dive team can perform a survey Maritime Day dinner plans underway safety and convenience of their in person with real-time diver quickly, eliminating the delay of interaction. Multiple represen- international travel for on-site The Society plans to bestow the awards homes or offices.” at the 2021 Maritime Day dinner in May. With approval pending by tatives of interested parties can representation while expedit- Since the program began, event sponsors several classification societies, witness the inspections, which ing the decision process for re- have largely funded the scholarship pro- Randive is using L.O.U.I.S. in increases continuity of informa- pair remediation and insurance gram. its related Class and Non-Class tion in less time and cost to all claims. “Last year Maritime Day sponsors near- dive survey operations. involved. “We are extremely excited ly matched 2019 giving levels, despite the The system allows for live “Additional benefits of about this new service and look challenges of the pandemic,” Hauser said. viewing of inspections from L.O.U.I.S. are schedule flex- forward to a successful launch “Without their generosity, we could not fund ibility and maximizing time on behalf of our customers,” Mi- the future successes of the individuals who anywhere across the globe us- benefit from the program.” ing a desktop computer, tablet, management while having lim- chalski said. Winter 2021 The Beacon 17 The viability of virtual response management By: Timothy M. Gerland, Vice President Hudson Marine Management Services

How can the marine industry re- representation of the realities unfold- spond to marine incidents such as oil ing in the response.” Answering the pollution in the COVID-19 environ- challenge, HMMS designed a method ment? Hudson Marine Management to enable real-time collaboration for Services, HMMS, addressed this chal- the Incident Command Section break- lenge by conducting its annual Inci- out rooms and large group common dent Management Team tabletop exer- room for group meetings and discus- cise completely virtually. This fulfilled sions. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requirements The objective was to satisfy the In- that vessels and marine transportation cident Management Team’s OPA’90 facilities conduct at least one such ex- obligation and to prove the viability ercise annually. of standing up a virtual command post the virtual command post. U.S. Coast their experts with port partners to ad- Traditionally, these exercises take and maintaining situational awareness Guard Sector Delaware Bay Captain of dress protection, mitigation, response, place in person. They include the and real-time collaboration within the the Port Jonathan Theel stated, “Hud- Coast Guard, state authorities, the Incident Command System. recovery, and salvage operations that son’s use of the Microsoft Teams plat- Qualified Individual, Incident Man- HMMS and the HudsonAnalytix IT not only focused on how to overcome form enabled federal, state, and local agement Team, and other participating department developed a virtual Com- today’s problems, but also propelled partners to collaborate with key stake- port partners, all of whom gather at an mand Post that simulated the physi- our area contingency planning forward holders by allowing all participants to Incident Command Post. Using the In- cal command post, leveraging the MS communicate freely and effectively. regarding public communications, us- cident Command System, the Unified Teams virtual platform. This included ing volunteers, and understanding the Command then leads a response to an virtual areas where the Unified Com- This exercise proved to me the viabil- impact of drones on airspace manage- evolving scenario. HMMS engages mand, Operations, Planning, Logistics, ity of this virtual conferencing option our approximate 250-client OPA’90 and Finance sections could effectively to successfully manage an oil spill re- ment,” CAPT Theel said. plan holders representing over 1,575 recreate the physical environment. sponse in a pandemic environment.” In this changing world, it is clear vessels through the entire process as HMMS provided access to the Main Cynthia Hudson, HudsonAnalytix that our industry must pivot to em- the exercise unfolds. Incident Command Post virtual room CEO said, “We were proud that Hud- brace technology in order to maintain However, the ongoing COVID-19 where all participating partners gath- son successfully designed and con- the most efficient use of resources and ducted the exercise in the virtual en- pandemic necessitated significant ered at the start of the exercise. protection of our critical environmen- changes in marine incident response. Over the course of the exercise, vironment and was able to maintain tal resources. During 2020, the HMMS Incident the Incident Command sections broke situational awareness and real-time Hudson Marine Management Ser- Management Team responded to in- out into their respective rooms for collaboration, all while following the cidents around the U.S. that involved collaboration using open video dis- ICS principals and protocols.” vices is a wholly owned subsidiary of components of a remote “virtual” Uni- cussion, sharing screens, and editing “Through innovation and technol- HudsonAnalytix, based in Cherry Hill, fied Command and Incident Command documents in real time. Additionally, ogy, Hudson was able to bring together N.J. Post, deploying/directing response re- HMMS used and developed a situation sources onsite, particularly for clean- display solution and documentation ing spilled oil, making repairs, etc.. repository to keep all parties informed HMMS used this “hybrid” response throughout the exercise. As the exer- model to address and resolve re- cise progressed, HMMS followed pro- sponses quickly, to the satisfaction of tocol with scheduled meetings taking the Unified Command, and identified place and the development of plans. lessons learned specifically related to To conclude, HMMS held a ‘hot remotely/virtually managed incidents. wash’ to provide a vehicle for all par- Erik Sunde, HMMS Response ticipants to voice the positives and Manager said, “One of the biggest identify challenges and opportunities challenges encountered was the real- for change uncovered during the ex- time collaboration needed to maintain ercise. While participants did identify accurate situational awareness. Con- challenges, positive feedback focused ference calls with follow up emails did in particular upon the open, effec- not always provide an accurate timely tive collaboration as a key feature of

Q&A with Nerbovik milestone on Dec. 15, 2020 with a vir- tual steel-cutting ceremony. continued from page 1 Q: What other projects are in the So far, TOTE has ordered the first works? four ships in the NSMV program. A: We are also currently working on These ships are destined for the state industry design studies for three U.S. maritime academies in New York, government shipbuilding programs, in- Massachusetts, Maine, and Texas. cluding the U.S. Navy’s Auxiliary Gen- TOTE retains an option for the fifth eral Ocean Surveillance T-AGOS(X) vessel for the state maritime academy program, the U.S. Navy’s Common in California. If all five NSMVs are or- Hull Auxiliary Multi-Mission Platform dered, then the total contract value is program, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s about $1.5 billion with deliveries last- Offshore Patrol Cutter program. ing into 2025. These industry design studies are We are utilizing our commercial the precursors for the future detail de- best practices for this important fed- sign and construction contracts for the eral shipbuilding program. Design, en- respective programs. Participating in gineering, and planning activities are the design phase is key if we choose to progressing in accordance with plan. one day compete for the detail design We celebrated our first construction and construction contract. The Beacon 18 Winter 2021 ISM announces new South Jersey poised to become president & CEO offshore wind epicenter caster, and has lectured at institutions throughout the region. His dedication to history and education earned Seibert numerous distinctions that include the City of Harrisburg Distinguished Service Award, Community Leader Museum Professional Award from the Penn- sylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations, and Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Seibert’s first year will coincide with a historic moment in the ISM’s history as it prepares to commemo- rate the 100th anniversary of the re- turn of the Unknown Soldier aboard the Cruiser “Olympia.” A National Historic Landmark, “Olympia” is The largest industrial offshore wind investment in the U.S. broke ground in January The Independence Seaport Mu- currently the oldest steel warship still 2021 and will create hundreds of high-paying jobs. Shown here is a rendering of the seum board has selected Peter Seibert afloat. The significance of this occa- state-of-the-art factory that will be a catalyst for change in Paulsboro and the sur- as the museum’s new president and sion is not lost on the museum’s new rounding area. CEO. He will succeed John Brady, president. New Jersey is putting down a $1 The steel monopiles tower hundreds who has retired. “History as a discipline is really Seibert previously served as ex- about our identity — individually billion public-private marker assur- of feet from the ocean floor to sup- ecutive director and CEO of the Buf- and collectively — as people and a ing South Jersey becomes the epi- port the wind blades and the world’s falo Bill Center of the West. He brings nation,” Seibert explained. “We are center of the job-rich offshore en- biggest — and most powerful — an award-winning, three-decade ca- all ultimately the product of those ergy industry. turbines. The New Jersey Wind reer from other notable institutions, who made sacrifices in war and peace “This is where the dream of pro- Port in Lower Alloways Township, including the Colonial Williamsburg in order to ensure who we are today.” tecting our planet, protecting and Foundation, National Council for His- currently under development, will “Olympia,” along with the sub- creating family-sustaining jobs, and tory Education, and Heritage Center marine “Becuna” and schooner deploy the massive wind blades to building a new industry becomes of Lancaster County, Inc. “Diligence,” represent the museum’s power the turbines. A Pennsylvania native, Seibert commitment to preserving and shar- reality,” said Andy Saporito, CEO New Jersey Governor Phil Mur- earned a Bachelor of Science and a ing the nation’s naval history. With and executive director of the South phy said, “This is the largest indus- Master of Arts in American Studies Seibert at the helm, the ISM looks Jersey Port Corporation. trial offshore wind investment in from Penn State University. He has forward to announcing this year’s The state and SJPC recently an- the United States to date, and [it] authored several books and articles, slate of educational programming nounced the largest private invest- will create hundreds of high-paying including Fraternally Yours: Ameri- and, eventually, safely reopening its ment in industrial offshore wind en- can Fraternal Regalia of the 19th and jobs. Coupled with the creation of doors to visitors. ergy in the U.S., earmarking $250 20th Centuries and The Arts in Lan- the New Jersey Wind Port, this in- million in manufacturing facilities vestment will . . . cement New Jer- at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal sey as the leader in offshore wind in for Ørsted and EEW to develop and the United States.” support wind-energy turbine farms off the Atlantic coast. Construction “Wind energy is our future — started in January 2021, with pro- it’s clean, it’s safe, and it offers duction scheduled to begin in 2023. the opportunity for New Jersey to To land the two international be a dominant leader in creating a wind energy giants, New Jersey had new sector of our economy,” added already invested an initial $350 mil- New Jersey Senate President Steve lion to develop Paulsboro Marine Sweeney, who has been on a 20- Terminal into a major general cargo year quest to transform the defunct deepwater port. The site also in- petrochemical tank farm along the cluded a manufacturing hub of huge banks of the Delaware River in monopiles for offshore wind energy Paulsboro into a regional economic farms and staging of the turbines. engine.

Crowley forms New Energy division Crowley Shipping has formed a Chairman and CEO Tom Crow- new division strategically focused ley. “The New Energy division on services supporting the emerg- captures our commitment to those ing energy sectors in the U.S. and cultural principles while delivering adjacent regions. Concentrating in the innovative solutions that help offshore wind and liquefied natural customers in these emerging sec- gas, the new division builds on the tors succeed.” company’s 53-year history of sup- Crowley has provided LNG dis- port in the oil and gas industry with tribution services since 2013, when U.S.-flag vessel assets, engineer- ing, and logistics services. it acquired Carib Energy LLC, the “At Crowley, we have a strong first company to receive a small- company culture of environmental scale LNG export license from stewardship and sustainability in the U.S. Department of Energy for not only our own operations, but LNG transportation from the U.S. in our services to customers,” said into free trade agreement countries. Winter 2021 The Beacon 19

PhilaPort touts recent “Giulia I”: largest cocoa bean accomplishments ship to call Philadelphia Despite the sharp economic declines brought by the COVID-19 pan- demic, Philadelphia volumes in 2020 were up 7% over 2019, which was one of the best performances of any major U.S. East Coast port. Over the past nine years, PhilaPort has enjoyed compound annual growth of over 11%. In addition, it is working to build on these accomplishments. “We are investing significant capital dollars to build better infrastruc- ture for growth,” said PhilaPort CEO Jeff Theobald. “In real estate mar- kets, they talk about location, location, location.” In supply chain, we talk about velocity, velocity, velocity.” Theobald highlighted a number of port infrastructure projects de- signed to maintain the current high-speed throughput: • The new 400,000 sq. ft. PhilaPort Distribution Center. Phase 1 will break ground in the first quarter of 2021. When finished, it will include dry and refrigerated sections. • A new berth at the Southport marine complex. • Working on $400 million in new investments, including acquisi- tion of additional land and road and rail improvements. Because of this public investment, private sector companies have also seriously expanded warehouse and terminal capacity in the region. Auto volumes are bouncing back, largely due to activity at the Southport Auto Terminal due to the proximity of CSX and NS rail ramps. Forest products continue to be one of the main commodities at the PhilaPort’s Pier 84 recently worked the largest cocoa bean port. Raw materials for personal hygiene products, packaging materi- ship ever to call the Port of Philadelphia. The M/S “Giulia als, health and medical related items, and lumber are the main segments, I,” at 591 feet long and 98 feet wide, arrived on Jan. 6 from largely due to COVID related changes in consumer behavior. The port the Ivory Coast and sailed on Jan. 13. The staff at termi- handled over one million tons of forest products last year. nal operator Dependable Distribution Services unloaded PhilaPort is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Penn- 14,782 tons of cocoa beans for storage at the pier and at inland warehouses. DDS’ expertise on storage and trans- sylvania charged with the management, maintenance, marketing, and portation makes Philadelphia the premier cocoa bean desti- promotion of publicly-owned port facilities along the Delaware River nation in the U.S. in Philadelphia as well as strategic planning throughout the port district. The Beacon 20 Winter 2021 Editorial Policymakers still don’t get it Guest Editorial Despite the fact that maritime commerce is one of the oldest professions The health of our maritime industry known to man, port industry leaders must still expend tremendous effort edu- cating government leaders about the importance of waterborne commerce and will lead our economy back those who keep it running. For reasons that remain elusive, maritime workers are often invisible to the outside world. By: Carl W. Bentzel, Commissioner The latest affront is easily seen in the CDC vaccination guidelines. Under- U.S. Federal Maritime Commission standing that healthcare workers and nursing home residents must receive the first vaccinations — classified as group 1a — is easy. Placing front-line work- The year 2020 illustrated our nation’s reli- ers, including police and other emergency responders next in line, is equally ance on maritime transportation and interna- understandable. tional trade. Our society has adopted neces- Group 1b includes a number of other workers in addition to emergency re- sary, but dramatic, changes in how we work, sponders, but not port personnel. This is inconceivable. Who do policymakers think are responsible for ensuring those healthcare travel, and go to school. The transportation workers get the personal protective gear they so desperately need? And who are sector has not been without impact. Aviation is keeping store shelves stocked this winter with the fresh fruits and vegetables down close to 50%, and the cruise industry has necessary to bolster our immune systems? And, not to put too fine a point on it, been literally docked because of COVID-19. who are preventing an increasingly fragile economy from crumbling altogether But the endurance of the maritime industry has by ensuring goods are available to buy and sell? kept our supply chain moving and our econo- Port workers, that’s who. my connected, and it will serve as a foundation According to the American Association of Port Authorities, 31 million Amer- as we look to recover as a country in 2021. icans owe their livelihoods to maritime cargo activity, which is responsible for I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the workers and businesses about $5.4 trillion to the U.S. economy. That translates into 26% of U.S. GDP, a that comprise the Delaware River maritime industry. Our nation owes a debt of number that should make policymakers take notice, but often does not. Nearly 30 years ago, the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory gratitude to the longshoremen, truckers, railroad workers, and all the different Committee attempted to tackle the task of raising awareness of the importance companies that comprise the maritime industry for remaining on the job daily to of maritime commerce. Needless to say, that effort fell short of the mark. We continue to deliver cargo essential for our nation’s survival. suspect our predecessors have been fighting this battle since the age of the Phoe- Looking ahead to 2021, the maritime industry and supply chain still face nicians. As those of us in the industry well know, seaports are only considered challenges. We must vaccinate maritime and transportation workers as quickly when something bad happens — an oil spill, a major weather event, a work and efficiently as possible. If we do not adopt policies recognizing the maritime stoppage. workforce as essential workers and implementing a plan to protect them, we risk But each and every day beyond those terrible events, port workers brave the a potential COVID-19 workforce disruption that might cause an enormous risk elements, the sometimes dangerous work, and yes, even a public health crisis to to our economy and to overall economic recovery. keep cargos moving. Unlike many other industry sectors, the ports never missed To drive this point home, last month I and my fellow FMC Commissioner a day during the pandemic. Where is the recognition? Where is the appreciation? Dan Maffei sent a letter to the MARAD Administrator and CDC Director re- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention priority sched- ule, which most states have adopted, transportation and logistics workers fall questing that the maritime and supply chain workforces be vaccinated quickly. within category 1c, the third group to receive vaccinations, right up there with Specifically, we encouraged those federal agencies to take a proactive approach, construction workers and the media. engaging with states and local governments for funding and initiating partner- In response to the Exchange’s inquiry, CDC Director Robert Redfield said ships to better facilitate the distribution and administration of vaccinations for essential workers “perform duties across critical infrastructure sectors and maritime workers. maintain functions that U.S. residents depend on daily.” Surely this describes I appreciate Maritime Exchange President Dennis Rochford and his team port workers to a tee. weighing in with MARAD and CDC. Similarly, I applaud the Delaware River We know decisions are not easy when demand for the vaccines is so high maritime industry leadership and labor organizations for coordinating closely and supply so limited. And we sympathize with the people placed in the gut- on weekly calls and actively working with each port authority to coordinate wrenching position of triaging an entire population. timelines to vaccinate the maritime workforce with the hope of setting up a mass But a certain logic is missing. Teachers are clearly essential personnel, but is it sensible to vaccinate them before their students are immunized? Ditto for vaccination event. Your local partnerships set a strong example. the correctional officers, also included in Phase 1b, who are inoculated prior A healthy economy begins locally. Last month at the ports of Philadelphia, to their wards. Not to mention that those immunized food and agricultural and Delaware, and South Jersey 50 International Longshoremen’s Association mem- manufacturing workers in group 1b will have problems getting their products to bers tested positive for COVID-19. Ports and the maritime workforce connect market if the transportation sector is still at high risk. communities and businesses. If one part of the supply chain is weak, then the Once again, we see that port workers are out of sight, out of mind. entire supply chain is weak — and vulnerable to COVID-19. Throughout the entirety of the pandemic, the maritime industry has contin- ued to function. Freight volumes have remained steady and, in some cases, in- MARITIME EXCHANGE creased over last year’s numbers. The industry continues to battle through un- for the Delaware River and Bay precedented cargo volume surges while addressing the operational challenges of

John Reynolds, Chairman chassis and container availability. Uwe Schulz, Vice Chairman We can expect big things this year in the maritime industry, but the first few Robert A. Herb, Treasurer Dennis Rochford, President months of 2021 are critical. With the Biden Administration taking office last Lisa B. Himber, Vice President month, I expect that infrastructure, trade, and strengthening our supply chain A. Robert Degen, Esq., Secretary/Solicitor will be top priorities. However, our country cannot fully embrace and build on the strength of our maritime industry until we ensure the health and safety of our The Beacon is the official newsletter of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay. The Exchange encourages its readers to submit letters to the editor at any time in response to workforce. articles that appear in The Beacon or to address other topics of interest to the port community. Finally, I recommend taking a moment to view this two-minute film (https:// Please direct any correspondence, comments, or inquiries regarding the contents of this newsletter to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOP3hH4O2tU), which reinforces the importance of all the maritime industry does each day. [email protected] Maritime Exchange, Attn: Beacon Editor The comments expressed here are those of Commissioner Bentzel and do not 240 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 necessarily represent the position of the Commission. Winter 2021 The Beacon 21

Rawle & Henderson: the Exchange’s longest-standing member sition, Rawle was instrumental in cases. Examples include the Regis- suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion try Act cases, the Public Slaughter- in Western Pennsylvania and pros- house cases, and the Burd Orphan ecuting the leaders of the insurrec- Asylum case. He was a member tion. of the Philadelphia Board of City Rawle became the first chan- Trusts and represented the Philadel- The year 1783 was most notable cellor of the newly founded Phila- phia Centennial Commission in the for the end of the Revolutionary delphia Bar Association in 1822, United States Supreme Court. War. It also brought the nation’s a position he held until his death. William Rawle’s grandson, first law firm when William Rawle He was a member of the Ameri- Francis Rawle, took over the firm in founded what would become Rawle can Philosophical Society, a trustee 1871. One of his areas of expertise & Henderson in Philadelphia. of the University of Pennsylvania, was maritime law, and he joined Rawle studied law at Middle President of the Pennsylvania Abo- the Maritime Exchange in 1875. In Temple in London in 1781, travel- lition Society, founder and Presi- 1878, Francis Rawle became one of ling to Paris the following year. He dent of the Pennsylvania Historical the founders of the American Bar left France in late 1782 and arrived Society, and counsel for the First Association and its first Secretary in Philadelphia in January 1783, Bank of the United States. and Treasurer. In 1902, he became New York, Connecticut, Delaware, aided by Benjamin Franklin, then William Rawle, Jr. joined his fa- its President. and West Virginia, Rawle & Hen- American Ambassador to France, ther’s practice in 1813. To meet the Joseph Henderson, the first non- derson provides representation in who provided Rawle’s handwritten growing need for official published Rawle family member to join the litigation matters in diverse areas of passport. He was admitted to the bar reports of Pennsylvania decisions, firm, became a partner in 1917. In the law, including product liability, and opened the Rawle Law Offices Rawle, Jr. spent time away from the the 1920s, Henderson expanded insurance, commercial motor ve- in Philadelphia on Sept. 15, 1783. law to co-edit, along with Thomas the firm’s admiralty practice, one hicle defense, health care and pro- Rawle quickly took his place Sergeant, the Sergeant and Rawle that continues to this day. He was a fessional malpractice, just to name among Philadelphia’s legal elite, Reports, beginning in 1814. He also member of the Executive Commit- a few. Its lawyers continue to prac- managing a successful law practice served as President of the Pennsyl- tee of the American Maritime Law tice law in the best tradition of the and participating in the formation vania Historical Society and was Association of the United States, firm’s founders and are dedicated of the new republic. His reputation elected in 1835 to the first of five became President of the American to the highest standards of the legal as a lawyer vaulted him into the terms as a member of the Philadel- Bar Association in 1943, and served profession. position of delegate to the Pennsyl- phia Common Council, over which on the Board of Philadelphia City The Exchange congratulates vania Constitutional Assembly of he presided from 1836 to 1840. Trusts. Rawle & Henderson for its long, 1789. His public service continued William Henry Rawle joined the The firm continues to be a thriv- successful history and takes this when he accepted President George Rawle Law Offices in 1844. He be- ing and dynamic player in the Mid- opportunity to say “thank you” for Washington’s request to become the came well known as a trial lawyer Atlantic legal community. With of- nearly 150 years of Maritime Ex- first U.S. Attorney for the District in high-profile and constitutional fices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, change membership! of Pennsylvania in 1791. In that po- The Beacon 22 Winter 2021

Notes & News Calendar of Events In October 2020, Western Fumigation welcomed Shannon Sked, BCE, A-SQF, as its new fumigation director. Shannon took over from 02/05 USCG AMSC Managing Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Contact Glena Tredinnick, [email protected], 215-271-4891 the highly respected Kurt Reichert, who retired after 32 years. Shannon is a board-certified entomologist who specializes in food safety 02/09 Maritime Exchange Virtual Meeting: Grants for Private/Public Sector Guest speaker Amanda Rutherford, MARAD Gateway Director related entomology, specifically in domestic and international supply 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. chains. His research focuses on the spatial dynamics of economically Contact Darleen Michalak, [email protected] important pests and how that knowledge can be used to manage 02/10 Maritime Exchange Executive Committee Meeting, 11:00 a.m. them through trade initiatives. Shannon hopes to utilize his knowledge and experience in novel technologies, combined with global food 03/02 Maritime Exchange Maritime Operations Committee, 10:00 a.m. Contact Darleen Michalak, [email protected] logistics systems and pest management, to create a holistic approach in sustainable commodity management systems for all Western 03/05 USCG AMSC Meeting, Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia, PA, 9:30 a.m. Contact Glena Tredinnick, [email protected], 215-271-4891 Fumigation customers. Welcome aboard, Shannon! 03/09 Maritime Exchange Innovations Working Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. The “Philadelphia Business Journal” honored PhilaPort Chief Contact Darleen Michalak, [email protected] Counsel Colette Pete, Esq., as one its 2020 “Women of Distinction.” 03/10 Maritime Exchange Board of Directors & Annual Meetings, 11:00 a.m. She joined PhilaPort in March 2019, following a distinguished career Maritime Exchange Annual Election, Noon – 2:00 p.m. with Philadelphia Gas Works. Collette is a graduate of the University 03/25 World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia 17th Annual Global Business Conference of Virginia and the University of Maryland, Carey School of Law. Temple University, Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register at www.wtcphila.org Congratulations, Colette! 04/07 Vessel Owners’ & Captains’ Association Dinner Congratulations are also due to Joan Lyons, recently retired executive Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel, Philadelphia, PA director of the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington. Joan was named as Contact Bill Anderson, [email protected], 856-488-8300 a Delawarean most influential in the realm of social justice and activism 04/13 U.S. Customs & Border Protection Quarterly Meeting, 10:00 a.m. by the “News Journal.” Bravo Zulu! Contact Chief Sean Butler, [email protected] 04/14 Maritime Exchange Executive Committee Meeting, 11:00 a.m. 05/07 USCG AMSC Managing Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Contact Glena Tredinnick, [email protected], 215-271-4891 05/11 Maritime Exchange Innovations Working Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. Contact Darleen Michalak, [email protected] 05/12 Maritime Exchange Executive Committee Meeting, 3:00 p.m. Maritime Exchange Board of Directors & Organizational Meetings, 4:00 p.m. Maritime Exchange Membership Reception & Unsung Hero Award Presentation 5:00 p.m.

The events listed above are subject to change. For a complete schedule and event details, visit www.maritimedelriv.com.

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