National Retail Systems, Inc. (NRS), a leading provider of global logistics services to America's retailers, has achieved the highest possible environmental performance score from the SmartWay Transport Partnership formed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

One of the world’s largest marine terminal operators, DP World, reaffirmed its commitment to Brisbane, when it signed an Agreement to Lease for a new 40-year lease at the Port of Brisbane, announcing it is looking at investing $A250 million in the port over time in response to market demand.

Terex Corporation announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the port equipment businesses of Fantuzzi Industries S.a.r.l. for total consideration of approximately €215 million. These businesses are global leaders in the design, manufacture, and service of port equipment, with factories in Italy, Germany and China, as well as sales and service branches around the world. The company had 2007 revenues of approximately €447 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (ports) filed their opposition, in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, in response to the preliminary injunction motion from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) that seeks to stop the ports’ Clean Truck Program concession requirement.

The Port of Los Angeles has received letters of intent from Swift Transportation, Inc., and Knight Transportation (NYSE: KNX), two major national motor carriers that plan to become port drayage concessionaires under the Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program (CTP).

The Port of Seattle announced the selection of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the winner of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Award from Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA). The award in the Mitigation Category recognized Sea-Tac's Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program (CSMP) addressing storm-water issues for the airport's multi-year expansion project.

Kalmar Industries, part of Cargotec Corporation, has made an agreement to supply eleven of its E-One+ rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to Gateway Terminals India (GTI) at Nhava Sheva, India. This latest order, delivery of which will commence in January 2009, follows on from a contract to supply GTI with 29 E-One RTGs delivered in 2006.

TOC Americas, the Terminal Operations Conference and Exhibition for the Americas. Following a very successful 2007 event in Panama, the definitive meeting place for all involved in the shipping, port and terminals industries in the Americas, is moving to Long Beach, California for the first time. Combining the forces of LA and Long Beach (together the fifth largest port in the northern hemisphere) makes this the largest port to host TOC Americas to date.

The Port of Seattle Commission held a joint work session with the Seattle City Council this morning to discuss several issues crucial to the economic and environmental health of the region.  The meeting, held at City Hall, was the first joint meeting between the two groups since 2004.  

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory agencies, are expanding their water quality programs with the development of a coordinated Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP), a comprehensive effort to target remaining water and sediment pollution sources in the San Pedro Bay.

Kalmar Industries, part of Cargotec Corporation, has been awarded a contract to supply seven E-One+ rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes and 10 DRF450 reachstackers to Arshiya International Ltd, a global supply chain services company. The agreement also calls for Kalmar to provide full maintenance and operators to ensure the efficiency of Arshiya’s facilities.

The logistics industry has a reputation as major contributors to the greenhouse effect and having significant carbon footprints. The reality is that they are not the biggest sinners. The problem is that transport and logistics are highly visible to consumers!
This was the view of speakers and delegates at the fifth annual SCALA Consulting Logistics Debate (www.scalagroup.co.uk) held at Wroxall Abbey.

The Port of Los Angeles is committed to the Clean Truck Program which will modernize the fleet of trucks servicing the nation’s leading port to significantly reduce air emissions. A lawsuit by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) was filed on July 28 challenging the Port’s right to implement a concession requirement for entry onto Port terminals.

The S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is one of five U.S. port organisations selected to participate in an 18-month environmental management program.
 

Lisa Rozmyn recently joined the Port of Tacoma as Environmental Project Manager-Stormwater.

Just three weeks after commissioning its latest ship-to-shore gantry cranes the Port of Felixstowe has taken delivery of two new cranes at its Trinity Terminal.

The European Commission has decided not to raise objections to plans to extend a scheme piloted by Austria's federal government and aimed at promoting a modal shift to inland waterways. Under the pilot scheme, new inland navigation services on the Danube are eligible for an environmental premium.

The C40 World Ports Climate Conference in Rotterdam that took place from July 9 to 11 was successful according to the organisation. The 55 ports present endorsed in the closing session the World Ports Climate Declaration, in which they actively commit themselves to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. Under the umbrella of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) now concrete measures will be prepared. In November a follow-up will take place in the port and city of Los Angeles.

15-16 October 2008, Tallinn, Estonia

The Environment Commission of the Central Dredging Association (CEC) and the Marine Systems Institute of Tallinn University of Technology (MSI) are pleased to announce their joint international seminar on dredging and the environment. The one and half day seminar will take place on 15-16 October 2008 in Tallinn, Estonia at the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel.

The American Association of Port Authorities praised Congress for passing H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act, which will now be transmitted to President Bush for his signature.