October 27, 2008

Chamber of Marine Commerce welcomes new members

The CMC is pleased to welcome the following two new members: 

• Vanguard Shipping (Great Lakes) Ltd. provides bulk carrier transportation services in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence waterway.  
• Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products is a leading manufacturer of engineered and pre-engineered fire suppression systems and foam fire suppression systems for industrial and marine applications.

New Green Marine participants
 
The number of companies participating in the Green Marine program has now reached 42 with the recent addition of Lower Lakes Towing and Transportation (Port Dover, ON) and Empire Stevedoring (Montreal, QC).

Melford gets Environmental Impact Statement approval
 
Melford International Terminal Inc. (MITI) has been given environmental approval, with conditions, from the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, clearing the way for the next phase in the development of the container terminal, intermodal rail facility and logistics park on the Strait of Canso.  MITI is now able to formally purchase the land at the site, secure a building permit and finalize operator and rail service agreements. At the same time, MITI will be able to establish construction timelines, complete detailed design, and continue the worldwide marketing campaign for the project.

Funding for shortsea shipping projects

The Federal Government has announced $20.9 million in federal funding under the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative Transportation Infrastructure Fund for five short sea shipping projects and two road projects in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. This funding is part of a potential $43.5 million joint investment with private sector transportation service providers and municipalities in the region.  Gordon Houston, President & CEO of Port Metro Vancouver commented that: “The  announcement for short sea shipping has tremendous potential for this region, providing a more sustainable environment by more fully utilizing existing waterways, and reducing impacts on the road infrastructure”.  More info: http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2008/08-h215e.htm

CCG invites comments on Levels of Service Review
 
In November 2007, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) embarked on an initiative to review the levels of service provided through programs to its many clients, including recreational boaters, fish harvesters and the commercial shipping industry.  The draft report is now available for final comments at: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/Ccg/wm_Engagement
 
Meeting with USCG Commander
 
On October 8, CMC met with Rear Admiral Peter V. Neffenger, new Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's Ninth District, along with Chief of the Prevention Division, Captain Lorne Thomas.  RADM Neffenger assumed command of the Ninth District in May, with responsibility spanning the five Great Lakes, the Saint Lawrence Seaway and parts of the surrounding states including 6,700 miles of shoreline and 1,500 miles of international border.  Issues discussed included industry icebreaking requirements, security and environmental initiatives, and the Admiral's priorities for the coming year.
 
National Marine Advisory Board (NMAB) meeting in November
 
The fifth meeting of the National Marine Advisory Board (NMAB) will be held in Ottawa on November 7th, 2008.  The NMAB provides a forum for the Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner to meet with commercial marine interests to consider issues ranging from CCG’s business plans to levels of service and performance measurement.  Participation in the NMAB includes all regions of the country and is intended to foster a true partnership between government and the marine industry.

Marine simulation and training center to open Nov. 21
 
With support provided by the Ontario ministries of Training, Colleges and Universities and Transportation, Transport Canada Marine Safety and the City of Owen Sound, along with a major commitment by Georgian College and members of the Canadian marine industry, the Great Lakes International Marine Simulation and Research Centre will officially open on November 21 at Georgian College in Owen Sound, Ontario.
 
Upgrades will allow the College and the marine industry at large to keep up with the demand for skilled professionals.  The 20,000-square-foot facility will be equipped with four navigational training bridges designed to simulate real system interfaces including modern ARPA/Radar, ECDIS, AIS, GMDSS communications, and the most up-to-date integrated navigation systems on the market today.

CMC Marine Club meeting
 
Mark your calendars! CMC’s Annual Marine Club Members’ Meeting and Luncheon will be held on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.  More details to follow. 

About the Chamber of Marine Commerce

The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) represents over 170 Canadian and U.S. companies -- shipowners and shipoperators, ports, industrial shippers, Seaway corporations, terminals, elevators and marine-related companies -- that rely on marine transportation to deliver products and materiel that serve people all over the world.  CMC's advocacy on marine and transportation issues extends to the Canadian and provincial governments and to U.S. federal and state governments and agencies.