South East Shipping News

Florida's taxpayers deserve a Naval Super Ferry!

  

The two former Superferries that failed because of Jones Act costs operating among the Hawaiian Islands have been acquired by taxpayers and provided to the US Navy and renamed after Jones Act ports.

The  Alakai is now USNS Puerto Rico and the Huakai is now USNS Guam. Whoopee.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus says the high speed ferries "will be used for peacetime operations such as troop transport training, exercise missions and humanitarian and disaster relief."

The ferries are currently being modified to support military operations and to increase their endurance by installing crew berthing, sewage treatment plants and water-making equipment.

Let’s hope Congressperson Ileana Ros Lehtinen and Senator Bill Nelson jump on this opportunity to base at least one of these giant, high speed transports in Florida, either Key West or Jacksonville where they can be on hand for emergency missions in the Caribbean or, ultimately when the US government begins massive humanitarian relief to Cuba after the post Castro riots and recriminations subside.

South Florida exports boom, creating jobs

 

 

May 05, 2012|By Doreen Hemlock, SunSentinel

 With the U.S. economy recovering slowly, more South Florida companies are turning to sales overseas, fueling record exports and adding jobs.

 South Florida is the only U.S. area whose ports consistently ship more to foreign ports than they bring in. Port Everglades now ranks as Florida's top seaport for exports, U.S. commerce statistics show.

 Associated Aircraft Manufacturing and Sales Inc. of Fort Lauderdale illustrates the export boom. It makes and sells parts for aircraft, including electronic systems for military planes.

Since 2010, the company has grown from 52 to 85 employees and from roughly $25 million to $40 million in yearly revenue, thanks to sales mainly to the Middle East and Asia, Chief Executive Frank Lannon said.

"To export, you have to make the investment to study foreign markets, learn what buyers want and adapt products to meet those needs", Lannon said. "You can't sit and wait for someone to come to you. You have to go out and sell yourself."

 Custom Biologicals of Deerfield Beach grew from eight to 11 employees last year, thanks to sales mainly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Ecuador. One top-seller: bacteria that help plants grow bigger and faster. The product has been used by growers who set world records for giant pumpkins in the last two years, each pumpkin weighing more than 1810 pounds, said the company's executive vice president, Chuck Baugh. 

Exports now account for roughly 70 percent of Custom Biologicals' sales, up from 53 percent in 2010. Revenue set a record last year and is rising this year too, likely requiring more hiring, Baugh said.

 A weaker U.S. dollar has stoked overseas sales, making U.S. goods cheaper in other countries, exporters said.

 More competitive prices help explain why South Florida seaports and airports shipped a record $69.2 billion in goods to foreign ports last year, or $25.7 billion more than they brought in. South Florida exports jumped 18 percent for the year, faster than the 16 percent gains nationwide, according to Coral Gables-based publisher WorldCity.

 Through February, South Florida exports kept climbing: up 11 percent from a year earlier, slightly faster than the U.S. average, WorldCity said. Among top shipments out: high-tech equipment, including cellphones and computers; heavy equipment for construction; medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Many items are made elsewhere and transit South Florida for sale in Latin America, WorldCity President Ken Roberts said.

 

The Obama administration in 2010 set a goal to double U.S. exports in five years, creating up to 2 million new jobs. Numerous programs are now available to help small- and mid-size companies boost sales overseas.

 

For South Florida businesses looking to increase exports, WorldCity's Roberts and other experts advise:

 

Do your homework. Research specific markets. Study where competitors sell overseas.

 

Talk with people active overseas. Florida's bi-national chambers of commerce, such as the Brazilian-American Chamber, can help.

 

Make a commitment to export. Invest time, money and staff.

 

Set up financing. To get paid, consider requiring payment in advance, or work with lenders to help buyers finance purchases.

 

Sea Star Line Announces Leadership Changes

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 01:31

Breakbulk Online - Press Release

Sea Star Line announced that Bill Taylor will assume leadership of Sea Star’s United States sales team as Vice President, U.S. Sales. Eduardo Pagan, who held the position of Vice President, Commercial Services, will now hold the position of Vice President and General Manager, Puerto Rico and Caribbean.

Prior to joining Sea Star Line, Taylor held sales and leadership positions with international carriers, CAST, Lykes Lines and CP Ships. Taylor most recently was responsible for managing Tropical Shipping’s Eastern Caribbean service.

Pagan will now focus most of his attention on our critical activities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Eduardo will continue to be domiciled in San Juan and manage all of Sea Star activities in the region.

A viable manufacturing industry can be created in The Bahamas

By STAFF?WRITER

FN?News Desk

 

Stressing that the development of the manufacturing industry is still a practical way The Bahamas' economy can be revitalized, president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce K. Peter Turnquest says the focus must be on creating products that are unique and made from local resources.

Turnquest was addressing attendees at the grant proposal workshop hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Grand Bahama Port Authority on Thursday, and noted that global competition is making the marketplace smaller.

"The world as we knew it has changed and we now are subject not only to internal competition, but to competition from the entire world. Due to economies of scale and our proximity to developed countries the cost to produce goods in The Bahamas is significantly higher in a lot of the cases than it is in the United States or Europe or China or wherever," he said.

"Does that mean that we're doomed to be consumers and not manufacturers? And how do we make our way in an economy based on the consumption of services?"

Turnquest said he has not given up on the idea that a viable manufacturing industry can be created in The Bahamas, however, it must be done in a strategic way.

"What it means is that we have to be smarter than the average bird. It means that we have to find niche markets for products that we can source raw materials from right here in The Bahamas," he said.

The government's bid for membership in the World Trade Organization will bring even more pressure on local manufacturing industries, he continued.

"The EPA already signed and in effect allows for professionals from throughout the world, particularly Europe, to come to The Bahamas and offer services...and our country must offer those professionals the same access and the same benefits that are available to you as citizens of the country," he noted.

These developments mean the country's economy must be full of strong locally owned businesses to withstand the advent of international competition.

"This is a global world and whether we like it or not, we are participants in this global economy. And just as we would like to sell our goods and services in the world market, the world has the right to sell them back to us on the same basis," he said.

"And so we will find that all the protectionisms that are taking place... will start to go away come WTO membership."

One of the ways to survive that situation, the chamber president suggested, is to actively seek out ways to utilise natural resources in production so as to keep costs low.

"There are some that we have in common with the rest of the Caribbean and there are some that are unique to us and we are going to have to change our mind-set in terms of trying to copy others and do what others are doing, and because they are the originators, they are doing it better than we are and start to focus on things that we can do, that we have historically done and that we can't trade amongst each other and the world on a basis that is equal or better than," he said.

He noted that the government is in the process of setting up a standards bureau which will set forth guidelines as to what is an acceptable quality of production of product and services that can be exported.

"That standard is going to have to meet world standards and we're going to have to, as organizations, learn how to meet those standards, figure out testing methods and evaluation methods to certify our products for export," he said.

These measures should ensure that as local companies compete on a wider scale, they can assure of quality goods and services and garner respect in the international market.

TUG ENGINEER - Port Everglades, FL

Division : Seabulk Towing, Inc.

Location : Port Everglades FL US 33316

Job Code : 298

Job Type : Full Time

Career Level : Experienced (Non-Manager)

Education : High School or equivalent

Category : Engineering,Maritime

Compensation : From 303 To 309 USD Per Day

Shift/Hours : One for One - 7/7

Job Description :

Seabulk Towing is one of the leading tugboat operators in the United States. Seabulk Towing operates along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern Seaboard.  We are currently seeking a Port Engineer to join our Port Everglades team.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 

1. The Engineer must operate diesel engines, air compressors, hydraulic and electrical systems, water and sewer systems, heating and cooling systems, and firefighting systems.
2. Conducts scheduled maintenance and housekeeping duties on machinery. Accomplish machine shop work, piping repairs, fuel oil/lubes loading/transfers, use hand, air and electrically powered tools, maintain repetitive motions when using a chain falls or operating valve knobs and wheels, and endure high ambient temperatures.
3. Assist on deck as needed with line handling duties. 
4. Responding to ship and oil spill emergencies that may require an ability to scale a 4 foot vertical height, ascend and descend 40 foot vertical ladders.
5. Ensure work assignments are safely and efficiently conducted according to Seabulk Towing’s Safety Management System Manual.
6. Ensure that all Federal and State environmental regulations are followed.
7. The Engineer will be responsible for completing the Engine Room Logs and entering the maintenance history into a computer based software program.

Seabulk Towing, reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Job Requirements :

Required Qualifications:

   

Experience:  2 years or more Engineering seatime

 

Languages:  English

 

Skills/Software:  Basic computer skills

 

Licenses/Certifications:  DDE 4000 or higher

 

Traits:  Ability to work well with others, self starter, proactive

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

Experience:  Harbor towing experience and/or work experience with Z-drives. Offshore/coastal towing experience recommended.

 

Skills/Software:  NS5 and/or other maintenance software programs

EOE/AAP

South Florida Petroleum marketer seeks experienced Director of Fleet Maintenance.  Duties include scheduling and overseeing all fleet repairs and maintenance via 3^rd party vendors.  Must have DOT regulatory exp., computer skills, and excellent communication skills.  Fleet consists of 100+ trucks and 50+ petroleum trailers, operating in and around Florida.  Company offers competitive salary and benefits.  Please forward resume to dcarlton@portconsolidated.com.

 

Brazil Preparing 45 Ports For Private Operations - Report

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazil's government, which has already begun the process of handing over airports to private investment, is now preparing 45 ports to be licensed to operators, Estado de S Paulo newspaper reported Friday.

Brazil plans to auction first the rights to build and operate a new port terminal in the Amazon city of Manaus, Estado said, citing Tiago Lima, director of Brazilian water transportation agency Antaq. Antaq had hoped to auction the rights for the city's port in May but is still awaiting authorization from the country's Minister of Ports, Estado said.

Most of the ports are located in Brazil's industrial and agricultural powerhouse in the south and southeast regions, with only seven of the 45 ports located in the north or northeast, Estado said.

Brazil handed many port services over to private operators in the 1990s, but the ports themselves are administrated by a government organ. The licenses that the government plans to grant will allow operators full control of the port, under Antaq's supervision, Estado said.

Brazil is seeking to build up its transportation infrastructure to cut down the cost of production and increase its competitiveness with global rivals. Crowded ports often lead to delays in shipping, especially during the country's important harvests, when trucks and ships are backed up at ports such as Santos, which handles more than a fourth of Brazil's international shipping traffic.

PORT EVERGLADES TERMINAL SERVICE LEAD WORKER

NATURE OF WORK    This is a highly visible position and is the primary point of contact with Port Everglades for the cruise lines that use the Port facilities and for their customers and agents.   The employee coordinates the operation of the passenger loading bridges, sets up equipment, and provides general maintenance of interior and exterior fixtures, and ensures the general cleanliness of the passenger terminal. These services are provided for both cruise ship operations and for other special events or activities that occur at the passenger terminals. Employees receive assignments in both oral and written form. Work is reviewed by a supervisor for conformance with instructions and procedures.   ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS   Prepares and opens passenger terminals for use; positions loading bridges by attaching them with transition ramps to ships and monitors the bridge and its safety nets ensuring the ship's lines are tight; checks weather conditions which may affect the safe operation of loading bridges; and secures terminals at the end of activities.   Performs all janitorial duties including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing and refinishing floors; cleaning upholstery; emptying trash and waste baskets; and cleaning and stocking lavatories; operates and maintains all mechanical equipment used in custodial duties.   Performs cleaning responsibilities including window washing, floor stripping and waxing, and furniture vacuuming and dusting.   Performs inspections of terminal facilities and completes a terminal checklist; works with ship security, local law enforcement personnel, the United States Coast Guard and other agencies to perform a security sweep of the terminal and its surroundings prior to each days operation.   Maintains and monitors the inventory of supplies for the building operation.   Assists with event preparation including moving furniture, setting up tables and chairs, hanging banners and decorations, setting upstages, podiums, and other special event equipment.   Assists with terminal repair and maintenance as a helper to trades workers as necessary.   Inserts the ship name boards in signs which direct passenger to various terminals being used daily.   Checks the condition of the docks prior to and at the conclusion of the ships operation and prepares a report.   Performs related work as required.   KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS   Knowledge of cleaning and finishing chemicals and the safety precautions involved in their use.   Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of port terminal operation.   Ability to safely operate a passenger loading bridge; knowledge of the operating characteristics and safety precautions associated with that equipment.   Ability to operate a forklift; ability to operate all cleaning and finishing equipment necessary for the maintenance of the terminal facilities.   Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.   Ability to perform heavy manual labor, including lifting furniture for extended periods in all weather conditions.   Ability to work well with others and work effectively without close direct supervision; ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner with the port's customers and the general public.   Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.   REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING   Graduation from high school or equivalent recognized certification; two (2) years experience in terminal operations including the operation of passenger loading bridges and experience with special events; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.    NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT   Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License at time of appointment.   GENERAL INFORMATION   Bargaining Unit: Unrepresented FLSA Status: Non-exempt Financial Disclosure Required: No Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E  11/1994   R  04/2011

 

• Details forHeavy Equipment Mechanic - Miami River Terminal
• Address:3301 NW South River Drive Miami, FL 33142, Miami, FL 33142 (map)
• Date Posted:04/13/11
• Job Type:Contract

DescriptionBimini Shipping LLC currently has an immediate opening in a fast-paced environment at our Miami River Terminal for a Heavy Equipment Mechanic.

-At least 5 years experience as a heavy duty Diesel Mechanic
-Ability to rebuild Diesel engines and transmissions
-Have a good knowledge about Caterpillar equipments
-Have a good knowledge about forklifts
-Have good knowledge on hydraulic systems
-Ability to troubleshoot electronic control equipments using electronic diagnostic tools e.g. Cat ET
-Ability to read and understand electrical and hydraulic schematics
-Have good work shop ethics
-Computer literate
-Knowledge on Microsoft Excel
-Have excellent and positive attitude
-Have own tools

Fax resume to (305) 661-1914, or email to [email removed]

NO WALK INS PLEASE

Bimini Shipping
3301 NW South River Drive
Miami, FL 33142

Read more: http://miami.ebayclassifieds.com/transportation/miami/heavy-equipment-mechanic-miami-river-terminal/?ad=10565512#ixzz1Jc96NwmV

 

Florida has potential for thousands of jobs in trade and logistics

Dale Brill

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By Dale A. Brill | Special to the Sentinel

12:00 a.m. EDT, March 30, 2011

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Florida faces a unique opportunity to be a global leader in international trade and job creation by leveraging its assets within the trade and logistics industries. The Florida Chamber Foundation's Florida Trade and Logistics Study, released in December, demonstrated the potential to create up to 143,000 jobs across multiple industry sectors tied to the transportation of freight, and transform Florida's economy from anything we've ever known.

Developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and other statewide public and private organizations, the study took a holistic approach in looking at all opportunities statewide to create jobs. The emphasis of the study is on statewide opportunities and key ingredients for success, rather than on investments in specific regions or communities. It calls for leveraging Florida's large consuming population, emerging markets and the geographical advantages unique to Florida in order to position the Sunshine State as the primary global broker in the center of the hemisphere.

The shift in U.S. population growth to the south, the Panama Canal widening, the resurgence of Latin American and Caribbean trade, and the continued revolution in logistics practices create the opportunity for Florida to become a global trade and logistics hub. The study outlines how pursing three major opportunities could create a statewide impact of 32,000 jobs in the trade and logistics sectors and an additional 111,000 in trade-oriented industries, including advanced manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and supply-chain management activities. Those opportunities are:

•Maximizing its ability to serve Florida businesses and consumers, primarily through attracting Asian container imports directly to Florida ports.

•Growing the value of Florida-origin exports and leveraging more efficient logistics patterns to grow and attract advanced manufacturing and other export-related industries to Florida.

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•Emerging as a global hub for trade and investment, leveraging its location on north-south and east-west trade lanes to become the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere.

The Florida Trade & Logistics Study identifies seven critical near-term action items that will involve a coordinated effort by economic development, transportation, land use, work force and related investment stakeholders. Published results were based on extensive data analysis and personal interviews with more than 75 shippers, receivers, trucking companies, railroads, airports, seaports, terminal operators, distribution centers, economic developers, landowners and public agencies.

The research examined the freight trade flows to, from and within Florida and identified the economic value of flows using transportation and economic models that are industry standards in Florida and nationally.

Issues of job creation, transportation, quality of life and education are interrelated, and the study's recommendations attempt to leverage existing plans such as the International and Transportation Cornerstones (1998/1999) and the Florida Department of Transportation's 2060 Florida Transportation Plan and rail-and-port investment plans to achieve the maximum outcome for Florida.

Other organizations such as the Florida Ports Council are also building upon the Florida Chamber Foundation's research to demonstrate the impact of specific investments. For example, 30,233 jobs were associated with enhancing the Port of Miami as identified in the Ports Council's February 2011 Economic Analysis Study that reported the impact of three related projects encompassing the channel dredging to 50 feet, the connector tunnel and the link to the national rail system.

Opportunities clearly exist that can transform Florida's economy by making investments in trade, logistics and advance manufacturing. With data-driven analysis and a strategic framework provided by the Florida Trade and Logistics Study, decision makers in the Governor's Office and the Legislature can make informed decisions on investments that must be made to connect Florida's infrastructure needs to job creation.

Dale A. Brill is president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, the research and policy development arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.