Humboldt Maritime Logistics

Humboldt Maritime Logistics featured in industry and political publications

Since winning a major grant from the U.S. government last month, Humboldt Logistics and its Blue Coast Intermodal project have been in the media spotlight. Two of the most significant publications were Fairplay, a UK-based international shipping magazine, and Washington Monthly, a Washington D.C. political magazine. Read more after the jump.

Thompson lauds HML and Harbor District efforts, announces federal grant

Following on the heels of the U.S. DOT's $275,000 grant to the Blue Coast Intermodal project, Congressman Mike Thompson visited the Eureka waterfront earlier this month to laud the project and what it represents for Humboldt County and the West Coast.

U.S. Department of Transportation awards $275,000 to HML’s Blue Coast Project

The Blue Coast Intermodal Project (also known as the West Coast Hub Feeder Project) has been awarded $275,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of a federal initiative designed to move cargo along rivers and coasts rather than highways. This is the first time ever that a Marine Highway program west of the Gulf Coast has received federal funding.
"This is a decisive moment for transportation on the West Coast," said HML founder Stephen Pepper. "The environmental and economic repercussions of this project extend through multiple states. This funding is a strong message to both the private and public sectors that Washington D.C. is serious about finding Marine Highway solutions."

Humboldt County barge project gets federal attention

From contracostatimes.com: A local entrepreneur's efforts to establish a marine shipping service along the West Coast and a four-port initiative to build infrastructure to support it have earned recognition -- and the prospect of funding -- from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Humboldt Maritime Logistics President Stephen Pepper said his company is currently seeking $1.5 million for a West Coast market analysis and a study of what kind of equipment will best suit the service's needs. The Transportation Department's determination means the company and the Harbor District are now in a much better position to receive federal funding.

Media roundup: Who got picked to be a project?

Earlier this week, Secretary Ray LaHood announced his selection of the maritime projects that will be eligible for federal assistance. Here's the media fallout so far:
(logisticsmgmt.com) DOT announces various America’s Marine Highway efforts make cut for federal funding Following an April announcement signaling the launch of “America’s Marine Highway” program, an effort to shift freight to waterways from congested U.S. highways, the United States Department of Transportation announced the marine highway corridors and an initial eight projects and six initiatives along the corridors that will be available for federal assistance through this effort.

U.S. Transportation Department Selects HML Project as Eligible for Federal Funding

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has designated a joint project between Humboldt Maritime Logistics and the Humboldt Bay Recreation and Conservation District as being eligible for funding as part of a federal initiative designed move cargo along rivers and coasts rather than highways. The joint project is one of 14 groups and agencies in the nation (and one of only two on the West Coast) to achieve this status.

Port of Pascagoula planning for short sea shipping

From blog.gulflive.com: By the end of the year, Port of Pascagoula officials should have a new strategic plan in hand to take them through the next 20 years, leaders said Tuesday after a regular Board of Commissioners meeting. Lori Baer, from AECOM's Sunrise, Fla., office, attended the meeting to update commissioners on the firm's progress on the plan, which leaders say should position the port to remain competitive in a changing maritime industry.

Senator McCain Introduces Bill to “Fully Repeal the Jones Act”

From a June 25, 2010 statement: “Today I am pleased to introduce legislation that would fully repeal the Jones Act, a 1920s law that hinders free trade and favors labor unions over consumers. Specifically, the Jones Act requires that all goods shipped between waterborne ports of the United States be carried by vessels built [...]

Navigating Obstacles: Short Sea Shipping

From marinelink.com: Short-sea shipping, also referred to as the “Marine Highway” and, in some cases, “coastal shipping,” is the subject of more studies than we can list. Whatever the label, the concept refers to an initiative to get freight off our roadways, which are at capacity, and onto our waterways, which have to yet to be tapped to their potential. More than likely you’ve heard about the promises of this mode of transport, including reduced highway congestion, reduced consumption of fuel and fewer emissions per unit shipped. So what’s the hold up?

Europe: Over 100 calls for Marco Polo funding

From maritimejournal.com: With 101 proposals received by the call deadline, the third Marco Polo II call has attracted a record number of submissions, with over one third addressing short sea shipping. The number of applicants beat all previous calls launched since 2007 (70 proposals received in 2009, 46 in 2008 and 55 in 2007). Altogether, the funding requests arising from the 101 project proposals amount to €235 million this year, against an annual programme budget of €64 million.