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Finance: Hueneme, Prince Rupert, U.S. Virgin Islands

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The Port of Hueneme’s board of harbor commissioners approved a contract to install shore power at three berths in a way that will allow for faster turnaround of the grant funds the port was awarded under a voter-approved proposition. The Prince Rupert Port Authority announced a new program that offers discounted harbor dues to commercial vessels that implement emission reduction measures or other environmental practices. For the upcoming fiscal year, the U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority will be able to collect all revenues derived from a marine terminal tax formerly collected by the territorial government.  

Hueneme Harbor Commission Approves Shoreside Power Project Funding Agreement

A planned shoreside power project for the Port of Hueneme took a giant step forward with the July 23 approval of a key funding agreement by the board of harbor commissioners.  

Specifically, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract amendment with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that clears the way for the port to build the project in a financially viable manner. 

The port is installing shore power infrastructure system on Wharf 1 to provide shore power to Berths 1, 2 and 3 for vessels subject to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) At Berth Regulation. The project includes the design and construction of six shore power outlets (SPOs) (two SPOs per berth) via two sets of transformers and switchgear. This configuration will allow two vessels to be simultaneously plugged in at any two of the three electrified berths. 

Under the contract, the port is eligible for quarterly partial reimbursements of project-related construction costs, allowing for faster turnaround of the grant funds it was awarded under the voter-approved Proposition 1B. Additional funds supporting the project come from the Ventura County Air Quality Control District. 

"We’re excited to get this agreement finalized with our SCAQMD partners," said CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas. "This contract provides the critical financing formula that will allow us to complete the construction of our state-of-the-art shore power infrastructure." 

Prince Rupert: New Incentive Program Rewards Shippers for Reducing Vessel Emissions

The Prince Rupert Port Authority this month launched an environmental stewardship program to reward shippers for their commitment to sustainable practices.

PRPA's Environmental Incentive Program for Vessels (EIPV) offers discounted harbor dues to commercial vessels that implement emission reduction measures or other environmental practices. The EIPV considers environmental certification, fuel quality, technological implementation and management practices. Visiting ships can apply to qualify for one of three tier levels based on environmental performance, which enable that vessel to receive discounted harbor rates of up to 50 percent.

"By offering financial incentives to shippers making a conscious effort to become more environmentally sensitive, we can motivate commercial vessel traffic to adopt more sustainable shipping practices," said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. "This program is an example of the innovative policies and procedures that are helping preserve the ecological integrity of our harbor – and which contribute to a greener industry."

For the duration of 2013, the EIPV will use the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) as the method to qualify for discounts. The ESI identifies seagoing ships whose emissions are below by the standards mandated by the International Maritime Organization. In 2014 the EIPV will be broadened to include additional qualification criteria.

The Prince Rupert's namesake vessel, the COSCO Prince Rupert, became the first ship to take advantage of the EIPV when it called on Fairview Terminal on July 3. 

U.S. Virgin Islands: Governor Signs Legislation Transferring Marine Tax Revenues to Port Authority

Gov. John deJongh Jr. has signed a bill allowing the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to collect all revenues derived from a marine terminal tax formerly collected by the territorial government. Approved by the legislature in June, Bill No. 30-0091 allows the port authority to collect a dollar-per-passenger from each cruise line that visits the territory. The tax amounts to approximately $1.7 million annually. VIPA previously received just 30 percent of the tax proceeds; now it will receive the full amount for the fiscal year that begins October 1, 2013.

"This will go a long way in starting the process to improve our crumbling infrastructure," said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. "These funds will go towards improvement of our ports, which will indirectly help increase gross receipt taxes, excise taxes, and increase income taxes by providing jobs via port development projects and port-related services."

VIPA will use the tax revenues as leverage when it agency applies for financing to begin a major overhaul of its most deteriorated port facilities. 

VIPA is mandated by law to maintain and develop the public airports and seaports of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a semi-autonomous agency that generates its own revenues via fees charged for use of its facilities and services and receives no annual appropriation from the territorial government.
 

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