The Jacksonville Port Authority’s 2012 Annual Report has won top honors from three communications and visual arts group competitions: the International Academy of the Visual Arts, Graphic Design USA and the League of American Communications Professionals. The Port of Long Beach has cut diesel particulates by 81 percent since 2005, according to an analysis released on August 19. In New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority Police Department earlier this month welcomed the second largest class of recruits in its 85-year history.

JAXPORT Annual Report Achieves Awards Trifecta

The Jacksonville Port Authority’s 2012 Annual Report has won top honors in three competitions: a Communicator Award of Distinction from the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an American Inhouse Design Award from Graphic Design USA and a Gold Vision Award from the League of American Communications Professionals.

The 2012 Annual Report was published earlier this year and includes a review of the port’s cargo and cruise business, community outreach activities and financial data from the organization’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.

"Publishing an annual report is a way for us to communicate how we fulfill community needs, as well as highlight the successes of our customers and port partners," said JAXPORT CEO Brian Taylor. "Having such a high quality publication helps us deliver the message that all of us at JAXPORT are committed to delivering the most efficient and customer friendly port operations."

The Communicator Awards drew more than 6,000 entries from across the United States and around the world. The entries were judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.

Graphic Design USA is a news magazine for graphic designers and creative professionals. The American Inhouse Design Awards provide an opportunity for in-house design, marketing and communications departments to be recognized for their talent, the challenges they face, and their value to businesses and institutions.

More than 6,000 entries from 24 countries were submitted to the recent Vision Awards organized by the League of American Communications Professionals. The organization was established in 2001 to create a forum within the public relations industry that facilitates discussion of best-in-class practices while recognizing those who demonstrate exemplary communications capabilities.

Long Beach Port Cuts Diesel Air Pollutants by 81% 

The Port of Long Beach has cut diesel particulates by 81 percent since 2005, according to an analysis released on August 19. The results for 2012 mark six straight years of improving air quality in the harbor area.

The reasons cited by the port for air quality improvements include bigger ships carrying cargo more efficiently, newer ships with cleaner engines, the January 1, 2012 deadline for full implementation of the Clean Trucks Program, increasing use of shore power, and a new low-sulfur fuel rule for ships that started in August 2012.

In addition to the drop in diesel emissions, smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides have been cut 54 percent and 88 percent, respectively. Greenhouse gases were lowered by 24 percent. That occurred at a time when containerized cargo activity at the port declined 10 percent.

The report released August 19 examines data from the 2012 calendar year. The study's results were reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The annual analysis of air pollution from port sources – literally an "emissions inventory" – is conducted to check the port’s progress in improving air quality. The San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan – created in 2006 – maps out a strategy to reduce or prevent pollution from the ships, trucks, locomotives, tractors and cranes that move cargo.

For the complete emissions inventory, go to www.polb.com/emissions.

New York/New Jersey: Port Authority Police Department Commences Its Second Largest Academy Class 

The Port Authority Police Department earlier this month welcomed the second largest class of recruits in its 85-year history. The 209 probationary officers represent not only dozens of communities throughout New York and New Jersey, but also hail from Florida, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington. It is the first class to enter the academy under the department’s newly structured leadership team led by Chief Security Officer (CSO) Joseph Dunne.

The recruits will begin a 26-week academy program with a course of study that includes New York and New Jersey law, police procedures, evidence collection and traditional police training. Additionally, each officer will receive specialized training in counter-terrorism, firefighting and first aid, including the use of defibrillators. This diverse group of 183 men and 26 women, including 18 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, will be the first Port Authority police recruits trained in the recognition and management of weapons of mass destruction and law enforcement response actions related to acts of terrorism.

The department’s nearly 1,600 members are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the port authority’s land, sea, air and rail facilities in New York and New Jersey. These assets include five airports, four bi-state bridges and two tunnels, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the PATH rail system, maritime terminals and the 16-acre World Trade Center site.