Happy Holidays Winter, 2016

Dirk Haydemann Art Photography

From the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Nanaimo Port Authority

Heliport expands Helijet expands to add B.C. Air Ambulance service from Nanaimo Port Authority Passenger Terminal.

C hairman’s Report

Lofty goals steer Port in the right direction

Best of the season to everyone and welcome to our winter edition of our newsletter.  It’s the time of year when everyone looks to the future, seeking ways to embrace the opportunities that await. Like others, this has been the focus of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Nanaimo Port Authority. We have been hard at work developing our strategic plan and we have been exploring ways to build on our vision as the transportation and marine recreational gateway on Vancouver Island, serving the Pacific Rim and beyond.  When we consider Vancouver Island, with a population of 784,000 and an anticipated doubling of the population over the next 25 years, we know that marine transportation will play a key role in supplying the needs of this growing population. The Nanaimo Port Authority, with its central island location and deep sea port plays a critical role in this growth. Short Sea shipping, bringing goods to and from Vancouver Island at our Duke Point terminal is key to supporting this growth.  President and CEO Bernie Dumas and Chair of the Board Moira  Jenkins, right, hosted Hon. Sheila Malcolmson, MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, on a tour of Port facilities. Currently 42 per cent of the revenue stream that the Nanaimo Port Authority generates is derived from cargo handling. The management team continues to work hard to diversify our cargo base, including lumber, logs, containers, scrap steel, kaolin, salt, windmills and general cargo. The decision to develop containerization at Duke Point has been a success, with a 44 per cent growth year to date. A new container barge berth and the new mobile crane project completes phase one of this project providing uninterrupted service and increased versatility for our customers.

Moira Jenkins Chair of the Board Nanaimo Port Authority 2017 will bring efforts to grow both import and export container movements, with the goal of strengthening the case to expand this terminal in the coming years.  This proposed expansion of our Duke Point Terminal, adding a second deep sea berth, is essential to Vancouver Island for movement of goods to and from the island and importantly to ensure our safety in case of a serious emergency. The Nanaimo Assembly Wharf is the location of our corporate office as well as our passenger terminal and cruise dock.  We welcomed the addition of the Helijet helicopter pad to our passenger terminal in 2016 and we anticipate continued growth of this service in 2017. Working with our partners, Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo, we are reviewing the potential of a passenger-only fast ferry operation to be located at our passenger terminal, thus further working toward the development of a transportation hub.  We are proud of the work that has taken place in efforts to support BC’s Marine Electronic Highway. The Port’s model for Marine Domain Awareness and vessel monitoring aids in ensuring safety, security, environmental protection and precise navigation. 2017 will see The Nanaimo Port Authority make proposals to expand these services to other port partners to ensure security coverage for their terminal operations across BC and Canada.  The Nanaimo Port Authority continues to adapt to market conditions focusing on diversification while ensuring our vision, mission and values are adhered to. The Board and staff are excited about the opportunities of the future ensuring excellence in transportation of marine goods, providing passenger terminal services and ensuring safety and security of our waters.

The Board and Staff of the Nanaimo Port Authority, wish you and yours a wonderful year ahead. Happy New Year .

Growth of Port activity spurs addition of new berthing tug Jones Marine Group Ltd., based in Chemainus, has commissioned a  new ship-berthing tug, the M/V David J.  “With growth in deep sea activities in Nanaimo, both in traffic and the size of ships, it made sense to adjust our services locally to handle the new demands of the Port,” said owner Daryl Jones.   The MV David J, built at Sylte Shipyards in Maple Ridge, is based in Nanaimo but will also travel to Chemainus and Crofton as required. The two-man crew apply the 2,400HP Cummins engines into Roll-Royce Azimuth Drives with 80-inch propellers turning in Kort Nozzles. This results in the tug having a Bollard pull of 33t.  To the credit of Sylte Shipyard, the vessel has not had any major deficiencies since entering service October 2, 2016. As of December 1, two masters have finish their training making the tug fully operational.  “The David J provides better maneuverability and power when assisting larger ships that we see now arriving in our region.  We are proud to have her in our fleet and she has certainly exceeded our expectations and more,” Jones added.

NPA Board approves Community funding grants

The Nanaimo Port Authority Board of Directors has approved Community Involvement Funding donations from the 2016 budget. • $1,500 - Vancouver Island Economic Alliance - Building Economic Opportunities for the Wood Value Added Sector (2016) • $500- Heart and Stroke Foundation - Zonta Red Gala (2017) • $1,650 - Nanaimo Search and Rescue - Portable Defibrillator. • $1,000 - Nanaimo Military Museum - Security Upgrades. • $500 - Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre - Christmas Hamper Program (2016).

President’s Report

Looking ahead to a prosperous year in 2017

Bernie Dumas President and Chief Executive Officer   Where has the year gone?  It feels like just a few months ago that I was writing the first President’s Report for our reinstated Port newsletter.  Our Newsletter has been a great success and we are pleased with the response from our stakeholders and the general public on the stories we presented in the initial issues. As we come to the end of 2016, I would like to highlight a few of our achievements.   • Helijet announced expansion of its service to include weekends and has completed a terminal expansion to accommodate two extra ships while keeping the main helipad operational.  • We enjoyed the Royal Caribbean Lines “Explorer of the Seas” visit this year which is the largest cruise vessel operating in the Alaskan trade and we are encouraged by the announcement that this impressive vessel will be calling Nanaimo again in 2017.  • Our deep-sea statistics ending October 31, show that the Port has seen a considerable increase in cargo tonnage from 2015. There has been a noticeable shift in the volume of cargoes the Port is handling now versus previous years. Despite a significant reduction of dimensional lumber the Port has seen growth in the volume of containers and bulk log shipments. Scrap steel, bulk salt, yachts, and kaolin have also continued to make a valuable contribution in 2016.

• Our short-sea shipping terminal upgrade project at Duke Point is complete offering improved and continuous container barge berth service with our new mobile harbour crane while keeping the conventional berth available for other cargoes.  •The Port completed the installation of our Marine Domain Awareness System which is providing enhanced security and monitoring of ships of all sizes within the Port boundaries 24/7.  • Finally, the increased number of cargo vessels calling Vancouver Island with Industry support triggered the BC Marine Employers Association to increase the number of available longshore employees this year by 55 new members. We are pleased to be involved with this training and hiring initiative providing attractive employment in our community. The Port faced a difficult global economy in 2016 with unpredictability in the Asian markets, and a number of ocean carriers facing financial challenges including Hanjin Shipping’s declaration of bankruptcy. The Port is expecting a more stable 2017 where we hope to see increased cargo movements and a stronger Canadian Economy.  We at the Port thank our customers, stakeholders and community partners for their support in 2016. We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve you. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

2016 Port Users Reception

Photos by David Mailloux

David Mailloux Photo

Helijet adds weekend flights to Nanaimo-Vancouver schedule Helijet International will expand its service to include weekend flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver, effective Dec. 24.  Helijet currently offers six round trips each day between its Nanaimo Harbour Heliport and Vancouver Harbour locations. The expanded service will see Helijet offer three round trips a day on Saturdays and Sundays.  “Since starting service to Nanaimo and the mid-island, we’ve had many conversations with business and leisure travellers about weekend service,” said Rick Hill, Helijet Vice President of Commercial & Business Programs. “Our Vancouver Island and our Lower Mainland customers have all said they would welcome the addition of weekend service.  “When we looked at how our traffic has increased since entering the Nanaimo market and at how positive the feedback has been to our superior service and reliability, we felt now was a good time to expand to a seven-day-a-week operation.”  Scott Speakman, Manager, Sales & Community Relations Nanaimo-Mid-Island added, “I have had many requests for weekend service from many differing groups. Resident commuters, business people and leisure commuters all see value in this offering. Whether it is having to make an important business meeting, taking the family to a concert, sporting events or just shopping, they told us that having a reliable service available on weekends is very important. We are pleased to be able to provide that service.”  To celebrate the occasion, Helijet is offering fares starting at just $79 on all flights from Dec. 19 through to Jan. 3, 2017. Additionally, children 12 and under fly free when travelling with a paying adult, which makes this Christmas and New Year’s season one of the merriest times of the year to experience all that Helijet has to offer. About Helijet – Based in Richmond, BC, Helijet International, a Canadian-owned company, is the world’s largest helicopter airline. In addition, Helijet is the largest air medical service provider of helicopters to the Province of British Columbia as well as offering helicopter and turbojet air service solutions to world-renowned sport fishing resorts and public or private energy sectors throughout BC’s West Coast and the Pacific North West.  In partnership with its medical service provision partner, Helijet also offers turbojet medical air service to clients through-out the North Americas and the Asias.  Media Contact: Rick Hill: VP-Marketing and Commercial Programs: P 604-231-3511 rickhill@helijet.com

Helijet welcomes BC Air Ambulance

Helijet has announced the expansion of the Nanaimo heliport to accommodate British Columbia’s Air Ambulance helicopters. B.C. Ambulance has 24-7 emergency air service requirements, and supports emergency patient air transfers to and from the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s proximity.  “The expansion of the Nanaimo heliport is another example of our commitment to serve Vancouver Island communities,” said Rick Hill Helijet Vice President of Commercial & Business Programs. “On behalf of Helijet, I thank the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for making that heliport improvement project possible,” added Hill

Director – Chris Badger Chris Badger is a Federal Appointee representing the Ancillary Cargo Related User Group and has been on the Board since October 30, 2014. Chris sits on the Audit Committee, the Conduct and Governance Committee and is Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. He is retired with more than 40 years of experience in the marine industry.   Most recently Chris was the Chief Operating Officer of Port Metro Vancouver. Prior to that, he held the positions of Vice President of Customer Development and Operations, and Director of Operations and Harbour Master for the Vancouver Port Authority, Deputy Harbour Master – Planning and Safety for the Port of Vancouver, Director of Marine Operations and Harbour Master for the Nanaimo Harbour Commission, and Assistant Harbour Master – Fire and Safety for the Vancouver Port Corporation. Chris also spent many years in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in the United Kingdom and served on general cargo ships trading worldwide with Ocean Transport and Trading based out of the United Kingdom. He is a Master Mariner, holds a Bachelor of General Studies and Diploma in Executive Management Development from Simon Fraser University, completed the Executive Program from Queen’s School of Business in Kingston, Ontario, and both the Emergency Management and Conflict Resolution and Mediation courses with the Justice Institute of BC.  Chris has also served as a Past Director of the Board of the Chamber of Shipping of BC, Past Chair of the Western Marine Community, and Past Vice-Chair of the Board of the International Sailors Society of Canada

Port Business

David Mailloux Photo

BCMEA trains and adds 55 new ILWU Local 508 members to Island

The BC Marine Employers Association has recuited and trained 55 new Vancouver Island ILWU Local 508 members. The recruitment, which started on October 31, 2016, was an excellent example of industry, ports and union working together towards positive growth. Shifting load ports coupled with an expansion of Timberwest & Crofton meant a considerable increase in log work for the Island.   The Island experienced its first significant shortage of labour in early September. When another spike hit in late September the decision was made by the Employers, the BCMEA and the ILWU jointly that a recruitment was required.  The BCMEA put together a recruitment plan that included 3 two-day sessions of Waterfront Basics. These sessions where held at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre. Each session was followed by a Physical Demands test that was conducted at Island Timberlands where the site manager helped set up a “realistic to the job” log testing station and ladder climbing station for the new recruits. Once registered the newly hired longshoremen received a further three days of skills training which included a day of Fall Protection for logs where theory was taught out of the Tidal Transport offices and the practical piece was conducted using a purpose-built Fall Protection container that simulates the deck of a vessel.  The Nanaimo Port Authority provided warehouse space at the downtown Nanaimo Assembly wharves so the practical training could be accomplished in a sheltered environment. Of the 55 hired recruits, 20% are female, which is nearly double the longshore provincial average of 11% currently employed. The theme for the recruitment was “hazard awareness and recognition”, focusing recruits on how to keep safe while working in an environment that is full of hazards. In addition to the existing four Fall Protection for Log Trainers, this was also an opportunity for the BCMEA to recruit 7 new ILWU Log Trainers who have been doing a terrific job, not only with the initial skills training, but also with post recruitment trainer support.

Director – Audrey Cope Audrey Cope is the Federal Appointee and has been on the NPA Board since February 5, 2015. Audrey sits on the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and is the Chair of the Audit Committee.  She lives in Qualicum Beach and has worked for Cope Aluminum Boats and Design for more than 27 years. She also has 30 years of experience in travel consulting and travel management. She has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a BS in Languages and Linguistics, Major German and a Minor in Business Administration. She has been the Chair of Georgetown Alumni Admissions Program for BC since 2008, and an interviewer for Georgetown Office of Undergraduate Alumni Admissions Program since 1988.

Message from Transport Canada

The launch of Canada 150 is December 31, 2016. There will be Confederation festivities held in 19 urban centres across the country including Canada’s Capital Region. Information regarding kick-off festivities and other signature projects can be found at the following website http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468854891549. Announcements will be made for Nanaimo’s Canada 150 Program in January 2017 - http://www.nanaimo150.com/ Information for how you can be involved in Nanaimo’s celebration of Canada’s 150th please contact David Mailloux, Manager – Communications & Public Affairs – 250-753-4146 – Ext 251 dmailloux@npa.ca

Cargo Report

Jaron Doman and John Gillis

Centurian Lumber partnership with Port and DP World paying off

By Beth Hendry Yim Vancouver Island Business Examiner Centurion Lumber and its subsidiary, Jerry’s Transport (JT), began service with DP World and Nanaimo’s Port Authority one year ago. The partnership has paralleled an increase in business for JT, and given the company a stronger competitive edge. “With the amount of product going off the island, we felt that whether it was our own lumber, processed products from other manufacturers, or lumber we receive from other companies, using the barge service gives us a market advantage,” said John Gillis, vice president of sales and business development, “especially as we are filling and moving more containers from Chemainus to Vancouver.” With the increased volume and new shipping methods, Gillis said the company is on a sharp learning curve. As recent customers, he added that DP World has been accommodating while they learn the ropes. Centurion is a third-generation family-run business which markets a wide variety of building and specialty products produced in Chemainus.  On the Island since 1968, Centurion was created by Gordie Doman. Today, it employs his grandsons Jaron and Gordon, general managers of transportation and freight, and granddaughter, Denesha, taking care of export documentation and learning to run a successful company.  Although its origins and head office are on the Island, Centurion also has a mill in Kamloops, which manufactures plywood, among other things, that is shipped to customers on the Island. Between the two facilities, the company employs more than 100 people.

“We remanufacture and kiln dry lumber at our Chemainus facility,” said Jaron Doman, general manager of transportation. “We also have several trucks and an assortment of trailers to transport all types of forest products like finished lumber, rough lumber in need of further processing, and transporting cedar blocks that will be going overseas for further remanufacturing.” Gillis pointed out that although DP World is relatively new to the Island, (it was introduced to Duke Point by the Nanaimo Port Authority in 2012), it has employed local people to run the facility, individuals who know the Island and its people and are easy to work with. “We like the idea of Island businesses getting together to create working relationships with other local companies,” he said. “Although I only live here part time I get a strong sense of Island pride.” Centurion sees itself as customers of DP World, as well as service providers for some of the big companies on the island like Western Forest Products that use DP World’s facilities and services. “We’re facilitating the movement of other companies’ cargo, providing a valuable and competitive product.” Doman added that the opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiencies can be seen throughout a container’s cycle, from bringing products to the Island that will be consumed on the Island, to filling the containers with product made here to be transported to a global market.  Utilizing the barge service at Duke Point has brought new opportunities to Centurion, but for Gillis it’s not a one-sided win. “We support DP World, not only for the services they provide, but because we want them to succeed. After all, when island business supports island business, everyone benefits.”

WCMRC hosts no-notice oil-spill drill

David Mailloux Photo

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation conducted a successful unannounced two-day oil-spill-response exercise in Nanaimo Harbour in September in co-operation with the Nanaimo Port Authority. WCMRC is contracted by Transport Canada. Equipment and vessels from WCMRC’s South Coast and Vancouver Island fleets deployed to a simulated spill in Nanaimo Harbour. The no-notice drill in more than a decade was the first of its kind on the West Coast and was designed to test response capacity and look for gaps in response plans. WCMRC has a robust exercise and training program, but they have traditionally been pre-planned drills. Nearly 60 response personnel and more than a dozen response vessels were involved in the operation. The scenario involved the hard landing of a cruise ship while approaching the berth resulting in a release of 2,000 tonnes of diesel mixed with bunker fuel and hydraulic fluid. WCMRC crews deployed to the scene, contained the casualty vessel, placed a containment boom around environmental sensitivities in the harbour and initiated containment sweeps.  “Our first no-notice exercise highlighted the importance of our relationship with the Nanaimo Port Authority. Partnerships are a big part of spill response,” said WCMRC President Kevin Gardner.  Port Authority President & CEO Bernie Dumas said the exercise proved that good communication during an emergency situation is critical and the WCMRC test was a very successful event on many levels.

David Mailloux Photo

Nanaimo Port Authority Board Chair Moira Jenkins fires the Bastion cannon to an appreciative crowd from the Star Princess cruise ship. The Nanaimo Port Authority thanks all the staff and volunteers from Tourism Nanaimo and the Downtown Business Partnership for their fantastic help this past year in welcoming cruise ship passengers.

We want to hear from you We want to know what’s important to you and what information and topics you would like to see in future issues of our Newsletter. Please e-mail us at  Newsletter@npa.ca

Nanaimo Port Authority Box 131 - 100 Port Drive, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9R 5K4 Tel: 250-753-4146 http://www.npa.ca Bernie Dumas President and Chief  Executive Officer Ian Marr Vice President - CPA, CGA Edward S. Dahlgren Director of Operations & Harbour Master Mike Davidson Director of Property & Environment David Mailloux Manager, Communications and Public Affairs BOARD OF DIRECTORS Moira Jenkins Chair Michelle Corfield Vice Chair Chris Badger Director Audrey Cope Director Donna Hais Director Jeet Manhas Director Richard Ringma Director The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities across Canada, established under the Canada Marine Act, to promote and support the national, regional and local economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbour for cargo operations.   Editorial Services Merv Unger Image Medianet Nanaimo, B.C. image.medianet@shaw.ca