2011 in Review: Port of San Diego Community Service, Public Events, Environmental Leadership
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6222, (619) 686-6461
As the 2011 calendar year comes to a close, the Port of San Diego is sharing a sampling of the projects, events and activities undertaken by the organization for the public's benefit.
This year in review represents some of the highlights of 2011, but is not a complete listing of all that the Port of San Diego has worked on this year to improve the quality of life on San Diego Bay and on the lands of the Port's five member cities: San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Coronado.
The Port of San Diego looks forward to 2012 with great expectation as it starts its 50th anniversary celebration in late December, 2012.
Maritime
Equipment Offloaded at Port of San Diego for Geothermal Energy Facility
A shipment of boilers and drums for upgrades to the El Centro Power Plant are offloaded on April 2, 2011, at the Port of San Diego's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
These specialty cargoes support projects throughout California and the U.S. western region that diversify energy sources that have less impact on the environment through the creation of wind, solar and geothermal operations.
Alternative Energy Equipment Exported from Port of San Diego
The first of two scheduled shipments of towers for an alternative energy wind farm in Honduras, Central America, was exported through the Port of San Diego on April 20, 2011. The 40 wind tower components were trucked to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal after being manufactured by Ameron, an Orange County, California-based company.
“Exports are a primary trade target for the Port of San Diego,” said Miguel Reyes, Maritime Trade Manager. “We are pleased that wind power company Gamesa has selected San Diego as an export port.”
Alternative Energy Equipment Arrives in San Diego, Bound for California Wind Farm
A shipment of wind energy equipment for a wind farm in Tehachapi, California, was imported through the Port of San Diego on May 12, 2011. Longshoreworkers offloaded 16 hubs, 16 nacelles, or engine boxes, and 29 wind blades from the freighter Se Verdant.
Over the last five years, the Port of San Diego has become a cargo gateway for alternative energy projects. It welcomes alternative energy cargo as part of its environmental mission.
Port of San Diego: Gateway to North America
As one of the nation’s leading importers of windmill components, the Port of San Diego has brought in enough equipment to supply the power needs of 1.5 million people or 500,000 households a year.
“In an era of a struggling economy, the maritime businesses located on Port tidelands employ more than 42,000 military, civilian and contract personnel and have a $600 million annual economic impact to our region,” said Wayne Darbeau, President and CEO of the Port of San Diego.
Public Celebrates Maritime Day at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
San Diego Bay's North Embarcadero attracted hundreds of families and residents on May 21, 2011, to celebrate Maritime Day. The Port of San Diego hosted the free celebration on May 21 at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier as one of its National Maritime Day celebration activities.
National Maritime Day was created in 1933 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed a joint resolution with Congress to recognize the contributions of the men and women of the maritime industry. The nation's 360 ports are the prime portals for the nation's imports and exports.
Navy's Newest Class of Ships Under Construction in San Diego Bay
The U.S. Navy's newest class of ships – called Mobile Landing Platforms – are now under construction along San Diego Bay's working waterfront. General Dynamics/NASSCO, a tenant and partner of the Port of San Diego, was awarded a $744 million contract from the U.S. Navy in late May 2011 to construct two of the ships.
“This contract is important to our region, providing jobs along our working waterfront and fulfilling a need for our Navy partners,” said Scott Peters, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “San Diego is one of 17 strategic ports, and home to the only shipbuilder on the West Coast. The Port of San Diego congratulates General Dynamics NASSCO.”
Cargo Business Increases at Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego experienced a busy summer with the arrival of more than 600 alternative energy components. Alternative energy cargo has been a growing element of the port’s maritime business.
“What we can offer here that customers cannot get anywhere else, particularly in larger ports, is space for temporary storage,” said Scott Peters, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Because of its strategic location and proximity to wind farms in Southern California, San Diego has become the preferred port for many wind energy manufacturers importing or exporting to or from California.”
Port of San Diego Seeks New Business Following Approval of Trade Agreements
President Barack Obama's recent signing of trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama is expected to generate new trading opportunities for the Port of San Diego. The new trade agreements underscore President Obama's National Export Initiative that seeks to double American exports over the next five years.
The three agreements are expected to result in an annual increase of more than $14 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product, or about 0.1 percent of the annual GDP.
State Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom Meets with Port Leaders to Talk Jobs
California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom told Port of San Diego leaders on November 18, 2011, that maritime jobs represent a "growth area" for a Golden State in need of new employment opportunities.
Newsom said that America's ports deserve infrastructure funding to improve both import and export business. That kind of business produces good-paying jobs.
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