{"id":361,"date":"2018-08-08T19:22:29","date_gmt":"2018-08-08T19:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/?p=361"},"modified":"2018-08-10T13:22:32","modified_gmt":"2018-08-10T13:22:32","slug":"portland-pros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/features\/portland-pros\/","title":{"rendered":"Portland Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just about any direction you steer in Portland seaport you\u2019re likely to meet MMA alumni. We talked to a sampling of academy-trained professionals and learned that the port has taken on new energy and growth with shipping and investment on a steady uptick.<\/p>\n

\"David

Portland Harbor Pilot, Capt. David Germond \u201981 boards an inbound ship.<\/p><\/div>\n

In recent weeks, a second mobile harbor crane was installed to handle growing freight volume at the International Marine Terminal, part of more than $15.7 million directed toward doubling cargo capacity and a promising trade connection to Canada, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Other projects include construction of a new operations building, enlarging the pier and improving rail service to the port.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe potential for growth here in Maine is significant,\u201d says Matthew Burns \u201904, acting executive director of the Maine Port Authority. \u201cWe have already experienced major success in the recent developments and hope to see that business continues to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Burns has a full docket of responsibilities, from purchasing port equipment and managing marine infrastructure projects to developing maritime-related policies and meeting with private sector businesses to assist them with improving their freight transportation needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that I still have a strong connection to the maritime industry in my line of work,\u201d he says (having worked as a deck officer at sea for 13 years), \u201cbut I am home with my family every night.\u201d<\/p>\n

The volume of containers moving through the terminal has more than doubled since 2013, as well as the value of goods, which was $502.7 million last year.<\/p>\n

EBB & FLOW<\/h1>\n

A major player in this growth is the Icelandic shipping firm Eimskip, which made Portland its U.S. headquarters in 2013. The company imported more than $283 million in products\u2014primarily frozen fish\u2014into Maine in 2016, according to the Portland Press Herald. It also exported $118 million worth of products, including $2.8 million worth of lobsters.<\/p>\n

Two MMA alumni work with Eimskip: Leah Libby Menezes \u201917 and Nate LaChance \u201902.<\/p>\n

Menezes works in documentation and customer service in the Logistics Services area, helping customers from start to finish in the export process from Maine to Europe. She monitors the logistics behind scheduling pickups, clearing customs and working with overseas offices to make sure everything is in order for a smooth entry.<\/p>\n

LaChance is a terminal manager for SDG Marine, a contractor for Eimskip that handles stevedore services at the port.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Portland\"Portland
Charlie Baird \u201985, Deputy Harbor Master<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/a><\/div>
\"Portland\"Portland
Leah Libby Menezes \u201917, Liner Services Export, Eimskip; Nate LaChance \u201902, Terminal Manager, SDG Marine & Matthew Burns \u201904, Acting Executive Director, Maine Port Authority<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/a><\/div>
\"Portland\"Portland
Shawn Moody \u201982, Agency Manager, Chase Leavitt Shipping Agents<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/a><\/div>
\"Portland\"Portland
Capt. Mark Klopp \u201987 & Capt. David Germond \u201981, Portland Harbor Pilots<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/a><\/div>
\"Portland\"Portland
Ed Holland \u201999, Capt. John Reeves \u201909 & Dave Mason \u201905, Portland Tugboat Company<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cMy primary responsibilities are managing the local union (ILA) personnel,\u201d he says, \u201ccoordinating day-to-day operations, including loading and unloading Eimskip vessels, and ensuring our transportation partners are efficiently able to deliver containers to and from the port.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of the recent improvements at the port (a second crane, new container stacker and more),\u201d he adds, \u201cthe future looks bright for international shipping to and from Portland.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shawn Moody \u201982, agency manager with nearby Chase Leavitt Shipping Agents, started with the company in 1995 after going to sea for 13 years and obtaining an Unlimited Master\u2019s License. His responsibilities include serving as direct liaison with vessel owners, operators and charterers. He coordinates pilot and tug services for them, and serves as liaison between clients and government officials. Moody also serves as a marine surveyor. The company specializes in bulk, breakbulk and cruise ships.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve seen forest products import\/export definitely declining with the paper mill industry in Maine closing many of its mills,\u201d says Moody, \u201cbut as long as we are driving cars and have cold winters, gasoline, heating oil and road salt will continue to be cargoes that will be imported via Maine ports.\u201d<\/p>\n

The volume of containers moving through the terminal has more than doubled since 2013, as well as value of goods.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He has observed that cruise ship traffic is on the rise as cruise lines look for new ports, and Portland and Rockland have benefited from the oversaturation of Bar Harbor.<\/p>\n

Portland is the second largest port of call in Maine for cruise ships, after Bar Harbor and adjacent Acadia National Park. Cruise ships dock at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal, the largest cruise ship terminal in the state.<\/p>\n

The terminal has three berths for cruise ships, which is a bonus for the cruise lines, as they don\u2019t have the liability of ferrying their passengers from the ship that they have in anchorage ports such as Bar Harbor. Its central proximity between the embark\/debark ports of New York and Boston and the Canadian Maritimes makes it an ideal stopping point for passengers.<\/p>\n

Another MMA alumnus, Daniel Guay \u201984, heads up the company\u2019s Marine Survey Department. \u201cAs experienced marine surveyors,\u201d he says, \u201cwe have performed numerous draft surveys, cargo damage surveys and on-off hire condition surveys, as well as cargo loading and discharge supervision.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also, Scot Clontz \u201903 is a boarding agent for Chase Leavitt. Nearby, another alumnus, Jim Goss \u201902 works for Moran Shipping Agents.<\/p>\n

PILOTS AT THE POINT<\/h1>\n

If you are bringing a ship from the south or one with more than a 35-foot draft into Portland, the first person you are likely to meet is either Harbor Pilot Capt. Mark Klopp \u201987 or Capt. David Germond \u201981, at the \u201cP\u201d Buoy located 12 miles offshore from their berth on Union Wharf.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce we board the vessel, the master of the ship and pilot have a formal information exchange regarding the condition of the vessel, her maneuvering characteristics and passage plan into the harbor,\u201d says Klopp. \u201cWhen this is complete the captain will pass the \u2018conn\u2019 (control) of the vessel to me and we proceed inbound. At this time, I am conducting the speed, course, collision avoidance and all communication with other ship traffic and tug escorts as required.\u201d<\/p>\n

A typical day for the pilots might be as it was July 18, when Moran Shipping Agency called to report the ship Iver Prosperity would be arriving from Saint John, Canada, on July 21 at 2215. The plan was for the pilot to board at the eastern approach pilot boarding station, going to Buckeye terminal in South Portland.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also will have a container vessel in port, and the ferry from Yarmouth arriving and departing,\u201d says Klopp. \u201cThe time of arrival and departure of all vessels will inevitably change; we need to adjust constantly. In other words, we must be very flexible, around the clock, 24\/7. Throw in weather conditions such as fog, high wind and large seas that prevent us from boarding or disembarking, and the traffic movement puzzle gets more complex.\u201d<\/p>\n

With all the challenges of the job, however, Klopp says, \u201cThe work is fascinating and rewarding. Departing the harbor to board a vessel offshore is different every day and night. I witness Mother Nature first-hand, up close, every day. There is never a dull moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Working

(left to right) John Reeves \u201909, Dave Mason \u2019 05 and Ed Holland \u201999<\/p><\/div>\n

At the Portland Head Light, Portland Tugboat Company vessels take over from the pilots to escort and berth and assist ships. Capt. John Reeves \u201909 operates the Andrew McAllister, a ship assist and escort tug.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe help out our Providence division (of\u00a0McAllister Towing), regularly escorting tugs and barges through the Cape Cod Canal,\u201d says Reeves. \u201cWe also have been escorting Bath Iron Works\u2019 Navy ships in and out of the Kennebec River.\u201d<\/p>\n

The perks of the job go back to MMA: \u201cI feel very fortunate to be able to apply my education and skill set close to home, and work with some of the best people I\u2019ve ever met,\u201d he says. \u201cI also really enjoy that we get involved with community charitable and celebratory events.\u201d<\/p>\n

ANOTHER VIEW<\/h1>\n

Attorney Mike Savasuk \u201974 with Troubh Heisler, PA has watched the activity of the port from a downtown corner office with an expansive view since 2012, after 30 years of private practice. He specializes in maritime and admiralty law, and has defended million-dollar claims; he has also obtained multi-million-dollar verdicts.<\/p>\n

Savasuk represented the captain and crew in a case involving the largest salvage award in the United States. \u2029 After graduating from MMA, he was a deck officer sailing on oil tankers before attending law school and then working for a large admiralty firm in New York City.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the cases I handle, especially maritime cases,\u201d says Savasuk, \u201cpresent a unique set of facts and legal issues that require extensive research and analysis.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe outcomes can often set a precedent. In other words, I\u2019m making a difference, which keeps the work interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Workers

Just a few of the many MMA alumni in Portland: (left to right) Libby Menezes \u201917, Nate LaChance \u201902 and Matt Burns \u201804.<\/p><\/div>\n

Savasuk notes his connection to MMA continues in several ways: \u201cI have represented other alumni in the area. One of my favorite things to do is help young MMA students and graduates, whether it\u2019s regarding problems with the USCG or winning a recent case where a young cadet got Legionnaires\u2019 disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis case set a precedent when a federal judge in New Orleans found the vessel unseaworthy as it pertains to the workplace for seamen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Savasuk has also served on the MMA Alumni Association Board, which he observes, having worked with other maritime schools, \u201cis a group of highly organized, focused individuals who are deeply committed to maintaining a strong U.S. maritime industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another alumnus and longtime resident of the Portland area, Charlie Baird \u201985, is Deputy Harbor Master, and his job involves escorting ships in and out of port, enforcing no-wake zones and helping coordinate community events in the harbor.<\/p>\n

\"Alumni

Mike Savasuk \u201974<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cPortland is thriving with eight marinas, a yacht club and many mooring fields,\u201d he says. \u201cIn recent years, not only has Eimskip shipping made a large investment in the port but also Portland Yacht Services.\u201d<\/p>\n

The work is fascinating and rewarding. Departing the harbor to board a vessel offshore is different every day and night. I witness Mother Nature first-hand, up close, every day. There is never a dull moment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Baird\u2019s maritime experience includes 14 years on container ships and 17 years on tankers, ultimately as a chief mate. \u201cAs far as Portland goes,\u201d says Baird, \u201cit is a growing, vibrant town, close to Boston, beautiful mountains and ocean, with a lot of work opportunities and alumni contacts.\u201d\u2588<\/span><\/p>\n

Photos: Chris Cary, Billy Sims<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

More to Come<\/h1>\n

There are More MMA graduates at work in the Portland area than we could discover and contact for this article. We would be happy to update fellow alumni with news of others in Portland in future Class Notes updates. Send info to billy.sims@mma.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are many MMA alumni events in the Portland \/ Southern Maine area. Contact the following alumni chapters to learn of upcoming activities.<\/p>\n

Seacoast Chapter<\/strong>
\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire
\nMike Grigware
\nmikegrigware@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Casco Bay Chapter<\/strong>
\nPortland, Maine
\nPat Zrioka
\npatrick.zrioka@fwwebb.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Ned Andrews Chapter<\/strong>
\nBath, Maine
\nAlton Leeman
\nal.leeman@gdbiw.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just about any direction you steer in Portland seaport you\u2019re likely to meet MMA alumni. We talked to a sampling of academy-trained professionals and learned that the port has taken on new energy and growth with shipping and investment on a steady uptick.<\/p>\n

In recent weeks, a second mobile harbor crane was installed to handle growing freight volume at the International Marine Terminal, part of more than $15.7 million directed toward doubling cargo capacity and a promising trade connection to Canada, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Other projects include construction of a new operations building, enlarging the pier and improving rail service to the port.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe potential for growth here in Maine is significant,\u201d says Matthew Burns \u201904, acting executive director of the Maine Port Authority. \u201cWe have already experienced major success in the recent developments and hope to see that business continues to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Burns has a full docket of responsibilities, from purchasing port equipment and managing marine infrastructure projects to developing maritime-related policies and meeting with private sector businesses to assist them with improving their freight transportation needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that I still have a strong connection to the maritime industry in my line of work,\u201d he says (having worked as a deck officer at sea for 13 years), \u201cbut I am home with my family every night.\u201d<\/p>\n

The volume of containers moving through the terminal has more than doubled since 2013, as well as the value of goods, which was $502.7 million last year.<\/p>\n

EBB & FLOW<\/p>\n

A major player in this growth is the Icelandic shipping firm Eimskip, which made Portland its U.S.<\/p>\n

…Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=361"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions\/479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mainemaritime.edu\/mariner\/issue2-2018\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}