Hapag-Lloyd has been very supportive and loyal to the Portland market. Coupled with Hanjin’s recent announcement to leave Portland and discontinue its Asia service, Hapag-Lloyd’s departure will adversely affect regional businesses that rely on Terminal 6. Despite these challenges, ICTSI Oregon is committed to this region and will forge ahead to seek new direct container service to Asia and Europe. Retaining and attracting new carriers to Terminal 6 is our highest priority. We are reviewing all options and taking prompt action to generate new business. There is substantial market demand for exporting and importing goods to and from Asia and Europe through Terminal 6. As a result, we are taking calculated steps, in conjunction with the Port of Portland, toward seeking new carriers that can capitalize on the opportunities to serve this valuable market created by Hanjin’s and Hapag-Lloyd’s departure.

However, attracting new business will be a challenging task. For Terminal 6 to be successful, the ILWU must signal to potential container shipping lines that its almost three-year campaign of work stoppages, slowdowns, and safety gimmicks at Terminal 6 has come to an end. While ICTSI Oregon will continue efforts to attract new customers, no carrier will want to make a long-term commitment to the terminal so long as ILWU workers delay cargo and vessels as a strong-arm tactic to get what they want. We hold the ILWU fully accountable for its actions; therefore, it is imperative that the ILWU leadership in San Francisco publicly commit that its efforts to interfere with productivity in Portland are over.

PBPL Chairman Jerry Maycock said Mr Cummins brings substantial port management and maritime experience, having worked in the ports industry for more than 25 years.

“Roy’s expertise lies in his extensive port development, strategy and leadership experience, which he has gained in both Australia and internationally.

“Throughout his career Roy has been responsible for commercial strategy, investor relations and strategic analysis, and has been involved in a number of significant mergers and acquisitions in the ports industry.

“He has held a variety of port management roles including seven years working for P&O on the Australian waterfront from 1999 to 2006, and the last five years managing a significant ports portfolio as Chief Commercial Officer of Global Ports Investments Ltd (one of Europe’s larger amalgamated port companies).

“I look forward to working closely with Roy as he leads the company into a new phase and continues to drive growth and build value for our stakeholders into the future,” Mr Maycock said. Mr Cummins will replace outgoing CEO, Russell Smith, who announced his resignation from the role in late-2014.

“I would like to thank Russell for his outstanding leadership, passion and dedication to PBPL since his commencement as CEO in 2011,” Mr Maycock said.

“During his time at the port, Russell has successfully overseen the transition of PBPL from a government owned corporation to a dynamic private sector port company.

“Russell’s commitment to the Port’s growth and development, in particular driving external policy around the wider logistics chain, has positioned the Port as a world-class infrastructure asset for this state and country.

“We wish Russell all the success in his future career,” he said.

Having been based internationally for the past nine years, Roy returns to Australia to take up the position in Brisbane in June.