Annual Columbia River lock closures happening this week affect vessel traffic upriver from Portland and Vancouver

Mar 06, 2024

Today we’ll talk about an annual event that began this week: it’s the annual, temporary closing of the US Army Corps of Engineers Portland District locks at the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams.

Each year the locks close for two weeks to allow technicians to inspect them and repair and maintain the equipment. It’s an essential preventive step that helps keep the Columbia Snake River system carrying commerce year round.

Downriver ports know it’s happening so they can plan around it, and some even do their own maintenance during that time.

Image: Aerial view of the Columbia River and the Bonneville Dam, courtesy US Army Corps of Engineers.

Annual Columbia River lock closures happening this week affect vessel traffic upriver from Portland and Vancouver

Annual Columbia River lock closures happening this week affect vessel traffic upriver from Portland and Vancouver

Today we’ll talk about an annual event that began this week: it’s the annual, temporary closing of the US Army Corps of Engineers Portland District locks at the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams.

Each year the locks close for two weeks to allow technicians to inspect them and repair and maintain the equipment. It’s an essential preventive step that helps keep the Columbia Snake River system carrying commerce year round.

Downriver ports know it’s happening so they can plan around it, and some even do their own maintenance during that time.

Image: Aerial view of the Columbia River and the Bonneville Dam, courtesy US Army Corps of Engineers.

Portland’s quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

Mar 05, 2024

A little additional info regarding yesterday’s show about Chinese-built GM autos being imported into Portland, and a look at the Tilikum Crossing, an unusual Portland bridge that has unique nautical features.

Portland’s quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

Portland’s quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

A little additional info regarding yesterday’s show about Chinese-built GM autos being imported into Portland, and a look at the Tilikum Crossing, an unusual Portland bridge that has unique nautical features.

Chinese car carriers arriving in Portland: what’s on board?

Mar 04, 2024

Today, an answer to a listener question about car carriers arriving in Portland from China: are there Chinese cars on board?

Turns out the answer is complex: yes and no. No Chinese brands are on board, but there are GM cars arriving here, which were  manufactured in China. We’ll also talk about some of the issues around potentially importing Chinese brand vehicles to the US.

Portland’s quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

Chinese car carriers arriving in Portland: what’s on board?

Today, an answer to a listener question about car carriers arriving in Portland from China: are there Chinese cars on board?

Turns out the answer is complex: yes and no. No Chinese brands are on board, but there are GM cars arriving here, which were  manufactured in China. We’ll also talk about some of the issues around potentially importing Chinese brand vehicles to the US.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

Mar 01, 2024

Today, Part 5 of a weeklong look at the life and work of a USCG rescue swimmer, from the Ship Report archives.

The Ship Report is taking a break this week. Regular reports, ship schedules and marine weather return Monday, Mar 4.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

Today, Part 5 of a weeklong look at the life and work of a USCG rescue swimmer, from the Ship Report archives.

The Ship Report is taking a break this week. Regular reports, ship schedules and marine weather return Monday, Mar 4.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 4

Feb 29, 2024

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at the life and work of a USCG rescue swimmer.

The Ship Report is taking a little time off this week. Regular reports, ship schedules and marine weather return Monday, March 4.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 4

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at the life and work of a USCG rescue swimmer.

The Ship Report is taking a little time off this week. Regular reports, ship schedules and marine weather return Monday, March 4.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 3

Feb 28, 2024

Today is Part 3 of archive interviews this week with a USCG rescue swimmer. A fascinating look at the folks who rescue us when we get in trouble on the water.

The Ship Report is taking a little time off this week to recharge. Regular Ship Reports, ship schedules, and marine weather return on Monday, March 4.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 3

Today is Part 3 of archive interviews this week with a USCG rescue swimmer. A fascinating look at the folks who rescue us when we get in trouble on the water.

The Ship Report is taking a little time off this week to recharge. Regular Ship Reports, ship schedules, and marine weather return on Monday, March 4.