Port of Vancouver USA welcomes Nona Bulker on maiden voyage
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the Nona Bulker, commanded by Capt. Rodolfo G. Aponte of the Philippines, on its maiden voyage to the port on March 10, 2009.
Aponte and his 20-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by Mike Vail, vice president of operations for Pacific Coast Shredding, Chris Cummins, president of PNW Ship and Cargo Services; Marlin Pulliam, superintendent for Ports America, Char Waits of Cascade Awards along with port representatives Lars Uglum, Pete Boch and Debbie Taylor.
The Nona Bulker was built in Japan at the Hakodate Shipyard and launched in January 2009. It is nearly 576 feet in length, has deadweight of 31,922 tons. The crew for the vessel’s first visit to the Port of Vancouver USA was from the Philippines.
The Nona Bulker is owned by J. Lauritzen Singapore PTE, Ltd. and operated by Lauritzen Bulker A/S.
PNW Ship and Cargo Services (USA) Inc. is the agent for J. Lauritzen Singapore PTE, Ltd.
This shipment for Pacific Coast Shredding/Metro Metals was the largest shipment to date. Pacific Coast Shredding has been a long-term industrial tenant at the port. PCS has also been a marine customer, exporting its steel shred for reuse around the world.
After leaving Vancouver, the vessel sailed for its final destination of Nanjin, China to discharge the scrap metal.
Photo from (l-r): Christopher Daug, second officer; Chris Cummins, PNW Ship and Cargo Services (USA) Inc.; Pete Boch, Marlin Pulliam, Ports America, Mike Vail, Pacific Coast Shredding; Char Waits, Cascade Awards; Lars Uglum, Port of Vancouver and Captain Rodolfo Aponte. 
About the Port of Vancouver USA
The Port of Vancouver USA, created by Clark County taxpayers in 1912, is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast. Its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community.
The Port of Vancouver is embarking on a year full of projects and developments that will lead to vital job creation, economic stimulation and environmental preservation. By diversifying its cargo mix between bulk commodities, breakbulk and project cargos, the port is responsible for job generation and significant contributions to the tax base for not only its own community, but also the state of Washington. Current expansion of the port’s rail system and development of new port industrial and marine properties will bring new jobs – both short term and long term – and the preservation of wetlands, the creation of enhanced wildlife habitat, and make way for more green/sustainable business partners operating from the port. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.
– POV –