Meeting of the EWG of the SEG took place on March 6,2002 @ 2pm in the offices of Lockwood-Greene Engineering/Savannah, GA. The meeting was called to order at 2:14pm. Those in attendance were as follows:
Agenda items were agreed upon and were as follows:
I)Natural
Resources Forum Update
II)Finish
Discussion of Fleet Proj.WP
(I) Dave Kyler(absent from meeting today) wrote a letter to the USACE on behalf of
his organization and EWG that moves forward with interest on the NR Forum. It asks
for any assistance available from the USACE. Terry Stratton distributed documents//Draft
Report on Improving Environmental Benefits Analysis to EWG attendees as
background material. He stated that he has had some inquiries by possible
participants showing interest. Judy Jennings stated that the LWV of Savannah/Chatham
was approached to co-sponsor this proposed forum at there meeting of 3/4/2002. They
were interested and will monitor progress toward final details of this forum. Judy
Jennings also asked if anyone thought that GPA would be a co-sponsor? Morgan Rees
was unsure and stated that this question had not been raised yet among GPA. Once the USACE
responds to Dave Kyler's letter, GPA
might have a preliminary answer. He felt that GPA would participate in some
function. Continuing scope and details of this proposed forum would be determined at a
later date.
(II) Examine "K" - POST PANAMAX VESSEL DEPLOYMENT
Discussion ensued by all participants....Where are these large vessels to be
deployed? Majority of these vessels look to be deployed in the
Trans-Pacific/Asia-Europe routes with some small % trickling down to the SE USA
ports(including Savannah). It was noted that NY/NJ is deepening to 50 feet depth and
Norfolk is already at 50 feet depth. Most of these vessels are at a 47.5 draft.
Morgan Rees will ask the IWR through the USACE to obtain additional data on current
specifications of ships on order. It was noted, at this time, that to examine fleet
rotation and to further understand how deployment is taking shape, this additional data
will be needed. EWG agreed that this examine item will be revisited when Savannah
Fleet Projections are done.
Examine "L" - POTENTIAL FOR MEGA-SHIPS
EWG agreed to revisit..."What a mega-ship is..?" and to find out how
others have handled this item; when the Savannah Fleet Projections are final.
Examine "M" - METHODOLOGY FROM OAKLAND
FEASIBILITY REPORT IS APPLICABLE TO SAVANNAH
Changes to the Savannah Report (per Booz Allen - Pacific/Asian routes
to Savannah only) were due to incremental changes in fleet percentages. (Small depth boat
percentages will make up smaller percentages of fleet as depths go up..). EWG will
continue to examine this item.
Discussion of WP/ "MultiPort Analysis"
Morgan Rees stated that development of this white paper was based on the assumptions from
the feasibility report. Another element has been added that is not reflected - per
SELC - "Possibility that one regional port will be needed?" "
Improvement at one port and not any other port." and "Which port?"
(A) Assumption : COSTS AT COMPETING PORTS ARE COMPARABLE
This will be reevaluated at a later date.
(B) Assumption : COMPETITIVE POSITION DEPENDS ON QUALITY AND FREQUENCY OF SERVICE
This will be reevaluated at a later date.
C/ Assumption : COMPETITION FACTORS
This item will be looked at in the regional multiport analysis.
(1) SHIPS THROUGH OTHER PORTS
Items "a" thru "g" were not discussed at this time.
(2) PORT CAPACITY
It was noted that port capacity will be reevaluated within the new multiport
analysis.
(d) "COMPETITIVE HINTERLAND MARKETS DO NOT CHANGE"
EWG agreed to accept the 1998 US Trade/Hinterland market study that showed change
will not change Savannah hinterland market to any degree noticeable.
(e) "LAND DISTANCE LESS THAN 500 MILES IS TRANSPORTED BY TRUCK"
EWG agreed with this assumption.
(f) "LAND DISTANCE GREATER THAN 500 MILES IS TRANSPORTED BY RAIL"
EWG agreed with this assumption.
(g) " ATLANTA AND MEMPHIS ARE GOOD SAMPLE DESTINATION CITIES"
EWG agreed with this assumption.
(h) " ALL COMPETITIVE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE WILL KEEP PACE WITH NEEDS"
EWG agreed with this assumption. Will Berson might send additional
comments/concerns that would amend final statement.
(I) " USE OF A 4000 TEU VESSEL FOR THE PORT ANALYSIS"
It is noted here that a 6000 TEU vessel will be used.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:20pm and that a tentative date was set for the next
meeting. That date is Wednesday, April 17, 2002 @ 1PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
John T. Shelby, LWV of Savannah/Chatham