RO/RO\\\ >> 12


335,000 over that period, figures show.


“We attribute this to adding


some new business, as well as the improving health of the domestic economy for new autos,” he says, noting that the port handles Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Honda, and Ford. However, he says, exports from more than 78,000


fell


in 2018 to nearly 56,000 this year.


“While it’s difficult to


pinpoint, we have seen a decline in our exports,” he says, “and the tariffs may have played a role. Autos being exported to Japan and Korea are strong, for example, while those going to China have dipped in the last year.” Fischer sees sourcing


shifting from Asia to North American locations, primarily in Mexico. “Given the USMCA, there’s


potential to see even more North American-destined vehicles


being sourced


from Mexico,” he says. “This presents an opportunity for our port to handle imports from Asia, as well as Mexico.


Port of Vancouver USA


Like Hueneme, Subaru helps drive increasing ro/ro volumes in Port of Vancouver, USA, where Chief Commercial


Issue 9 2019 - FBJNA


Officer Alex Strogen joins others’ concerns about tariffs, specifically 25% on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum. As FBJNA went to press,


The New York Times reported that President Trump “ruled out rolling back all the tariffs he has imposed on China and indicated that he has not yet decided which levies, if any, he might eliminate as part of an initial trade agreement.” Already, Chinese goods face $360 billion in levies, with another round set for December. “Business thrives in a


regulatory environment that provides predictability,” Strogen says. “The uncertainty surrounding tariffs—most notably Section 232 tariffs on finished automobiles— has created a challenging environment for longer-range planning and investment.” Nevertheless, Port of


Vancouver USA, saw an 8% increase in volume to 66,380 over 2018 and consistency in the past several months. Despite his current


optimism for ro-ro’s growth in the foreseeable future, he adds an interesting, didn’t- see-that-coming observation: “With technological


advances in the electric- vehicle market and changes in consumer trends beyond


Autos roll off at Newport News Marine Terminal. (Photo courtesy of Port of Virginia)


John Deere equipment is loaded at the Port of Baltimore onto WWL ro/ ro vessels. (MPA photo.)


2030, there are uncertainties to consider regarding the future


in the auto-import


industry.” Vancouver’s Strogen seems


to sum up port officials’ optimism in ro/ro’s growth this way: “We continue to work with our ro/ro stakeholders to map out the infrastructure


13


they will need to respond to changes and fluctuations in the industry.


This includes


additional space for vehicle processing as cargo volumes grow, with capabilities to


accommodate a new,


modernized fleet of vehicles.” Port of San Diego


The Port of San Diego reported around a 9% increase last


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