Maritime Commerce Advisory Committee (MCAC) - May 20, 2021

Agenda

1. Welcome and Self-Introductions (All)

2. Maritime Update (Andre Coleman)

3. Southern Waterfront Update (Brendan O’Meara)

4. Port Resilience (TBD)

5. Old and New Business; General Discussion; Agenda Topics for Future Meetings (All)

1. Welcome
• Self-introductions by all present.

2. Maritime Update (Andre Coleman)
• In March, maritime staff updated the Port Commission on the cruise industry, followed by a 2nd presentation for a month-to-month extension on the lease for each pause of cruise to our terminal operator Metro Cruise and Events.  Commission approved.
• Resumption of cruise discussions continue. Princess is signaling to resume in August with a 100% vaccination model, higher than what is required by the CDC (98% crew and 95% passengers).
• Conditional requirements from the CDC are 1) line operators need port agreements in place with the department of Public Health, 2) housing agreements in place in the event of worse case scenarios, 3) and max capacity still needs to be determined.
• There are 27 cruises remaining for the year. 
• For calendar year 2022, we have roughly 118 calls.  This includes the new home port call of the Carnival Miracle which was rescheduled from 2020.
• Cargo Operations remains fairly strong. 
• In May, the Port hosted a French vessel, the Energy Observer, which runs on renewable energy (hydrogen using sea water and solar).  The vessel is on a six year voyage starting out of France in 2017 to promote and educate ports about the technology.
• Recently, we also had 2 National Geographic vessels docked at Pier 50.
• Governor Newsom announced the “American Rescue Plan” where 250 million dollars will be allocated to California ports to aid in their economic recovery.  The funding will place the Port on stable financial footing this year, as we continue our work to overcome the multi-year structural deficit we are facing.
• The Port is undertaking economic recovery initiatives by department.  One initiative specific to maritime is revamping our lay berth strategy. We are looking to improve electrical and sewer/water on other facilities to accommodate more vessels.
• In June, maritime will provide the Port Commission an update on all maritime portfolios.
• The Maritime Preservation Policy may be amended to include language for harbor service tenants using shed, office, apron, and submerged land for their operations by reducing the parameter rate of 25%.

3. Southern Waterfront Update – David Beaupre and Kari Kilstrom
• Work on the Waterfront Plan continues.
• Diane’s team is working with the Planning department to release the EIR early next year, and have it formally adopted in the spring of 2022. 
• They are also working with BCDC on amendments to the San Francisco special area plan. This will go through the same environmental review as the waterfront plan and will be adopted possibly summer or fall 2022.
• BCDC is updating the Seaport Plan which effects the proprietary use areas primarily at Piers 70 – 96.

4. Port Resilience – Kari Kilstrom
• The Port has been collaborating with MTA, PUC, and the Planning Department on a flood resiliency strategy for the Islais Creek district.  An informational presentation will be presented to the Port Commission.
• Click to open hyperlink Flood Resiliency Study for more information.

5. Old and New Business; General Discussion; Agenda Topics for Future Meetings
• May 21st is National Maritime Day.  Anita welcomes everyone to join the celebration via zoom, hosted by the Propeller Club.
• Dominic suggested a need for a sub-committee of MCAC primarily focused on the fishing industry.
• Discuss plans for Fleet Week.
• Dave Thomas with San Francisco Water Taxi will launch his sixth boat, Taxi #4 next month.

6. Forward Calendar:
• MCAC meeting dates schedule in 2021 (third Thursday, every other month):
July 15, September 16, November 18
MCAC meetings are held Virtually, unless otherwise noticed, and begin at 11:30am.
Due to the COVID-19 public health orders, this meeting will be held online and by teleconference.
• Port Commission meeting dates prior to next MCAC meeting:
June 8, July 13
PC meetings are held Virtually, unless otherwise noticed.