The Port of Kalama is honored to welcome a maiden voyage from the international ship, Storm Rider, this weekend. The 22 ton bulk carrier is loading wheat at the port for shipment to Manzanita, Mexico. The ship, which hails from Cyprus, is operated by Grecomar Shipping & Agencies and is captained by Konstantinos Pantazis.
According to Port of Kalama marketing manager, Liz Newman , the Storm Rider utilizes state-of-the-art technology for auto-navigation and a monitoring system that alerts the entire ship if there is a problem at the bridge or wheelhouse. “I was amazed to learn that the ship also runs on 8,800 horsepower – unfathomable!” says Newman.
Newman, who met the crew this week, says a draw for the international visitors to Kalama and Cowlitz County are the local Wal-Mart stores. “The crew visited the Woodland, Washington Wal-Mart this week and purchased diverse gifts for family back home. They also dined at Kalama’s Columbia Inn. We are delighted to showcase our region and hope the crew returns for many more visits.”
The Port of Kalama, which is located on the deep-draft Columbia River immediately adjacent to Interstate 5 and the mainline railroad, is home to some of the largest grain terminals on the west coast. Two grain terminals and a deep-draft break-bulk terminal are located on the river.
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World Maritime News Staff, December 14, 2011; Image: Port of Kalama