However, the bottom line is essential to an efficient port
Maritime industry satire might seem like a contradiction and a near impossibility but the "alternative agenda" for the American Association of Port Authorities in Seattle this week is about as close as you'll get.
General opinion is that the protest – a fictitious program of events slipped under the hotel doors of participants – highlighted shortcomings and difficulties with environmental efforts but completely misunderstood the forces that drive the industry.
A testy remark from one insider sums it up. "Of course the bottom line is important. You have to balance eco/Green issues against the cost. Cold ironing (shoreside power) is the perfect example. We would install facilities at every berth in a heartbeat, but who's going to pay for the minimum of $10 million per berth?"
Silent cheers have rung out for the "agenda item" highlighting Wall Street's growing involvement in terminal and port operations. ("Financial giants like Goldman Sachs – half-owner of Seattle-based SSA Marine – have come under scrutiny for their role in the mortgage meltdown that rocked world markets," says the flyer.) Operations specialists fear that banks are likely to interfere in technical operations – which they know nothing about – and order management to cut corners in the drive for better margins and profits.
Allegations about Jim Crow conditions for truck drivers (with Inbound Express and Australia's Toll Group said to be guilty) have surprised many people and raised eyebrows. ("From bathrooms to drinking fountains, your supply chain business can also restrict access to basic facilities for “some” people. This workshop explores best practices on inhumane tactics to keep the hired help in line. Why stop at illegal misclassification?") Expect this to generate heat, if not light.
As for no one being interested in LA's debate on ways to develop Green growth models when battling economic hardship – not so. There was intense interest.