Pittsburgh Commission

  • Mary Ann Bucci has spent her entire career in many different aspects of the logistics profession, selling container space on international vessels for SeaLand Service, leasing railcar equipment for GE Railcar Services, and negotiated rail rate for Aristech Chemicals. Having spent the last 19 years advocating for the inland waterways system, specifically for the Port of Pittsburgh District, Bucci weighs in on some of the top issues and key projects underway at one of the nation’s busiest inland ports.

    Please describe the Port of Pittsburgh Commission’s role in supporting waterway commerce, and what are your primary responsibilities as Executive Director?
    At the Commission, I report to a 15-member Board that is appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I propose strategies and design programs to carry out the mission of the Commission, manage the staff and resources of the Commission, gather public support to assist in carry out the mission and ensure the effective execution of the Commission’s priorities consistent with the financial, ethical and legal constraints of the Commission. In my role of supporting waterway commerce, I organize and participate in tours, programs and press conferences to educate our elected officials, stakeholders, community agencies, and the recreation boating community on the federal funding issues for lock and dam projects.

    (Photo: Port of Pittsburgh Commission)Please give a “by the numbers” rundown of the Port of Pittsburgh.
    The Port of Pittsburgh Commission is 200 miles of navigable waterway in 12 counties. There are approximately 160 terminal facilities and 17 sets of locks and dams located on the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers. In 2017, our locks handled 86.5 million tons of cargo. The busiest locks perform as many as 300 commercial lockages per month. In 2018, 21.6 million tons of inbound, outbound and intra-port cargo was moved in the Port District.

    What about jobs and GDP?
    We are currently working with Texas A&M Transportation Institute on an Economic Impact Study to gather the latest data. It is premature for me to quote any statistical data at this time, but our report should be completed late summer, early fall.

    Aging river infrastructure is a major concern for those operating on the United States' inland waterways. Where are your top infrastructure concerns for the Port of Pittsburgh today, and what’s required to address them?
    A major lock or dam failure at any of locks or dams in our district. Our first priority is the need to complete the Lower Mon Project. This project has been ongoing for 26 years due to lack of adequate funding. The Water Resource Development of 2014 allowed the project to get back on track, and the project is now funded to completion. The anticipated date is 2023.

    The second priority, is to receive a new start construction on the Ohio River (Upper Ohio Navigation Project). This project will build one new 600-foot lock chamber at Emsworth L/D, Dashields L/D and Montgomery L/D.

    Construction at the Charleroi Lock & Dam (Photo: Port of Pittsburgh Commission)

    Which specific infrastructure improvement project(s) presently needed or underway will have the greatest positive impact?
    The Upper Ohio Navigation Project will have the greatest positive impact. It is the gateway to the rest of the navigation system. The largest construction project, a cracker plant being build by Shell is located on the Ohio River. The facility would have never been built in this region without access to the river. Most of the components that went into building that facility moved on the inland waterways system as the pieces were too large for any other mode of transportation.

    Across the country, river infrastructure competes with road and rail for critical federal funding. Why is it important for lawmakers to ensure rivers receive their fair share?
    River infrastructure and industries are a key part of our integrated transportation system. As a viable transportation mode for certain products and goods, the rivers do compete for federal dollars with other modes and it is important for all of us to let our decision makers know the important role and impact our industries have for both the economy and the environment.

    Construction and the Shell Cracker Plant (Photo: Port of Pittsburgh Commission)

    What policy matters would you like to see addressed in future WRDA legislation, and why?
    In recent years, when changes have been made to the 50/50 federal cost share for particular projects, we’ve seen major infrastructure projects finally being completed and saving money in the long run. That is why a top priority of PortPitt and many other inland waterways groups is a change in WRDA to a 75/25 federal cost-share. We’ve advocated for such a change and are hopeful that the 2020 WRDA bill will include language closer to the 75/25 percentage so that we can get projects done quicker and save money over the long run. In addition, we oppose additional tolling or lockage fees or other charges for the users on the inland waterways system.

    How has the COVID-19 outbreak impacted – or perhaps not impacted – operations at the Port of Pittsburgh? What have been the greatest challenges (if any), and what’s being done to address them?
    The rivers keep moving during this crisis and so do our river industry partners. Both the federal and state governments have recognized the importance of our transportation sector in moving products and goods, and we are so proud of all the work that continues on and along our Marine Highways in support of our commonwealth and country.

    What short- and long-term effects on the Port of Pittsburgh do you expect to see stemming from the coronavirus pandemic?
    There is a lot of unknown with the coronavirus pandemic. Short term, the products are moving. Long term, the shutdown at various plants could cause a downturn in shipping; and if many individuals, (lock and dam operators, barge operators, terminal operators) become infected with the virus, a lack of workforce could slow down the movement of freight along the inland waterways.

    (Photo: Port of Pittsburgh Commission)

  • Waterways Foundation, Vice Chairman and Executive Committee of Waterways Council (WCI) and as Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission.   Stephaich and his firm, Campbell Transportation Company, own and operate boats, hopper barges, and jumbo barges on the Upper Ohio River

  • Waterways Foundation, Vice Chairman and Executive Committee of Waterways Council (WCI) and as Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission.Stephaich and his firm, Campbell Transportation Company, own and operate boats, hopper barges, and jumbo barges on the Upper Ohio River. The

  • Works; Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House for Infrastructure; Mary Ann Bucci, the executive director of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission; and Mark Gentile, the president of Trumbull Corps; participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at Montgomery Locks and Dam in Monaca, Pennsylvania

  • takes the Corps to provide updates to the waterway charts. In early June of 2013, a demonstration was conducted in coordination with the Port of Pittsburgh Commission’s (PPC) Wireless Waterways program. As reported in the October 2012 edition of MarineNews, the $1.3 million wireless project was funded by

  • takes the Corps to provide updates to the waterway charts. In early June of 2013, a demonstration was conducted in coordination with the Port of Pittsburgh Commission’s (PPC) Wireless Waterways program. As reported in the October 2012 edition of MarineNews, the $1.3 million wireless project was funded by

  • to the bottom line has led to a sustained commitment to building dual fuel, gas ready and LNG powered merchant vessels. Separately, the Port of Pittsburgh Commission in May began soliciting proposals to provide research support for a liquid natural gas project for the Pittsburgh marine-corridor by developing

  • is alive and well. The Clean Fuels/Clean Rivers Team consists of Life Cycle Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC), Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Rahall Appalachian Transportation Institute and The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI). The ultimate goal of this effort is to expand the potential

  • MR Feb-24#22  Fortune 500 company based in Pittsburgh, PA with 
tational program)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 22

    and started with look at the company today. General Electric in the Edison Engineering Development ro- Wabtec is a Fortune 500 company based in Pittsburgh, PA with tational program at the Erie, PA, site, primarily focused on about a $8-9B revenue. We are based in more than 50 countries, the development

  • MR Feb-24#10 Back to the Drawing Board 
Let’s Set Some Standards for)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 10

    Back to the Drawing Board Let’s Set Some Standards for Micro Cargo By Rik van Hemmen s zero carbon cargo efforts are progressing, it is becoming more apparent that the lowest hanging fruit is in the last few miles. This is where a large amount of carbon is expended in delivering small A parcels to

  • MN Feb-24#34 Feature
Marine Simulation
All images courtesy Virtual)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 34

    Feature Marine Simulation All images courtesy Virtual Marine S T R DIMULATOR RAINING IS THE EAL EAL By Eric Haun A legacy of innovation n the commercial maritime and offshore industries, where worker safety and competency are crucial, ef- Virtual Marine’s journey began two decades ago with a sin- fect

  • MN Feb-24#21  and Machine Workers in Pittsburgh”, and American  construction)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 21

    the Indiana”, an engine “made by the United States Electrical, development of marine terminals to support offshore wind Radio and Machine Workers in Pittsburgh”, and American construction and operation. As previously reported, the mariners from Seafarers International Union. Maritime Administration (MARAD)

  • MN Feb-24#12 by giving company-speci? c training, which shows us how)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 12

    by giving company-speci? c training, which shows us how as two and a half years, but our maritime apprentice pro- these companies are being proactive in tracking trends and gram basically offers a fast track into the industry,” Gianel- analyzing what would suit their mariners best, beyond reg- loni said.

  • MT Jan-24#33 four of its 18 Ohio-class SSBNs and  They can also operate)
    January 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 33

    four of its 18 Ohio-class SSBNs and They can also operate without the wires, These weapons are launched over the side converted them to conventional cruise using their own active or passive sensors. of surface ships with the ubiquitous MK missile carriers. The ? rst four Ohio- They are programmed to

  • MT Jan-24#32 SUBSEA VEHICLES DEFENSE
USS Baltimore (SSN 704) served for)
    January 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 32

    SUBSEA VEHICLES DEFENSE USS Baltimore (SSN 704) served for just 15 and a half years in 2004, and the newest, USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) of active service. joining the ? eet in October of 2023. Newer versions will be Los Angeles-class submarines carried MK-48 heavyweight ? tted with the Virginia

  • MT Jan-24#31 at depths up to 1,000 feet. serve as a moored training)
    January 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 31

    at depths up to 1,000 feet. serve as a moored training ship (MTS ton. Some of the 688s were pulled from Hammerhead consists of a mooring 701) and the Nuclear Power School service at their mid-life point rather than module that plants itself on the bot- in Charleson, S.C. Likewise USS San incur the

  • MR Jan-24#40 In the Shipyard
Latest Deliveries, Contracts and Designs
Var)
    January 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 40

    In the Shipyard Latest Deliveries, Contracts and Designs Vard Inks $450M to Build Cable Layers ARD won a $252m contract for the design and con- struction of a third cable laying vessel for Italy’s Prysmian Group: Monna Lisa is still under construc- V tion; Leonardo da Vinci was delivered in 2021. The new

  • MT Nov-23#19 to see if it can be increased. ISO-NE noted the upper)
    November 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 19

    to see if it can be increased. ISO-NE noted the upper limit About the Authors for a single system contingency to be 2,000 MW -- instead of the stated 2,200 MW -- and sought study up to that lower Paradise 2,000 MW limit. While a 2,000 MW operating ceiling would Theodore Paradise is a accommodate the

  • MT Nov-23#18 LEGAL BEAT OFFSHORE WIND
point in between, is an at least)
    November 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 18

    LEGAL BEAT OFFSHORE WIND point in between, is an at least hourly calculation involving ue? ed natural gas gasi? cation facility, and the region’s two a control-to-control room check. The 1,200 MW value does remaining nuclear plants, Seabrook in New Hampshire and not appear in the 1991 agreement, but is

  • MT Nov-23#6 Authors & Contributors
Frank Ewing Gullick Konowe
Skucas)
    November 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 6

    Authors & Contributors Frank Ewing Gullick Konowe Skucas Lundquist Paradise Strachan Ewing Konowe the changing landscape of the electric Tom Ewing is a freelance writer Celia Konowe is from Reston, Va., and industry, advising clients regarding specializing in energy and environmental has a bachelor’s

  • MN Nov-23#23 remains a recognized ?  oating nuclear facility by the NRC.)
    November 2023 - Marine News page: 23

    remains a recognized ? oating nuclear facility by the NRC. ing was well attended with congressional support, and the The decommissioning continues in capable hands with brie? ng was followed by an American Bureau of Shipping members of the U.S. Maritime Administration who have (ABS) Global Forum –

  • MR Nov-23#62 MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND
CTV Technical Trends
lutions)
    November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 62

    MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND CTV Technical Trends lutions for active vessels, but the Volvo Penta quad IPS system Still a Bright Future has gained much favor, featuring in over 50% of new builds. Offshore wind projects, whether in the U.S. or globally, are The SOV segment is de? ned by those vessels

  • MR Nov-23#61 MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND
Chart Intelatus Global)
    November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 61

    MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND Chart Intelatus Global Partners ing resource on the leasing and permitting of offshore wind long lifetime, they will require constant routine inspection, and plans to approve over 13 GW of project capacity before repair and maintenance, the technicians for which are trans- th

  • MR Nov-23#60 MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND
The $1 Billion Offshore)
    November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 60

    MARKET IN FOCUS: OFFSHORE WIND The $1 Billion Offshore Wind Prize for U.S. Shipyards The growing CTV and SOV market represents a long-term demand for at least 60 to more than 130 vessels. By Philip Lewis, Research Director, Intelatus Global Partners he U.S. offshore wind market presents a $1 billion the

  • MR Nov-23#27 Of?  cially named 
in September 
2023, it is the 
?  rst)
    November 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 27

    Of? cially named in September 2023, it is the ? rst methanol- powered vessel that doesn’t carry methanol as cargo. Source Maersk Godmother of Laura Mærsk, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in front of the vessel with Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla, Maersk Chair, Robert Uggla, Maersk CEO

  • MN Oct-23#33 Offshore
n offshore wind industry is growing in the U.S.)
    October 2023 - Marine News page: 33

    Offshore n offshore wind industry is growing in the U.S. conversions of U.S.-? agged PSVs “[making] the jump into with an aim to meet the Biden Administration’s renewables on the East Coast” for survey-type work, bubble goal of 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by curtain work and walk-to-work activitie

  • MN Oct-23#31  direc-
tor at the Port of Pittsburgh, de-
scribed the locks)
    October 2023 - Marine News page: 31

    a ribbon cutting when we’ll be able to achieve the full bene? ts of this system,” Stephaich said. Mary Ann Bucci, executive direc- tor at the Port of Pittsburgh, de- scribed the locks as the river gateway for commerce moving in and out of the city. “If any of these locks, start- ing with the Montgomery

  • MN Oct-23#30  of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission; 
and Mark Gentile)
    October 2023 - Marine News page: 30

    Works; Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House for Infrastructure; Mary Ann Bucci, the executive director of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission; and Mark Gentile, the president of Trumbull Corps; participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at Montgomery Locks and Dam in Monaca, Pennsylvania

  • MN Oct-23#29  plan for improving the Em- Pittsburgh—were each constructed)
    October 2023 - Marine News page: 29

    Feature Inland Waterways nomic Development (NED) plan for improving the Em- Pittsburgh—were each constructed prior to 1936 and have sworth, Dashields and Montgomery locks and dams with the oldest and smallest lock chambers on the Ohio River. new expanded lock chambers. At each of the three sites, Of

  • MR Sep-23#42  (WABTEC), head-
quartered in Pittsburgh, PA, designs, manufactures)
    September 2023 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 42

    infrastructure could cost lion or more. Hydrogen: triple that of a conventional tug. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WABTEC), head- quartered in Pittsburgh, PA, designs, manufactures and ser- vices freight rail and marine transportation projects. The com- pany writes that it is “developing a commercial

  • MN Jun-23#30 Ian Gray / U.S. Coast Guard
Feature
Gov’t Shipbuilding
Ryan)
    June 2023 - Marine News page: 30

    Ian Gray / U.S. Coast Guard Feature Gov’t Shipbuilding Ryan L. Noel / U.S. Coast Guard Photo The crew of CGC William Chadwick Coast Guard Station Ketchikan, Alaska is equipped with two 45-foot (WPC-1150) Response Boats-Medium (pictured and two 29-foot Response Boats- conducted small boat Small, used to

  • MN Jun-23#25 Feature
Autonomous Vessels
delivered and the remaining six)
    June 2023 - Marine News page: 25

    Feature Autonomous Vessels delivered and the remaining six are due to arrive this year. Following closely on their heels will be a ? eet of six 86-meter ships due to commence build in 2024, again at VARD, with delivery for the ? rst ships due early 2025. According to Ocean In? nity, all the vessels