Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

12/16/2025

The Inland Ports and Navigation Group (IPNG) opposes the emergency motions filed by the National Wildlife Federation and the State of Oregon that seek to mandate increased spill and significantly alter reservoir operations at eight dams on the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers. In a filing with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, IPNG explained that the proposed measures are not supported by sound science, would provide little measurable benefit to salmon and steelhead, and would increase risks to navigation safety and system reliability. IPNG emphasized that current federal operations under the 2020 Columbia River System Operations Biological Opinion already include substantial spill, adaptive management, and ESA-compliant protections for listed fish.

IPNG will continue participating as a defendant-intervenor and advocating for balanced, science-based solutions that protect fish while maintaining safe navigation and the economic vitality of the Columbia–Snake River System.

Read the full press release:https://www.pnwa.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12.15.25-IPNG-Press-Release-re-Response-to-PI-Motion-Final.pdf

12/14/2025

PNWA staff recently visited the Port of Astoria, where we met with Will Isom and Matt McGrath for a tour of port properties and a deeper look at their maritime operations. We learned a great deal about the Port’s day-to-day needs, the importance of strong advocacy for working waterfronts, and the thoughtful plans underway to grow and improve port facilities.

Planned shipyard improvements, pier upgrades, and marina enhancements are focused on strengthening maritime operations, delivering reliable infrastructure, improving efficiency, and supporting environmentally sound use of our waterways, while creating long-term benefits for the Astoria community and maritime workforce, today and into the future.

Learn more: https://www.portofastoria.com/port-vision-projects

12/13/2025

PNWA recently met with Jon Hie of Hyak Maritime to learn more about the company’s growth plans and long-term vision. Hyak Maritime is exploring opportunities to expand its operations in ways that strengthen the maritime industry while supporting economic development in Astoria and workforce opportunities across Clatsop County.

Located on the Columbia River, Hyak Tongue Point is a 34-acre shipyard facility designed to support a wide range of maritime operations. As the site continues to develop, it is becoming a hub for vessel construction, repair, and maintenance, shaped by modern shipyard capabilities and a long-term commitment to sustainability, safety, and community engagement.

Learn more: https://www.hyakmaritime.com/

12/12/2025

PNWA staff recently traveled to Astoria to visit members and learn more about their operations. Our first stop was WCT Marine & Construction, Inc., where Willie Toristoja, Rick Reid, and Remi Toristoja shared insights into their shipyard services and day-to-day work supporting mariners on the river. WCT operates a fleet of tugs, heavy-lift water cranes, and shipyard cranes, providing services that range from new construction and fabrication to welding, repairs, maintenance, and vessel upgrades. Their operations were in full swing during our visit, and it was impressive to see the scale and pace of work underway.

Learn more: https://wctmarine.com/

12/10/2025

Check out the latest from . The Nor'wester Newsletter is full of great information of the maritime industry for the region. You will want to stay in the know with us! Clcik here: https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-903/

12/03/2025

12/02/2025

This ,
PNWA hopes you will consider supporting the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund, empowering the next generation of maritime and international trade professionals.

DONATE TODAY: https://www.pdxmex.com/scholarship/ways-to-support/

The fund supports students pursuing or advancing careers that strengthen the future of the maritime industry through education and innovation. Together, we can help ensure a prosperous future for our working waterways and global trade network.

11/29/2025

and your . May the of the season fills your heart and home…. or your barge.

11/27/2025

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy and gratitude. We are especially thankful for the wheat farmers, grain elevators and the barges transporting grain out to the world and for bringing us PIE!

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

We noticed an article that implied the lower Snake River dams block salmon habitat. It made two statements:

1. "On the Snake River, however, roughly 140 miles of salmon habitat are blocked by four dams."

2. “This seven-day week of movement and action aimed to involve people in our campaign to spotlight the plight of orcas and salmon, and to call for the removal of the Lower Snake River Dams.”

That seemed fishy to us! Here’s some more context: The four dams on the lower Snake River do not block fish passage; however, there are four dams in the basin that do block fish passage: Dworshak dam (Clearwater River, a tributary to the Lower Snake River), and Brownlee, Hells Canyon and Oxbow dams (all on the middle Snake River).

📷: fish ladder at Lower Granite Dam

11/19/2025

Global ag-products leader Nutrien has selected Longview, WA as the site for its next mineral fertilizer export terminal. The facility will ship potash, a key source of potassium that boosts crop yields and strengthens plant health.
Nutrien and partner Canpotex already operate four export terminals in North America—three in Canada and one in Portland—and this new site will help deliver fertilizer to farmers around the world more efficiently and reliably.

Port officials aim to finalize a lease in early 2026 for the $500 million to $1 billion project.