In a recent development, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have finalized a rule, effective April 5, addressing consultations under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for construction projects that may affect endangered species or their habitats. This decision came despite significant opposition from AAPA and other industry groups, which voiced concerns over increased regulatory burdens and potential impacts on port maintenance and staffing. The final rule modifies definitions and guidelines crucial for assessing project impacts on endangered species, removing several provisions that previously offered clarity and certainty to stakeholders. These changes are poised to affect the consultation process by broadening the scope of impacts considered and possibly adding complexity to project permitting.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has announced a new 10-year lease agreement with The Kearney Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics, LLC. This deal strengthens the longstanding relationship between Port NOLA and The Kearney Companies, emphasizing their commitment to logistics solutions that integrate river, rail, and road transport. The agreement includes commitments for capital investments in facility improvements, supporting cargo growth and job creation in the region. For more information, you can view the full press release here.

The Port of Seattle marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years of cruising to Alaska with the commencement of Seattle's 2024 cruise season. This season is expected to be record-breaking, with over 1.26 million passengers anticipated across 295 ship calls. The cruise industry plays a pivotal role in Seattle's economy, generating substantial annual revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. This milestone underscores the enduring appeal of Alaskan cruises and Seattle's vital role as a gateway for maritime travel.

Members of Congress and staff have recently reached out to AAPA to express interest in moving the CBP SPACE Act (H.R. 6409), which would tap existing user fees so U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could fund their facilities at seaports and also statutorily restrict CBP’s ability to make demands of ports.
 
Congressional staff has made it clear that a broad demonstration of maritime support is key to moving the bill forward. AAPA has drafted a letter of support to Congressional leaders. Ports and related businesses are needed to sign on.
 
We ask AAPA members to send responses to Derek Miller by Wednesday, April 17 to sign on. Members are also encouraged to send their own endorsement of the bill to House Ways and Means Committee staff by reaching out to Eric Ettorre. AAPA is glad to provide suggested language upon request.

AAPA will continue to provide various resources on news and updates regarding the Key Bridge collapse and response efforts.

 

This week's highlights:

- Unified Command Launches Dedicated Website for Key Bridge Response 2024 Updates

- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announce Timeline for Channel Reopening Amidst Recovery Efforts

- Port of LA ED Discusses Supply Chain Stability Post-Baltimore Bridge Collapse on CNBC

 

 

AAPA’s Harbors and Navigation Committee (HNC) will hold a virtual meeting on April 16 and 17. The HNC’s mission is to identify, understand, and resolve waterside maritime infrastructure issues for safe, sustainable, and efficient movement of freight to and from the global marketplace and to address legislation, policy, and process-level issues of studies, regulatory actions, construction, operation, and maintenance of navigation channels including dredging, dredged material placement, and technology developments. Typically, HNC’s activities and meetings are only distributed to the HNC membership.

The Port of Brownsville has been awarded a $1.1 million federal grant for the Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project, aimed at planning and improving infrastructure to support larger vessels. This funding is part of broader efforts to boost economic development and infrastructure in South Texas, including major projects like the construction of a business park and the deepening of the Brownsville ship channel. The initiative reflects ongoing strategic efforts to enhance port capacity and economic impact in the region. For more details, you can view the full press release here.

The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners will hold its next public meeting on April 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Open to the public, this meeting welcomes comments in person, virtually, or via written submission, with specifics on how to participate detailed on their website. The meeting will also be broadcast live, ensuring accessible public engagement. For further details, you can view the full press release here.

Port Tampa Bay, alongside the Propeller Club and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, will host the fourth annual "Great Port Clean-up" on April 26. This event, set to occur the Friday after Earth Day, aims to remove trash and invasive plant species from around the waters of Tampa Bay, with last year's effort removing over 79,000 pounds of trash with the help of more than 850 volunteers. This cleanup effort has received significant recognition, including awards from AAPA and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, for its impact and partnership. For more details, read the full press release here.

The Port of Everett is set to release a Request for Bids for the construction of two new multi-tenant retail buildings, totaling over 21,000 square feet, at Fisherman’s Harbor within Waterfront Place. This development phase also includes the addition of a new 78-stall parking lot along “Restaurant Row.” With most spaces pre-leased, the Port is specifically seeking bids for a Mexican restaurant to join the diverse culinary offerings at the waterfront. Official bidding documents will be available on May 7, with the project completion aimed for Q3 2025, promising to add a new flavor and enhanced utility to Everett's vibrant waterfront district.

 

More details can be found here.

The March 2024 edition of Trade Currents Navigator presents containerized trade trends and forecasts through the first quarter of 2025 based on the January 2024 trade information released by the U.S Census Bureau in early March. The report highlights activities affecting ports’ trade volumes, including:

 

The Red Sea/Suez Canal crisis is a developing risk to U.S. containerized trade. U.S. containerized trade with Middle East countries (excluding those on the Mediterranean Sea) and with South Asian countries has the highest risk of disruption due to this evolving crisis.

 

The Red Sea crisis has begun to have a negative impact on U.S. containerized trade volumes and shipping costs. In January 2024, containerized imports from the Middle East and South Asia declined 16% year-over-year, much steeper than the drop in total U.S. containerized imports. Month-over-month, containerized imports from the Middle East and South Asia fell 4% in January, while total U.S. containerized imports increased.

 

Containerized exports to the Middle East and South Asia fell 5% year-over-year in January 2024, while total U.S. containerized exports increased. Month-over-month, exports to the Middle East and South Asia dropped 12%, significantly more than total U.S. containerized exports.

 

It should be noted that the decreased monthly trade volumes just outlined may reflect delays in monthly volumes due to longer shipping distances, pushing volumes into succeeding months.

The Port of San Diego declared a local emergency in response to the ongoing pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Valley, joining similar actions by nearby cities and the county. This move underscores the port's commitment to addressing the severe environmental and public health issues caused by pollutants entering the Pacific Ocean and affecting local communities. The declaration aims to strengthen regional efforts to secure necessary funding and support for infrastructure improvements to tackle the pollution problem. For more details, you can view the full press release here.

 

Professor of Strategy & Policy, Newport, RI; U.S. Naval War College

 

Chief Operating Officer, Corpus Christi, TX; Port of Corpus Christi

 

Executive Director, Anacortes, Washington; Port of Anacortes

President & Chief Executive Officer, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Halifax Port Authority

Port Engineer, Riviera Beach, FL; Port of Palm Beach

Port Associate Engineer (Electrical & Mechanical Work), Oakland, CA; Port of Oakland

Transportation Planning Intern, Tacoma, WA; City of Tacoma