The Smart Ports Seminar & Expo consistently and reliably provides our exhibitors opportunities to get noticed by port executives and government leaders. In 2023, over 40 ports attended from the U.S., Caribbean, Canada, and Latin America. There were also participants from a dozen federal agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, FEMA, and MARAD.

 

Meals, beverages, breaks, and a reception will all take place in the Princessa Ballroom to maximize foot traffic and help your exhibit get the attention it deserves.

 

Space is limited. So don't delay; reserve your space today by registering to attend the 2024 Smart Ports Seminar & Expo, July 9-11 in Seattle, WA!

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

In April, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) handled a record 80,600 units of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo, marking a 44% increase compared to the same month last year. This surge is attributed to strong Asian imports, increased vehicle exports, and diversions from the Port of Baltimore. Additionally, the GPA Board re-elected Chairman Kent Fountain, Vice Chairman Alec Poitevint, and Secretary-Treasurer Chris Womack to new terms starting July 1. In container trade, the Port of Savannah moved 441,000 TEUs, an 8% increase over April 2023.

AAPA, in collaboration with the maritime industry, has sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, expressing steadfast support for LNG as an immediate alternative fuel. This initiative is crucial for aiding the maritime sector in its transition toward meeting the 2050 net zero emissions targets.

Officials are monitoring planned pro-Palestine protests set for July 4th, which aim to "blockade" various ports across the country. Targeted locations include Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago. The protests intend to disrupt economic activity at these ports. Members seeking further information can contact AAPA at info@aapa-ports.org.

The Port of Montreal is launching its annual "Port in the City" event, beginning on May 24 at the Eurêka! Festival and continuing until September 14. This summer-long initiative includes a travelling information container, free bus tours of the port, and a contest to win a cruise. Visitors can engage with a logistics-themed game, learn about port activities, and enjoy treats at the Grand Quay and across Montreal. The event aims to raise public awareness and offer the community a unique opportunity to explore port operations.

Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and the Port Authority announced an agreement to modernize the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and expand the Howland Hook Marine Terminal. The Brooklyn project includes a $95 million investment to develop a mixed-use waterfront hub, potentially creating thousands of jobs. The Port Authority will take full operational control of Howland Hook, supporting long-term expansion and sustainability upgrades. This initiative aims to boost economic growth, reduce truck traffic, and enhance the region's maritime infrastructure.

The Port of San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners has doubled the funding for the Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF) to 4 percent of the Port's annual gross maritime industrial revenue, directing approximately $1.5 million for Fiscal Year 2025. The MIIF, which has supported projects like electric shuttles, air quality improvements, and noise reduction, will now also fund maritime electrification efforts. This initiative is part of the Port's broader commitment to environmental justice and improving quality of life for communities around San Diego Bay.

Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) President and CEO Brandy D. Christian will step down in mid-June 2024 to pursue a private sector opportunity. Under her leadership since 2017, Port NOLA increased operating revenues by 70 percent, and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) saw a 300 percent increase in operating income. Christian's tenure included the acquisition of NOPB and the initiation of the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal project. Ronald Wendel, Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO, will assume acting leadership following Christian's departure.

On May 15, the Port of Long Beach broke ground on a new charging depot operated by Forum Mobility, marking a significant step toward achieving zero-emissions drayage truck operations by 2035. The facility, set to open in the fall, will feature 25 chargers capable of powering 44 heavy-duty electric trucks simultaneously. This project aligns with the Port's Clean Air Action Plan and supports local truck drivers in transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles. The Port of Long Beach, in collaboration with various agencies, is also providing substantial funding incentives for the purchase of zero-emission trucks.

The Port of Grays Harbor's Satsop Historic Video Tours received the Washington Public Ports Association’s Community Outreach Award at its Spring Meeting. This five-part video series, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Satsop Business Park, offers exclusive tours of restricted sites at the unfinished nuclear power plant. Funded by a grant and produced by a local media company, the videos have reached over 1,400 viewers, significantly enhancing public engagement compared to previous walking tours. The videos are available on the Port’s website and YouTube channel.

- Harbour Mastery

Port & Harbors Director; Ketchikan, Alaska; The City of Ketchikan

 

Maritime Security Project Administrator; Oakland, California; Port of Oakland
 

Manager of Marine Terminals; Longview, Washington; Port of Longview

 

Manager of Channel and DMPA Development (Dredging, Navigation, Civil, and Coastal Engineering); Corpus Christi, TX; Port of Corpus Christi

 

Assistant Director - Port Planning; Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach

 

Manager, Maritime Operations - Cruise; San Diego, CA; Port of San Diego

 

Project Manager; Reserve, LA; Port of South Louisiana

Transportation Planning Intern, Tacoma, WA; City of Tacoma