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

 

In the first quarter of 2024, containerized exports rose 6.5% year-over-year. Export volumes increased 8% year-over-year in March 2024, a fifth consecutive month of such increases.  Plastics in primary forms remained the top containerized export growth commodity. Exports of food industry residue and waste also continued strong expansion. At the same time, several commodities with sharp declines in 2023, such as kraft paper, forage, and cotton, strongly rebounded.

The Port Administration Management Conference starts in ten days in Miami. Nearly 40 ports are registered to attend this year and registration is up by 25 percent from 2023. We're excited and anticipating a tremendous event focusing on innovative management and operational strategies in the port industry areas of cruise, legal, finance, real estate, communications, public relations, workforce development, and diversity and equity. 

 

Check out the latest agenda and get registered!

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

The Port of Nanaimo's Board of Directors announces the Annual General Meeting to present the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM via Zoom (Meeting ID: 857 3392 8671, Passcode: 191936). Copies of the Audited Financial Statements are available for inspection at the Port’s Office, by email request to info@npa.ca, and on the Port’s website.

The Port of Port Arthur Navigation District of Jefferson County, Texas, is requesting proposals for Security Guard Services at its facilities. Sealed proposals must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. local time on June 17, 2024, to: The Office of the Port Director, Larry Kelley, 221 Houston Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas, 77640. Proposals will be opened and publicly read immediately after the submission deadline. Late submissions, fax transmittals, and electronic submittals will not be accepted.

The Port of Monroe, Michigan’s only port on Lake Erie, is undergoing significant improvements to enhance its role in the Great Lakes shipping system. Supported by a 2022 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant, these upgrades include the development of the Michigan Maritime Gateway, the state’s first maritime container terminal. This initiative aims to optimize logistics for local agricultural commodities, particularly benefiting soybean growers, and is set to revolutionize regional logistics with enhanced access to global markets. The Port is collaborating with the Michigan Soybean Committee and Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance to integrate agricultural operations and support Michigan’s diverse agriculture industry.

The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has commenced a record construction season with over $77 million in infrastructure and expansion projects at the Lake Michigan port. Key developments include a $35.4 million dual bridge entrance, a $25 million multimodal project adding three new ship berths and two railyards, and a $9 million bulk cargo facility. These projects aim to enhance the port's capacity and efficiency, ensuring it remains a critical international gateway. The extensive construction efforts will support the growing freight demands in Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago market.

The Portal Container Village in Bellingham is now open daily for the summer, featuring new businesses, more events, and a stronger focus on arts and culture. Highlights include the all-ages Kulshan Trackside beer garden, Bin 13 Wine Bar, Zeeks Pizza, and expanded retail space for local artists. The village also offers the Portal Putt miniature golf course, a variety of summer events like the Northwest Tune-up and Noisy Waters Mural Festival, and community activities such as live music and yoga. The Port has secured long-term leases with most tenants and plans further expansion in 2025. 

The St. John's Port Authority (SJPA) will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the HMS Briton Room, Murray Premises Hotel, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The SJPA's audited financial statements will be presented and are available at the meeting, at the Port Administration Building, or online at sjpa-apsj.com.

The Port of Quebec unveiled its first exhibition, “The Great Journey of Goods,” on May 15. This free, interactive exhibition is located inside a container on the port's docks and will run throughout the summer. Designed to demystify port operations, it showcases the journey of various goods from origin to destination, highlighting the port’s crucial role in the local and national economy. The exhibition is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. near Place des Canotiers and will move to Pier 21 near Agora du Port de Québec in late August.

 

The Port of Seattle has commenced the renovation of the historic Ship Supply Building at Fishermen’s Terminal, transforming it into the Living Building Challenge (LBC) – certified Maritime Innovation Center (MInC). This facility will serve as a hub for maritime industry collaboration, bringing together students, innovators, and community stakeholders. The Port is partnering with Miller Hull to create this sustainable and innovative architectural feature, reinforcing the maritime industry's role in Seattle's economic and environmental future.

In celebration of National Maritime Month, Disney Cruise Line joined other maritime leaders to host a career day at Port Everglades, engaging over 90 high school students in the Junior Achievement of South Florida Pre-Apprenticeship program. The students toured the Disney Magic and cargo operations, gaining insights into various maritime careers. Acting Port Director Glenn Wiltshire highlighted the diverse, high-paying opportunities in the maritime industry. This event marks Disney Cruise Line's first partnership with the program, showcasing their commitment to inspiring future maritime professionals.
 

The Port of Anacortes Board of Commissioners has unanimously chosen Brett Greenwood as the Port’s new Executive Director during a Special Commission meeting on May 13. Greenwood, currently the Executive Director of Business, Operations, and Technology at Sedro-Woolley School District, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in public agency management. The details of his employment package are pending approval by the Commission in an open public meeting. Commission President Jon Ronngren expressed confidence in Greenwood’s ability to advance the Port’s mission, highlighting his demonstrated leadership and experience with public funding and projects.

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

 

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