The 2024 Smart Ports Seminar & Expo—Connecting Tech, People, and Progress on July 9-11 promises to be a pivotal event for maritime professionals seeking to navigate the latest technologies and strategies.
- Rear Admiral Jason Tama, U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command—on Cybersecurity
- Kirk Arthur, Worldwide Government Solutions Lead, Microsoft—on Artificial Intelligence
- Jeff Dance, CEO, Fresh Consulting—on Future of Ports Automation
These awards celebrate programs and projects that exemplify excellence in the port industry, with new specialty areas and categories reflecting AAPA’s Technical Committees' goals. Winners will be recognized at the AAPA Annual Convention on October 27-30 in Boston, MA.
Don't miss this chance to showcase your port’s achievements and gain national recognition. Visit the Lighthouse Awards website for details on categories, application requirements, and criteria.
Please join AAPA in celebrating key promotions and strategic shifts within our team. These changes are effective immediately and underscore AAPA's dedication to serving our members with the utmost diligence and excellence.
- Ian Gansler is being promoted to Director of Government Relations.
- Liz Mancini is being promoted to Director of Member Services.
- Imani Poindexter is being promoted to Database Manager.
- Shawn Balcomb is being promoted to Senior Manager of Public Affairs.
- Holden Haley's position is shifting to Operations & Legislative Associate.
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The June 2024 edition of Trade Currents Navigator report presents containerized trade trends and forecasts through the first quarter of 2025 based on the April 2024 trade information released by the U.S Census Bureau in early June. The report highlights activities affecting ports’ trade volumes, including:
- Expected rebound of U.S. containerized import volumes in 2024, growing by 7.5% above 2023 levels that had declined 11.9% from 2022.
- Projected growth of containerized exports in 2024 by 3.9% over 2023 levels, making up slightly more than the 3.7% decline in volumes from 2022.
- Coverage of three new top commodities that account for growth or decline in 2024 versus 2023 container volumes: Motor Vehicle Parts imports, and Cotton and Natural Sands exports.
Trade Currents is a partner with AAPA in support of its Port Statistics Program to benefit ports, as well as the broader trade and logistics industry, research community, policymakers, and private institutions. Trade Currents partners include internationally recognized economists and trade analysts Dr. Walter Kemmsies, Andrei Roudoi, and Scudder Smith. For questions about this article or AAPA’s work with Trade Currents, contact Shannon McLeod, AAPA Vice President of Member Services.
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Governor Holcomb joined Indiana's inaugural Container Shipping Conference to discuss the state's strategies for enhancing global trade through new container ports and increased agricultural exports. The event, hosted by Ports of Indiana and agricultural organizations like ISA and ICMC, highlighted the potential economic benefits of expanding container shipping capabilities and integrating them with existing rail and port infrastructure. Participants explored opportunities to leverage Indiana's agricultural strengths, aiming to connect local products more efficiently with international markets, thereby bolstering the state's economy and agricultural sector.
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In a significant environmental milestone, the Port of Vancouver USA has announced that it now offsets 100% of its annual electricity usage through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs). For over 15 years, the port has supported wind energy by purchasing RECs generated by wind farms, a commitment that has helped reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 64,591 metric tons of CO2e since 2011. These efforts not only strengthen the port's environmental stewardship but also support local and regional wind energy projects, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable operations and community well-being.
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The Port of San Diego celebrates dual honors at the APWA San Diego/Imperial Chapter’s 2024 Awards Program, receiving recognition for their Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) Renewable Microgrid project in the Sustainable/Green category and the Imperial Beach Pier Enhancements Phase II project in the Engineering category. These accolades underscore the Port's commitment to sustainability and community enhancement through innovative public works initiatives. Chairman Frank Urtasun praised the Port team's dedication, highlighting how these projects align with their Climate Action Plan and Maritime Clean Air Strategy, advancing zero-emissions operations and beautification efforts in the region.
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The debate over the location of Maine's Midcoast port facility for a floating offshore wind project is intensifying, with state officials preparing permit applications for a wind port on Sears Island, while Sprague Energy proposes repurposing its Mack Point terminal in Searsport. Sprague's updated plan aims to accommodate massive floating wind turbines with reduced dredging requirements, addressing previous concerns. However, local advocacy groups favor preserving Sears Island, citing environmental impacts, while the state asserts its Sears Island plan as optimal for Maine's offshore wind industry goals. The Department of Transportation will soon release an analysis including alternative sites, with public input expected before summer's end.
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Joseph Morris has been appointed as the new Port Director of Broward County's Port Everglades, effective July 15, 2024, following his confirmation by the Broward County Commission. With over 25 years of experience in the port industry, including his current role as Port Director at the Massachusetts Port Authority, Morris brings extensive leadership in cargo and cruise operations, business development, and capital investment planning. His appointment aims to strengthen Port Everglades' economic impact, supporting its role as a vital maritime hub generating over $26.5 billion annually in economic activity statewide.
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The Port of Beaumont celebrates the completion of its $85 million Main Street Terminal 1 dock reconstruction project, marking a major milestone in enhancing cargo handling capacity by 15%. Supported by community-backed bonds and significant grants, including a $5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant and an $18 million U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD Grant, the new terminal by McCarthy Building Companies replaces nearly 100-year-old infrastructure. Designed for resilience and sustainability, the modern dock will support increased cargo volumes, accommodate diverse cargo types, and strengthen partnerships with industrial facilities and the U.S. military along the Gulf Coast.
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In a strategic move to bolster local development, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority has greenlit $87.2 million in bonds for three key projects. These include substantial renovations to the Gates Mills Villa Apartment Building in Mayfield Heights, construction of the Gordon Crossing affordable housing project in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, and the development of new facilities at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport by Jets FBO. These initiatives aim to enhance housing options and expand aviation services, marking significant steps forward in regional economic growth and infrastructure enhancement.
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Taylor Machine Works marked a significant milestone with its delivery of the first five commercially available battery electric zero emissions top handlers to Yusen Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles. These innovative machines, built by skilled union members in the USA, will significantly reduce Yusen's carbon footprint and set a precedent for sustainable port operations nationwide. This achievement underscores Yusen Terminals' commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases the culmination of rigorous testing and development efforts, heralding a greener future for marine terminals.
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Since expanding its foreign-trade zone (FTZ) last year, the Port of Galveston has witnessed a significant increase in wind turbine imports. Over 400 blades and tower pieces have been imported since April, with another 300 expected in the coming months from Europe. This growth follows the port's allocation of additional acreage to support its booming wind energy sector, benefiting local labor and reinforcing Galveston's position as a key hub for renewable energy logistics.
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The Port of Dover enhances its logistical capabilities with the introduction of the Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbor crane, featuring a 54-meter outreach and 104-tonne lifting capacity. Designed to handle high-volume cargo from New-Panamax and Capesize bulk carriers, this addition supports Dover's pivotal role in UK-EU trade, optimizing container and general cargo operations with advanced efficiency and precision.
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In May 2024, the Port of Oakland experienced a 5.3% increase in total container volume compared to the previous year, handling 188,040 TEUs. Import volumes surged by 18.9% in the first five months of the year, reflecting strong recovery and increased vessel schedule reliability. Despite a slight dip in full export volumes, Oakland's strategic initiatives, including new rail connections and enhanced infrastructure, are bolstering its resilience in the global shipping market.
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Charles “Chuck” Camp, recently hired by Port Director, Bo Ethridge, brings to the Port Pascagoula team over 20 years of extensive experience in the maritime industry. His comprehensive understanding of port operations and logistics strategies positions him to contribute to Port Pascagoula’s mission of increasing its already substantial cargo volume of around 32 million tons annually. Chuck was hired at a time when Port Pascagoula is a catalyst for growth and development, and his proven track record in business development make him an asset to the Port’s team as it navigates future opportunities.
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Anne Kalosh
Seatrade Cruise News
Kellie Lunney
Bloomberg
Maritime Logistics Professional
Maritime Logistics Professional
Autumn Cafiero Giusti
Journal of Commerce
Mike Schuler
gCaptain
Brendan Murray and Laura
Bloomberg
Mike Schuler
gCaptain
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