AAPA Seaports Advisory
September 5, 2024
 
   
The Port of Benton has received a $2.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation to install a zero-emission shore power unit at its north Richland barge complex. This project, slated for completion in fall 2025, will enable marine vessels and cruise ships to power essential functions without idling, reducing air pollution. The barge complex is a key component of the Green Shipping Corridor along the Columbia River, supporting the region’s industries with environmentally responsible transportation options. The grant is part of the state’s Port Electrification Grant program, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
 
 
   
North Carolina Ports has achieved record intermodal rail volumes for two consecutive years, driven by the success of the Port of Wilmington's express rail services. To support continued growth, NC Ports is expanding its intermodal rail yard, adding four new tracks and increasing rail capacity to 50,000 container movements annually. Key services like the Queen City Express provide daily access from Wilmington to the Charlotte Inland Port, offering time-definite, efficient solutions for major industries such as textiles, automotive, and chemicals. NC Ports’ expanded infrastructure aims to further enhance supply chain performance while reducing costs and emissions.
 
 
   
Rockland, Maine, one of the state's fastest-growing cruise ports, is launching the PortShare Promise program to manage increased cruise ship visits this fall. The initiative, piloted last year in Portland, aims to ease the impact on both passengers and local residents through better transportation, passenger support, and real-time community feedback. With a record 18,000 cruise passengers expected this season, the program includes shuttle services, improved signage, and additional restroom facilities. Developed with the support of CruiseMaine, the program focuses on sustainable tourism and improving the visitor experience.
 
 
   
Federal, state, and local leaders gathered to mark the start of construction on the Port of Davisville’s Terminal 5 Pier and Blue Economy Support Docks, the first new pier at Quonset in nearly 70 years. The Terminal 5 Pier will serve offshore wind vessels and cargo, while the support docks will assist smaller boats and businesses. As one of North America's Top 10 auto importers and a growing offshore wind hub, Davisville’s expansion is part of a $234 million master plan to strengthen Rhode Island’s position in the Blue Economy. Completion is expected in 2025.
 
The Port of Galveston has officially started construction on its fourth cruise terminal, a $151 million project at Pier 16, which will include a 165,000-square-foot terminal and a $55 million parking garage. The terminal, set to open in November 2025, will be home to MSC Seascape and is expected to increase the port’s annual passenger volume to over 2 million by 2026. The new terminal is forecast to generate 925 jobs and $177 million in local business revenue annually, further boosting Galveston’s growing cruise industry and regional economy.
 
Organizational Development Resource Group, LLC
Air & Waste Management Association
 
   
Sponsor the 113th Annual Convention & Expo Port Industry Social at Fenway Park, the iconic Boston landmark and Red Sox home.
 
Impress potential customers and prospective partners by seeing your company logo on the center field scoreboard and the New Balance board! See the Fenway Park Social Sponsorship Flier for more information on these amazing sponsorship opportunities. Then contact Kevin Traver to secure your sponsorship. But hurry — only a few sponsorships are left.
 
 
   
The Maryland Port Administration has hired 33-year maritime industry veteran Matt Wypyski as Deputy Executive Director for Commercial Development at the Port of Baltimore. Wypyski will oversee all revenue activities and lead strategic initiatives such as the Howard Street Tunnel Project, which will enable double-stacked container trains, boost port volumes, and create thousands of jobs. With extensive experience from senior roles at major U.S. ports and marine terminal companies, Wypyski is expected to play a key role in the port’s continued growth and success.
 
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The Port of Montreal and the Vietnam Maritime Administration (Vinamarine) have signed an action plan to advance sustainable shipping, focusing on energy transition, green corridors, and digital innovation. This collaboration builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 and aims to strengthen trade relations between Canada and Vietnam, one of Canada’s top 10 trading partners. The plan connects Quebec’s energy and AI sectors with Vietnam’s growing manufacturing industry, with support from key stakeholders like Invest Quebec and the Canada-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce.
 
The Port of Caddo-Bossier has announced Park Place Truck Parking as its newest tenant, offering secure parking for 18-wheelers, trailers, commercial vehicles, buses, and RVs. Located at 2701 Intermodal Drive in Shreveport, the facility features 152 parking spaces with enhanced security, including fences, cameras, and LED lighting. This new service addresses a local need for secure vehicle storage, marking a unique addition to the Port’s tenant roster.
 
The Port of Everett has received a $4.3 million grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation to support its electrification initiatives. The funds will help finance a $5.8 million project to build charging infrastructure at the Port's South Terminal, procure zero-emission yard trucks, and provide electric shore power for Everett Ship Repair. This investment aligns with Washington State’s climate goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable port operations, while creating family-wage jobs and enhancing the region's supply chain competitiveness.
 
The Port of Bellingham has received a $17.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to reconnect the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to the BNSF main line. This new rail connection will boost job creation, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance supply chain efficiency by enabling ship-to-rail cargo transport across 32,500 miles of track. The project, expected to be operational by 2028, complements ongoing modernization efforts at the terminal, positioning it as a vital multimodal hub for Whatcom County’s economy and Washington State's shipping industry.
 
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
 
   
Early bird registration for the 2025 AAPA Port Opportunities with Energy, Resilience and Sustainability (POWERS) Summit & Expo is now OPEN. Happening on January 21-23, 2025, in Tampa Bay, participants will connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking innovations, and drive the future of sustainable port operations!
 
Highlights include Engaging Keynote Speakers, Interactive Panel Discussions, Cutting-Edge Exhibitions, Networking Opportunities, and Exclusive Workshops.
 
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Managing Director, Economic Development; Seattle, Washington; Port of Seattle
 
Port Engineer; Palm Beach, Florida; Port of Palm Beach
 
CEO & Executive Director; New Orleans, Louisiana; The Port of New Orleans
 
Director of Communications; Port of Long Beach, California; Port of Long Beach
 
President and Chief Executive Officer; San Diego, California; Port of San Diego
 
Chief Human Resources Officer; Tacoma, Washington; Port of Tacoma
 
EMEA Technical Operations Manager; Dublin, Ireland; Cushman Wakefield Multifamily
 
Green Marine
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC
AJOT
 
Bill Mongelluzzo
Journal of Commerce
 
Maritime Logistics Professional
 
Maritime Executive  
 
Curtis Williams
Reuters
 
Ruth Liao and Ari Natter
Bloomberg
 
Maritime Executive
 
Officials at the dockworkers’ union will meet next week to discuss walkout plans at ports from Maine to Texas if demands for a 77% wage increase aren’t met
Paul Berger
Wall Street Journal
 
Peter Eavis
New York Times
 
10
Sep 2024
 
Join AAPA and BOXBAY for a free upcoming webinar on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 1-2 pm ET. 
 
10
Sep 2024
 
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Path Forward
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Charissa Meikle.
10
Sep 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Port Security Grant Program
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Holden Haley.
13
Sep 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Corn Belt Ports
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Shannon McLeod.
18
Sep 2024
 
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Light Pollution
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Ian Gansler.
19
Sep 2024
 
Join AAPA and BayoTech for a free webinar on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 1-2 pm ET.
 
25
Sep 2024
 
Join AAPA and Beam Global for a free webinar on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 1-2 pm ET.
 
25
Sep 2024
 
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm ET
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Melodie George.
3
Oct 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:30 pm ET
Meeting Topic: TBD
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Liz Mancini.
7
Oct 2024
 
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Meeting Topic: Legislative Update - Cruise Restrictions Discussion
 
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA Staff Liaison, Shawn Balcomb.
27
Oct 2024
 
October 27-30, 2024, Boston, MA
Register Here 
Orion Marine Group