Mike Bomar was appointed Chief Economic Strategy Officer for Port of Vancouver USA in June of 2024. Prior to that, Mike served as Director of Economic Development since 2018. His responsibilities include participating as a member of the port executive leadership team; developing short-term goals and long-range objectives directing the activities of divisions to achieve goals; overseeing and managing the implementation of the port’s strategic plan; overseeing the team working to implement the Port’s Terminal 1 Waterfront Development plan; and maintaining strategic partnerships in the community.

 

Mike’s capstone revealed that ports can learn a lot by sharing best practices and adopting processes proven to work in similar organizations. The paper includes a recommended pathway that port leaders can use to assess their current succession planning and to prepare themselves for anticipated transitions in key roles. This pathway starts with CEO support that leads to investment in staff and tools to cultivate a strong talent development culture.

 

Port professionals interested in exploring the opportunities provided by AAPA's professional development programs and initiatives can contact Shannon McLeod at smcleod@aapa-ports.org.

 

There are over 90 ports registered for the 113th Annual Convention & Expo in Boston beginning on October 27. And there's still 30 days left to register!

 

This year's convention will host the largest group of ports to ever attend an AAPA event. That also means, there will be more port executives and port professionals gathered than ever before. Don't miss the extensive opportunities to network, conduct business, and forge relationships at the 2024 Annual Convention & Expo.

 

Peter Lantin has been appointed to a two-year term as Chair of the Prince Rupert Port Authority's Board of Directors. Lantin, who has served on the Board since 2019, brings extensive experience in financial administration, governance, and Indigenous leadership. He was previously President of the Haida Nation and has held key roles supporting economic development and sustainability initiatives in Northwest British Columbia. PRPA President and CEO Shaun Stevenson praised Lantin’s dedication and expertise, noting that his leadership will help guide the port through a pivotal phase of expansion and diversification. Lantin looks forward to advancing sustainable growth and reinforcing the port’s role as a global trade gateway.

The Port of Redwood City has been awarded $700,000 in federal funding, secured by U.S. Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA15), to enhance its stormwater infrastructure and reduce contaminants entering San Francisco Bay during storms. These upgrades are critical as the Port faces challenges such as rising sea levels, king tides, and storm-related flooding. The improvements also strengthen the Port’s role as a FEMA Federal Staging Area, bolstering emergency preparedness. Port Executive Director Kristine Zortman highlighted the investment's contribution to environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of the waterfront. This funding is part of a broader $14 million package addressing key community needs.

Woodland Biofuels, Inc. has announced a $1.35 billion investment to build one of the world’s largest renewable natural gas and green hydrogen facilities at the Port of South Louisiana. The project, expected to create 110 direct jobs and 259 indirect jobs, will use waste biomass to produce sustainable biofuel for transportation, heating, and electricity. Construction is projected to begin after the completion of a 2025 design study, with operations starting in 2028. The facility will remove significant carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground, supporting Louisiana’s energy diversification efforts and creating high-paying jobs in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has appointed former Congressman Luke Messer to the Ports of Indiana Commission and reappointed Chairman Micah Vincent and Commissioners Kari Pfau Estes and David Fagan. Messer, who served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, brings a wealth of experience in financial services, education, and workforce development to the Commission. He replaces Dr. Robert Bowen, who retired after six years of service. Messer’s term will run through September 2026, while Vincent, Fagan, and Pfau Estes will continue serving until March 2028. Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock expressed gratitude for the strong leadership guiding the state's port system.

The Saint John Port Authority (SJPA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024-2025 Commercial Port Users Scholarships. This year’s $1,000 scholarships were awarded to two deserving students: Emily O'Brien from Conception Bay South and Sophia Adams from St. John's. Both recipients are currently pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees at Memorial University. These scholarships are available to dependents of full-time employees of the Port’s commercial users, members of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and full-time SJPA employees.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) welcomed the Maersk Alette, the largest vessel ever to call at Tacoma’s South Harbor, on September 4, 2024. The 16,592 TEU vessel is the first dual-fuel ship, capable of operating on green methanol, to visit the gateway. This milestone highlights NWSA's ongoing commitment to sustainable shipping, supported by initiatives such as shore power infrastructure and the US-Korea Green Corridors Project. Port leaders praised the collaboration between industry and policymakers in advancing clean fuel technologies. The Alette’s arrival underscores the NWSA’s goal to phase out seaport emissions by 2050.

U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, along with U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon, Dwight Evans, and Brendan Boyle, announced that PhilaPort will receive over $217 million in federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will support the expansion of the SouthPort terminal, including the construction of a second berth and the addition of approximately ten acres. The project aims to increase the port’s shipping capacity, improve onloading and offloading efficiency, and boost the region’s competitiveness in global trade. This investment is expected to create new jobs and strengthen Philadelphia’s role in the nation’s supply chain.

For the third consecutive year, the Port of San Diego has achieved Platinum tier status in the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Diamond Awards, recognizing its commitment to sustainable commuting. The Port's commuter benefits program includes remote work options, electric vehicle charging stations, and full reimbursement for alternative transportation costs such as carpooling or public transit. Port Chairman Frank Urtasun highlighted the award as a testament to the Port's dedication to lowering carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. The recognition comes as the Port celebrates Green Port Month, showcasing its ongoing environmental achievements.