Earlier this month, the Illinois International Port District (IIPD) and Port of Chicago were facing supply chain disruptions due to labor strikes at East Coast and Gulf ports, with several empty shipping containers stuck at the Port. However, international cargo such as lumber and metal continued moving through the IIPD without interruption. IIPD Executive Director Erik Varela emphasized the importance of Great Lakes ports in keeping the supply chain active during such disruptions. The Port is progressing through its first-ever master plan, which focuses on sustainability, and has applied for grants to address critical infrastructure updates.

The Port of Cleveland board has approved the issuance of up to $15 million in taxable lease revenue bonds to support the $25.6 million Taylor Tudor Plaza Project, which is part of a $150 million revitalization of the Taylor Road neighborhood in Cleveland Heights. The project will redevelop three historic buildings into 44 apartments and 11,000 square feet of commercial space. The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit was granted for the project in 2023, with work expected to begin by the end of 2024 and complete by mid-2026. Additionally, the Port will take ownership of the Gateway East parking garage and lease it to the Guardians for $35,000 per year.

The Port of Benton continues its focus on economic development and infrastructure improvements in 2024, with notable projects including Richland and Prosser Airport upgrades and rail facility modernization. At the Energy Communities Alliance Forum in May, Executive Director Diahann Howard emphasized the role of nuclear energy in achieving state climate goals, advocating for next-generation nuclear facilities. The Port also acquired a building in Richland to establish an advanced innovation and commercialization center, with plans to support business startups. Additionally, upcoming rail improvements will enhance safety and reduce traffic disruptions at key crossings.

The Port of Brownsville, the only deepwater seaport on the U.S.-Mexico border, continues to expand its influence on the Rio Grande Valley’s economy. In 2023, the port handled 17.8 million tons of cargo, a 17% increase from the previous year, and generated over $41 million in operating revenues. Ongoing projects include the deepening of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel to improve ship passage and attract more investments. The port also broke ground on a $30 million business park and is constructing the Rio Grande LNG facility, projected to create over 5,000 local jobs. Additionally, the port remains a leader in renewable energy logistics, handling oversized wind energy components efficiently.

Port Milwaukee welcomed more than 13,500 cruise passengers during the 2024 season, with 27 vessel calls from seven international cruise ships. The season began on May 1 with the Viking Octantis and ended with Le Bellot on October 13. Mayor Cavalier Johnson highlighted the port's role as a key economic driver and announced plans for a $5-million investment in a new cruise facility at South Shore Cruise Dock, to be completed by 2026. Victory Cruise Lines will also return to Milwaukee in 2025 after a seven-year hiatus, further boosting the port’s cruising industry.

A capital investment strategy (CIS) is a long-term financial plan focusing on large-scale projects and improvements to a port’s infrastructure, equipment, and its facilities. This edition explores the findings from Kevin Beardsley and Ceasar Duarte’s Port Professional Manager (PPMÒ) capstone project on developing a CIS for mid-sized U.S. ports. The paper "Optimizing Capital Investment Strategy" is meant to help other port professionals recognize the importance of this planning process and understand that it can start at the most basic level, as demonstrated by their ports, rather than be perceived as an overwhelming task.

 

The Port of Bellingham, in collaboration with the Port of Seattle, has successfully removed Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from airport fire trucks and transitioned to fluorine-free foam (FFF) for firefighting at Bellingham International Airport. PFAS, previously used in firefighting foams, is known for its environmental persistence and potential health risks. The new FFF provides similar fire suppression capabilities without the harmful environmental impact. This initiative reflects the Port's commitment to sustainability and protecting the local ecosystem while ensuring safety during aircraft emergencies.

Port Everglades and Royal Caribbean Group have extended their Passenger Terminal and Berth User Agreement through September 2030, with an additional five-year renewal option. This agreement, approved by the Broward County Board of Commissioners, strengthens a 25-year partnership and includes plans for facility upgrades at Cruise Terminal 29. The extension is expected to generate $581.9 million annually for the local economy and support over 4,000 jobs. Port Everglades will host 1.3 million passengers and 355 vessel calls annually from 2027 to 2030. Royal Caribbean Group's three cruise lines — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea — operate at the port.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced plans to add 50 acres of paved vehicle storage at Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick to accommodate growing Ro/Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) trade. This expansion follows the recent addition of over 120 acres and will be operational by summer 2025. The project is part of a broader $262 million investment to enhance storage and processing facilities. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin harbor improvements, including dredging and increasing vessel safety, backed by $38 million in federal funding. Brunswick handled over 870,000 units of Ro/Ro cargo in fiscal year 2024.