Cargo volumes at the Port of Vancouver remained stable in the first half of 2024, with a slight 1% decline compared to the same period in 2023, driven by a record 62 million metric tonnes of international trade. Container volumes rebounded, increasing 14%, as both imports and exports recovered from recent supply chain disruptions. Auto and liquid bulk sectors also set new records, with auto handling up 14% and liquid bulk growing 43% following facility upgrades. The port recorded its best mid-year cruise performance, welcoming over 554,000 passengers, a 13% increase from the previous year. However, domestic cargo, particularly dry bulk and forestry products, experienced a decline due to lower yields and reduced global demand.
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On October 9, St. Bernard Port, Associated Terminals, and Turn Services collaborated with Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals to host a “We Work the Waterways” educational event at Chalmette High School. The program introduced juniors and seniors to waterborne transportation and career opportunities on the river through presentations, a panel discussion, and hands-on activities. Students also received interview preparation tips from HR professionals and engaged in maritime-related tasks like line handling and radio communication. Attendees included Nunez Community College and the Harbor Police Department, providing interactive stations and career insights. The event aimed to inspire students and connect them to the maritime industry's impact on St. Bernard Parish.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced $9.5 million in state funding to support SeaPort Manatee’s recovery from Hurricane Milton, which struck on October 9. The funds will be allocated to emergency berth repairs, security enhancements, and infrastructure planning to help restore the port’s operations. Initial damage assessments estimate potential losses of $200 million, impacting warehouses, berths, and other facilities. Executive Director Carlos Buqueras emphasized that the state’s support will be critical in enabling the port to return to full operational capacity. SeaPort Manatee plays a vital role in Florida’s supply chain, connecting goods to Southwest and Central Florida markets.
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On October 17, Ports of Indiana and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration, increase agricultural trade, and create new container shipping opportunities. The agreement aims to expand agricultural exports, develop new container shipping facilities, and connect key agricultural stakeholders with Indiana’s ports. Earlier this year, the organizations conducted a trade mission to Indonesia and hosted the first Indiana Container Shipping Conference to explore growth opportunities. The partnership builds on recent progress, including federal approval to establish Indiana’s first international sea cargo terminal on Lake Michigan. Agriculture is a significant contributor to Indiana’s economy, generating over $35.1 billion annually.
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The San Diego Association of Environmental Professionals recognized the Port of San Diego with three awards for outstanding public involvement, environmental analysis, and planning. The awards were presented at the AEP San Diego Chapter’s 2024 Awards and Scholarships Banquet on October 9. The honors highlight initiatives like the Port Master Plan Update (PMPU) and Pepper Park Improvements, which emphasize community engagement, environmental protection, and sustainable planning. The PMPU outlines a 30-year vision for the waterfront, prioritizing clean air, habitat conservation, and climate resilience. Port Chairman Frank Urtasun noted that the awards reflect the Port’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development that supports San Diego Bay’s ecosystems.
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The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has matched last season's $128,000 in community donations to the Rampage Fights Cancer campaign, bringing the total to over $256,000. The funds will support the purchase of a new laparoscopic tower, improving access to surgical services at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. The campaign, led by the Rupert Rampage hockey team, aims to enhance local cancer care and reduce the need for patients to travel for treatment. For the 2024-25 season, PRPA and the Rampage are launching a new initiative with proceeds from limited edition pink toques supporting local healthcare.
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As we approach the AAPA Annual Convention, the 2024-2025 AAPA Board of Directors will be seated at the event.
This election cycle includes one open At Large board seat. Nominees are being accepted until October 27.
The staggered At Large seats were established as part of AAPA’s Bylaws Modernization Effort to ensure continuity and representativeness.
Eligible nominees for the one open At Large seat must be the highest executive at an AAPA U.S. or Canadian member port in good standing, with no more than two board members from each regional delegation. The precise number of members from the regions will be set on the front-end of the Annual Convention.
To nominate a member, please email their name, a short bio, and any additional materials to Holden Haley at hhaley@aapa-ports.org, Board Secretary (confirmation pending).
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $45 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants to support projects reducing diesel emissions across various ports. The funding will replace older diesel-powered equipment with newer, cleaner technologies, including zero-emission vehicles, cleaner diesel engines, and hybrid systems. Notable projects include $4.5 million to replace 22 diesel drayage trucks with zero-emission models in California, $3.5 million to retrofit cranes at the Port of Houston, and $2.5 million to upgrade port-side electric infrastructure in Broward County, Florida. This initiative aims to improve air quality and enhance port sustainability nationwide.
Read EPA's press release on the grant awards here and a full list of awardees here.
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As ports seek to enhance their stakeholder engagement strategies, adaptable models are becoming essential for success. This edition highlights findings from Port Professional Manager (PPM) Don Hutchison’s capstone project, which examines the challenges and opportunities in port stakeholder management, with a particular focus on the creation of customizable templates for ports of varying sizes and operations.
Don Hutchinson is the acting Deputy Port Director for the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands, with over a decade of experience at the Port. He started at the Port in 2012 and became Head of Finance and Administration in 2018. Don’s project “A Toolkit for Internal Stakeholder Management in Operating Ports” provides more than 10 templates designed to assist ports with stakeholder management, offering flexibility for ports to modify them according to their specific needs.
Don’s capstone project explores the difficulties in applying uniform stakeholder management models due to the diversity of port systems — ranging from large container ports to smaller energy and commodity-focused ones. Through consultations and the study of various international port systems, Don gained valuable insights into the critical need for a robust stakeholder management program that includes collaboration within the port community, encouraging the sharing of use cases and experiences to further enhance a port’s stakeholder engagement.
Port professionals interested in becoming a future PPM or learning more about AAPA’s professional development programs can contact Shannon McLeod at smcleod@aapa-ports.org.
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Ninety-three ports, 700+ registrants, and 60+ exhibitors are ensuring the 2024 Annual Convention & Expo will be the largest gathering of port industry executives and professionals at an AAPA event ever. Join us for the extensive opportunities to network, conduct business, and forge relationships.
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The Port of Portland, in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation, has established the Economic Prosperity Fund to support local workforce training, small business growth, and job creation. The fund will collect voluntary contributions from companies purchasing or leasing Port property, directing these funds to nonprofit and community organizations. Contributions are integrated into real estate agreements, with a focus on creating low-barrier, living-wage jobs and supporting diverse local businesses. The fund aims to enhance economic opportunity in the region, enabling nonprofits to expand their programs and attract additional funding.
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The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has received $1,040,583 from FEMA's Port Security Grant Program to upgrade the Harbor Police Department's surveillance and emergency response equipment. The project aims to enhance security and must be completed by August 31, 2027. This grant is part of over $2.5 million in Port Security funding that Port NOLA has received in the past three years, including previous grants for upgrading the Emergency Operations Center and Maritime Security Operations Center. These efforts underscore Port NOLA’s commitment to public safety and protecting critical infrastructure.
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Port Tampa Bay will receive $22 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s INFRA Grant Program to expand its East Port "Omniport" complex. The project will increase the facility to 27 acres with a 675-foot wharf, supporting a variety of cargoes like lumber, solar steel, cement, and containerized goods. The expansion is expected to create nearly 1,700 jobs in its first year, generating $143 million in personal income and $100 million in business revenue, taxes, and local purchases. This $37 million project aims to improve supply chain efficiencies, support Florida’s construction industry, and reduce truck-related emissions, positioning the port as a regional economic powerhouse.
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The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has approved $2 million in funding for economic development projects in West Oakland, administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment. The funds will be distributed through annual grants of approximately $500,000 over four to eight years, supporting local business growth, workforce training, education, and environmental initiatives. Eligible projects must align with California Tidelands Trust guidelines and address economic, social, and environmental equity in the community. The City of Oakland will also contribute $2 million to the fund. A five-member advisory board will guide grant strategies and ensure community outreach.
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Welcome to new AAPA member, Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development!
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Tim Jay
Global Trade Mag
Laura Curtis
Bloomberg
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
Up from 1.2 Million in 2023 with Continued Commitments from Cruise Lines
AJOT
Laura Robb
Journal of Commerce
Maritime Executive
Mike Schuler
gCaptain
US importers wait and watch as election nears
Stuart Chirls
FreightWaves
Maritime Executive
AJOT
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28
Oct 2024
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Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm ET
Location: Westin Boston - Seaport District, Lewis room
To make plans to attend, please ensure that you are registered for Annual Convention. For more information, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Melodie George.
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28
Oct 2024
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET
Location: Westin Boston - Seaport District, Carlton room
To make plans to attend, please ensure that you are registered for Annual Convention. For more information, please contact AAPA staff liaison, John Bressler.
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28
Oct 2024
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Time: 1:30-5:00 pm ET
Location: Westin Boston - Seaport District, Paine room
To make plans to attend, please ensure that you are registered for Annual Convention. For more information, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Shannon McLeod.
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14
Nov 2024
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Liz Mancini.
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