 The 113th Annual Convention & Expo was a record-breaking event for AAPA! With 90+ ports, 800+ port executives and professionals, and 60+ exhibitors, it was the largest port industry gathering of any AAPA event.
We are so very proud of the turnout, the program and content, and the event speakers. It was a tremendous way to end our 2024 event calendar. A big thank you to all who attended the Convention!
As we move towards 2025, we have two big events already in the works — POWERS Summit & Expo and the Legislative Summit. Early bird registration is already open for both. We hope to see you there!
AAPA staff with new Chairman of the Board, Chett Chiasson, at Fenway Park.
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The 2024 AAPA Annual Convention marked a significant transition in leadership for the organization’s Board of Directors. Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay, concluded his term as Chair of the Board, having led AAPA with dedication and commitment to advancing the association’s mission and industry growth. A heartfelt thanks to Paul for his tireless efforts and outstanding service.
Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of Port Fourchon, has been named the new Chair of the Board. Chiasson, who has served as Vice Chair since 2022, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the port industry’s challenges and opportunities. His leadership will guide AAPA through its next phase of growth.
Here’s to a promising new chapter for AAPA and the port industry!
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Lighthouse Awards, which honor outstanding port projects across various categories. This year’s record 104 submissions showcased innovation and dedication across the port industry. The winners were honored during the 113th Annual Convention in Boston from October 27-30.
The 2024 Lighthouse Award winners include:
- Excellence in Community/Educational Outreach: Port of Oakland (Large), Port of Redwood City (Small)
- Excellence in Public Relations Campaign: Port of Corpus Christi (Large), Port of Harlingen Authority (Small)
- Excellence in Print or Digital Media Communications: Port of Tacoma (Large), Port of Longview (Small)
- Excellence in Administrative Practices: Port Tampa Bay (Large), Port of Palm Beach (Small)
- Excellence in Cruise Practices: Port Everglades (Large), Curaçao Ports Authority (Small)
- Excellence in Security Practices: Port Pascagoula
- Excellence in Technology Solutions: Port of Los Angeles (Large), Port of Monroe (Small)
- Excellence in Economic Development Practices: Port of Seattle (Large), Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (Small)
- Excellence in Financial Practices: New Bedford Port Authority
- Excellence in Construction Practices: New Bedford Port Authority
- Excellence in Studies, Plans, and/or Designs: Port of San Diego
- Excellence in Environmental Practices: The Port of Hueneme (Large), Greater Lafourche Port Commission (Small)
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The Federal Railway Administration (FRA) has announced $2.4 billion in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program grants for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, including $94.5 million for port-related rail infrastructure projects. The CRISI Program supports key improvements in rail equipment, yards, and tracks, directly benefiting freight networks and ports. This year’s port recipients include:
- Port Everglades: $200,000 for a Hazardous Materials Derailment Response Capabilities Exercise.
- Georgia Ports Authority: $26,521,740 to enhance existing rail facilities and build a new yard in Brunswick.
- Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority: $11,709,995 for track rehabilitation and crossing improvements.
- Oregon International Port of Coos Bay: $29,751,615 for track rehabilitation, new sidings, and yard enhancements.
- Port of Kalama: $26,323,386 to replace rail tracks for grain export operations.
These awards reflect the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) commitment to improving rail and port infrastructure, with $5 billion directed to CRISI over five years. AAPA continues to advocate for this vital funding as part of its congressional priorities.
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The Port of Montreal has solidified its reputation as a top cruise destination on the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes itinerary, marking significant passenger milestones this season. The port celebrated the arrival of its 25,000th Regent Seven Seas passenger, the 30,000th Viking Cruises passenger, and the 40,000th Oceania Cruises passenger. These milestones reflect the growing enthusiasm of international cruise lines for Montreal, with notable events including stops by Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur, Viking Neptune, and Oceania’s Nautica. The Port of Montreal expressed gratitude to the cruise lines for their enduring loyalty.
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The Port of Corpus Christi achieved a new quarterly record by moving 53 million tons through its ship channel in Q3 2024, a 2% increase from the same period last year. This growth was fueled by a 3% rise in crude oil shipments, along with modest gains in refined products, liquefied natural gas, and dry bulk goods. Year-to-date, the port has handled 152.5 million tons, slightly surpassing last year’s pace, with crude oil and agricultural product volumes showing particular strength. CEO Kent Britton highlighted the port’s strong performance and continued infrastructure investments, positioning it for future growth. The final phase of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project is set to complete in early 2025, enhancing the Gulf Coast's maritime capabilities.
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The Port of Bellingham has released its 2025 Draft Strategic Budget, designed to support sustainable economic development, enhance transportation gateways, and manage public lands and facilities in Whatcom County. Public hearings for feedback on the budget and the proposed 2025 property tax levy are scheduled for November 5 and November 19 at 4:00 pm in the Port Commission chambers. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on November 18. The budget is expected to be adopted at the Port Commission meeting on November 19 at 4:30 pm. Meetings will be live-streamed and archived on the Port’s YouTube channel.
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The Port of Oakland concluded its 2024 harbor tour season on October 18 with a Halloween-themed event that drew local families and community members. This year’s six tours, held monthly from May through October, attracted nearly 1,400 participants, offering a closeup view of the port’s operations. Visitors learned about the port’s role as a major economic driver and its commitment to zero-emissions projects. The 90-minute tours, guided by Executive Director Danny Wan, featured views of container cranes, megaships, and the iconic San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The Port of Oakland has provided these educational, free tours to the public since 2002.
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Galveston Harbor, a vital waterway for diverse cargo and cruise operations, requires regular dredging to maintain navigable depths for large ships. While authorized for a 46-foot depth, the harbor has struggled with insufficient federal funding, which impacts the port’s ability to accommodate deep-draft cargo vessels. For the 2025 budget, the port requested $48 million for maintenance dredging but received no funding. The Galveston Wharves, as a local sponsor, contributes significant funds and advocates for federal support, having invested over $15.6 million in local matches since 2011. The harbor's economic impact in 2023 included $6.7 billion in activity and 19,136 jobs, underscoring the importance of consistent dredging investment.
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The Port of Hueneme has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 14th consecutive year. This recognition, the highest in governmental accounting and financial reporting, reflects the port’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. The port's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, was reviewed by an impartial GFOA panel, achieving top marks for clear communication and full disclosure. The port's financial strategy emphasizes sustainable growth, community engagement, and regional economic vitality. Port operations generate $2.8 billion in economic activity and support nearly 25,000 jobs.
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The Ports of Indiana and the Port of Cork have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on economic, environmental, and technological initiatives, including exploring the feasibility of a direct Ireland-to-Indiana container shipping service. This agreement, part of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s trade mission to Ireland, aims to strengthen ties between the regions and boost maritime trade. Focus areas include developing a “Green Shipping Route,” enhancing port security, and expanding container trade in pharmaceuticals, dairy products, and clean energy. The partnership builds on recent infrastructure investments at both ports, with Cork’s new $102 million container terminal and Indiana’s upcoming sea cargo terminal at Burns Harbor, set to open in 2026.
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The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) recognized outstanding industry partners with the 2023 North Star Awards, expanding this year’s honors to five categories: Importer of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Ocean Carrier of the Year, Service Excellence, and Environmental Stewardship. Harbor Freight Tools, International Feed, Ocean Network Express, Mercer Logistics, and PetroCard were celebrated for their significant contributions to regional economic growth, service improvements, and environmental sustainability. The awards highlight achievements such as job creation, increased cargo volumes, operational efficiency, and sustainable fuel adoption. The winners were honored at a ceremony on October 23, showcasing leadership and collaboration within the Seattle-Tacoma trade gateway.
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Port Tampa Bay has been awarded $1.8 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program to develop an emissions reduction strategy supporting the port’s transition to zero-emission operations. The funding will be used to create a baseline air emissions inventory, explore renewable energy technologies, and engage stakeholders in long-term planning. The project aims to evaluate electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and green fuel technologies, along with infrastructure upgrades and funding strategies. The total project cost is $2 million, with Port Tampa Bay contributing $200,000 in local funding. CEO Paul Anderson highlighted the port's commitment to electrification and decarbonization, aligning with maritime industry trends.
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Congratulations to the 2024 graduates of the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) program. The graduation ceremony took place during the AAPA Annual Convention in Boston on October 29th.
This year’s graduates include:
- Mike Bomar, Director of Economic Development, Port of Vancouver USA
- Matthew Creswell, Harbormaster, City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, Docks & Harbors
- Ceasar C. Duarte, Jr., Director of Engineering & Operations, New Bedford Port Authority
- Helga Sommer, Acting Assistant Director, Capital, Port Miami
- Connie Le Fevre, Senior Trade Representative, Maritime Commercial, Port of San Diego
- Donovan Hutchinson, Acting Deputy Director, Finance, Port Authority of the Cayman Islands
- Kevin R. Beardsley, Chief Financial Officer, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
- Anna Silva, HSE & Cruise Ops Manager, Port Everglades Terminals, LLC
- Katie Miller, Deputy Port Director, Administration, Stockton Port District
AAPA also announced The Pasha Group as the official presenting sponsor of its Port Professional Development programs, which include three pathways: Port Professional Associate (PPA), Port Professional Executive (PPX), and PPM®. This sponsorship supports ongoing professional growth and innovation within the maritime sector. AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis praised The Pasha Group's commitment to nurturing future port leaders, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in driving port success and innovation.
Last, applications for the 2025 PPM and PPA programs will open on November 11. The 2025 PPM program also marks a special milestone, as it will begin its 30th year since its inception in 1995. This anniversary not only celebrates the program’s longevity but also highlights its role in shaping the careers of countless port professionals over the past three decades. The PPM program’s history of excellence makes 2025 an ideal time for aspiring port leaders to join this prestigious cohort and further their professional development. For more information about AAPA’s Professional Development programs or to find a link to the application page, please email Shannon McLeod at smcleod@aapa-ports.org or visit www.aapa-ports.org/ProfessionalDevelopment.
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Stas Margaronis
AJOT
Global Trade Magazine
Tim Jay
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
Port Security Grant to upgrade cybersecurity at gateway
Stuart Chirls
FreightWaves
Maritime Executive
Facing a mid-January deadline to reach a new contract, the longshore union and port employers set negotiations to resume next month
Paul Berger
Wall Street Journal
Mike Schuler
gCaptain
Reuters
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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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