Port Everglades has reached a new milestone, recording 4,010,919 cruise passengers in Fiscal Year 2024, a 39% increase from the previous year. This record-breaking achievement was supported by the addition of Disney Cruise Line and a mix of varied cruise itineraries. The port also saw a 23% increase in cruise ship calls, despite handling fewer ships overall as newer, larger vessels docked. Anticipating even greater demand, Port Everglades expects to welcome 4.4 million guests in FY2025. The port, located in Fort Lauderdale, remains one of the busiest cruise homeports globally, benefiting from its proximity to major airports and popular South Florida attractions.

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) has been awarded $105 million by the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to advance zero-emissions equipment, significantly reducing criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases. This funding will cover 70% of project costs, enabling the Port to deploy three electric tugboats, eight electric forklifts, an electric sweeper truck, shore power retrofitting, and the repowering of two locomotives. These measures are projected to eliminate 186 tons of NOx, 3 tons of PM2.5, and 650 tons of CO2 annually, along with saving 800,000 gallons of diesel. Additionally, PCCA's initiative underscores its commitment to community health and air quality improvements in Coastal Bend through projects like the Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership.

The Port Authority of Guam concluded its 49th Port Week with a Grand Finale and Employee Recognition Ceremony on November 8, honoring the dedication and resilience of "Port Strong" employees. Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio emphasized the critical role of the Port in Guam's economy and national security, commending employees as the "backbone" of Guam’s only commercial seaport. The event featured Annual Awards, including Employee and Supervisor of the Year distinctions, as well as recognitions for Years of Service, with notable honors for employees reaching up to 40 years of service. Special accolades were also given for Sick Leave Accumulation, reflecting employees’ commitment to their roles and team. As the Port approaches its 50th anniversary, it celebrates its legacy of employee excellence and looks ahead to further enhancing Guam’s commercial seaport.

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department is recruiting and inviting prospective candidates to an open house on December 4, 2024, at the Port Administration Building. The event will feature a presentation on career opportunities within this specialized public safety agency, followed by Q&A and networking with officers from units like the Dive Team, Maritime Tactical Team, and Explosives Detection K9 Team. With patrol responsibilities across both San Diego Bay and the San Diego International Airport, the Harbor Police offer a dynamic work environment, competitive salaries starting at $89,124 for trainees, and comprehensive benefits, including full health care coverage. Interested attendees can RSVP or learn more about the hiring process at portofsandiego.org/hpd-recruiting.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) handled 494,261 TEUs in October, marking a 10% increase from the previous year and the third-highest October on record. Efficient operations at the Port of Savannah’s Mason Mega Rail allow for rapid inland container movement, with connections from vessel to rail in one day. GPA also achieved a record month at the Appalachian Regional Port with a 4.4% increase in rail lifts. Additionally, GPA received a $46 million EPA Clean Ports grant to support shore power for ships and replace diesel equipment with electric alternatives, enhancing sustainability. GPA’s expansion plans include $4.2 billion in investments over the next decade to further increase capacity.

The Port of Virginia has secured $380 million from the EPA’s Clean Ports grant program to replace over 150 legacy, carbon-fueled machines with battery-electric equipment, advancing its commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. This funding will enable the port to electrify assets across Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT), with improvements including cranes, forklifts, shuttle carriers, and electric locomotives. The grant will also fund enhanced charging infrastructure and energy storage, supporting a transition to zero-emissions operations. This effort, supported by local and federal leaders, aligns sustainability with workforce development and community health benefits for areas surrounding the port’s facilities.

- NEW! Dr. Lee Kindberg, Starcrest Consulting

 

- NEW! Jacob Goldberg, Marine Environmental Supervisor, Port of Los Angeles

PortMiami, known as the Cruise Capital of the World^©, welcomed a record-breaking 8,233,056 cruise passengers in Fiscal Year 2024, marking a 12.79% increase from the previous year. This achievement underscores PortMiami’s pivotal role in Miami-Dade’s economy and highlights ongoing partnerships with major cruise lines. The upcoming season promises new additions, including ships from Explora Journeys, Virgin Voyages, and MSC Cruises, along with the opening of MSC’s Cruise Terminal AA—the largest of its kind globally. Additionally, PortMiami celebrated the launch of its historic shore power project, a collaboration that enables cruise ships to reduce emissions while docked, making PortMiami the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard with shore power capabilities at multiple berths.

The Port of Hueneme shared updates on economic growth, sustainability, and community partnerships during its 2024 "State of the Port" presentation, hosted by the West Ventura County Business Alliance. Oxnard Harbor District Board President Celina Zacarias welcomed attendees with a message on the port’s vital role in local economic development. CEO Kristin Decas provided a "Port 101" overview, highlighting the port’s progress towards becoming a zero-emission facility by 2030 and its commitment to environmental stewardship. The event also celebrated the Port’s recent $3.935 million state grant as part of California's Port Data Partnership Program, supporting continued innovation and growth. The leadership team emphasized the port’s impact on trade, job creation, and local partnerships.