The best way to leverage this gathering of top industry decision-makers is to sponsor or exhibit.
The 2025 AAPA Port Opportunities with Energy, Resilience and Sustainability (POWERS) Summit & Expo—Ports Powered by Purpose in Tampa Bay will host 40+ ports from the U.S., Canada, and South America along with 100+ C-Suite Executives, Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Directors. Participants will include policymakers, energy leaders, and environmental experts to drive our conversations on emerging sustainability solutions for the port industry. Plan on hearing from 50-55 port and government speakers.
To reserve a sponsorship, complete the application at the end of the sponsorship document, and to reserve your tabletop, add an exhibition through the registration process.
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 AAPA’s application portal for our esteemed Port Professional Manager (PPM) is open! The PPM program is designed for aspiring leaders and professionals in port and supply chain management and offers a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their professional goals.
“This program is a cornerstone for any professional seeking to make a significant impact in the port industry, enhanced by the network of strong relationships they build in the process.“
- Jorge Hernández, Business Development Director, Port Everglades
“Collaborating with peers from a diverse array of port operations was a great opportunity to think outside of my comfort zone and build a strong network of industry professionals.”
- Jay Windsor, NIT Intermodal Operations Director, Virginia International Terminals
“The PPM program provided a chance for me to better understand the various responsibilities of personnel and departments that make the ports across our nation work. AAPA’s PPM program has made me a better coworker and teammate.”
- Brandon Bergeron, Director of Engineering, Port of Beaumont
Established in 1995, the PPM program has trained over 160 leaders and many PPM graduates are now in executive positions. Currently, AAPA also has more than 40 active PPM candidates working through the program.
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is excited to introduce its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term, a dynamic group of leaders poised to guide the future of the maritime and port industries. With diverse expertise and representation from across the Americas, the newly elected and returning members will drive AAPA’s mission to advance ports and foster global trade.
Newly Elected Board Members:
- Chair of the Board: Chett Chiasson, Executive Director, Greater Lafourche Port Commission
- Vice-Chair of the Board: Richard Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, Albany Port District Commission
- Stephen Edwards, CEO, Port of Virginia
- Kristine Zortman, Executive Director, Port of Redwood City
- Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority
- Steve Ribuffo, Director, Port of Alaska
Returning Board Members (Elected in 2023):
- Hydi Webb, PortMiami
- Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver USA
- Paul Matthews, Port of South Louisiana
- Deb DeLuca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
AAPA President & CEO Cary Davis shared his excitement about collaborating with the new board, emphasizing their pivotal role in addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and seizing opportunities for ports throughout the Americas.
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We are excited to welcome Jonathan Toomey as AAPA’s new Vice President of Business Development, Events & Marketing. Jonathan brings two decades of experience in content, events, operations, and marketing across industries such as broadcast, ERP technology, and live events. Before joining AAPA, he led educational programming and conference strategy for the National Association of Broadcasters’ renowned NAB Show and held leadership roles in the SAP software ecosystem, overseeing events in industries adjacent to the port sector.
At AAPA, Jonathan will focus on enhancing member satisfaction, strengthening flagship events, launching strategic membership initiatives, and identifying innovative growth opportunities. Jonathan lives in Syracuse, New York, with his wife and three sons.
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During the 36th annual State of the Port Address, Michael A. Thomas, Chairman of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), detailed advancements in cargo, rail, real estate, and cruise operations. Key highlights included a $300 million investment in infrastructure improvements, record-breaking growth in intermodal cargo and cruise passenger movements, and a transformative new Louisiana International Terminal projected to create 18,500 jobs and over $1 billion in tax revenue by 2050. Thomas emphasized the importance of collaboration among Louisiana ports, workforce development, and sustainable practices to secure the state's position as a global trade leader. The address also celebrated partnerships, economic impacts, and diversity initiatives that continue to strengthen Port NOLA's role as a vital economic engine for the region.
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As we enter the season of gratitude, we invite you to join us in supporting the AAPA Emergency Relief Fund. This fund goes beyond providing assistance during natural disasters—it stands as a pillar of resilience, supporting port employees and their families in times of unexpected crises and challenges.
Every contribution, large or small, brings hope and relief to those who need it most. Hear directly from recipients who have experienced the impact of this support through their own stories. "I can’t say enough wonderful things about the team at AAPA and member ports who supported this program through their generous donations. We are all one family in the port world and understand how Mother Nature can uproot all we hold dear within a few minutes, hours, or days. This sort of giving is impactful because it helps to alleviate some of the weight off a person’s shoulders when they have so much happening all at once.”
- Thad Angelloz, Greater Lafourche Port Commission/Port Fourchon
Let’s strengthen our community during this season of giving.
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The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has expanded its centralized vessel scheduling system to include all of Burrard Inlet, coordinating over 5,000 annual ship movements in Canada’s busiest waterway. This system integrates advanced digital modeling, including weather and tide data, to optimize the flow of cargo vessels, cruise ships, and tugs, improving safety and efficiency.
The system also enhances coordination between marine and rail traffic, including through the Second Narrows rail crossing, benefiting operations at North Shore terminals that handle 30% of the port’s cargo. In 2023, Burrard Inlet facilitated the movement of $105 billion in goods and 332 cruise ship calls. The scheduling system, initially launched in 2023, will expand to cover the Fraser River by 2025, further streamlining trade through Canada’s largest port.
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Port Tampa Bay now contributes $34.6 billion in total economic impact and supports over 192,000 jobs, according to a new report from Martin and Associates. The study, which measured impacts through 2023, shows the port has doubled the number of jobs supported and nearly doubled its regional economic value since 2015. Key investments, including deepened shipping channels and expanded containerized cargo facilities, have driven this growth. The port also generated $10.2 billion in personal income, with maritime-related salaries averaging $74,350, and contributed $1.2 billion in state and local taxes.
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Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon has received an $11.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program to construct a $16 million rail yard and transload facility. This transformative project will double the port’s rail capacity and create a major hub for cargo transfers, supporting economic growth in Southwest Indiana.
The facility, located on 30 acres along State Road 62, will feature 20,000 feet of rail track, five rail-truck transload zones, a multipurpose cargo yard, and improved infrastructure, including paved roads, truck scales, and security upgrades. Port operations at Mount Vernon currently support 8,200 jobs and generate $1.6 billion in economic impact annually. “This milestone project will enhance rail opportunities for businesses and drive long-term economic growth,” said Port Director Jason May.
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The Legislative Summit is the premiere port industry government affairs and advocacy forum held annually in Washington, DC. In 2024, 220+ port professionals and 40+ ports participated in the Legislative Summit significantly adding to the collective advocacy strength of the port industry.
Our summit is immensely powerful because we bring together senior port executives from around the nation and federal government leaders to discuss the issues of critical importance to our invaluable national industry, including one-on-one meetings with Congressional leadership for our port executives.
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The Port of Portland has been awarded $2.77 million through the U.S. EPA’s Clean Ports Program to support its decarbonization and disaster resilience efforts. This funding, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will advance the Port’s Clean Ports Energy Future Roadmap, focusing on transitioning to zero-emission equipment, renewable power, and clean fuel options at its marine terminals.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley praised the grant as a significant step toward enhancing the Port’s environmental impact and economic contributions. "This funding is a game-changer for planning a greener future," said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold, highlighting the roadmap’s role in reducing the carbon footprint of marine shipping operations.
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The Port of Vancouver USA has received a $22.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program to enhance its clean energy infrastructure and reduce emissions. This funding will enable the port to deploy two zero-emissions mobile harbor cranes, install crane charging infrastructure, and expand shore power capabilities at Terminal 1 for river cruise vessels.
This investment supports the port’s ongoing Climate Action Plan, initiated in 2021, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving community air quality. “This grant represents a significant leap forward in our transformation to clean energy,” said Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA. The port will contribute an additional $2.5 million toward these projects, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable operations.
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The Port of Stockton has been awarded $110.5 million from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, marking the largest federal investment in the Port’s history. This funding will accelerate the deployment of zero-emission cargo handling equipment, advanced charging infrastructure, solar energy systems, battery storage, and expanded shore power capabilities, all aligned with the Port’s Clean Air Plan and decarbonization goals.
Port Director Kirk DeJesus highlighted the grant’s transformative impact, emphasizing reductions in emissions, regional economic benefits, and workforce development opportunities. The grant also reflects the Port’s leadership in clean technology and its alignment with national zero-emission strategies. Supported by partnerships with SSA Marine, Stockton Soda, and Marathon Petroleum, these initiatives demonstrate the Port’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
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In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), November 17–23, 2024, AAPA’s ACCELerate Apprenticeship program is proud to spotlight its role in addressing workforce shortages through innovative apprenticeship initiatives. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Closing the Skills Gap grant, ACCELerate has served over 3,500 apprentices, engaged 84 employers, and supported apprentices from diverse backgrounds, including 40% minorities, 11% women, and 10% veterans.
With a focus on critical industries like transportation, logistics, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, ACCELerate empowers employers to build long-term workforce strategies while offering apprentices the opportunity to gain in-demand skills. As part of NAW, ACCELerate is participating in several impactful events in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, including a Student Apprenticeship Fair and an Apprenticeship Accelerator program. These efforts underscore the power of apprenticeship to drive innovation and equity in the workforce.
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The Portside Community Academy celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of its first-ever all-Spanish language cohort, alongside an English cohort, during a joint ceremony held on a boat tour of San Diego Bay. The Academy, launched in 2023, has graduated nearly 100 participants, offering a five-session program exploring clean air and electrification projects that impact human health and quality of life.
Applications are now open for the spring 2025 English and Spanish cohorts, which begin in January and include a bus and boat tour of Port of San Diego maritime operations. This award-winning program highlights the Port's innovative efforts in environmental justice and zero-emission technologies while fostering community education and connections. For more information, visit portofsandiego.org/academy.
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The Port of Galveston is seeing a surge in wind turbine shipments, with 979 pieces totaling over 32,000 tons imported this year through October, supporting the $5 billion SunZia Wind project in New Mexico. The port, leveraging its skilled labor, specialized equipment, and proximity to major highways, has scheduled eight more shipments before the year's end and expects strong activity into 2025. The port recently modified infrastructure to handle record-setting 75.7-meter-long blades, the largest ever to cross its docks.
To support growing wind cargo, the port expanded its Foreign Trade Zone by 23 acres and is investing over $90 million to enhance its West Port Cargo Complex, with improvements slated for completion in 2026. These upgrades, combined with federal tax incentives, position the port to capture additional wind turbine import opportunities.
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A program to introduce clean hydrogen in U.S. ports will complement the hub initiative and pave the way for a wider use of the gas in the maritime and industrial sectors.
Paul Day
Reuters
Stas Margaronis
AJOT
Larry Rulison
Times Union
Footwear and apparel importers call for restart of East Coast longshore contract talks
Stuart Chirls
Freightwaves
Greg Knowler
Journal of Commerce
Second Term Follows Two Straight Years of Record US Output
Bloomberg
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7
Jan 2025
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Charissa Meikle at cmeikle@aapa-ports.org.
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9
Jan 2025
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Time: 1:30-2:30 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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14
Jan 2025
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Holden Haley at hhaley@aapa-ports.org.
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20
Jan 2025
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This summit brings together passionate industry leaders from around the globe to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven innovation in the port industry, focusing on sustainable growth, resilience, and practical solutions for profitable operations.
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18
Mar 2025
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The AAPA Legislative Summit is the premier port industry government affairs and advocacy forum held annually in Washington, D.C. and will take place March 18-20, 2025. The summit brings together senior port executives from around the nation with federal government leadership to discuss issues important to one of the most critical national industries. AAPA plans and manages private meetings with Congressional leadership for our port executives as part of this event.
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