The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has announced its policy agenda for the 119th Congress and the incoming Donald J. Trump Administration, aimed at revitalizing U.S. port infrastructure.
The agenda highlights eight key priorities, including reauthorizing infrastructure grant programs, securing navigation channel funding, and advocating for federal permitting reforms. AAPA leaders have begun discussions with Congressional members and transition teams to advance these priorities.
Advocacy efforts will continue at AAPA's Legislative Summit: Revitalizing America’s Ports, scheduled for March 18-20 in Washington, D.C. Registration is open for the Legislative Summit.
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We heard you needed more time, so good news — the application deadline for AAPA’s Port Professional Manager (PPM®) program’s Foxtrot Class has been extended to Friday, January 31, 2025! This gives aspiring port leaders extra time to secure a spot in this esteemed program, designed to elevate expertise and leadership in the port and supply chain industry.
The PPM® program offers participants a unique opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in critical areas such as port operations, strategic planning, and environmental sustainability. Joining the Foxtrot Class means accessing a network of top industry professionals and acquiring the skills necessary to address the evolving challenges of port management. This program is an invaluable step for professionals aiming to make a lasting impact on their organizations and the industry.
For more information about AAPA’s professional development programs, reach out to Julie Barelas at jbarelas@aapa-ports.org.
During the 2025 State of the Port address, the Port of Long Beach marked the 20th anniversary of its Green Port Policy, highlighting significant environmental and commercial achievements. In 2024, the Port moved a record 9.6 million TEUs, a 20.3% increase from the previous year, while reducing diesel emissions by 92% and greenhouse gases by 17% since 2005. Major projects included the start of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility and advancements in offshore wind energy infrastructure, such as the proposed Pier Wind terminal. The Port continues to balance sustainable operations with its role as a global trade leader, contributing to Long Beach’s transition to clean energy.
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Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville and CGB Enterprises distributed over 1,400 truckloads of road salt in a single week following a record snowfall in the Greater Louisville area. This volume, equivalent to 19 fully loaded barges, set new weekly and monthly distribution records for CGB. Over the weekend, CGB personnel worked extended hours to load 210 heavy-duty trucks with three barge loads of salt for regional distribution. Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville supports over 12,000 jobs and generates a $2.5 billion economic impact annually for the Kentuckiana region. Indiana’s three state-owned ports collectively contribute $8.7 billion to the state’s economy.
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Toshiko Hasegawa was officially named Port of Seattle Commission President for 2025 during the Commission's January 14 meeting. As the first Asian American woman in this role, Hasegawa announced plans for a “Teal New Deal,” focusing on investments in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and logistics to support a sustainable blue and green economy. In 2024, the Port achieved milestones including new shore power connections, advancements in the Maritime Innovation Center, and the launch of workforce development programs. The Port supports nearly 200,000 jobs and plans to add 100,000 more by 2037 through its Century Agenda. The Port’s 2025 plans will be shared during the February 6 State of the Port event.
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The Port of San Diego awarded its first Anchors of Excellence Awards to Youth Climate Advisors and Clean Coast Collaborative during the January 14 Board of Port Commissioners meeting. These awards recognize local nonprofits making a positive impact, with both organizations acknowledged for their work addressing the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis. Youth Climate Advisors, in partnership with the Airborne Institute, promotes mutual learning between scientists and youth to address climate and air quality challenges. Clean Coast Collaborative, a youth-founded group, focuses on combating water pollution through advocacy and education. Nominations for future awards are open to the public and will be reviewed based on alignment with Port values and regional representation.
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The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) partnered with Java Joy, a program by Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), to bring a pop-up coffee café to its administrative lobby in Garden City. The event provided employment opportunities for “Joyristas,” adults with disabilities, and fostered community engagement with port employees. GPA also contributed to establish a new Java Joy location in Savannah, supporting the program’s expansion across Georgia. Java Joy is part of ESP, which serves over 1,200 families with programs designed to enrich lives and promote inclusion.
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The Port of Montreal has fully resumed operations, handling nearly 200,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) and 52 container ships since activities restarted two months ago. Efforts from port teams and logistics partners cleared backlogs, including 13,350 TEUs, 100 of which contained critical medical supplies, and 750,000 feet of freight cars. Daily terminal traffic included 2,300 truck drivers and 137 freight cars of grain for CanEst and Viterra. The Montreal Port Authority credits its partners for their collaboration in ensuring smooth supply chain recovery and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining optimal service.
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In 2024, PhilaPort achieved significant milestones, including welcoming the largest vessel to call at the Port of Philadelphia, the CMA CGM Marco Polo, enabled by the completion of the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project and terminal upgrades. The port broke ground on a 165,500-square-foot refrigerated warehouse, part of its Distribution Center, slated for completion in 2026. PhilaPort secured nearly $300 million in federal grants to support emissions reduction initiatives and the final phase of berth construction at SouthPort. The year also saw record-breaking growth, with an 8% increase in total tonnage, including 840,751 TEUs (up 13%) and 281,819 new vehicle imports (up 9%). These developments align with PhilaPort’s Destination 2040 Strategic Plan, which aims to drive long-term growth and economic impact.
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The Port of Prince Rupert handled 23.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, reflecting a 1% decrease from 2023 due to transpacific trade route shifts, labour disruptions, and a brief rail service suspension. Despite these challenges, intermodal container volumes increased by 5%, and agricultural exports rose by 26%. The Port advanced strategic projects, including the $1.35 billion Ridley Island Energy Export Facility, which will enhance Canadian energy exports to Asia, and the CANXPORT logistics facility, supported by a $150 million Canada Infrastructure Bank loan. These developments are part of over $2.5 billion in capital investments aimed at strengthening supply chain efficiency and diversifying trade markets.
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Jess J. Ramirez has been sworn in as President of the Oxnard Harbor District during a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme, with Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez administering the oath of office. Ramirez, a Vietnam veteran and long-time advocate for education and community service, has dedicated over 51 years to the port, rising from casual longshoreman to a leadership role. His tenure is marked by environmental stewardship, economic development initiatives, and community-focused projects like the Port of Hueneme’s Banana Festival. Ramirez emphasized his commitment to fostering partnerships and creating opportunities that benefit both the economy and local communities during his final term. The Port of Hueneme supports $2.8 billion in economic activity and 24,997 trade-related jobs annually.
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Port Tampa Bay and Margaritaville at Sea have been named finalists for the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Urban Excellence Awards in the Downtown Experience and People’s Choice Award categories. Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until February 7, with winners announced at a ceremony on February 27. Additionally, Port Tampa Bay leaders participated in the AAPA POWERS Conference, with discussions on sustainability, port electrification, and energy resilience. The Port also continues its commitment to preventing human trafficking, raising awareness through partnerships, training, and community outreach. Port Tampa Bay’s 11th annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for April 25, 2025, benefiting local maritime scholarships and ministries.
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A 25% tax on imports would mean new costs for U.S. drivers and fuel makers
David Uberti
Wall Street Journal
The continental trade pact isn’t up for review until 2026, but Trump’s advisers want to open it up quickly
Brian Schwartz, Gavin Bade and Vipal Monga
Wall Street Journal
Agreement Aims to Slash Tariffs on Cheese, Poultry, Pork, Pasta, Apples, Jams, Chocolate and Wine
Alberto Nardelli and Alex Vasquez
Bloomberg
Textile group calls for Trump to eliminate de minimis program
Eric Kulisch
Freightwaves
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
New agency chair has been praised by shippers and railroads
Freightwaves
Maritime Logistics Professional
Maritime Executive
Stas Margaronis
AJOT
AJOT
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6
Feb 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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4
Mar 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, Melodie George at mgeorge@aapa-ports.org.
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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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8
Apr 2025
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Agenda
Topic 1: AAPA CEO update to the Committee Presented by Cary Davis, CEO/President of AAPA Topic 2: Municipal Finance (Seaport Sector) Update
- Presented by Conner Benoit, Senior Vice President, Hilltop Securities Inc.
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Charissa Meikle at cmeikle@aapa-ports.org.
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