The AAPA 2025 Annual Convention & Expo is heading to Quebec City, Canada, on October 6-8, bringing together 800+ port professionals, 400 port executives, and 100+ exhibitors for dynamic discussions on the future of the maritime industry.
Submit your session, workshop, or panel proposal by March 31, 2025, and share your expertise with industry leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the conversation at the premier seaport event of the year.
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The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, is confirmed for the 2025 Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 18-20.
Jennifer L. Homendy is the 15th Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in other modes of transportation, including rail, transit, roadway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. Homendy has served as the agency’s 44th Board Member since 2018 and Chairman since 2021.
Prior to the NTSB, Homendy spent nearly 15 years as Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Representatives. She previously held positions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, and the American Iron and Steel Institute.
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AAPA staff recently met with the U.S Department of Transportation, Office of Secretary Sean Duffy, to discuss the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) network. FLOW is a public-private partnership among industry and government to build a forward-looking, integrated view of supply chain conditions in the United States.
FLOW data helps forecast how current capacity and throughput will fare against future demand, helping participating companies anticipate changes in supply chain throughput and take proactive step to mitigate previously unanticipated delays. The FLOW program collects purchase order information from importers in addition to logistics supply, demand, and throughput data from participants (e.g., beneficial cargo owners, ocean carriers, ports, terminals, railways).
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The Port of Corpus Christi and its customers moved 206.5 million tons of cargo in 2024, marking a new record driven by increased shipments of crude oil and dry bulk commodities, including agricultural products. The port also set a quarterly record in Q4 2024, handling 54 million tons, a 4.3% increase over the same period in 2023. Crude oil shipments for the year rose 3.5% to 130.5 million tons, while dry bulk and agricultural cargo saw growth of 8.1% and 38.7%, respectively. The completion of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project is expected in early 2025, enhancing the port’s capacity with a deeper and wider channel. Port officials credited the investments in infrastructure and industry partnerships for supporting continued growth.
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The NXTClean Fuels project at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park took a major step forward with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s approval of a water quality permit. The proposed $2.5 billion facility aims to produce up to 50,000 barrels of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel per day, supporting Oregon’s climate goals. The project is expected to generate over 2,400 construction jobs, 240 permanent jobs, and $13 million annually in local property taxes. Since 2019, NXTClean Fuels has been navigating Oregon’s permitting process, with final federal approvals anticipated following an Environmental Impact Statement review in 2025. If approved, the facility will utilize the Port’s deep-water dock for feedstock deliveries and fuel shipments, contributing to regional economic growth and the transition to cleaner energy.
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The Galveston Wharves is preparing to update its 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, initially adopted in 2019, to account for completed projects and evolving industry trends. Major projects completed or nearing completion include Cruise Terminal 10, Cruise Terminal 16, and nearly $100 million in cargo infrastructure improvements. The update will evaluate potential future developments such as a fifth cruise terminal, a new home for the USS Texas, and public waterfront improvements. The plan will also reassess remaining projects, including dock and wharf upgrades, Pelican Island development, and drainage improvements. Public input will be incorporated into the update process to help guide the port’s future growth.
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The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reported an 11.4% increase in container volumes at the Port of Savannah for fiscal year-to-date 2025, handling over 2.8 million TEUs. In December, the port moved more than 442,000 TEUs, a 4.7% increase over the previous year. The Port of Brunswick saw a 7.5% rise in Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo, handling 443,763 units year-to-date, despite a 7% dip in December volumes. Infrastructure investments continue, with the Blue Ridge Connector inland port now more than 50% complete and a $40 million expanded U.S. Customs inspection facility set to open in March 2025. Additionally, GPA completed $262 million in improvements at the Port of Brunswick in 2024, with ongoing projects including a new railyard and a fourth RoRo berth.
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A new economic impact study conducted by Martin & Associates for the Texas Ports Association (TPA) shows that the Port of Harlingen contributed over $4.6 billion in economic activity to Texas in 2023, a 156% increase from 2021. The port also supported 25,224 jobs, reflecting a 159% increase, and generated $79 million in local and state tax revenue. The study highlights the broader impact of Texas ports, which collectively contribute $713.9 billion to the state's economy, accounting for 28% of Texas’ GDP. Port officials attribute the growth to increased cargo movement, infrastructure investments, and the expanding role of ports in job creation and economic development.
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The Port of San Francisco co-sponsored the “Clean Fleet Experience,” an event showcasing the latest in zero-emission trucking technology at Pier 96 on January 22, 2025. Organized by ZEV Tour, the event featured battery-electric and hydrogen-fuel cell trucks from nearly 20 major manufacturers, along with a conference, technology exposition, and test drive opportunities. This initiative aligns with the Port’s Clean Trucking Initiative and broader sustainability goals, which aim to reduce emissions and improve air quality in surrounding communities.
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The Port of Los Angeles is accepting applications for its FY 2025/26 Community Investment Grant Program, which provides funding for nonprofit organizations supporting the Los Angeles Harbor community. Since its launch in 2014, the program has awarded nearly $12 million in grants to 374 local organizations. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for general grants under $100,000 or large grants exceeding $100,000, with proposed initiatives required to align with maritime commerce, ecological preservation, or waterfront activities. A virtual informational workshop will be held on February 19, and applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 24. More details and application materials are available on the Port of Los Angeles website.
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Time is running out to secure your spot in AAPA’s Port Professional Manager (PPM®) and Port Professional Associate (PPA®) programs! These prestigious programs provide port and supply chain professionals with the expertise, leadership training, and networking opportunities needed to advance their careers. Applications close at 11:59 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025—don’t miss your chance to join the Foxtrot Class.
The PPA® program is designed for graduates and early-career professionals, offering fundamental industry knowledge, mentorship from experienced port leaders, and career-building opportunities. The PPM® program helps professionals develop advanced expertise in port operations, strategic planning, and environmental sustainability.
Joining these programs means gaining access to a robust curriculum, expert instruction from top industry leaders, and a network of professionals shaping the future of the port industry. If you don’t apply now, you’ll have to wait another year for the next opportunity.
We’re excited to welcome the following new members to our community. Each brings unique perspectives and expertise to our growing network. Learn more about the newest AAPA members:
e1 Marine provides clean energy technologies, including advanced methanol to hydrogen generation products supporting the fuel cell industry.
Our ground-breaking technology enables maritime operators to generate fuel-cell grade hydrogen onboard, or onsite, efficiently and safely – whenever and wherever they need it. By connecting our methanol to hydrogen generators with fuel cell power solutions, e1 Marine unlocks your energy transition.
RWE is one of the world’s leading companies in offshore wind, active across the entire value chain, from project conception and development to construction, operation and maintenance.
For over 20 years we have built and now operate 19 offshore wind farms globally. Now we are bringing our unparalleled expertise to the United States where we are working with communities from coast to coast to build out our clean energy future.
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Rich Collins
New Orleans Times Picayune
Reuters
Liberal PM Candidate Would Summit With Leaders From Mexico, Denmark, Panama, European Union
Randy Thanthong-Knight
Bloomberg
‘But if It Does, We Have Our Plan,’ Claudia Sheinbaum Says
Carolina Millan and Maria Elena Vizcaino
Bloomberg
AJOT
Development, decarbonization tops gateway’s to-do list
Stuart Chirls
Freightwaves
Chris Marquette and Oriana Pawlyk
Politico
The deal comes as another union warns of a walkout at Canadian National
Sabela Ojea
Wall Street Journal
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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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