AAPA President & CEO Cary S. Davis testified before the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security on February 11, addressing China’s strategic port investments in the Western Hemisphere. Davis emphasized that China’s significant investments in global port infrastructure outpace U.S. spending, underscoring the economic and geopolitical advantages of trade gateways. He also highlighted the importance of federal programs such as the Port Infrastructure Development Program and the Port Security Grant Program in maintaining U.S. port competitiveness and security.
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If you are planning to attend the 2025 AAPA Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 18-20 and haven't booked your room yet, it's important to make your reservations soon.
AAPA's room block at the JW Marriott Washington D.C. closes this month. To save on your hotel rate, book by February 24, 2025.
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More than 30 logistics and supply chain students from Georgia Southern University visited the Port of Savannah for an inside look at port operations and infrastructure projects. Students toured Garden City Terminal, the largest container port in the Western Hemisphere, and Mason Mega Rail, the largest on-terminal intermodal facility in North America. Georgia Ports Authority executives led a panel discussion on topics including infrastructure investment, container operations, and port finance. The visit also highlighted career opportunities, including Georgia Ports' Summer Internship Program, which is currently accepting applications.
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The Port of Green Bay has opened the 2025 First Ship Contest, inviting participants to predict the arrival date and time of the first ship to enter the port this spring. The contest, sponsored by Discover Green Bay, offers a prize package that includes a one-night stay at Hotel Northland, a Port of Green Bay swag bag, a Brown County 200th Anniversary Monopoly game, six tickets to the National Railroad Museum, and a gift certificate from Voyageurs Sourdough Bakehouse. Entries can be submitted through Discover Green Bay’s official contest page, with one entry per person allowed. The winner will be the individual whose guess is closest to the actual arrival time, with ties decided by the earliest submission.
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The Port of Duluth-Superior recorded 29.6 million short tons of cargo in the 2024 navigation season, a 6.8 percent decrease from 2023, driven by a 10.4 percent drop in iron ore shipments. Despite this decline, export tonnage surged by 31 percent, led by a significant increase in spring wheat exports. Breakbulk cargo at Clure Public Marine Terminal rose 70 percent, and Duluth Cargo Connect freight tonnage exceeded 500,000 tons, the highest total since 2020. Other highlights included increased wind energy shipments, expanded trans-Atlantic liner service, and more than 4,000 cruise passengers visiting Duluth for the second consecutive season.
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The Port of New York and New Jersey reported strong cargo growth in 2024, handling 8.7 million TEUs, an 11 percent increase over 2023. This marks the port’s third-busiest year on record, reinforcing its position as the busiest cargo gateway on the East Coast. In November, the port processed 718,826 TEUs, a 12 percent rise from the previous year, while December saw 688,180 TEUs, up 9 percent from 2023. The port’s strong performance reflects its reliability and efficiency amid industry concerns over potential labor disruptions.
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On January 30, the port authorities of Montréal, Québec, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, and Trois-Rivières signed a memorandum of understanding with North Sea Port to enhance trade and accelerate the transition to more sustainable maritime transport. The agreement builds on a 2018 partnership between the Port of Québec and North Sea Port, with new collaboration focused on optimizing logistics chains, fostering innovation through partnerships with research institutions, and advancing sustainability initiatives such as low-emission solutions and alternative fuels. This strategic alliance aims to strengthen supply chains between the Saguenay-St. Lawrence and North Sea maritime corridors, benefiting businesses and stakeholders in both regions.
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The Port of San Diego has become the first port in the Pacific Rim and the United States to join the Port Innovators Network (PIN), a global coalition focused on advancing sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence in the maritime industry. This partnership aligns with the port’s Blue Economy Incubator, which fosters sustainable ocean-based innovation and supports entrepreneurs. By joining PIN, the Port of San Diego will collaborate with international ports, including Hamburg, Valencia, and Halifax, to drive advancements in blue technology, climate resilience, and maritime decarbonization. The port’s participation will contribute to the global exchange of knowledge and solutions for a more sustainable marine sector.
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The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) and the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) are developing the South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP), a $100 million+ Indigenous-led project aimed at expanding import logistics and employment opportunities for local Indigenous workers. The 56-acre site will include a logistics and warehousing complex near Fairview Terminal, CN Rail, and the CANXPORT facility, with IntermodeX as the anchor tenant operating a 33-acre facility set to open in Q1 2027. The project received $43.3 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund and $60.9 million in financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. SKILP is a key component of Prince Rupert’s intermodal supply chain, designed to enhance trade efficiency and support long-term regional economic growth.
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The Port of Port Arthur will hold a mandatory pre-bid conference on February 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for the Economic Development Administration Berth 5 Backland Laydown Yard and Stabilization Project. The project includes demolition of bituminous pavement, construction of retaining walls, grade raising with lightweight fill, drainage improvements, paving, electrical and lighting modifications, and other site work. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Port of Port Arthur Administration Building, and no admission will be allowed after 2:00 p.m. The project is funded by an Economic Development Administration grant and aims to enhance port infrastructure.
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The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has approved the Port of Oakland's Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, outlining key priorities for market growth, job creation, and infrastructure modernization. The plan focuses on expanding the port’s economic base, upgrading facilities, transitioning to zero-emissions operations, and enhancing workforce development. It also aims to maximize land use value, generate new business opportunities, and strengthen the port’s role in regional and international commerce. The Port of Oakland’s leadership emphasizes that these efforts will create economic benefits for both businesses and local communities.
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This year’s event will take place October 6-8 in Québec City, Canada. It will offer comprehensive programming focused on the future of port prosperity. Join us as we explore how ports are expanding opportunities and growing businesses through strategic investments, innovative solutions, and collaborative partnerships.
The 2024 Annual Convention was a record-breaking event for AAPA. We hosted nearly 900 port professionals from over 90 ports around the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Latin America, industry solution providers, supply chain partners, and government officials. Over 85% of all U.S. port members were represented and 60% of the attendees were in senior leadership positions within their organization.
We can't wait to continue to build on this successful and growing program in Québec City!
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Port investments by China in the Western Hemisphere have come sharply into focus with Trump Administration with fears over security in Panama Canal, and the wider region.
Barry Parker
Seatrade Maritime News
Brenda Silva
AJOT
Maritime Logistics Professional
Maritime Logistics Professional
Taylor Mills
Bloomberg
Port Laredo, Texas, top US trade gateway last year
Noi Mahoney
FreightWaves
Keith Naughton
Bloomberg
Permitting Overhaul, Emerging Technologies Top List
Eugene Mulero
Transport Topics
Companies are excited about the administration’s focus on fossil fuels, lower taxes and deregulation. But confusion over tariffs, deportations, and federal cuts is getting in the way.
Justin Lahart, Ruth Simon and Paul Kiernan
Wall Street Journal
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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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