PhilaPort is advancing expansion projects to enhance its competitiveness on the East Coast, including deepening the shipping channel from 45 to 50 feet to accommodate larger Super Post-Panamax vessels. Construction of the 165,000-square-foot Philadelphia Distribution Center – Cold (PDC Cold) warehouse is on schedule for completion in 2026, increasing cold storage capacity to meet rising demand for refrigerated cargo. The port is also working to secure a direct container service from Asia, following a brief service in 2024 that was disrupted by Red Sea shipping challenges. In 2023, PhilaPort handled a record-breaking 840,751 TEUs (a 13% increase) and 281,819 imported vehicles (a 9% increase). As part of its long-term Destination 2040 plan, PhilaPort expects container volume to reach 1.6 million units by 2040 and continues to invest in infrastructure, technology, and rail capabilities to support future growth.

Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Transportation have unveiled the design concept for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge, marking a major step in the rebuilding process. The project follows the bridge’s collapse and aims to restore critical transportation infrastructure, reconnect communities, and support economic growth. The state continues to seek damages from responsible parties while leveraging federal funding to move forward with construction. The new bridge will enhance connectivity for commuters and commercial vehicles, support operations at the Port of Baltimore, and serve as a lasting symbol of resilience. Additionally, the governor announced a $15 million investment in the Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal Container Project to expand container capacity and create thousands of new jobs.

The Port of Savannah handled nearly 5.6 million TEUs in 2024, marking a 12.5% increase from the previous year and making it the fastest-growing container gateway on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. To accommodate this growth, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced infrastructure expansions, including new berth space at Ocean Terminal and a long-term plan to increase Savannah’s capacity to 12.5 million TEUs by 2035. The Mason Mega Rail Terminal also achieved record volumes in 2024, moving 540,850 containers, while the Appalachian Regional Port saw an 8.3% increase in rail lifts. GPA’s economic impact now supports over 609,000 jobs in Georgia and contributes $171 billion in sales annually. Looking ahead, GPA plans $4.2 billion in investments over the next decade to expand cargo handling capabilities and support supply chain demands.

The decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) arrived at the Port of Brownsville on February 2, 2025, marking the final voyage of the historic aircraft carrier. After nearly four decades of service in the U.S. Navy, the vessel will be dismantled and recycled at International Shipbreaking Ltd./EMR. The Port of Brownsville is a leading site for retired U.S. Navy ship recycling, processing over 85% of Navy and U.S. Maritime Administration vessels. Since 2014, the port has received six aircraft carriers for recycling, including the USS Forrestal, USS Constellation, and USS Kitty Hawk. The event drew spectators, including Navy veterans and local residents, who reflected on the ship’s legacy and the importance of repurposing its high-quality materials.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has appointed Ida Rukavina to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners for a six-year term expiring in January 2031. Rukavina, commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, succeeds Tony Sertich, who served two six-year terms since 2013. Her background includes leadership roles in economic development, municipal advocacy, and government outreach, including serving as Senator Amy Klobuchar’s northern Minnesota outreach director. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority, established in 1955, is governed by a seven-member board and supports regional maritime and economic development. The Port of Duluth-Superior handles over 30 million short tons of cargo annually, contributing $1.3 billion to the regional economy.

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) elected new board officers during its February 12, 2025, meeting. John “T-John” Melancon, Jr. was elected President, Kris Callais as Vice President, Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. as Secretary, and Rodney Gisclair, Sr. as Treasurer. The GLPC board, which oversees Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport, is the only elected port commission in Louisiana, with members serving six-year terms. Board officers are nominated and elected every three years by the commissioners. The next GLPC board meeting is scheduled for February 26 at the Administration Office in Cut Off, Louisiana.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and the Harbor Police Department (HPD) launched upgraded security measures and technology at the Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC) ahead of Super Bowl LIX. These enhancements, which were utilized during the event, will continue to strengthen emergency response capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. The MSOC’s upgraded surveillance and communications systems improve coordination and information-sharing with the U.S. Coast Guard and other public safety agencies. Port NOLA has secured over $2.5 million in FEMA funding since 2022 to enhance security against potential threats, disasters, and emergencies. HPD Chief Melanie Montroll emphasized that these security improvements will support ongoing efforts to ensure public safety at the port and in surrounding communities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, will begin maintenance dredging of Palm Beach Harbor on or around March 3, 2025. The $10.1 million project, awarded to Weeks Marine Inc., will remove approximately 191,000 cubic yards of shoaling material from the entrance channel and settling basins over a 2-3 week period. Dredged material will be pumped and screened onto Palm Beach Island’s adjacent beach, with construction activities lasting approximately 5-6 weeks. Temporary lane closures along N. Ocean Blvd at Palmo Way are expected, with a full lane closure anticipated around February 26. The project, sponsored by the Port of Palm Beach, will maintain the harbor’s authorized depth and ensure safe navigation for commercial shipping.

The Port of Bellingham has published its annual Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) progress report, detailing key achievements in collaboration with community stakeholders and economic development partners. The report highlights accomplishments aligned with the 2022-2026 CEDS strategy, including infrastructure development, workforce cultivation, and regional partnerships. As the Associate Development Organization (ADO) for Whatcom County, the Port works closely with the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Washington State Department of Commerce to build a resilient regional economy. The report showcases six core sub-goals: economic foundation, infrastructure, workforce development, partnerships, diversity and inclusion, and economic resilience. More information is available at choosewhatcom.com/ceds, with highlights shared on the Port’s social media throughout 2025.