To limit the spread of the Coronavirus from the Hubei region of China, the U.S. Government is imposing travel and trade restrictions from high-risk areas. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin with guidance for vessels destined for a U.S. port. For specific questions or concerns about the government security measures and how ports can best prepare, ports are encouraged to contact the Coast Guard’s Office of Emergency Management at outbreakquestions@uscg.mil. Moreover, it is important for ports to work with their local Captains of the Port (COTP), who will have all the latest news and resources. AAPA can also help facilitate questions or concerns with its Coast Guard and MARAD contacts.

AAPA has pledged its support, along with 250 other transportation industry leaders, for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT) initiative, during an event with U.S. Transportation Secrectary Elaine L. Chao on January 28. The initiative empowers transportation and travel industry stakeholders to educate, raise awareness and measure their impact in the fight against human trafficking. Resources, including a transportation leaders pledge, counter-trafficking strategies, training resources, and public awareness materials, are available online at https://cms8.dot.gov/TLAHT. To report human trafficking incidents, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

In late November, AAPA embarked on a survey to compile a 5-year “look-ahead” of what U.S. ports and their private-sector partners plan to spend for infrastructure through 2025. Titled the 2021-2025 Port Planned Infrastructure Investment Survey, the cumulative results – from both AAPA member and non-member U.S. ports and their private-sector partners – will be used to advocate for increased federal investments in connecting infrastructure to ports, and in direct infrastructure grants for ports.

If your port hasn’t done so already, please complete the survey this week.

The AAPA Spring Conference is around the corner and it will be better than ever. Make plans now to join us in Washington, D.C., March 17-19. This year we kick off the event with Chris Baldwin, president and CEO of BJ’s, who will be talking about “Competing on the Basis of Supply Chain Excellence.” In addition, we have added fresh new content including topics like “The Interconnectedness of the International Supply Chain” and “Tips, Tricks & Tales from the Front Lines of Federal Advocacy for Seaports.”

 

To cap it off, we have two special events in store each evening. On Tuesday night, the Annual Convention in Québec kickoff will give you a preview of what to expect when you arrive in charming Québec City in September. On Wednesday evening, we have organized an influencer’s cocktail party hosted by K&L Gates to introduce you to “who's who” in Washington.

Register soon to secure your spot!

The Port of Los Angeles moved 806,144 TEUs in January, a 5.4% decrease compared to last year. “We anticipated that tariffs would continue to impact cargo volumes as we moved into 2020, and our January volumes reflect that ongoing trend,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. PortMiami set a new record-breaking year in collaboration with its partners. The port experienced a 3.4% gain in cargo with a total of 1,120,000 TEUs, during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2019. Cargo traveling through Port Milwaukee facilities increased significantly in 2019 led by growth in all major dry bulk categories. The port’s municipal docks’ total cargo volume was up 24% when compared to 2018. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey handled 7,471,131 TEUs in 2019, breaking the previous annual record of 7,179,788 TEUs in 2018. The Port of Trois-Rivières ended 2019 with a new record for goods handled. A total of 4.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) transited through the port, surpassing by 10% the record of 3.8 MTM in 2018. 

The Port of Los Angeles will hold a street naming ceremony on February 8 in honor of late Harbor Commission president and ILWU leader, Dave Arian. The Port of San Diego invites the public to enjoy a free afternoon of activities and performances by Fern Street Circus and Culture Shock Dance Troupe on February 22. The event, "Circus in the Park: A South Bay Arts Event," is being provided as a Port of San Diego experience for the entertainment of the community.

The Port of San Francisco issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the rehabilitation and activation of Piers 30-32 and Seawall Lot (SWL) 330 along the Embarcadero waterfront in South Beach. The RFP is soliciting proposals for the entire site or individual proposals for either Piers 30-32 or SWL 330.

The Port of Hueneme kicked off 2020 drawing the attention of Ventura County’s business leaders and environmental advocates earning the California Green Business Network Certification and the 2020 Outstanding Business Catalyst Award. Harbor Commissions for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach will both consider a resolution to approve a proposed Clean Truck Rate at upcoming board meetings. The Clean Truck Rate is expected to accelerate the introduction of cleaner drayage trucks serving the ports. 

Griff Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority, outlined an expansion plan that includes the acquisition of 145 contiguous acres to the Port of Savannah, or more than 1 million TEUs in annual capacity. Calling it “everyone’s port,” the Port of Oakland’s new leader wants an industrial sanctuary to sustain economic vitality here. Executive Director Danny Wan delivered his State of the Port address saying there’s plenty to feel good about. But he asked a sold-out audience of 350 to help him buffer the port as Oakland develops. The Port of Redwood City Board of Port Commissioners approved a 2020 Vision Plan – the first of its kind in port history. The plan will strategically guide all of the port’s work over the next 25 years.

AAPA sustaining member Liebherr handed over the first electrically-operated Liebherr port handling machine in the 200-tonne category to DaFeng Port in China. The LH 150 ET Gantry Port Litronic is the first electrically operated port handling machine in its weight class. It is also the world's largest electrically operated Liebherr port handling machine with gantry undercarriage as well as the largest port handling machine Liebherr has ever produced. 

Orion Marine Group is a leading heavy civil marine contractor headquartered in Houston, Texas. They offer a wide range of services and turnkey solutions in marine construction, design and specialty services on, over and under the water throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean basin.

Chief Executive Officer, Longview, Washington; Port of Longview

Chief Engineer, Camden, New Jersey; South Jersey Port Corporation

Risk Claims Specialist, Seattle, Washington; Port of Seattle

Executive Director, Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), Hanover, Maryland; Maryland Department of Transportation

Director, Engineering Services, Kingston, Jamaica; Kingston Wharves Limited

GIA/Environmental Specialist, Cleveland, Ohio; Port of Cleveland

Director of Environmental Planning, Long Beach, California; Port of Long Beach

Senior Accountant, Cleveland, Ohio; Port of Cleveland

Mid to Senior Level Structural and Civil Engineers – Marine, Port, and Federal Infrastructure, Everett, Washington; Reid Middleton

Director of Business Development, Riviera Beach, Florida; Port of Palm Beach

Industrial Development Manager (Project Manager), Cincinnati, Ohio; The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority

Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Maritime Academy