Join AAPA’s Cary Davis, Director of Government Relations and General Counsel, in a webinar on the Current State of Port Affairs Amid the COVID-19 Crisis tomorrow, Thursday, April 23 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Hosted by the Global Business Alliance, the webinar will focus on:

• Increases in supply chain demands and disruptions,
• Current export issues related to personal protective equipment (PPE),
• Predictions about changes in trade with continental partners, and
• Long-term supply chain outlook.

Register today to attend the GBA/AAPA webinar.

The Port of Hueneme kicked off the 50th Annual Earth Day with a digital celebration, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability and sharing the results of its Green Marine Certification assessment. As Earth Day reaches its milestone 50th Anniversary, Ports of Indiana reflects on its progress and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, including its membership to the binational Green Marine Program. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Port of Seattle is taking major actions to achieve its Century Agenda goal to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America. Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck encourages “Be the Change on Earth Day,” and shares his five-year vision for a zero-carbon, clean future. Port Tampa Bay has partnered with Cardno to formally adopt McKay Bay Nature Park in celebration of Earth Day.

As the Port of Hueneme continues moving cargo to stock the shelves at grocery stores throughout California and 15 western states, waterfront workers went above and beyond the call by hosting a blood drive. The port is also working to keep local restaurants afloat and essentials workers fed during the COVID-19 crisis. The Port of Los Angeles reported that Logistics Victory Los Angeles (LoVLA.org) is receiving a donation of 160,000 face shields from Apple Inc. (AAPL). Donated through Apple’s Giving program, the face shields will assist in L.A.’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his latest video message, Executive Director Gene Seroka anticipates a stronger April. Port of Montréal is working to keep goods moving and supporting the various initiatives by stakeholders in the supply chain to support local businesses. Port Tampa Bay donated more than 1,000 rolls of toilet paper to Feeding Tampa Bay so that the organization could distribute the much-needed supplies to its network of food banks throughout the region. The Port of Olympia and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47 partner with The Moore Wright Group to expand warehousing and distribution of goods to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has earned two 2020 Local Image Awards from the Jacksonville Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. JAXPORT received recognition in the Integrated Marketing category for the port’s 2019 rebranding initiative. Paul LaMarre III, Director of the Port of Monroe, was honored recently by the Great Lakes Seaway Partnership, which awarded a package of his photos with the first-place prize in their second annual photo contest.

According to ECLAC, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean through external and domestic factors, the combined effect of which will lead to the worst contraction that the region has ever undergone, exceeding those seen in 1914 and 1930. According to the latest estimates, an average regional contraction of -5.3% is forecast for 2020. The Port of Suape ended the first quarter with the largest cargo movement in its history. The increase in the period was 41% compared to 2019, totaling 6,675,954 tons. March exceeded expectations and grew 13% compared to the same month in 2019, closing with 1,971,259 tons. The number of vessels docking in Suape was 11% higher from January to March this year, reaching 354 ships, compared to 318 in the first quarter of last year. During February 2020, exports registered in the Valparaíso Region were USD 315.9 million, which meant a drop of 29.1% in 12 months, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. The Port of Virginia said that as a result of a coronavirus-driven reduction of import volumes, it will cease container operations at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) beginning May 4. Virginia Port Authority spokesman Joe Harris said employees, vessel services and containers moving across PMT will be integrated into the operations at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT). “This is one of many cost-saving measures being taken at The Port of Virginia,” Harris said.

Almost exactly two years after construction began on the main span of the new massive bridge at the Port of Long Beach, crews today carefully lifted and connected into place the last major steel floor beam. Several more tasks still need to be completed before the new bridge – California’s first cable-stayed bridge for vehicles — is expected to open later this year.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance is offering a limited number of scrapping bonuses to drivers who still operate a pre-2007 engine truck at the NWSA international or domestic container terminals.

The Port of Kalama marina was damaged by a swell and then a suction of the water from a cargo vessel  passing in the river channel at an excessive speed. The port security camera captured video of the wake/wave impacting the marina. Commissioners John McCarthy and Peter Steinbrueck, port commission presidents and co-chairs of The Northwest Seaport Alliance issued a statement on the emergency closing of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge because of deterioration and to determine next steps.

As part of the transformation of the Chula Vista waterfront on San Diego Bay, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the future Sweetwater Park. 

Senior Executive, Ocean Transportation, Nationwide, USA; Confidential

Vice President, Development, New Orleans, LA; Port of New Orleans

Director of Maritime, Oakland, CA; Port of Oakland

Vice President, Development, New Orleans, LA; Port of New Orleans

Academic Professional Track (Non-tenure): Instructional Assistant Professor, College Station, TX; Texas A&M University