Learn about increases in temperature, precipitation and billion dollar disasters from scientists at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information in a recap of the climate and extreme weather events across the United States in 2020. A partnership between NOAA and The Ocean Foundation aims to boost  public awareness on international and national scientific efforts to advance research, conservation and our understanding of the global ocean.  

AAPA and the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE) are excited to roll out the updated Professional Port Manager Certification Program (PPM®). Utilizing a shorter timeframe and cost efficient approach, the new program is right for you. The application portal is open now, and will close on January 31. Gather your materials and apply here: https://t.co/uXuKkPWyzs?amp=1.

NearshoreNetworks is a maritime service provider headquartered in Houston, Texas. Its focus is to introduce ClimaCell as the most advanced weather technology operational solution available to port facilities and maritime fleet operators. The ClimaCell solution as a service is unmatched in its forecast accuracy by integrating wave, wind, visibility and 13 additional air quality conditions data from unique input sources. Outputs of this solution shapes operational safety, productivity and cost controls for port and vessel management by taking the guesswork out of weather to drive operational awareness and action well in advance of deteriorating conditions.

EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. Under the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) National Grants Program, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $46 million in DERA grants for FY 2021. Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than March 16 at 11:59  p.m. (ET) to be considered for funding.

Cargo volume at the Port of New York and New Jersey continued to rise for the fourth month in a row, with total volume for November 2020 at 738,885 TEUs (408,482 containers), up 23.2% compared to the same month in 2019 when the seaport handled 599,626 TEUs (338,857 containers). The Port of Oakland said December imports grew 11% compared to December 2019 and containerized export volume was up 0.9% during the same period. The pandemic and trade tariffs had a significant impact on The Port of Virginia’s 2020 cargo volumes as the port saw a dip of more than 4% in its overall volume numbers for the calendar year. The port closed its year having processed more than 260,000 TEUs in December, making it the best December volume on record. 

The Port of Hueneme announced the arrival of two new electric hybrid mobile harbor cranes manufactured by Liebherr. Ceres Terminal Holdings LLC, a stevedoring company providing RO/RO stevedoring and terminal services at the port, is investing in its operations with these new hybrid cranes. The cranes, equipped with electric motors and Tier 4 engines, meet the cleanest emissions standards of the EPA.

Learn about the progress the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles are making toward the goals of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan during a meeting via WebEx on January 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon PST.

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) issued a credit opinion for the Port of Palm Beach affirming the port has maintained a Baa2 with a stable outlook. Moody’s determination was based on the port’s strong financial performance.

Port Everglades welcomed the first cargo ship National Glory to transit on the newly designated Marine Highway from Houston to Port Everglades to Puerto Rico. Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels was on site with port staff to greet National Shipping of America’s ship and present a plaque to commemorate the first call of the new service to Captain Darl Langford.

The Port of Hueneme’s SEA LINC Project (Spurring Economic Advantages with Logistical Investments for New Connectivity) was recently awarded official Marine Highway 5 (M-5) designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Kristin Decas, CEO and port director explained, “This project opens up a pathway for new services to expand productivity and efficiency on the West Coast, reduces costs for BCOs, eliminates over 23,000 tons of GHG emissions, and saves over a million dollars in public safety and infrastructure maintenance annually.”

The North Carolina State Ports Authority is expanding capabilities to better support the North Carolina agriculture industry through a partnership with the Scoular Company. Scoular is developing a new transload facility at Wilmington’s General Cargo Terminal to transfer bulk agricultural products to containers for export on ocean-going vessels.

Chair, Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI; University of Michigan