Learn how to guard and prepare for changing conditions in ocean shipping from a former port and federal agency insider. Join AAPA for a free webinar hosted by AAPA member, Lauren Beagen of Squall Strategies, on Tuesday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The webinar on Industry/Market Predictions Based on Federal and International Trends will explore the changing landscape of ocean shipping and the regulatory considerations that every port and terminal employee should be briefed on. Beagen, principal and founder of Squall Strategies, frequently appears on the syndicated FreightWaves podcast What The Truck?!?. Register here.

November was a busy month for AAPA's Government Relations team, with the federal enactment of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, the passage of the Build Back Better Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, and new federal legislation in the works, as well as plans for upcoming events in San Diego and Tampa. For awareness, the current Continuing Resolution Act (CRA), which funds all federal agencies, will expire on December 3. Negotiations are presently ongoing regarding the length of another CRA. Neither political party has expressed a willingness to let the government shut down. Full FY 2022 appropriations are not anticipated to be enacted until January 2022, at the earliest.

Cary Davis, AAPA’s vice president of government relations and general counsel, will speak on next steps and advocacy efforts at the AAPA Commissioners Seminar, December 7-9, in San Diego, Calif. This event provides timely, relevant insights from experts, exclusive networking with colleagues and educational opportunities. Program topics will offer an outlook on global economic trends, insights into alternative energy, and guidance on legal responsibilities of port governing boards. Spots are still available. Register today.

Hear directly from John Porcari, U.S. port envoy to the White House, on how the federal government is addressing supply chain bottlenecks and intermodal cooperation at the AAPA Shifting Trade Seminar in Tampa, Fla., January 25-27. Port executives and industry leaders from across the region are encouraged to attend. Register here.

Chris Connor, president and CEO of AAPA, appeared on MSNBC’s José Díaz-Balart Reports on November 24, where he discussed supply chain challenges and what can be done to mitigate and stop them. Check out the interview here.

Last week, AAPA hosted a briefing, exclusively for members, on provisions in both the newly-enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the recent House-passed Build Back Better Act. During the briefing, AAPA’s government relations team shared insights on the port, multimodal and environmental related grant programs funded through this legislation. As a benefit to members, a recording of the presentation is accessible online.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh spent a day at the Port of Los Angeles meeting with stakeholders, touring the port’s marine terminals and highlighting efforts to invest in U.S. ports and relieve congestion issues. During his visit, he was joined by Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka and Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. Watch the YouTube video clip.  

Port of Oakland total cargo volume declined 20% last month, according to recent statistics. Containerized import volume dropped 14% compared to October 2020 totals, and exports were down 27%. The port said 43% fewer ships stopped in Oakland in October compared to October 2020, attributing the dip to declining vessel traffic and carriers diverting ships directly to Asia, bypassing Oakland, following crippling delays at Southern California ports.

The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway in November at the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) signaled the start of a big comeback for cruise ship operations. The Breakaway joins the Carnival Glory and Valor, which successfully restarted ocean-going cruises this fall. This is a major milestone after cruises were completely shut down in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a six-month terminal review process, Plaquemines Port and APM Terminals announced an operating agreement that sets the stage for a new deepwater port and supply chain network. APM Terminals will become the operator of the newly planned Container Terminal and Intermodal Rail Facility, and Plaquemines Port and their financial partners will manage the financial activities associated with the infrastructure development, investment and ownership of the port.

Attorney Cowles Symmes was sworn in as a member of the Mississippi State Port Authority’s (MSPA) Board of Commissioners during its November 18 board meeting. Appointed by Governor Tate Reeves, Symmes replaces Jack Norris as one of the three commissioners and will fill the remainder of a five-year term.

The Port of Harlingen had another record year in shipping tonnage, handling a 29% increase in total tonnage for FY 2020-21, with 3,013,124 tons of cargo shipped in and out of the port. Petroleum products going to Mexico and within the region and an increase in agricultural fertilizer had the largest impact to growth. Located 25 miles inland of the Gulf Intracoastal Water Way, the Port of Harlingen has experienced a 112% growth in cargo volume since 2017.

For the third consecutive year, the Port of Long Beach was named the best West Coast Seaport in North America by the shipping trade publication Asia Cargo News. The honor was announced during the 2021 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards held in October in Hong Kong.

Chief, Diversity & Inclusion, New York, NY; The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Director of Human Resources - Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach

Director, Maritime Environment and Sustainability, Seattle, WA; Port of Seattle

Staff Accountant, Washington, DC; American Association of Port Authorities

Director of Governmental Affairs, Philadelphia, PA; PhilaPort

Construction Project Manager Supervisor, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Port Everglades

Human Resources and Equity Manager, Seattle, WA; University of Washington

Assistant/Associate Professor of Joint Military Operations, Newport, RI; U.S. Naval War College, Joint Military Operations