Last Thursday morning, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the Make More in America Initiative, a program that will release additional financing for American projects and bolster manufacturing, supply chain and employment needs. AAPA and its members worked with EXIM during the early construction and solicitation stages of the Make More in America Initiative and provided comments – both in support of the program and to address how it will serve the seaport and maritime industry.

The initiative provides American manufacturers new access to capital to fill critical supply chain gaps. U.S. seaports may use EXIM funds to finance infrastructure projects that yield higher outputs of trade and freight volumes. EXIM financing would supplement financial gaps limited under bonding authority in port funding. U.S. seaports should consider whether they have manufacturing users or tenants who might apply for funding.

CMA CGM Group is a global leader in shipping and logistics and plays a pivotal role in organizing global trade. Its broad range of expertise covers the global supply chain from end to end. CMA CGM’s mission is to contribute to sustainable globalization through better balanced international trade that fosters both economic and social development while respecting the integrity of all men and women and the planet. With a team of 130,000 across 160 countries, CMA CGM serves 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports.

AAPA will begin accepting project applications for the 2022 Lighthouse Awards Program competition on Monday, April 25, when the application submittal portal will be live. Start now by gathering a list of the individual entries and entry elements you want to include in your submission(s). The earlier you begin, the easier it will be to complete the application process on time. Entries must be received by the application deadline on Thursday, May 26, by midnight EDT.

Each year, AAPA's Lighthouse Awards recognize port programs and projects that serve as a beacon of excellence throughout the Western Hemisphere. Visit the Lighthouse Awards webpage for links to information about each category, winning entries from previous years for review, and steps for submitting entry materials online. 

Last week, AAPA submitted comments to the FMC regarding the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on detention and demurrage billing requirements, as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is preparing to update regulations in ocean shipping practices. These fluidity charges are critical in facilitating the movement of long-dwelling cargo off terminal space and maintaining velocity in the supply chain. Detention, demurrage, and per diem charges incentivize the movement of cargo and help sustain fluidity in the shipping system. In its ANPRM, the FMC sought comments regarding the scope of the potential regulation, minimum billing information included on invoices, and ocean shipping billing practices. Read AAPA's comments here.

Five port authorities in Brazil are in the process of going through a privatization or divestiture process. This equates to some significant changes on the horizon – from an organizational and management perspective to infrastructure investments and efficiency.

Seaports Magazine: www.aapaseaports.com 

The recently approved federal work plan contains the final piece of funding for The Port of Virginia’s harbor expansion project to enable two-way traffic of big ships to operate safely, but also critical to support the Commonwealth’s economy and continued economic growth and security of the nation. The work plan released recently by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocates funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and contains $72 million for the dredging project.

The Port of Pascagoula reported construction of the $90 million Marine Export Terminal is nearing completion. The terminal will be capable of receiving product by rail, barge and truck and will directly employ approximately 30 full-time workers. It is on schedule to be operational by the second quarter of 2022.

PhilaPort welcomed the maiden call of a new ocean liner service to The Port of Philadelphia’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal. The container ship M/V Cornelia is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) brand new Scan Baltic service.

A major logistics company will occupy the enormous new warehouse at the Port of Oakland’s designated Seaport Logistics Complex. CenterPoint Properties completed the 460,000+ square-foot warehouse last year and has signed PCC Logistics as the new tenant. PCC serves customers who ship their goods to and from the West Coast domestically and internationally.

Port of Oakland cargo volume declined last month amidst hints of better times to come. The port said that its total March volume dropped 11% year-over-year. Imports declined 3% while exports fell 25% from March 2021. NWSA reported continued strong consumer demand and retail inventory restocking helped push Q1 2022 full imports to an all-time high. A record 365,088 TEUs of laden international imports moved through the gateway during the quarter. The Port of Virginia’s cargo operations remained fluid in March having handled more than 314,000 TEUs, nearly 47% of which was loaded imports. March’s volume was nearly 13% ahead of March 2021, an increase of more than 35,000 TEUs.

The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision, approving the planned Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, a Port of Long Beach project designed to enhance the flow of cargo by rail. “Simply put, the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility will move cargo faster and with fewer environmental impacts,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.

The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor opened the 2022 international shipping season April 6 with the arrival of the RESKO, a 623-foot bulk carrier that traveled from Europe through the St. Lawrence Seaway. To commemorate the first ocean vessel of the year, the captain was presented with the Ports of Indiana ‘Steel Stein.’

Port of Benton will honor members of the original crew aboard USS Triton (SSRN 586) during the submarine’s top-secret mission in 1960. The public ceremony on May 12 will be held at the USS Triton Sail Park overlooking the port’s dock, where the U.S. Navy transfers nuclear reactor compartments from retired vessels (including Triton) for disposal at its nearby Hanford site.