AAPA Latin American Coordinator Rafael Díaz-Balart recently traveled to Mexico as part of a working group to discuss maritime commerce opportunities between ports in Mexico and the United States. The trade mission to Mexico City and Merida, Yucatan, June 19-24, was organized by the World Trade Center Miami, the Florida Ports Council and the General Consulate of Mexico in Miami.

A key objective of the mission was to re-establish the working group, created in November 2019 during the XXVIII Latin American Congress of Ports, which had paused temporarily due to the pandemic. A Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between the Florida Ports Council and the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine — the agency that oversees the Mexican Federal Ports — created working groups to identify opportunities to grow waterborne trade and facilitate all-water routes, with the important benefit of saving time and money as well as reducing GHG emissions.

For the first time in AAPA history, attendees of the Annual Convention & Expo will have the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with vehicle equipment. In partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), MAFI and TICO, the Vehicle Equipment Showcase will feature new propane-powered port terminal tractors. Learn how these tractors run on propane. Then, have a seat in the cab, kick the tires and take it for a spin.

PERC is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH manufactures tractors and semitrailers for seaports and distribution centers. Terminal Investment Corporation (TICO) provides terminal services and terminal tractors. Watch these videos to get a glimpse of MAFI and TICO tractors in action.

Register today and join fellow port industry executives at the first-ever AAPA Vehicle Equipment Showcase. 

All potential Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) applicants, partners and stakeholders should plan to attend the upcoming AAPA Port Security and Smart Ports Seminar & Expo. Kerry Thomas, Director of the Preparedness Grants Division for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will provide an overview on PSGP, including changes and highlights, program priorities, best practices and helpful hints for submitting a successful application.

 

Thomas brings more than 25 years of experience in the public and private sector designing, implementing, and managing complex and effective homeland security grants, training and technical assistance programs. PSGP provides funds to states, local, territorial, and private sector partners to support increased port-wide risk management and protect critical surface transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism.  

 

AAPA’s Port Security and Smart Ports Seminar & Expo will take place July 12-14, 2022, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. Port leaders, policymakers, security experts and technology specialists will come together to discuss new, innovative technologies and solutions to mitigate the risk of emerging threats. Companies can also highlight their solutions through exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities. Register here.

Imports of limestone and cement led the way as nearly 180,000 tons of cargo moved through the Port of Green Bay in May. Despite the solid tonnage numbers in May, year-to-date totals are down 32% from 281,000 tons of cargo handled in May 2021, one of the top monthly tonnage totals in recent years. NWSA volumes continue to be impacted by ongoing COVID-related lockdowns at key origin ports in China. May 2021 was a record month for full imports, making for unfavorable year-over-year comparisons. May volumes decreased 2% to 329,740 TEUs, with full imports declining 10.1% and full exports declining 28.3% compared with the same period last year.

DP World is making significant investments to enhance and modernize operations at Port Saint John, allowing it to provide a wider variety of logistics services from transloading to warehousing and beyond. Investments include two super-post-Panamax quay cranes along with other solutions to support economic growth and supply chain resiliency.

For the sixth consecutive year, The Northwest Seaport Alliance has earned the distinction of being an Inbound Logistics’ Green Supply Chain Partner. This recognition highlights NWSA’s commitment to protecting the environment through proactive and collaborative partnerships with supply chain stakeholders and communities across the Puget Sound.

The containership CMA CGM Centaurus  made its first U.S. East Coast stop at The Port of Virginia, signaling the beginning of ocean carrier CMA CGM’s Chesapeake Bay Express (CBX) service that directly links the port with several important Asian markets. The vessel is owned by the France-based CMA CGM Group, which is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions.

The Port of Saguenay and the Port of Aalborg in Denmark signed a collaboration agreement that aims to promote knowledge sharing on innovation and sustainability best practices within the maritime and industrial port industry. The twinning agreement will support the Port of Saguenay’s responsible growth of activities and sustainable development of its industrial-port area.

As businesses of all types struggle to hire, retain and train talented employees, many ports are turning to internship and apprenticeship programs to showcase the wide variety of career opportunities available.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced it will launch a Rolling Truck Age Program on Sept.15, following additional stakeholder engagement earlier this year. The program will cap the age of container trucks, serving the port to support safer, more reliable trucks and cleaner air for communities in the region.

Director of Operations, Redwood City, CA; Port of Redwood City