Christine Harada, Executive Director of the U.S. Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) will be the keynote speaker for the POWERS Summit & Expo January 24-26, 2023, in Tampa, FL. The Permitting Council is leading ongoing government-wide efforts to make the federal permitting and review process for major infrastructure projects better coordinated, more collaborative, and more transparent. Harada will discuss the Permitting Council’s FAST-41 Program and how it works to help realize the once-in-a-generation investment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Learn more about FAST-41 here.

Harada has more than 25 years of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. She has worked in multiple presidential administrations, served as the Vice President for Government Affairs at Heliogen, a renewable energy technology company, and was President of i(X) investments, a company focused on impact-driven investments in areas such as renewable energy, green real estate development, and accessible smart and sustainable housing.

As Executive Director of the Permitting Council, Harada assists member agencies in managing a portfolio of nearly $100 billion in large scale infrastructure projects. Harada and her team are experts in coordinating the environmental review process across federal agencies, including projects focused on renewable energy, coastal restoration, and electricity transmission.

The POWERS Summit & Expo will drive vital conversations on the industry’s plans for the future, including energy prowess, energy exporting, pragmatic decarbonization, technology for renewables, and environmental sustainability. Register today.

Are you interested in advancing your career and looking for an industry-recognized certification or annual credential to meet your goals? Look no further than AAPA’s Port Professional Manager (PPM^®) Certification program and the Port Professional Associate (PPA^®) and Port Professional Executive (PPX^®) Credential Programs.

The application portals are open through January 13, 2023, to submit your materials for the 2023 PPA Credential and the PPM Delta Cohort. Guidelines on how to apply for these programs are available at www.aapa-ports.org/ProfessionalDevelopment. If you are interested in becoming a PPX, email Shannon McLeod. For more information about AAPA’s professional development programs, contact Julie Barelas.

PPA/PPM/PPX programs offer participants a meaningful experience, enabling them to build an essential industry-peer network; gain practical skills, knowledge and competencies; and strengthen their advancement and mentoring opportunities. These unique programs offer ports a flexible approach to educate and develop their staff on the intricacies of port management at every level. AAPA Professional Development Programs aim to lead through innovation, nurturing the development of industry professionals as they shape the futures of port infrastructure, the supply chain, and global trade.

The whole crowd — especially the Congressional guests of honor — was all smiles, cheer, and warm bipartisan ribbing. Congressmen Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Randy Weber (R-TX) were the feted guests at a reception hosted at AAPA’s office December 7, in honor of Rep. Lowenthal as he takes his leave from Congress.

The two port champions were simultaneously elected to Congress in 2012 and have formed a deep, bipartisan working friendship as co-chairs of the Port Opportunity, Renewal, Trade, and Security (PORTS) Caucus, a group of 83 of the most committed members of the House of Representatives to port and maritime topics. The Caucus has been instrumental in issues ranging from port funding to Congressional visits to ports, to generally raising awareness of the intermodal system. Swapping stories and cheer with the Congressmen were multiple AAPA ports and supply chain partners all gearing up for exciting initiatives from the Caucus in 2023 and beyond. Pictured from left are Randy Weber, Alan Lowenthal and Cary Davis.

AAPA’s President and CEO Chris Connor was interviewed by Casemiro Tercio Carvalho on Santa Cecilia TV Ports and Business program recently. During the interview, Connor was asked about the AAPA Latin American Congress of Ports held in Santos, Brazil, and how ports are using technologies to continuously improve efficiency, work together for future pandemic preparedness, supply chain effectiveness, as well as environmental initiatives including the POWERS Program.

Watch a short clip of the interview here and the full conversation here. The next Latin Congress of Ports event hosted by the AAPA Latin American member delegation will be held November 27-29, 2023, in Barranquilla, Colombia. More information about this event will be shared early next year.

Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach softened in November amid reduced orders from retailers, full warehouses, vessel transfers between the San Pedro Bay ports and goods shifted toward seaports along the East and Gulf coasts. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 588,742 TEUs last month, down 21% from November 2021. Imports slid 28.4% to 259,442 TEUs, while exports increased 13.8% to 124,988 TEUs. Cargo volume remained soft at the Port of Los Angeles in November as the port handled 639,344 TEUs, a 21% decrease from November 2021. Overall, the port has handled 7% less cargo in the first 11 months of 2022 compared to last year’s all-time record. The Georgia Ports Authority moved 464,883 TEUs in November, a decrease of 6.2% or 30,866 TEUs compared to the same month last year. Compared to November 2019, the Port of Savannah’s performance constitutes an increase of 28% over three years.

Konecranes has received an A- rating in CDP's annual climate program, recognition of its ambitious efforts to make holistic climate disclosures and climate risk and opportunities management a business norm. The rating improved from last year’s B, elevating Konecranes into the leadership ranking. The measurement is based on the company's actions to cut emissions, manage and mitigate climate risks, and develop a low-carbon offering.

The Port of Prince Rupert has achieved a significant milestone in its emissions reduction measures, with expanded shore power capacity at DP World Prince Rupert’s Fairview Container Terminal. New electrical infrastructure was installed at the terminal’s north berth and upgrades were made to the south berth through a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), DP World, and BC Hydro.

The Port of Grays Harbor Commission approved an option to lease with Invenergy to explore the possibility of constructing a new green hydrogen production facility at the Satsop Business Park’s West Park at Tuesday’s commission meeting. During the option period, Invenergy will continue to explore the property as a potential site for constructing a new facility to produce “green hydrogen” using electrolysis.

Building on nearly a decade of productive cooperation, the Port of Montreal hosted its colleagues from the Port of Antwerp in November for two days of intense work on various joint projects. Discussions and exchanges focused on three priority areas: innovation, energy transition, and cold chain.

Galveston Wharves Board of Directors held a special meeting on the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan to review progress and set priorities. At the November 30 meeting, port staff gave the board an update on key areas, including its cruise business sector, Pelican Island, and the West Port Cargo Complex. The key message was “We’re working the plan and the plan is working.”

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced the commitment of Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) to reduce emissions by using propane equipment at its location in Newark, N.J. After seeing initial success with a prototype propane-powered port tractor, PNCT has decided to move ahead with replacing its entire diesel-powered port tractor fleet and convert to propane.

The Port of Brownsville is responsible for more than 51,000 jobs and $3 billion in annual state economic activity. As a job creator, the Port of Brownsville and its 273 tenant companies work with local school districts, colleges, universities, technical schools, and workforce development leaders in creating career opportunities for local residents.

Chief Facilities Maintenance Engineering, Miami, FL; Miami-Dade Seaport Department