Agreements: Hueneme, Tampa

Port of Hueneme and Global Auto Processing Services (GAPS) have agreed to extend GAPS’s lease agreement with the port for an additional five years. Port Tampa Bay will collaborate with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on strategies to enhance port planning, in line with MARAD’s developing "Strong Ports" initiative.

Hueneme Renews Contract with Global Auto Processing Services (GAPS) 

The Port of Hueneme and Global Auto Processing Services (GAPS) have agreed to extend GAPS’s lease agreement with the port for an additional five years, through January 31, 2018. It’s the fifth modification of the auto processor’s contract since it set up shop at the port in 2007.

The deal with GAPS comes barely a month after the port renewed its lease agreement with another major tenant, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (Advisory, December 16, 2013).

With an estimated annual payroll of $4.4 million, GAPS Vehicle Distribution Center employs up to 85 full-time workers and more than 40 temporaries, most of who live in Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

At Hueneme, GAPS processes GM and U.S.-manufactured Honda vehicle exports. It also partners with logistics provider Glovis USA in handling Hyundai and Kia autos imported from South Korea. 

GAPS Executive Vice President Michael Wynn-Song said: "As a part of the Oxnard community, GAPS and our employees are excited to continue the growth of our partnership, which began in 1997 as P&Y Enterprises and has seen more than a million vehicles pass through this facility." 

Port Tampa Bay to Partner with MARAD on Planning Initiatives 

Port Tampa Bay will be collaborating with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on strategies to enhance port planning, in line with MARAD’s developing "Strong Ports" initiative. In addition, Port Tampa Bay, under the direction of port President and CEO Paul Anderson will continue to work with MARAD on issues such as National Freight Policy, WRDA legislation and other topics germane to building America’s port infrastructure.

"Port Tampa Bay is a strategic asset and will continue to play a major role in global trade, and we must work with our strategic partners like the U.S. Maritime Administration in order to stay on top of policy issues and critical infrastructure developments that will strengthen America’s port system, that will ultimately be to the benefit of Tampa Bay and the State of Florida," said Mr. Anderson.

Mr. Anderson hosted a briefing and port tour for Paul "Chip" Jaenichen, MARAD’s acting administrator, who was in Tampa for AAPA’s "Shifting International Trade Routes" conference on Jan. 23-24.

As part of this collaboration, Mr. Anderson expressed his interest in sharing information and best practices with other port industry leaders.

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
W: www.aapa-ports.org