In recognition of his steadfast leadership on behalf of ports and maritime commerce, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) has been selected as AAPA’s 2024 Port Person of the Year. He will be honored during the Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., March 18-21.

Rep. Larsen has proven his unwavering commitment to modernizing and upgrading port infrastructure and operations. He is an unflappable champion of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act which has directs billions in smart, sustainable, and much needed transportation investments nationwide, especially to ports.

With over two decades of experience championing maritime transportation and commerce critical to his state’s economy, Rep. Larsen represents Washington’s Second Congressional District, which is home to several deep draft seaports, including Everett, Bellingham, and Anacortes. 

House Democrats elected Rep. Larsen as Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at the start of the 118th Congress. Previously, he led U.S. maritime shipping oversight on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

AAPA extends its sincere congratulations to Rep. Larsen and looks forward to continuing our partnership in pursuit of a thriving port industry.

AAPA will host a grant writing webinar on Thursday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET, to help members write effective grant applications for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $3 billion Clean Ports Program.

Three professional grant writers will offer their advice on how to assemble a successful application. Ian Gansler, AAPA’s Manager of Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability Policy, will moderate the panel discussion. Panelists will include:

Register in advance to join the March 14 webinar. EPA will host its own Clean Ports Program webinar on March 13.

AAPA is eager to spotlight more of your port’s achievements and updates in the Advisory. Our ports, big and small, serve as the lifeblood of our economies, connecting us across regions and around the globe. Each of you plays a vital role in this ecosystem, and it’s your stories that fuel our collective success.

Whether it’s a groundbreaking project, a significant milestone, an innovative solution, or any news you’re proud to share, we want to hear from you. Our goal is to celebrate the full spectrum of our membership, ensuring that every type of port, from every region, is recognized.

To share your news with us, please send your updates or content you’d like highlighted in the Advisory to marketing@aapa-ports.org. Kindly include “Advisory Submission” in the subject line to ensure your submissions are promptly reviewed.

This initiative is more than just about sharing news; it’s a platform for us to grow together, learn from each other, and strengthen our collective impact. Your stories not only inspire but also drive the innovation and collaboration that are so critical to our industry’s future.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the AAPA community. We look forward to showcasing your incredible work in the Advisory and beyond.
— Melodie George, Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Kale Logistics Solutions is a trusted global cloud-based tech provider for several Fortune 500 companies worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of tech solutions for the logistics industry. With in-depth domain knowledge and technical expertise, Kale has created a suite of comprehensive enterprise systems and Cargo Community Platforms, which offer a single electronic window capable of supporting operational flows, percolating data to various stakeholders, and facilitating the paperless exchange of trade-related information between stakeholders.

The Port of South Louisiana (PortSL) experienced an upturn in tonnage of nearly 10 million short tons of cargo in 2023. This increase follows the port’s 2022 performance when it moved 239,257,758 short tons. In 2023, the port handled 248,130,992 short tons, marking the second consecutive year of net increases in tonnage.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) marked 20,500 container moves by barge during calendar year 2023, the highest since starting the service in 2016 with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Ingram Marine Group. The partnership represents the largest container-on-barge network in the U.S. with connectivity to the nation’s heartland.

Officials dedicated two new Port of Long Beach fireboat stations that are enhancing the Long Beach Fire Department’s waterside and landside emergency response capabilities, better safeguarding visiting ships, cargo and waterfront workers. The facilities — Fireboat Station 15 and Fireboat Station 20 — are the products of a $109 million Port of Long Beach program to preserve business continuity, security, and economic interests.

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract with APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles to supply two new Kalmar electric AutoStrads™ and to undertake a retrofit of two existing hybrid straddle carriers. The new and retrofitted units will be part of APM Terminal’s $60M electrification pilot.

Inland Rivers Port and Terminals’ We Work the Waterways industry interaction day this week at the Port of South Louisiana explores maritime careers and the importance of America’s working waterways. The event introduces South Louisiana high school students to the state’s number one industry by providing interactive engagement and hands-on activities, highlighting maritime career pathways.

The Montréal Port Authority (MPA) entered into an agreement with Contrecoeur Terminal Constructors General Partnership (CTCGP), formed by firms Pomerleau and Aecon, that will assist MPA in the design of the in-water works for its Contrecœur expansion project through a progressive design-build approach.

Ports of Indiana has made three key personnel moves to support strategic expansion. The changes included hiring Doug Kowalski as General Counsel, promoting Julie Petree as Director of Project Delivery and welcoming back Kasia Kaffenberger to the Mount Vernon port as Billing and Office Coordinator.

In a strong spirit of partnership and heart for the community, the City of Port Hueneme, and the Port of Hueneme celebrated Heart Health Awareness Month by hosting a “Run for Your Heart” 5K Race on February 24. To help celebrate, Del Monte Fresh Fruit and Produce provided a nutritious banana for runners after they crossed the finish line.

Port Freeport announced the winners of the 24th Annual Take-A-Child Fishing Tournament Logo Drawing Contest. Brazoria County’s youth ages 3-14 and in Pre-K through 8th grade are eligible to enter the contest. Each year, the community youth are invited by flyers distributed electronically to the schools within the Navigation District.

Mike Schuler, GCaptain

 

Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC

 

WRDA, IIJA Oversight Top To-Do List

Eugene Mulero, Transport Topics

 

Founded more than a century ago, the American Association of Port Authorities continues to advocate for the best interests of the entire maritime industry

William Kalec, Biz New Orleans

 

Stas Margaronis, AJOT

 

 

Mike Schuler, GCaptain

 

 

Chief Administrative & Financial Officer, Everett, WA; Port of Everett