New expert speakers confirmed, including:

 

📢 Keynote Speaker: Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The Port of Montreal has unveiled its 2025 cruise season lineup, featuring 41 operations, 20 different cruise ships, and an estimated 58,000 passengers and crew members. Departing from Montreal, vessels will sail to destinations across North America and Europe, including Boston, New York, Toronto, Chicago, Hamburg, Reykjavik, and Bremen. The largest ship in the lineup, Holland America’s Volendam, accommodates 1,440 passengers, while Ponant’s Champlain is the smallest with a 184-passenger capacity. The season also marks the first-time arrivals of Seven Seas Splendor, Silver Shadow, and Allura, as well as the return of Silversea Cruises after a five-year absence. Luxury cruise lines such as Ponant, Viking, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn will continue to offer high-end travel experiences from Montreal.

Port Freeport welcomed the Höegh Aurora, the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carrier, during its inaugural visit on March 4. The state-of-the-art roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel features a fuel-efficient hull and emissions-reducing technology, supporting the global shift toward greener shipping. The vessel’s arrival was made possible by the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, which deepened and widened the channel to accommodate larger ships. Port Freeport and Höegh Autoliners have collaborated since 2015, with the Höegh Aurora further strengthening their partnership and expanding trade opportunities. The port’s continued investment in infrastructure reinforces its role as a key hub for global commerce and sustainable shipping solutions.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is marking its 80th anniversary, highlighting its role in advancing global trade and driving economic prosperity since its establishment in 1945. GPA has grown into one of the largest and most efficient port authorities in the U.S., supporting more than 609,000 jobs annually and contributing $171 billion in revenue to Georgia’s economy. With $4.5 billion in planned investments over the next decade, GPA is expanding its infrastructure and modernizing operations to meet future supply chain demands. The organization remains committed to sustainability, operational excellence, and community engagement, including a $6 million workforce housing initiative near the Port of Savannah. As GPA looks ahead, it continues to enhance Georgia’s position as a key hub for international commerce.

The Port of Los Angeles has named Stephanie Magnien Rockwell as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director, where she will oversee special projects, executive and administrative matters, and serve as a liaison to city officials and stakeholders. In this role, she will also manage the Port’s Internal Audit Division. Magnien Rockwell previously served as Legislative Representative in the Workforce and Government Affairs Division, where she provided legislative and policy support. She joined the Port in 2018 and has prior experience working for California State Assembly Member Judy Chu and Los Angeles City Council members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from USC and a Master of Public Administration from California State University – Northridge.

Deb DeLuca, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, has been honored with the 2025 Rosie Leadership Award at the 8th Annual Rosie Awards ceremony. Presented by The Woman Today and Duluth News Tribune, the award recognizes women who demonstrate outstanding leadership by motivating and inspiring others. DeLuca, the first woman to lead the Port Authority, has overseen more than $35 million in port-related capital projects, enhancing freight transport capacity and efficiency. She has also served in leadership roles with industry organizations, including the American Association of Port Authorities and the Chamber of Marine Commerce. The Port of Duluth-Superior remains the Great Lakes’ largest tonnage port, supporting over 7,000 jobs and contributing $1.3 billion to the regional economy.

The Port of Tacoma has released its 2025 State of the Port video, highlighting key accomplishments from 2024 in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Major milestones include progress on the Port Maritime Center, a partnership with Tacoma Public Schools to provide career and technical education for high school students, and a 12.3% increase in container volumes at The Northwest Seaport Alliance. The Port also advanced plans to deepen the Blair Waterway and expanded its use of electric vehicles and renewable diesel to support its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Additional achievements include hosting a major emergency response exercise, supporting the State Route 167 Completion Project for improved freight mobility, and engaging the community through workforce development programs and public events. Port leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the working waterfront and driving economic prosperity in Pierce County.

The Port of Vancouver USA has awarded $10,000 through its 2025 Community Fund to support local programs aligned with its mission of economic development, workforce training, and tourism. Grant recipients include the Ke Kukui Foundation ($2,500) for cultural workshops at the 4 Days of Aloha festival, the Vancouver Bee Project ($2,500) for the second annual pollinator festival, and The Historic Trust ($2,500) to assist small businesses through the Providence Academy Small Business Incubator. The Vancouver Arena Project also received $2,500 to support the third annual Pokémon Go-Fest, which promotes local businesses through an interactive passport program. Established in 2020, the Community Fund received a record 17 applications this year, with the port planning to open applications for 2026 funding later this year.

The Port of Grays Harbor has appointed Alissa Shay as its new Deputy Director. Since 2013, Shay has managed operations and business development at the Satsop Business Park, securing over 15 new tenants and generating more than 350 jobs. In her new role, she will oversee the Industrial Property Division and Marine Terminal Division in addition to her responsibilities at Satsop Business Park and Friends Landing. Shay holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Evergreen State College and a Port Professional Manager Certification from the American Association of Port Authorities. The Port of Grays Harbor, one of Washington’s oldest port districts, continues to expand its operations, supporting economic development across the region.

At its annual State of the Port event, the Port of Oakland outlined its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on business growth, zero-emissions initiatives, and infrastructure modernization. The six key priorities include expanding the economic base, upgrading infrastructure, transitioning to zero emissions, maximizing land use, workforce development, and creating opportunities for local businesses. The event also highlighted leadership changes, with Chief Operating Officer Kristi McKenney set to succeed Danny Wan as Executive Director upon his retirement. The Port of Oakland supports over 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. Proceeds from the event benefitted Women In Logistics’ scholarship fund and the Oakland International Maritime Center.