- Read AAPA’s full comments to USTR here.
 

 - Read the study AAPA contributed to here.
 

 - Read the coalition letter AAPA signed here.

 AAPA and the Professional Development Board have welcomed the newest participants in the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) and Port Professional Associate (PPA®) programs. The 2025 PPM® Foxtrot Cohort includes 13 professionals selected for their achievements and potential in port leadership, who will engage in a multi-year, immersive learning experience. Six emerging professionals were also selected as PPA® candidates, gaining foundational industry knowledge and mentorship to support their career growth. Thank you to The Pasha Group, the official sponsor of AAPA’s port professional development programs, for their support and commitment to fostering future port leaders.

 

Hapag Lloyd has begun modernizing its fleet operating between the Port of Montreal and ports in the Mediterranean. Over the past year, four older vessels—Liverpool Express, Detroit Express, Dublin Express, and Livorno Express—were replaced by the Mombasa Express, Arica Express, Dachan Bay Express, and Jakarta Express. These newer sister ships offer improved environmental performance and have capacities exceeding 4,600 TEU with lengths of 260 meters. The fleet renewal enhances the quality of shipping services and supports sustainable trade. The Mediterranean remains a key market for the Port of Montreal, representing 22% of its international traffic.

The Port of Galveston is progressing on five major construction projects totaling $77.5 million to expand and improve its West Port Cargo Complex. Projects include a $5.5 million Pier 41 pavement replacement, a $2.8 million internal road, and a $3.3 million grain complex demolition—each expected to be completed by May 2025. Two larger projects are also underway: a $29 million Slip 38/39 closure and fill, and a $36.6 million Pier 39/40 berth expansion, funded in part by a $36 million state grant. The improvements will add approximately 27 acres of cargo handling space and include a new 1,426-foot-long berth. Funding comes from a combination of state grants, federal support, and port revenues, with construction continuing through 2026.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced a 33-year lease extension with APM Terminals, extending its agreement through December 2062. The deal includes over $500 million in planned investments to enhance cargo-handling capacity and infrastructure at the 350-acre terminal, along with commitments to sustainability, including transitioning to zero-emission equipment. The agreement incorporates performance, customer service, and environmental requirements, and expands the lease to include adjacent land for improved operations. APM Terminals' investment aligns with the Port Master Plan 2050, which anticipates significant growth in cargo volumes. The Port Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the proposed lease extension on March 27.

The Port of Cleveland Board of Directors has approved financial support for two redevelopment projects: a $49.5 million renovation of the West Side Market and a $44 million mixed-use project in the Superior Arts District. The West Side Market project includes upgrades to the Market Hall, arcades, and basement, with renovations beginning this summer and future phases adding dining, retail, and event spaces. The Port’s capital lease financing will exempt construction materials from state and local sales taxes. The Superior Arts District project will transform historic textile buildings into 100 apartments, street-level retail space, and parking. Since 1993, the Port has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for nearly 200 projects in the region.

In February 2025, the Port of Los Angeles processed 801,398 TEUs, marking a 2.5% increase over the previous year and its second-busiest February on record. Loaded imports totaled 413,236 TEUs (up 1% year-over-year), while loaded exports declined by 18% to 109,156 TEUs. The Port also moved 279,006 empty containers, a 16% increase compared to February 2024. Executive Director Gene Seroka noted continued cargo growth for 17 of the past 19 months and acknowledged early import activity due to tariff concerns. As of the end of February, the Port has handled 1,725,643 TEUs in 2025, up 5.4% from the same period last year.

Port Tampa Bay welcomed the SEASPAN LIMA this week on its first call as part of Maersk’s new America Shuttle 2 service, which connects the port with Cartagena, Colombia and expands access to West and East Coast South America and the Caribbean. The service is part of Maersk’s new global East-West Network under the Gemini Cooperation and will include Hapag-Lloyd later this quarter. Port Tampa Bay is experiencing double-digit growth in its container business and serves Florida’s largest distribution center market along the I-4 Corridor. Recent infrastructure investments include three additional ship-to-shore cranes, an expanded gate complex, and plans for a new berth and trans-load warehouse. Port and Maersk leaders marked the occasion with a plaque exchange ceremony.

The Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme held their second annual 5K race, now called the Sea Splash Color Dash, on March 22, 2025, with more than 750 participants. The event featured a new 1K kids' run and an expanded free Health and Wellness Fair. Runners followed a scenic route from Hueneme Beach to the lighthouse and back, receiving commemorative medals and T-shirts, with top finishers awarded prizes. The race is part of a joint initiative supported by the Port and City’s Community Benefit Fund, which invests in local wellness and community programs. Attendees also enjoyed healthy food vendors, children’s activities, and live entertainment.

Michael Angell

Journal of Commerce

 

George Lauriat

AJOT

 

Gavin Bade and Christopher Otts

Wall Street Journal

 

Stuart Chirls

Freightwaves

 

Stas Margaronis

AJOT

 

Maritime Executive

 

Michelle M. Havich

Smart Cities Dive

 

Laura Robb

Journal of Commerce

 

Greg Ip

Wall Street Journal

 

Autumn Cafiero Giusti

Journal of Commerce