The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee considered its portion of the Republican reconciliation package on Wednesday. The measure contains significant funding and policy changes impacting maritime security, port infrastructure, and vessel-related taxation. Most notably, the measure includes a tonnage tax (based on load) for all foreign ships entering U.S. ports, based on point of origin.
Read our full advocacy update from yesterday with highlights of the key provisions impacting ports here.
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Canada’s ports are entering a pivotal period of investment and renewal with major infrastructure projects designed to increase capacity and improve connectivity. In addition to the more than $10 billion already committed to key projects over the next 15 years, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) projects that Canadian ports will need between $15 to $21.5 billion in investments by 2040. Seventy-three percent of the required investment would be spent on new infrastructure projects, while 27 percent would be directed toward rehabilitating aging infrastructure.
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The Port of Québec has announced a full-year cruise season for 2025, marking the first time it has operated as a four-season cruise port. The season began in January with winter stopovers by Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot and will run through November 2. This year’s schedule includes 104 stopovers, 21 homeport calls, and participation from 21 cruise lines and 31 ships. New highlights include multiple calls from Holland America’s Zuiderdam, starting in May and inaugural visits from Celebrity Silhouette, Seven Seas Splendor, and Majestic Princess.
The port will also welcome ships such as Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady and Oceania Cruises’ Allura, which features an onboard art workshop. September and October will bring especially high-traffic days, with up to four ships in port. The Port of Québec credits its sustainable cruise strategy and close community partnerships for its growing success. “The arrival of the first ships marks the start of a season that is generating significant spin-offs for the region’s tourism ecosystem,” said Olga Farman, President and CEO of the Port of Québec.
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The Port of Nanaimo, in partnership with DP World and the Snuneymuxw First Nation, has officially broken ground on the Phase 2/3 expansion of the Duke Point Terminal. Supported by a 50-year lease agreement and the Snuneymuxw First Nation’s free, prior, and informed consent, the project was marked by a ceremonial land blessing and groundbreaking event on April 4, 2025. Funded by public and private investments — including $46.2 million from Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund and $15 million from the Province of British Columbia — the expansion will nearly double the terminal’s berth length to 325 meters and increase annual cargo-handling capacity to 280,000 TEUs.
The project will also enhance short-sea shipping connections between Nanaimo and Vancouver, improve trade access to Asian markets, and introduce new electric cranes and covered storage facilities to increase efficiency and sustainability. The expansion is expected to support regional economic development, job creation, and supply chain resilience. “Through projects like the Duke Point Phase 2/3 Terminal Expansion, the Port of Nanaimo and our partners are creating cooperative solutions to current operating constraints in the supply chain,” said Ian Marr, President and CEO of the Port of Nanaimo.
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The Port of Vancouver moved a record 158 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in 2024 — a 5% increase over 2023 — driven by strong performances in bulk, container, and auto sectors. Bulk cargo led the growth, with liquid bulk exports increasing 123% to 21.9 MMT, including a 153% jump in petroleum products following the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Container volumes reached 3.5 million TEUs, up 11% year-over-year, with import volumes growing 14% and export volumes increasing 5%.
Auto imports also set a new record at nearly 470,000 units, while the cruise sector welcomed 1.33 million passengers — its highest total ever. The port authority cited resilience amid challenges such as wildfires, labor disputes, and global supply chain disruptions. “The Port of Vancouver continues to drive Canadian prosperity,” said President and CEO Peter Xotta, highlighting its role in facilitating trade with up to 170 countries.
Major infrastructure and operational milestones in 2024 included the introduction of facial biometric screening at the Canada Place cruise terminal, expansion of grain and glycol handling facilities, and advancements in vessel traffic management and sustainability. Trade with China, Japan, and South Korea remained strong, while U.S.-bound trade increased to 10 MMT.
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The Port of Montreal officially launched its 2025 cruise season on April 25 with the return of Victory Cruise Lines’ Victory I to the Grand Quay. The season will feature 42 operations from 13 cruise lines and 21 ships, with an estimated 58,000 passengers and crew members expected. New vessels visiting Montreal for the first time this year include Seven Seas Splendor, Silver Shadow, and Allura. In 2024, the local cruise industry generated an estimated $25 million in economic impact, supporting jobs and boosting the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
To commemorate the season’s launch, the port presented a plaque to Victory Cruise Lines’ owner John Waggoner, recognizing the vessel’s long-standing relationship with Montreal, dating back to 2016. Four stopovers by Victory I are scheduled for 2025. The Port’s Grand Quay will also host a full lineup of summer events, including C2 Montréal, Startupfest, and the Martinique Gourmande festival. “Cruises generate significant economic benefits for the local and regional community,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Port of Montreal.
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Following Canada’s recent federal election, Denis D. Caron, President & CEO of the Belledune Port Authority, shared this message:
"The Port of Belledune extends its congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their national election victory. We also congratulate Serge Cormier, MLA for the Chaleur region, and Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, newly elected MP for Madawaska–Restigouche.
We look forward to working together with them and our other provincial MLAs to advance the interests of Belledune and the broader northern New Brunswick region."
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The Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) congratulated Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s new government. Representing 17 Canada Port Authorities, ACPA emphasized readiness to collaborate on accelerating infrastructure projects and diversifying Canada’s global trade. The organization highlighted the importance of faster project approvals, targeted investments in infrastructure and marine security, and greater autonomy for ports to support Canada’s economic and trade agenda. ACPA also referenced its policy recommendations outlined in Securing Canada’s Economic Future through Canada’s Port Authorities.
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gCaptain
US Businesses Cancel Orders, With Empty Shelves Expected
Paul Wiseman, Anne D'innocenzio and Christopher Rugaber
Associated Press
Surging U.S. imports, while likely temporary, are frustrating the president’s goal of reducing America’s trade imbalances
Alistair MacDonald, Chelsey Dulaney and Hannah Miao
Wall Street Journal
Reuters
FreightWaves reviews how companies are strategizing their supply chains amid tariff talks
Grace Sharkey
FreightWaves
William B. Cassidy
Journal of Commerce
For New England’s importers and exporters, the Port of Boston is an integral part of their supply chain strategy.
George Lauriat
AJOT
Bobby Magill
Bloomberg
Maritime Logistics Professional
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6
May 2025
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to register, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Melodie George at mgeorge@aapa-ports.org.
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15
May 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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11
Jul 2025
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Time: 11:30 - 12:30 pm ET
For more information or a link to register, please contact AAPA staff liaison, John Bressler at jbressler@aapa-ports.org.
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