The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) issued a statement in response to President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request, which proposes $550 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) but includes over $1 billion in cuts to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).

 

AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis praised the PIDP increase, which would bring total available funding to $1 billion if enacted, while criticizing the proposed HMTF reduction as inconsistent with the goal of revitalizing the maritime industry.

 

 

AAPA reiterated its advocacy for full spending of HMTF dollars in line with WRDA 2020, and urged quick action to finalize the FY25 PIDP funding opportunity. Other port-relevant highlights from the budget include additional funding for INFRA and rail safety grants, but cuts to NOAA port programs and the Diesel Emission Reduction Act.

According to government records, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation received the Trump Administration’s nomination of Stephen Carmel, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration on May 6.

AAPA’s premier recognition program is officially open — and this year, we’re expanding the spotlight.

 

🌟 New for 2025: Maritime Innovator of the Year
Exclusively for AAPA Industry Solution Provider (ISP) Members, this brand-new award honors cutting-edge technologies, products, or services that are making a measurable impact on port operations, safety, and sustainability.

 

🏅 Port Awards (for AAPA Port Members)
Returning in 10 specialty areas — including Environment, Infrastructure, and Public Affairs — with separate categories for both large and small ports.

 

Submissions close June 20, 2025. Finalists will be announced in September, and winners will be celebrated at the 114th AAPA Annual Convention in Québec City.

 

Start your entry or learn more.

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ranked the Houston Ship Channel as the number one U.S. waterway based on 2023 tonnage data, with 309.5 million short tons moved — representing 12% of the nation’s total waterborne tonnage. This update was announced during the April Port Commission meeting, where Port Houston leaders also shared progress on Project 11, with final dredging expected to enable two-way traffic in Galveston Bay by mid-2025. Port Houston reported over 1 million TEUs moved year-to-date, with March marking a record month for exports, up 13% year-over-year. Several leadership changes were also announced, including the retirement of COO Tom Heidt and new appointments across administrative, strategy, and people functions. Additionally, the City of Houston and Port Houston will co-host the first-ever Navy Fleet Week in November 2025.

The Port of Virginia and Norfolk Southern have partnered to establish the country’s first RailGreen Corridor, connecting the Port’s Norfolk Harbor terminals with the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal. The RailGreen program allows shippers to reduce supply chain emissions by purchasing RailGreen certificates, which are backed by biofuel use in locomotives and verified through blockchain-based Environmental Attribute Certificates from 123Carbon. This initiative supports the reduction of Scope 3 emissions, which are often the most difficult for companies to address. The Port of Virginia is the first East Coast port to power all terminals with 100% clean energy, making it the lowest-emissions option for cargo movement on the coast. Interested cargo owners can contact Norfolk Southern to participate in the RailGreen program.

The Don Young Port of Alaska in Anchorage is moving forward with the largest infrastructure upgrade in its history as part of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program. The municipality has awarded a contract exceeding $800 million to construct a new cargo terminal, marking the start of a decade-long redevelopment plan. Originally opened in 1961, the port is undergoing this overhaul due to advanced corrosion and aging infrastructure that pose safety concerns. Port Director Steve Ribuffo described the project as one of the most significant in Alaska since the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The modernization aims to ensure long-term resilience, especially in the event of a major earthquake similar to the 1964 Good Friday quake.

The Port of San Diego will host the third annual People of the Port Career Fair on Wednesday, May 14. The event, held in partnership with waterfront tenants, local colleges, and the San Diego Working Waterfront, aims to connect job seekers with part-time and full-time opportunities across various industries, including maritime cargo, hospitality, shipbuilding, public safety, and more. Over 25 businesses are expected to participate, and breakout sessions will offer job application guidance and insights into different sectors. Language assistance will be available in Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi, and American Sign Language. 

The Port of Seattle has released its Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy, outlining infrastructure investments needed to support full electrification of Port-owned buildings, vehicles, vessels, and equipment by 2050. Developed in partnership with The Northwest Seaport Alliance and Seattle City Light, the strategy anticipates that the Port’s peak power demand will quadruple by mid-century. The report identifies key drivers of energy demand, including shore power for oceangoing vessels, and estimates a total investment of $208 to $457 million will be required for utility distribution and on-terminal infrastructure upgrades. The strategy includes eight detailed recommendations for advancing zero-emission maritime operations and will inform future capital planning efforts.

At the 2025 Georgia Logistics Summit, GPA Vice President of Operations Susan Gardner announced that the Port of Savannah is expected to grow from 5.5 million to nearly 9 million TEUs annually over the next decade. To support this growth, GPA plans $4.5 billion in infrastructure improvements and has deployed new technologies to enhance cargo visibility, terminal efficiency, and truck and rail operations. The port’s terminal operating system now provides real-time data on container location, vessel productivity, truck turn times, and rail dwell time. The GPA Trucker’s App also improves efficiency by providing drivers with updates on container status, gate conditions, and scheduling. Savannah currently averages 35 ships and 14,000 gate moves daily and boasts some of the industry’s fastest container dwell times.

Port of Long Beach Chief Operating Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba has received the Stanley T. Olafson award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to advancing international trade during his nearly 15 years at the Port. The award, presented during the Chamber’s 99th Annual World Trade Week, recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted global trade since its inception in 1933. Hacegaba currently oversees day-to-day port operations and leads initiatives like the Supply Chain Information Highway. He also played a key role in managing the Port’s pandemic response and major business transactions. Port leaders praised Hacegaba for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The M/V Federal Nagara arrived in the Port of Duluth-Superior at 6:05 a.m. on April 21, becoming the first oceangoing vessel to reach the port during the 2025 navigation season. The ship, which departed from Bremen, Germany in late March, delivered machinery bound for a North Dakota sugarbeet processing plant via Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal. The vessel experienced a brief ice delay at the Soo Locks and arrived during a snowy weather system. This marks the latest first saltie arrival since 2014. Kristi Osheim of Iowa won the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest with a guess just 38 seconds off the actual arrival time.

Chief Financial Officer; Pascagoula, Mississippi; Port Pascagoula

 

Director, Risk Management & Claims; Jacksonville, Florida; TOTE

 

Chief Executive Officer; Longview, Washington; Port of Longview

 

Chief Executive Officer; Miami, Florida; Port of Miami Crane Management, Inc.

 

Senior Engineer; Corpus Christi, Texas; Port of Corpus Christi Authority

 

Commercial Manager; Stockton, California; Port of Stockton