There’s just one week left to enter! Now’s your chance to elevate your organization’s profile and earn industry-wide recognition for the impactful work your team is doing. AAPA’s premier awards program shines a light on excellence across the port industry — and this year’s expanded categories make it easier than ever to showcase your achievements.

 

To enter, use this link to pay for your submission — this will automatically trigger an email with your unique registration link. Don’t wait too long to complete payment, as processing time is needed to ensure you receive your personalized submission link in time.

Recently, the ruling government of Canada proposed the Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2) which will directly impact Canadian port authorities and maritime enforcement operations. The bill seeks to amend the Oceans Act, expanding the Canadian Coast Guard’s authority to conduct security patrols and share intelligence — enhancing maritime domain awareness within Canadian jurisdiction.

 

Bill C-2 also addresses transnational organized crime, the fentanyl crisis, and illicit financial activity, reinforcing Canada’s focus on port security and cross-border collaboration with the United States. It would extend customs officers’ access to warehouse and transport facilities for export inspections, bringing export controls in line with existing import procedures.

 

Further, the legislation prioritizes digital infrastructure upgrades to support improved risk analysis and intelligence-sharing across Canada’s border and maritime systems — changes that may influence coordination with international partners and port stakeholders.

The Port of Québec has earned the highest level of certification from Green Marine for the seventh year in a row, reaffirming its leadership in environmental sustainability within the maritime industry. The port achieved Level 5 — the top rating — for all applicable performance indicators, including air emissions, waste management, spill prevention, community relations, and aquatic ecosystem protection. This recognition highlights the port’s commitment to exceeding environmental regulations and integrating sustainable practices across its operations. A founding member of Green Marine since 2007, the Port of Québec remains the only port to reach Level 5 across all categories for seven consecutive years. In 2026, the Port will host Green Marine’s GreenTech conference, further emphasizing its role in promoting environmental innovation.

The 28th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) was held in Curaçao from June 4–6, 2025, with 260 delegates in attendance. Hosted at the Renaissance Hotel, the event centered on modernization, sustainability, and innovation in port management. Curaçao Ports Authority CEO Humberto de Castro emphasized the island’s strategic role in connecting global trade and culture. The conference also featured the signing of two MOUs — between PMAC and the London Institute of Business and Technology, and between PMAC and the Suriname Port Training Institute — to advance regional port management and training initiatives.

The Port of Cleveland has released a new documentary titled "Made in America: How the Port of Cleveland Supports the Region’s Economy," spotlighting the critical role the port plays in U.S. manufacturing and economic growth. The film follows the journey of raw materials through the port to Cleveland-Cliffs’ steel mill, where they are turned into steel used in cars, appliances, bridges, and buildings. It features interviews with port leaders, manufacturers, and vessel operators, and highlights the port’s economic footprint of more than 23,000 jobs and $7.07 billion in annual activity. The documentary also showcases the port’s investments in modernization and sustainability, such as ore tunnel upgrades and eco-conscious logistics. It emphasizes the national importance of Great Lakes shipping, citing potential economic risks tied to infrastructure disruptions in the region.

The Massachusetts Port Authority has awarded its 2025 Memorial Scholarships to three East Boston students: Dominic Jorge, Madelina Vivas, and Teagen Scarpa. Each scholarship honors the legacy of a former Massport employee — Deborah Hadden Gray, Donna Rauseo, and Lowell L. Richards III — who made significant contributions to the organization. Recipients were selected based on academic achievement and community involvement. Dominic and Teagen, graduates of Boston Latin Academy and Boston Latin School, respectively, will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, while Madelina, an East Boston High School graduate, will attend Messina College at Boston College. The scholarships aim to support local students in furthering their education and are awarded annually through a committee including Massport staff and representatives of the honorees’ families.

Port Everglades generated $28.1 billion in economic activity in Fiscal Year 2024, a 6% increase over the previous year, according to a study by Martin Associates. The port supported more than 204,300 jobs, including approximately 12,270 direct jobs — a 13.9% year-over-year increase. Induced jobs in the Fort Lauderdale area totaled over 9,550, while $785.9 million in local spending supported approximately 9,430 indirect jobs. The port contributed more than $1.1 billion in state and local taxes and remains financially self-sustaining without relying on local tax revenue. Looking ahead, Port Everglades expects to welcome a record 4.4 million cruise passengers in FY 2025 and continues investing in major infrastructure and long-term planning initiatives.

The Port of Oakland reported a total of 187,389 TEUs in May 2025, a slight increase over April’s 185,499 TEUs, driven by rising exports and stable import activity. Year-to-date volume reached 974,417 TEUs, reflecting a 6% increase over the same period in 2024. Loaded exports grew to 67,327 TEUs, an 8.7% year-over-year rise, while loaded imports held steady at 79,323 TEUs. The Port handled 87 vessel calls in May, with average vessel volume year-to-date at 2,220 TEUs. Although empty exports declined 19.8% compared to May 2024, empty imports increased by 10.1% year-over-year.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has announced the 2024 Green Wave Award recipients, recognizing five companies — COSCO, Yang Ming, SK Shipping, Navigator Gas LLC, and BC Ferries — for their leadership in sustainable shipping practices. Nine individual vessels were also recognized for using underwater noise mitigation technologies. In 2024, 316 commercial vessel calls met Green Wave program criteria, marking a 33% increase over 2019, with 174 vessels qualifying for the initiative — an 89% year-over-year rise. Since 2014, Green Wave participants rated under the RightShip GHG standard have helped avoid approximately 808,690 tonnes of emissions. The Green Wave program supports PRPA’s goal to reduce carbon intensity at the port by 30% within five years and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.