This week, AAPA submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in response to proposed modifications to Section 301 port taxes. Thanks to strong advocacy from AAPA and industry allies, USTR proposed a lower fee structure for foreign-built vehicle carriers and adjustments to LNG transport requirements — both of which AAPA supported.

 

AAPA also reiterated concerns about the fairness and implementation of the vehicle carrier fee, which was introduced without a formal comment period. Additionally, AAPA submitted comments opposing a proposed 100% tariff on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes and continues to engage with federal officials as deliberations move forward.

Congress has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, extending tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act while enacting spending cuts across the federal government. Thanks to advocacy from AAPA and its members, the Clean Ports Program remains fully intact despite early House efforts to rescind unobligated funds. However, the bill repeals $60 million in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program, though annual DERA appropriations remain unaffected. The legislation also phases out several clean energy tax credits that may limit future offshore wind development and clean electricity procurement for ports. New funding includes $1 billion through the Defense Production Act and billions for Coast Guard and Navy infrastructure and shipbuilding, creating potential opportunities for port-related investment.

 

AAPA will be vigilant in contacting policymakers in the Administration to explore how these various pots of funding can be used to develop port infrastructure.

Panama handled 56.26% of Central America’s foreign trade cargo during the first quarter of 2025, reaffirming its role as a regional logistics hub. The data was presented by Ibis Alexandra Pérez of the Panama Maritime Authority at the 21st REMAPOR meeting in El Salvador. Out of 48,475.94 metric tons moved regionally, Panama was followed by Guatemala (17.52%), Costa Rica (10.59%), Honduras (8.09%), El Salvador (4.29%), and Nicaragua (3.26%). Pérez emphasized Panama’s strategic location, logistical capacity, and efforts toward digitalization and technical cooperation to enhance competitiveness. The meeting also addressed regional challenges, including the need for a unified statistical database to support sustainable logistics planning.

PhilaPort has released its “Destination 2040” strategic plan, outlining investments to expand infrastructure, grow capacity, and maintain its status as a leading East Coast port. The plan includes tripling container capacity to 3 million, increasing breakbulk cargo tonnage by 20%, generating nearly $3 billion in new business revenue, and creating close to 19,000 new jobs. Recent developments include the successful dredging of the Delaware River to 45 feet and ongoing construction of a cold storage facility, set to be completed in fall 2025. PhilaPort has also acquired nearly 40 acres of near-dock land and is progressing on the first new terminal berth in Philadelphia in 50 years. Despite trade uncertainties and rising competition, cargo volumes have increased 94% since 2015, and expansion efforts continue under the Destination 2040 roadmap.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has announced its inaugural incentive program to support the deployment of zero emission (ZE) drayage trucks and charging infrastructure in the Puget Sound region. Funded by a $6.2 million grant from WSDOT and supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, the project will deploy 19 ZE trucks and build a charging facility capable of serving 250 vehicles per day. Zeem Solutions was selected as the project partner and will lead the infrastructure development, marking its first deployment in Washington state. The new charging site will be located near SeaTac Airport and is scheduled to break ground in Fall 2025, with trucks on the road by 2026. This initiative aligns with the Decarbonizing Drayage Roadmap, which aims to transition the full drayage fleet to zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.

The Port Authority of Guam has submitted a petition to the Guam Public Utilities Commission seeking to update vessel labor and equipment billing rates using 2025 cost data. The adjustment, which averages 17 percent across job classifications, affects only vessel-related labor and equipment services and does not raise other fees such as wharfage or fuel surcharges. The phased implementation includes an 8.5 percent adjustment for the first four months, followed by the full 17 percent. The impact on consumer goods is minimal—for example, less than one-tenth of a cent per can of Spam. The petition reflects updated cost calculations without introducing new fees and was prepared internally by the Port’s Finance Division.

The Texas commercial shrimp season officially begins on July 15, with shrimpers at the Port of Brownsville celebrating recent legislative support. Senate Bill 823, passed during the 89th legislative session and effective September 1, 2025, will require labeling of imported shrimp by food service suppliers and prohibit restaurants from misrepresenting foreign shrimp as domestic. Governor Greg Abbott also signed House Concurrent Resolution 76, urging federal action to limit foreign shrimp imports. These measures aim to protect the Texas shrimping industry, which supports over 14,000 jobs and generates about $850 million in economic value. Despite rising fuel costs and market pressures, local shrimpers remain hopeful for a strong season ahead.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has opened a new electric truck charging station at Port Newark to support the adoption of zero-emission drayage trucks. The facility features four 350-kilowatt DC fast chargers compatible with most commercial electric trucks and is located at the truck welcome center at Marlin and Kellogg streets. Initially operating from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. due to ongoing construction, the station will offer 24/7 access by late 2025. The installation is part of the agency’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port operations. This initiative complements existing programs such as the Truck Replacement Program, Clean Vessel Incentive, and the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure across Port Authority facilities.

Director of Facilities; Vancouver, Washington; Port of Vancouver USA

 

Chief Executive Officer; Longview, Texas; Port of Longview

 

Chief Revenue Officer; New Orleans, Louisiana; Port of New Orleans

 

Enterprise Safety Director; Seal Beach, California; The Pasha Group

 

SENIOR MARITIME PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR; Oakland, California; Port of Oakland

 

Manager of Environmental Permitting; Corpus Christi, Texas; Port of Corpus Christi Authority

 

Director of Engineering & Facilities; Stockton, California; Port of Stockton

 

GIS Industry Solutions Manager - Ports; Redlands, California; ESRI, Inc

 

Deputy Executive Director of Commercial Development; Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)