Don’t miss this exclusive video message from U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, one of the keynote speakers at the 114th AAPA Annual Convention & Expo, and AAPA President & CEO Cary Davis. Together, they discuss why this year’s convention is a pivotal opportunity to engage on trade policy, tariffs, and the vital role ports play in global commerce.

 

📍 Watch the video: youtu.be/zch5tw92AXk

 

📅 Register for the Convention: bit.ly/114AnnualConvention

AAPA has endorsed the newly introduced Port Cranes Tax Credit Act of 2025 (H.R. 4589), sponsored by Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS4) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY11), with original cosponsors Representatives Randy Weber (R-TX14) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA2). The bill proposes a 25% investment tax credit for U.S. facilities that manufacture or repair ship-to-shore and mobile harbor cranes, along with a production credit of 40%, rising to 60% if at least 90% of components are American-made.

 

AAPA emphasized the legislation as a means to boost domestic crane production, enhance national security, and support supply chain resiliency. Industry leaders from the Ports of Albany, Tampa Bay, and Pascagoula voiced support, citing operational needs and economic impacts. AAPA is calling on Congress for swift action and encourages the introduction of a Senate companion bill.

 

The Port of San Diego has announced updated construction closures at Pepper Park as part of its Phase 1 Improvements Project. Starting July 28, 2025, the park’s restrooms and fishing pier will be closed for two weeks, reopening on August 11; portable restrooms and signage to alternate fishing locations will be provided. On August 15, the green open space in the park’s northwest section will close for the duration of construction, while the adjacent sidewalk to the pier and turf area will reopen. The $8 million project, which began in September 2024, will add a pirate-themed playground, splash pad, perched beach, overlook terrace, and other amenities. The 5.2-acre redesigned park is expected to reopen in early 2026, with a future 2.5-acre expansion planned pending additional funding and approvals.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) moved 5.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), marking an 8.6% increase over the previous year and the second busiest year on record for the Port of Savannah. The Port of Brunswick handled 870,775 units of autos and heavy equipment, maintaining record-level volumes. GPA completed $470 million in infrastructure projects, including warehouse expansions in Brunswick and eight new ship-to-shore cranes in Savannah. An additional $472 million was approved for projects such as Berth 4 at Colonels Island and the Ocean Terminal redevelopment. Over the next decade, GPA plans to invest $4.5 billion in improvements, adding five big ship berths and expanding capacity to meet future demand.

At its July 22, 2025, meeting, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority recognized the coordinated response of Port Houston’s Fire Department and mutual aid partners in extinguishing a vessel fire at Bayport without injuries. Chairman Ric Campo also commended the Houston Pilots, ILA, U.S. Coast Guard, and CBP for their ongoing work in supporting vessel traffic along the nation’s busiest waterway. CEO Charlie Jenkins acknowledged 18 summer interns from ten universities for their contributions across various departments. Port Houston’s Strategy Division reported on-track progress toward 2025 goals, including support for Project 11 and implementation of the NXGEN ERP Program. Additional updates included a $7.8 million TxDOT grant for the Bayport Southern Access Road and plans to remove the Barbours Cut Flare draft restriction starting August 1, 2025.

On July 24, 2025, the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement among five Lower Mississippi River ports to develop a joint marketing strategy. The agreement includes the Port of New Orleans, Port of South Louisiana, Port of Greater Baton Rouge, St. Bernard Port, and Louisiana Gateway Port at Plaquemines Parish — together forming the world’s largest port complex. Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch is authorized to enter into the agreement and a professional services contract with Polaris Analytics & Consulting to support strategy development. The initiative aligns with the goals of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission and aims to strengthen the state's global competitiveness through unified efforts. The resulting strategy will focus on data-driven collaboration to boost economic development, infrastructure investment, and job creation.

Port Tampa Bay partner Anchor Scholarship Foundation has established the Jack H. and Ruby Lucas Endowed Scholarship in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Jack H. Lucas and his wife. The $206,000 endowment, funded by the U.S.S. Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee following the vessel’s commissioning at Port Tampa Bay in 2023, will provide annual scholarships to dependents or spouses of U.S. Navy service members who served aboard the U.S.S. Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). For 2025, three Navy spouses — Rosav Ramsook, Karen Luque, and Mary Louise Nisperos Wittkopf — received awards ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. The program evaluates applicants on academics, character, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Since its founding, the Anchor Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to over 1,300 Surface Navy family members.

In 2026, Michigan’s Port of Monroe will open the first SAFE Port Act-compliant international container terminal in the Great Lakes, marking a major shift in regional freight logistics. Historically restricted by federal regulations, containerized cargo from the Midwest has been routed through distant coastal or Canadian ports. The new terminal, along with a roll-on/roll-off platform, dual Class I rail access, and proximity to Midwest manufacturing, will provide a secure, efficient inland gateway for global trade. The Port of Monroe aims to support high-value industries such as automotive and chemicals while enhancing supply chain resilience. The initiative is positioned as a long-term investment in U.S. freight capacity, maritime jobs, and regional competitiveness.

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), along with Chiriquí provincial authorities and business leaders, conducted a technical tour of the under-construction Puerto Armuelles Multipurpose Port, which has reached 48% completion. The AMP's new administrative offices, also being built, are 40% complete. The project is expected to boost Panama’s economic, logistical, tourism, and social development. During a community meeting, officials emphasized the port’s role in improving maritime trade and regional connectivity, and INADEH committed to establishing workforce training programs in the maritime and tourism sectors. Local leaders and maritime industry representatives highlighted the importance of English language skills and praised the project’s long-term benefits for trade, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Maritime Executive

 

Jack Fitzpatrick

Bloomberg

 

Mike Schuler

gCaptain

 

AJOT

 

Reuters

 

Eric Martin and Michael O'Boyle

Bloomberg

 

Communications Coordinator; Corpus Chrisit, Texas; The Port of Corpus Christi Authority

 

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

 

Chief Executive Officer; Longview, Washington; Port of Longview

  

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

 

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

 

RISK MANAGER; Stockton, California; Port of Stockton