This year’s program includes exciting new content and speaker additions across all tracks. Highlights include:

 

Main Stage Keynote: Katharine Tai, former U.S. Trade Representative, in conversation with Kent Britton, CEO, Port of Corpus Christi
AI, Cybersecurity & Technology Investments Track: Nikki Johns of AGJ Systems on federal cybersecurity support
Canadian Spotlight Track: U.S.–Canada shipbuilding partnerships featuring leaders from Port of Galveston, Davie, and Port of Port Arthur
Infrastructure Modernization Track: Erik Gerking of Port of Everett on why investing in port infrastructure can't wait
Environment & Community Stewardship Track: Marie-Andrée Blanchet of Québec Port Authority on balancing cruise and cargo
Tide-Sized Talk: Deloitte leaders on solving port congestion with AI

 

With unmatched cross-sector engagement and future-focused programming, this is the one maritime event that defines the future of ports.

 

Register now to secure your spot.
 

AAPA is proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit, hosted by the Port of Virginia, taking place November 12–13, 2025, in San Diego, CA. This free, two-day event will bring together federal, state, local, and commercial partners to address critical emergency preparedness and response issues in port communities.

 

Attendees will explore topics including infrastructure protection, marine firefighting, mental health, and autonomous systems in emergency management. The event also includes a tour of the Port of San Diego, multiple networking opportunities, and a pre-summit welcome dinner on November 11.

 

Registration is open through October 28.

The Port of Palm Beach has entered a 10-year lease agreement with Thalle Construction Co. and SAB Solutions to support the import of granite aggregate, beginning August 1, 2025. The companies will lease two acres on the Port’s southwest perimeter to facilitate inbound shipments of granite from Canada. Approximately 300,000 tons of granite will be imported annually for use in large-scale construction and Everglades restoration projects across Florida. With this new cargo activity, the Port expects its current export-heavy cargo balance to shift to 60% exports and 40% imports by 2031.

The Port of New York and New Jersey handled 4,417,282 TEUs in the first half of 2025, a 4.9% increase from the same period in 2024 and a 20.9% rise over 2019. It ranked as the nation’s second-busiest port for loaded containers during this time, moving 2,945,962 loaded TEUs, including 467,335 in June alone. Rail volume grew by 23.3% in June and 12.3% year-to-date. Imports increased 3.5% to 2,233,397 TEUs, while exports rose 4.2% to 712,565 TEUs during the six-month period. Total auto volume fell by 10.1% compared to the first half of 2024.

The Port of Brownsville hosted three college interns this summer as part of its workforce development initiatives, providing hands-on experience in key departments aligned with each student’s academic and career goals. Interns included Samuel Hinojosa (Maritime Business Administration, Texas A&M–Galveston), Pierce De La Cruz Grove (Finance, University of Notre Dame), and Antonio Gutierrez (Industrial Distribution, Texas A&M University). Each student worked in a specific department—Harbor Master’s Office, Finance, and Cargo Services—gaining practical skills and insights into port operations. The program is part of the port’s broader effort to support career readiness and has included scholarship funding totaling $192,000 to 192 local students since 2020. With over 230 companies operating at the port, these internships help build a pipeline for careers in industries like shipbuilding, logistics, and energy.

Construction on the Holdom Overpass Project, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in partnership with the City of Burnaby, CN, and the Government of Canada, began in December 2024. Current and upcoming activities include ground improvements (January–August), invasive species treatment (August–September), pile operations (through mid-August), and multiple utility works and lane shifts across Holdom Ave., Kingsland Dr., Douglas Rd., and Norland Ave. Traffic impacts include single-lane alternating traffic during weekday hours and ongoing lane shifts, with pedestrian and emergency vehicle access maintained. Central Valley Greenway users should expect temporary detours and path modifications near Douglas Rd. and Still Creek Ave. The four-lane overpass aims to enhance traffic safety and trade efficiency in the Burnaby region upon completion.

The Panamanian Ship Registry will no longer accept oil tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years old for registration, as outlined in the updated MMN 11/2024. The policy aims to enhance fleet performance, reduce detentions, and block entry of vessels linked to the “ghost fleet.” Data shows that 71% of detentions between 2023 and mid-2025 involved vessels over 15 years old. The updated Precheck process includes risk assessments related to sanctions and operations. Additional oversight measures include quarterly inspections for deficient vessels and enhanced verification of Safety Management Systems under Resolution 106-003-DGMM, effective January 3, 2025.

The Port of Harlingen has commenced construction on a $3.1 million Seaport Connectivity Program (SCP) project funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. Work began on August 5 with the installation of 100 solar-powered roadway lights, expected to be completed by early September. The next phase, beginning next week, will focus on clearing brush along the Northern Loop of Port Road to improve drainage and reduce flooding and erosion risks. The SCP grant, awarded in 2023, covers 75% of the project cost, with the Port contributing a 25% match. Full project completion is scheduled for February 2026.

Paul Matthews has resigned as Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, a position he has held since January 2022, to pursue new professional opportunities. During his tenure, Matthews led the Port to record growth, reversing a seven-year decline in tonnage and securing over $1.5 billion in capital projects. His leadership also brought renewed long-term leases, expanded renewable energy infrastructure, and increased state and federal funding. Effective immediately, Deputy Port Director Brian Cox has been named Interim Executive Director. Cox has over 25 years of experience in maritime operations and has been part of the Port’s executive team since 2017.

Indiana River & Rail Terminals recently managed the transload of two oversized, 51-ton tanks at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon for delivery to a pharmaceutical production facility under construction in Lebanon, Indiana. The equipment, built in Texas, traveled by barge along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Mississippi River, and Ohio River before being transferred to heavy-haul trucks for overland transport. Due to the size and weight of the cargo, water transport was chosen as the most feasible option. The shipment supports a major expansion of Indiana’s pharmaceutical industry. Indiana River & Rail Terminals, a joint venture formed in 2024, operates at Ports of Indiana’s Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville facilities.

How Trump's tariffs will affect U.S. ports

Commercial Fisheries and Marina Manager; Ventura, California; Ventura Port District

 

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