The 114th AAPA Annual Convention & Expo is the premier event for the entire seaport industry—where visionary leadership, actionable intelligence, and cross-sector collaboration converge to shape the future of ports.
Hear directly from Katherine Tai, 19th U.S. Trade Representative and keynote speaker, on why this moment matters for trade policy, tariffs, and the role of ports in global commerce.
Why you should attend:
Policy Impact – Understand how federal trade and infrastructure policy will affect operations and funding. Strategic Insight – Gain intelligence on shifting trade dynamics and regulatory priorities. United Voice – Join with fellow leaders to advocate for the industry’s shared goals.
📍 Don’t miss this pivotal gathering, taking place during a global realignment in trade.
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The Matagorda County Navigation District No. 1 (MCND#1) has appointed Blake Welborn as Port Director for the Port of Palacios, effective August 11, 2025. Welborn is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain with nearly 29 years of service and has held senior roles in port operations, safety, and emergency response. His experience includes work in both the public and private sectors, including roles in the energy industry as an EH&S Advisor and Emergency Response Manager. He is a Certified Port Executive and holds degrees from the National Graduate School and East Texas A&M University. MCND#1 Commissioners and staff officially welcomed him to the position.
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The Port of Redwood City has partnered with the San Francisco Bay Ferry to launch a pilot program offering direct ferry service to San Francisco on select Sundays this summer. The service is timed to coincide with San Francisco Giants home games and begins July 28, with additional trips scheduled for August 11, September 1, and September 15. Riders can use the ferry whether attending the game or spending the day in the city, with return trips scheduled after the games conclude. The program aims to provide a sustainable transportation alternative and reduce regional traffic congestion. Tickets and schedules are available at sanfranciscobayferry.com/giants.
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In celebration of Massachusetts Farmers Market Week (August 3–9, 2025), Massport will host a special event at the Fish & Farm Market on Saturday, August 9, featuring a DJ pop-up by A Trike Called Funk and dozens of vendors. The Fish & Farm Market, located at the historic Fish Pier in South Boston, is a partnership between Massport and Mass Farmers Markets. Since its opening on June 7, the market has welcomed over 5,000 visitors and featured more than two dozen vendors. Several participating vendors are supported through Mass Farmers Markets’ BIPOC Incubator Initiative, which provides financial and logistical assistance to help underrepresented entrepreneurs sell their products. The market is open every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through November 1.
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On July 16, South Jersey Port Corporation hosted 24 high school students from the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) summer camp, a program run by Rowan University’s CREATES Program and funded by state and federal transportation agencies. During their visit, students toured Camden Marine Terminals and observed active cargo operations, including steel discharge at Balzano Terminal and furnace slag unloading at Broadway Terminal. The NSTI program offers hands-on learning experiences in the transportation industry, including site tours, lab activities, and meetings with professional engineers. Participants also explore various infrastructure sites such as asphalt plants, DRPA bridges, and the Atlantic City Airport. South Jersey Ports supports initiatives like NSTI to introduce students to careers in transportation and maritime logistics.
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The Port of Galveston Police Department has been re-accredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) through its Law Enforcement Recognition Program. This designation is held by fewer than 10 percent of law enforcement agencies in Texas and reflects adherence to over 170 best practices in public safety and professional policing. The department first achieved accreditation in 2021, and re-accreditation is granted following a comprehensive four-year review conducted by independent assessors. The agency credited Sgt. Chris Thai, who led the re-accreditation effort, and Port Director Roger Rees for their support. The department includes 40 sworn officers and provides 24/7 coverage across 840 acres of port property, supporting maritime operations and coordinating with federal partners.
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Port Tampa Bay has been awarded a 2025 “Quest for Quality” Award in the Gulf port category by Logistics Management magazine. The recognition is based on performance and customer satisfaction ratings submitted by qualified logistics and transportation service buyers through an invitation-only survey conducted by Peerless Research Group. This marks the third time Port Tampa Bay has received the award since the category’s inception in 2012. Survey participants rated service providers on criteria such as on-time performance, value, technology, and operations. Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson expressed appreciation for the support of industry stakeholders and their recognition of the port’s commitment to operational excellence.
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The Port of Cleveland has completed a major phase of the Irishtown Bend Hill Stabilization Project with the installation of the final pipe pile — number 203 — on July 9, 2025. The $65 million project addresses longstanding instability along the Cuyahoga River, which has threatened the river’s navigational channel and the industries dependent on it. Approximately 75% of the hillside anchors have also been installed, with work continuing on the remaining components. The stabilization system includes pipe piles, sheet metal panels, angled hillside anchors, and stone backfill. This effort supports maritime traffic and protects vital infrastructure for companies like Cleveland-Cliffs and other river-dependent businesses.
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The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has submitted a notice of intent to begin preliminary construction on the Contrecœur expansion project as early as September 29, 2025, pending final regulatory approvals. Initial work will focus on preparing the site for full construction, which could begin in 2026. The expansion is intended to increase container-handling capacity and strengthen Canada’s supply chain, with operations expected to begin by 2030. Two public information sessions are scheduled for August 12 and 14 in Contrecœur and Verchères to update residents on the project and its mitigation measures. Full project details are available on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website.
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Port Houston is celebrating the 67th anniversary of the M/V Sam Houston, its long-serving tour boat and maritime ambassador, as it prepares for retirement in 2026. Since its first voyage in 1958, the vessel has hosted over two million guests — including students, dignitaries, and celebrities — for educational tours along the Houston Ship Channel. To commemorate the milestone, Port Houston has launched a story-telling campaign inviting the public to share their memories of the vessel via email. A new tour vessel is planned to launch within 12–14 months, designed to enhance accessibility, support environmental goals, and expand maritime education outreach. Stories will be featured on Port Houston’s social media channels leading up to the Sam Houston’s final voyage.
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The Port of Richmond has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease and redevelopment of the historic General Warehouse at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal. Built in 1942 as part of the Kaiser Shipyards, the 140,000-square-foot facility is located within an active marine terminal and is available for industrial, maritime, or innovative commercial reuse. Proposals are due by October 10, 2025, and pre-proposal facility tours will be held on August 12 and August 25. The building will be leased in “as-is” condition, and proposals will be evaluated based on financial feasibility, alignment with port goals, and preservation of the warehouse’s historic character. Full details and submission instructions are available through the City of Richmond’s BidsOnline system.
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Join us in welcoming new member, CrimsonLogic, to AAPA. Their expertise strengthens our collective mission to advance the port industry across the Americas.
CrimsonLogic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSA International, is a global technology company driven by innovation to digitally transform and simplify global trade.
With over 36 years of experience worldwide, CrimsonLogic specializes in technology enablement in the fields of trade facilitation & compliance, port operations, government services, and logistics. As a trusted partner to businesses, logistics service providers, and governments, their tailored solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of every client, enabling seamless and secure optimization of supply chains and operations.
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American Association of Port Authorities fully backs plans to revitalise US ship-to-shore crane manufacturing
Seatrade Maritime News
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
Matthew Thomas
Bloomberg
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
Reuters
Maritime Executive
Company Won Arbitration Against Shell Over Louisiana Plant
Anna Shiryaevskaya
Bloomberg
Lisa Baertlein and Valerie Volcovici
Reuters
In $16 billion deal, Beijing looks to counter Trump’s moves to rebuild American shipyards
Clarence Leong and Costas Paris
Wall Street Journal
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20
Aug 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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9
Sep 2025
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Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison, Melodie George at mgeorge@aapa-ports.org.
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10
Sep 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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17
Sep 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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2
Oct 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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28
Oct 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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6
Nov 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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19
Nov 2025
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Time: 1:00-2:00 pm ET For more information or a link to register, please contact Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org.
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