The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) sent a letter to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders urging bipartisan action to expand federal counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) authorities. The letter, signed by AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis, requested that seaports be explicitly included as potential pilot program sites, citing their DHS-designated status as critical infrastructure.

 

Ports, which handle over 70% of U.S. trade and sustain more than 31 million jobs, face increasing threats from unauthorized drones disrupting operations and safety. AAPA expressed support for the reintroduction of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, called for legislative clarity distinguishing detection from mitigation technologies, and emphasized ports’ role as critical partners in national airspace security.

 

The association continues to work with Congress, its Security Committee, and its Board of Directors to ensure ports are included in future legislation.

 

Read the full letter from AAPA here.

On September 4, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and state and local officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for Port Milwaukee’s South Shore Cruise Dock. The new facility, located at 2320 S. Lincoln Memorial Dr., will be the port’s third designated cruise dock and is designed to serve Seawaymax vessels.

 

Mayor Johnson committed $5 million to the project in his 2025 budget, with additional funding provided through a $3.5 million Capital Tourism Grant and a $500,000 Harbor Assistance Program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

 

The development is expected to enhance tourism and economic activity in Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes region.

The Port of Oakland experienced a significant rebound in July container volumes as importers accelerated shipments ahead of U.S. tariffs announced for August 7. Loaded imports jumped 31.4% from June to reach 92,392 TEUs, while loaded exports climbed 10.1% to 65,595 TEUs, bringing the total to 157,987 full TEUs — an increase of over 21% compared to June. Vessel calls surged by 23.4%, with 95 ships visiting in July versus 77 in June, though average TEUs per vessel dipped slightly. Year-to-date through July, total TEUs stand at 1,346,022, putting the port 1.9% ahead of 2024, with loaded imports and exports tracking 3.5% and 0.3% higher respectively.

 

Port officials expect shipping volumes to moderate in the coming months now that the front-loaded cargo has entered the supply chain.

The Port of Lake Charles, ranked among the top 10 U.S. deepwater ports for cargo tonnage, is expanding its role as a Gulf Coast destination for breakbulk cargo. With specialized handling capabilities, new shiploading infrastructure, and access to the Calcasieu Ship Channel, the port accommodates oversized and heavy-lift items that container ports often cannot. Recent projects, including energy infrastructure and industrial equipment imports, highlight its efficiency and flexibility, supported by strong road and rail connections. The port continues to add warehouse and outdoor storage space and has plans for further expansion and modernization to meet growing demand. Executive Director Richert Self emphasized the port’s investments in infrastructure and equipment that enhance its ability to serve global supply chains seeking alternatives to congested container ports.

Port Freeport has completed and opened Gate 12 at the Velasco Container Terminal, replacing Gate 14 and becoming operational on August 1, 2025. The Port celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 14, attended by Commissioners, leadership, and community partners. The new gate features two inbound and two outbound lanes, designed to handle increased truck volumes, reduce congestion, and improve turn times. This project follows the completion of a berth expansion and comes as the deepening of the Freeport Harbor Channel nears completion, positioning Port Freeport for continued growth. A 2022 Texas A&M Transportation Institute study found that the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and $157.3 billion in total economic output nationally.

The Port of Montreal announced that Hydrosphères, a sculpture by artist Linda Covit, has been named a winner of the CODAawards 2025 in the Civic Spaces category. Installed in 2022 on the forecourt of the Montreal Port Tower, the artwork pays tribute to the St. Lawrence River through a poetic interpretation of water. The piece was commissioned by the Montreal Port Authority after a competition organized by the Ministry of Culture and Communications, highlighting a commitment to blending art, heritage, and public space. The CODAawards celebrate international collaborations between artists, designers, and professionals, with this year’s competition drawing 281 entries from 14 countries. Projects were evaluated on integration, collaboration, and ability to inspire.

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