Join us for an informative webinar designed for professionals interested in pursuing the Port Professional Manager (PPM®) certification. This session will walk through how to apply, eligibility requirements, and key milestones in the program, while providing ample time for attendee questions.
Speakers include:
- AAPA Vice President of Member Services Shannon McLeod and Workforce and Professional Development Associate Julie Barelas will guide participants through the official process and expectations.
- A current PPM® candidate will share insights into the coursework, commitment and experience.
- A recent PPM® graduate will reflect on professional value and leadership recognition.
- A PPM® designee will offer perspective on how the credential has impacted their life and career.
Whether you're ready to apply or just curious, this session will give you practical insight and encouragement from people who’ve been there. The application period for the PPM Gamma Cohort is now OPEN and will close November 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
To register for the webinar, click here. To learn more about AAPA's professional development programs, contact Julie Barelas.
|
Seattle Yachts, headquartered in Anacortes, Washington, highlighted its ongoing partnership with the Port of Anacortes and its role in advancing the region’s maritime economy. Formed in 2016 through the merger of SAS Yachts and Northwest Yachts, the company has grown into a full-service maritime business offering yacht brokerage, new boat sales, vessel manufacturing, service, and boating education. Seattle Yachts employs about 60 local workers and operates programs such as SailTime and PowerTime to help residents access recreational boating. The company’s leadership emphasized a long-term vision to position Anacortes as the premier boating hub on the U.S. West Coast. The Port of Anacortes expressed support for this goal, noting its alignment with the city’s maritime heritage and community growth.
|
At the inaugural Montréal Cruise Forum, the Port of Montreal and Tourisme Montréal announced a new three-year partnership agreement to advance the sustainable growth of the city’s cruise sector. The event also revealed that Montréal will welcome its first-ever winter cruises beginning in February 2027, led by PONANT EXPLORATIONS. According to a survey by the St. Lawrence Cruise Association, the 2024 cruise season generated $52.3 million in spending, including $38.3 million from passengers with an average daily spend of $632. The Forum brought together over 50 industry and institutional leaders to explore opportunities in tourism, services, and local partnerships, strengthening Montréal’s position as a premier St. Lawrence cruise destination.
|
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has launched a formal process to enable cargo ships to arrive “just-in-time” at the Port of Vancouver, improving vessel movement efficiency and supply chain fluidity. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the near-time arrival framework allows ship operators to virtually tender their Notice of Readiness upon approaching the Strait of Juan de Fuca, helping align arrivals with confirmed berthing windows. The initiative aims to reduce congestion, optimize berth utilization, and minimize time spent at anchor. Benefits include lower fuel consumption, reduced air emissions, and decreased underwater noise affecting marine life and nearby communities. The program is part of the port authority’s broader strategy to enhance operational predictability, resilience, and environmental sustainability across Canada’s largest and most diversified port.
|
The Port of Hueneme, California, and the Port of Paita, Peru, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Sister Port relationship through the U.S. Department of State’s Sister Ports Program. The agreement aims to promote cooperation, trade development, and the exchange of best practices between the two ports. A Peruvian delegation visited Ventura County in October 2025 for site tours, stakeholder meetings, and a signing ceremony at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Key focus areas outlined in the MOU include transparency in procurement, shared port management practices, and trade expansion opportunities. Peru is the Port of Hueneme’s fourth-largest trading partner by volume, and the port is the only West Coast facility certified for cold treatment of Peruvian blueberries.
|
SeaPort Manatee has named transportation industry veteran Amanda Tyner as its new director of planning and project development. Tyner previously served as the Florida Department of Transportation District I freight and seaport coordinator, where she collaborated with SeaPort Manatee on multiple FDOT-funded infrastructure projects. Her background includes roles with Walpole Inc., Vexure Inc., and the Florida Department of Health, as well as eight years of service in the U.S. Army. Tyner holds a master’s degree in public administration from American Military University and Lean Six Sigma certification in quality improvement. Located at the entrance to Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee generates $7.3 billion in annual economic impact and supports over 42,000 direct and indirect jobs.
|
From January to August 2025, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), through the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, collected B/.389,211.40 in revenue from navigation permits and licenses for smaller vessels up to 14 meters in length. This represents an 18.2% increase compared to B/.329,245.00 collected during the same period in 2024. The growth is attributed to coordinated inspection programs and on-site registration tours conducted across coastal communities. These initiatives streamline the issuance of navigation documents and ensure compliance with national maritime regulations. The AMP currently operates 19 Merchant Marine Inspectorate offices throughout Panama to provide decentralized services and support local maritime activities.
|
The Port of Savannah handled 486,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September, an 8% increase of 35,280 TEUs compared to the same month last year. For the fiscal year to date, Savannah’s container trade totals nearly 1.5 million TEUs, up 4.7%. The Georgia Ports Authority reported record rail activity with 51,235 container lifts in September, a 21% increase, and strong truck gate performance with average dual-move turn times of 50 minutes. At the Appalachian Regional Port, lifts rose 48% to 4,453 containers. Meanwhile, the Port of Brunswick’s roll-on/roll-off cargo totaled 55,811 units, down 30% from the previous year, as auto manufacturers adjust production and shipment strategies.
|
AAPA is pleased to announce that Holden Haley has been promoted to Government Relations Manager. In this role, Holden will help lead several critical legislative issues on behalf of our membership, including security and coastal navigation. He will also continue serving as Secretary to the AAPA Board of Directors and remains a tenacious advocate for America's seaports in Washington, D.C. Originally joining AAPA in 2023, Holden initially served in an operations role until he joined the Government Relations Department as a Legislative Associate one year ago. Holden holds a B.A. in International Relations from George Washington University and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from the George Washington University School of Business.
|
The Louisiana Gateway Port (LGP) hosted its annual State of the Port Luncheon on October 15, 2025, in partnership with the Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry. More than 100 attendees, including commissioners, officials, and business leaders, gathered to discuss LGP’s progress toward becoming a leading international gateway in the Gulf of Mexico. Key initiatives outlined included the implementation of an ISO 9001 Quality Initiative, SmartPort Technologies for real-time vessel tracking and automated billing, and enhanced safety and security measures. The Port also announced plans for infrastructure expansion and real estate development to support economic diversification. LGP’s operations generate millions in annual tax revenues, sustain thousands of jobs, and contribute billions in statewide economic output, reinforcing its role in Louisiana’s global trade strategy.
|
AAPA’s application portal for our esteemed Port Professional Manager (PPM) is open! The PPM program is designed for aspiring leaders and professionals in port and supply chain management and offers a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their professional goals.
|
Pedro Rodriguez
Washington Examiner
Reuters
Maritime Executive
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
Officials say upgrade of Montreal’s port will help Canadian importers and exporters find alternatives to the U.S.
Paul Berger
Wall Street Journal
Jack Wittels
Bloomberg
Import TEUs slide in September
Stuart Chirls
Freightwaves
Greg Trauthwein
Maritime Logistics Professional
|
|
| |
|
