AAPA is currently updating membership records to ensure we have the most accurate contact information for all member organizations. We recently sent member communications with detailed instructions on how to update your records, and we ask that all members take a few minutes to review and update their information by the end of November.

 

 

If you need assistance, please reach out to Liz Mancini at lmancini@aapa-ports.org or Imani Poindexter at ipoindexter@aapa-ports.org.

The Port of Oakland moved 182,879 TEUs in October 2025, a 2.2% increase from September as full-container activity remained steady. Full imports rose 0.9% year-over-year, while full exports declined slightly by 0.7%. Overall volume was down 5.5% from October 2024, primarily due to a significant decrease in empty container movements driven by changes in shipping line equipment management. The Port recorded 86 vessel calls during the month, a 6.5% year-over-year decrease tied to ocean carrier schedule adjustments. Port officials noted that despite ongoing market shifts, full-container cargo flows through Oakland remain stable heading into the holiday season.

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners has approved the 2024 Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan Update, which outlines more than $3 billion in long-term investments to expand capacity, efficiency, and sustainability over the next 20 years. Developed over two years with input from port staff, stakeholders, and the public, the plan identifies global industry trends and infrastructure needs across the port’s cruise, cargo, and energy sectors. Key projects include ongoing functional improvements such as the Bulkhead Replacement Project and future cruise terminal redevelopment to accommodate larger vessels. The update follows the 2020 Master/Vision Plan, which included the Southport Turning Notch Extension—adding five new berths and six Super Post-Panamax cranes to increase container throughput through 2038. AECOM led the development of the updated plan, which is now available at PortEverglades.net/Master-Plan.

The Port of Savannah handled 4.8 million TEUs from January through October 2025, an increase of 183,250 TEUs or 4% compared to the same period last year. October volumes totaled 452,934 TEUs, a decrease of 8.4% from October 2024. At the Port of Brunswick, Colonels Island Terminal moved 72,234 units of autos and heavy equipment in October, up 5.4%, while year-to-date volumes reached 689,662 units, a 9% decline. The Georgia Ports Authority reported that its $127 million Blue Ridge Connector inland rail facility near Atlanta remains on track to open in Spring 2026, providing direct rail service from Savannah and reducing truck traffic through the region. Once operational, the facility is expected to eliminate 52,000 truck trips in its first year and offer daily doublestack rail service Monday through Friday.

The Port of New Orleans has appointed Morten Møller Jensen as its new Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee all port operations and lead the delivery of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT). Jensen brings more than 40 years of global experience in shipping, logistics, and port management, including senior executive roles with MEDLOG USA, MSC, Maersk, APM Terminals, and TiL. Most recently, he served as Terminal Investment Director at Terminal Investment Ltd., one of Port NOLA’s operating and financial partners in the LIT project. Port NOLA President & CEO Beth Branch stated that Jensen’s operational and international business expertise will be instrumental as the port advances this major infrastructure initiative. Jensen said he looks forward to working with the Port’s team and partners on delivering the LIT project, which he described as a catalyst for expanding Louisiana’s role in global trade.

The Virginia Port Authority announced that CEO and Executive Director Stephen A. Edwards will step down on December 31, 2025, to take a new role in the private sector. Edwards has led the port since January 2021, during which time the VPA completed its $1.4 billion capital investment program on time and on budget, and achieved growth in volumes, revenues, earnings, and labor hours. His tenure also included attracting record port-centric industrial development to Virginia and renegotiating the long-term lease for the Virginia International Gateway terminal, which now includes a defined purchase option and expanded operational control for the VPA. Following his departure, Chief Administrative Officer Sarah J. McCoy — who has been with the port for 10 years — will serve as interim leader. The VPA Board of Commissioners praised Edwards’ contributions and noted that the search for a new CEO will soon begin.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 848,431 TEUs in October 2025, contributing to a 10-month total of 8,655,489 TEUs — 2% higher than the same period last year. Executive Director Gene Seroka noted that the Port is within reach of moving 10 million TEUs in 2025, which would mark the third time in its history and a milestone unmatched by any other Western Hemisphere port. October loaded imports totaled 429,283 TEUs (7% below 2024), while loaded exports reached 123,768 TEUs (1% above 2024). The Port also handled 295,380 empty containers, an 8% decrease from last year. Seroka expects cargo volumes to soften in November and December due to already well-stocked retail and manufacturing inventories.

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has unanimously approved a cooperative agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Port of Los Angeles that includes time-bound, enforceable commitments to develop zero-emissions infrastructure at the ports complex. The agreement requires the ports to develop and implement zero-emissions infrastructure plans for equipment types in three phases, beginning with a draft plan in May 2027 and approved plans for all categories by the end of 2029. It builds on the Clean Air Action Plan, which has achieved reductions of 90% in diesel particulate matter, 68% in nitrogen oxides, and 98% in sulfur oxides from port-related sources since 2005. The parties will also work on additional “CAAP Plus” measures focused on emission-reducing strategies for oceangoing vessels, potential use of Clean Truck Fund Rate revenues to support zero-emission trucks and infrastructure, and development of a zero-emissions drayage truck utilization incentive program, with negotiations targeted for completion by spring 2026. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission is scheduled to vote on the agreement on November 20, after which the three parties will execute the agreement.

The Port of Seattle Commission has approved the Port’s 2026 budget along with its 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan, following two months of public review and presentations. The Port’s 2026 operating budget totals $1.16 billion, and the five-year capital program allocates $4.4 billion toward aviation, maritime, and economic development projects. In 2025, the Port generated more than $39 billion in regional economic impact, supporting 205,000 jobs. The Port anticipates record activity in 2026, including 330 cruise calls and continued growth in air travel at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The 2026 property tax levy is set at $90.2 million, with the average cost to King County homeowners remaining $85, supporting investments in waterfront infrastructure, community programs, workforce development, and near-airport sound insulation.