Registration is now open for the AAPA Legislative Summit, taking place March 4–6, 2026, at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, From Harbors to the Hill, underscores the vital connection between port operations and federal decision-making. The Summit is the only national forum where port professionals come together in the nation’s capital to engage directly with members of Congress, federal agencies, and Administration officials. Congress will be in session during Hill Day on March 4, providing a timely opportunity to advance the issues that matter most to ports and the supply chains they support.
What Attendees Will Gain:
- Meetings on Capitol Hill to advocate for port and supply chain priorities
- Updates on federal rules, programs, and regulatory developments
- Guidance on securing federal grants and resources
- Insights to strengthen strategic planning and board decision-making
- Connections with peers across the hemisphere facing similar policy and operational challenges
Early bird rates are available through January 16.
|
| |
 |
| |
|
Early bird pricing ends next week for AAPA’s Port & Terminal Management Training, held February 10–13, 2026, at the Port of Long Beach. This immersive program combines classroom learning with guided tours of active terminals, giving participants a practical, real-world understanding of how ports operate.
Event Highlights:
• Comprehensive overview of port operations, terminology, equipment, and workflows
• Daily tours of active terminals to observe cranes, yard equipment, and multiple cargo types in action
• Insight into cargo flows, terminal design, and operational planning
• Team-based problem-solving exercises based on real scenarios
• Instruction from seasoned port professionals
• Workforce and career insights across operations, engineering, planning, security, labor, and administration
• Certificate of Port & Terminal Management Training awarded upon completion
If your port has employees ready to deepen their understanding of port operations and take the next step in their careers, this training offers a rare, hands-on learning experience that builds immediately applicable skills.
|
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is applauding the Senate Appropriations Committee for releasing the draft FY26 Energy & Water Development appropriations text, which prioritizes full investment in maritime infrastructure and stabilizes the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).
The draft bill includes structural provisions to ensure predictable funding for dredging, harbor maintenance, and Donor and Energy Transfer Ports (D&ETPs), reversing funding diversions that occurred under the current continuing resolution. The Senate recommends fully utilizing the HMTF at $3.473 billion and allocates $417.6 million for D&ETPs under WRDA 2020, along with $62 million from the general fund.
The text also rejects changes by the Office of Management and Budget that previously constrained port maintenance funding and maintains the traditional Corps budget structure for transparency. AAPA is urging swift passage of the bill and encourages support for the Senate’s approach, noting that several key reforms are not included in the House version.
|
The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department announced it is actively hiring and will host an open house on December 3, 2025, at the Port’s Administration Building. The event will include a presentation, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session with Harbor Police officers, dispatchers, community service officers, and members of specialized units. The department is recruiting for multiple roles, including sworn police officers, community service officers, and dispatchers, with listed starting salaries ranging from $58,052 to $120,577.60 depending on position and experience. Harbor Police officers rotate between vehicle and vessel patrol on San Diego Bay and at San Diego International Airport and have access to specialized teams such as the Dive Team, Maritime Tactical Team, and Explosives Detection K9 Team. The Port also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including fully covered HMO health care premiums for employees and dependents.
|
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has introduced “Blue Edge,” a new initiative designed to support maritime jobs and strengthen the Port of Boston as a global hub for blue economy and marine technology businesses. The program will provide workspace at the Boston Fish Pier, connecting maritime industry leaders with startups, accelerators, and entrepreneurs working on innovations ranging from climate technology to sustainable seafood and marine robotics. Massport will also establish a Blue Edge research facility at the Fish Pier, featuring waterside workspace and a floating dock for pilot testing and technology demonstrations, with construction beginning soon and an operating partner to be selected next year. The Port of Boston was recently designated a Marine TechHub through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s TechHub program, which Massport plans to leverage to support regional maritime innovation. Massport is additionally involved in related initiatives, including MassCEC’s CriticalMass grant program and The Engine’s Tough Tech Demo Day, to foster economic development and partnerships across the blue economy sector.
|
 |
|
| |
|
Port Everglades marked a notable two-week period in which three new cruise ships—Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel—held their naming ceremonies, Plaques-and-Keys presentations, and maiden voyages at the port. The events took place between November 6 and November 19 and featured traditional tug salutes as each ship departed. All three vessels operate on alternative fuels such as LNG and green methanol, and the port is working with cruise partners on future-fuel initiatives and phased shore power electrification for its eight cruise terminals. The 2026 cruise season, now underway, will include nine cruise lines, 40 ships, and a fast ferry homeporting at Port Everglades, with Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas set to become the largest ship ever to sail from the port when it arrives in November 2026. Port leadership noted that the concentrated series of ship namings reflects the port’s role as a key homeport for major cruise brands.
|
The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. This marks 42 consecutive years that WASD has earned the award, recognizing its commitment to accountability, transparency, and high-quality financial reporting. County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the department’s infrastructure improvements and technology integrations within its $8.97 billion Capital Improvement Plan as key elements of its stewardship. WASD Director Jay J. Fink noted that the award reflects the department’s dedication to serving more than 2.8 million residents and responsibly managing customer payments. The report undergoes independent review for clarity, completeness, and adherence to strict governmental accounting standards.
|
Port Freeport announced that its 14th Annual Port Freeport Golf Tournament generated $93,000 in proceeds to support Texas Port Ministry, with the check presented during the Port Commission meeting on November 20, 2025. The tournament, held October 27 at The Wilderness Golf Course in Lake Jackson, featured more than 80 sponsors, teams, and volunteers from the maritime industry and local business community. The event coincided with Port Freeport’s Centennial year, celebrating 100 years of service and community engagement. Texas Port Ministry, founded in 1974, provides transportation, comfort stations, communications areas, and other support services to international seafarers, truck drivers, and port workers, serving more than 20,000 seafarers and approximately 150,000 truck drivers annually. Port Freeport expressed appreciation to all sponsors and participants who contributed to this year’s record proceeds.
|
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has appointed Kristi App as its new Chief Commercial Officer, where she will lead commercial operations across the port’s cargo, cruise, and industrial real estate sectors. App brings more than 20 years of experience in international trade, transportation, and global logistics, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at J.W. Allen & Company, Inc. Her background includes senior roles in business development and exports, along with recognition such as the 2024 C. Alvin Bertel Award for contributions to the Louisiana port community. She has held leadership positions with national and state industry organizations and is a Licensed U.S. Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist. In her new role, App will oversee commercial strategy to expand market reach, develop new revenue streams, and support key growth initiatives, including the Louisiana International Terminal.
|
Vietnam has emerged as the Port of Savannah’s fastest-growing trade partner, driven by rising manufacturing and major investments in the country’s logistics infrastructure. Over the past five years, Savannah’s container trade with Vietnam has increased 38 percent, adding 104,000 TEUs and reaching 379,000 TEUs in FY2025. The U.S. and Vietnam have also agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs to 20 percent, with some products potentially moving to zero tariffs, expanding market access for U.S. exports. Savannah now supports steady two-way trade flows, exporting forest products, food, cotton, and other commodities, and importing apparel, footwear, furniture, electronics, and machinery. Georgia Ports currently offers nine direct ocean carrier services between Savannah and Vietnam, with transit times of 33 to 39 days depending on the service.
|
Dom Magli
Port Technology International
Autumn Cafiero Giusti
Journal of Commerce
Stas Margaronis
AJOT
Maritime Executive
Maritime Logistics Professional
Alicia Diaz
Bloomberg
Michael Angell
Journal of Commerce
The retailer is one of the biggest companies to seek a refund should Supreme Court strike down emergency tariffs
Sarah Nassauer and Gavin Bade
Wall Street Journal
Rail transcon filing pushed back two weeks
Trains.com
|
8
Dec 2025
|
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
For more information or a link to attend, please contact AAPA staff liaison Shawn Balcomb at sbalcomb@aapa-ports.org.
|
|
| |
|
