AAPA is pleased to announce that Sang H. Yi has been named President and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities.
Sang brings extensive experience in maritime policy, infrastructure, and national security, most recently serving as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.
As AAPA continues to advocate for strong, modern port infrastructure, Sang will lead our efforts to ensure ports remain safe, resilient, and globally competitive.
Read the full press release here.
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AAPA joined a coalition of maritime organizations in signing a letter to U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday urging the designation of several maritime programs as essential functions during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The letter highlights the significant operational impacts caused by reduced capacity or suspension of key Coast Guard services, including Vessel Traffic Services, the Merchant Mariner Credentialing program, and the National Vessel Documentation Center. Signatories called for the immediate restoration of full staffing levels to support the safe and lawful operation of the nation’s waterways and maritime workforce.
Read the full letter here.
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The POWERS + Smart Ports Summit & Expo begins in just four days, and the full event agenda is now available, including a recently announced keynote session featuring speakers Elizabeth O'Connor (Chief Counsel, MARAD) and Jeffrey Pollack (Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Port of Corpus Christi).
Their session, “The Maritime Action Plan: A Conversation on What It Means for U.S. Ports,” will examine the Administration’s recently released Maritime Action Plan, the Executive Order Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, and legislative proposals including the SHIPS for America Act.
The summit will take place May 11–14 in Tampa, FL, and onsite registration will be available!
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The Georgia Ports Authority announced that the Port of Brunswick remained the nation’s busiest port for automobiles in 2025, handling 779,000 units of autos and more than 53,000 units of heavy machinery through import and export movements. The port recorded 731 vessel calls in calendar year 2025, including 607 vessels at Colonels Island, while multiple infrastructure projects are underway to support future growth in Roll-on/Roll-off cargo volumes. Current projects include construction of a new $100 million berth expected to open in 2027, expanded rail infrastructure, additional vehicle storage space, dredging work, and harbor modifications designed to improve vessel efficiency. In fiscal year 2025, Georgia Ports completed $284 million in self-financed improvements at the Port of Brunswick, including expanded heavy equipment processing facilities, new rail capacity, and additional covered and outdoor storage space.
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The Prince Rupert Port Authority announced updates to its executive team and organizational structure effective May 6, 2026. The port authority stated the changes are intended to strengthen leadership across key functions and support priorities related to Canadian trade and sustainable gateway operations. The updated executive team includes Agnes Piotrowski as Chief Financial Officer, Shelby O’Brien as Vice President of Indigenous Relations, Human Resources, and Regulatory Affairs, Will Pederson as Chief Operating Officer, Heather Ash as Vice President of Communications, Community Relations, and General Counsel, and Travis Bernhardt as Vice President of Infrastructure and Sustainability. PRPA stated it will work with employees, port partners, and stakeholders to support a smooth transition as the new structure is implemented.
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The Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously selected Sarah J. McCoy as the next chief executive officer of The Port of Virginia on May 6, 2026, following her service as interim CEO and executive director since January 2026. McCoy joined the Virginia Port Authority 12 years ago and previously served as general counsel and chief administrative officer, overseeing areas including legal strategy, human resources, procurement, contracts, and enterprise governance. In 2025, she helped lead the renegotiation of the Virginia International Gateway lease and supported the port’s $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program focused on expanding cargo and rail capacity, deepening shipping channels, and converting Portsmouth Marine Terminal into a heavy-lift facility. The Virginia Port Authority stated that The Port of Virginia supports more than 565,000 jobs and contributes $63 billion annually to Virginia’s gross domestic product.
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A delegation from the Port of Long Beach visited the Port of Valencia in Spain on April 30 to discuss collaboration on sustainability, decarbonization, and the development of green shipping corridors. During the meeting, both ports discussed strategic partnerships focused on information and technology exchanges related to cleaner port operations and expressed interest in formalizing a green partnership. The Port of Long Beach noted that it has previously signed environmental memorandums of understanding with ports in Singapore, Kobe, and Shenzhen to support decarbonization efforts. The port also highlighted that its sustainability programs launched since 2005 have reduced diesel particulate matter by 90%, nitrogen oxides by 68%, and sulfur oxides by 98%, while cargo volumes increased by 44% during the same period.
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Ports of Indiana and Indiana University Southeast have launched a logistics internship program designed to support workforce development and introduce students to port operations. The pilot program will begin in May 2026 with a 15-week internship at the Jeffersonville port, where student Jonas Powers will gain experience in transportation, logistics, agribusiness, warehousing, and port operations while working with Ports of Indiana and four port companies. Ports of Indiana stated the program is intended to expand to additional port locations through university partnerships to help meet the state’s logistics workforce needs. Ports of Indiana noted that its three ports support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in annual economic impact for the state, while the maritime industry employs approximately 650,000 workers nationally.
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The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) will celebrate its tenth annual Maritime Month from May 1–31, 2026, alongside National Maritime Day on May 22. The 2026 observance coincides with the kickoff of SAIL 250, a nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, with New Orleans serving as the first U.S. stop for an international flotilla of tall ships from May 28 through June 1. Throughout the month, Port NOLA will recognize key national observances and host community engagement activities in partnership with maritime stakeholders. The campaign will officially launch with a resolution by the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners declaring May 2026 as Maritime Month and May 22 as National Maritime Day. The celebration will conclude with SAIL 250 festivities along the Mississippi River, featuring events, festivals, educational programming, and a live FOX 8 broadcast onboard the General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat.
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Missed AAPA’s 2026 Lighthouse Awards Application Webinar? A recording is now available for members preparing submissions for this year’s program. The session walks through eligibility requirements, the application and payment process, the Submittable submission platform, and details on both the Maritime Innovator of the Year Award and the new Beacon of Excellence Award.
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“Helping aspiring professionals pursue their dreams is deeply rewarding — and this scholarship is one way we’re investing in the next generation of maritime leaders.”
- Joseph Morris, Foundation for Seaports of the Americas, Board Chair and Port Everglades CEO and Port Director
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Sang Yi Leaves MARAD to Become President and CEO of Port Trade Group AAPA
DOT’s Record $774M Port Funding Round Could Mark Peak Before IIJA ExpiresBryan Gottlieb Dredgewire
Port Houston lands $48M federal grant for Bayport expansionNew yard, truck gate aim to ease congestion and add 440K TEUs of capacityNoi Mahoney FreightWaves
Trump Administration Explores Nuclear-Powered Commercial ShipsZach Williams Bloomberg
Shipping Firms Whipsawed as They Wait for Hormuz to ReopenRisks and Uncertainty Pile Up 2 Months Into Iran WarMae Anderson and David McHugh Associated Press
IMO Adopts World’s Largest Emission Control Area and Other Issues at MPECMaritime Executive
Union Pacific would exit Norfolk Southern merger if STB orders widespread line sales or trackage rightsUnion Pacific would pay Norfolk Southern $2.5 billion break-up feeTrains.com
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11
May 2026
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Dates: May 11–14, 2026
Location: Tampa, FL
The 2026 AAPA POWERS + Smart Ports Summit & Expo brings together port leaders and industry professionals from around the world to explore the intersection of energy, resilience, sustainability, and emerging technologies shaping the future of ports. The event features discussions on topics ranging from decarbonization and climate resilience to digital innovation, AI, and smart port solutions.
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12
May 2026
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Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM ET
For more information please contact AAPA staff liaison Holden Haley at hhaley@ports.org.
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12
May 2026
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Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 1:30-3:00 PM ET
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12
May 2026
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Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 1:30-3:00 PM ET
Agenda: Discussion on Adaptive Contracting and Permitting: Tools for Port Resiliency.
For more information, please contact AAPA staff liaison Shannon McLeod at smcleod@ports.org.
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28
Sep 2026
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Dates: September 28–30, 2026
Location: New Orleans, LA
The 2026 AAPA Annual Convention & Expo will bring together port leaders and industry stakeholders from across the maritime and supply chain sectors to discuss key issues shaping the future of ports. The event features executive-level programming, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall highlighting solutions for the global port industry.
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