The Port of Virginia and AAPA are planning a revolutionary experience at this year’s AAPA Annual Convention in Norfolk, October 13-16, 2019. Arrive early or extend your stay to experience the history and offerings of this waterfront location. AAPA is seeking port solution providers to join us and our port members from the Western Hemisphere in tackling critical and challenging port issues. There are a limited number of booths remaining. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with your industry colleagues. Registration and floor plan can be accessed online. Additional information can be found on the convention website.

The Alabama State Port Authority, along with MTC Logistics, Alabama Department of Commerce and elected officials, broke ground on MTC’s 12 million cubic feet international temperature-controlled distribution center. MTC is investing approximately $61 million at the Port of Mobile generating 50 to 70 direct jobs at the new facility. Port of Nanaimo is set to receive $46.2 million in federal funding, enabling it to make significant infrastructure improvements and expansions at its Duke Point facilities. The Sabine-Neches Navigation District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed the Project Partnership Agreement to begin construction of the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project.

The Port of Oakland reported containerized export volume increased the first half of 2019, through trade with China’s neighbors. Port data showed double-digit export volume percentage increases through June 30 to South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The Port of Virginia handled a record 2.9 million TEUs in FY 2019, which is a volume increase of 4 percent when compared with FY 2018. This growth, driven by an increase in imports, was accomplished while multiple projects were under construction.

The Port of San Diego has approved a Blue Economy Incubator pilot project that will test a new design of concrete tide pools by ECOncrete Inc., a company that aims to bring coastal and marine concrete infrastructure to life while reducing the ecological footprint of such infrastructure (seawalls, breakwaters, piers, etc.). And the Board of Port Commissioners awarded San Diego-based 3-D Enterprises the Sweetwater Bicycle Path and Promenade Project, a $4.3 million construction contract expected to begin in August.

The Port of Oakland reported its web-based customer service feature LiveChat has passed 10,000 visitors since launching in December 2015. The port said its online representatives are responding to about 200 online queries each month. It’s believed that Oakland may have the only online chat service among U.S. ports.

The Port of Los Angeles is moving forward with its plans to create a first-of-its-kind Cyber Resilience Center and has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking companies or firms interested in designing, installing, operating and maintaining the planned Center at the nation’s busiest trade gateway.

AAPA corporate members recently approved, by electronic ballot, several bylaw changes to improve the leadership process within the organization. The approved changes (1) reduce the quorum required to conduct an AAPA Board of Directors meeting, (2) reduce the size of the Board by eliminating ex officio seats for delegation officers and extra seats previously provided if an additional fraction results when dividing the number of corporate members in a region by three, (3) make the delegation of authority from the Board to the Executive Committee automatic unless the Board limits the delegation of authority, and (4) allow for alternates to the Executive Committee. The updated bylaw changes are posted on the AAPA website. For questions, contact Jean Godwin at jgodwin@aapa-ports.org.

Executive Director, Richland, Washington; Port of Benton
 

Director of Engineering Services, Corpus Christi, Texas; Port Corpus Christi Authority

 

Design Engineer, Savannah, Georgia; Georgia Ports Authority

Project to Senior Level Civil and Structural Engineers – Port Infrastructure, Everett, Washington; Reid Middleton