AAPA continues to work behind the scenes on various initiatives that support our members during this unprecedented time. Staff is working remotely and available via phone, email or virtual meeting to support you. Do not hesitate to contact the AAPA team. We welcome your interaction!

U.S. Government Relations:  The Senate just passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. AAPA staff has been in constant contact with Capitol Hill to ensure that ports are included in this Phase 3 coronavirus bill, and through this work there have seen significant changes that will benefit port authorities. It is expected that this bill will be considered by the House within the next 72 hours, after which it will likely head to President Trump for signature.

While AAPA is still working through this nearly 900-page piece of legislation, it is clear that there are a number of wins that have been secured in this bill. Of course, work remains to be done to ensure that the maritime industry remains strong during this crisis.

PhilaPort announced it will be added as a port call for the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) as part of its expansion to improve USA-South America East Coast (USA-SAEC) service. The new service rotation will also include new calls such as Cristobal, Panama; Paranagua in southern Brazil; and Philadelphia on the U.S. East Coast. Women and minority-owned firms won more business with the Port of Seattle in 2019, earning 15.3% of port contracts. This is a significant increase following the Commission adoption of a new Diversity in Contracting policy directive, Resolution 3737, to address contracting disparities in 2018. The Port of Virginia® is beginning to handle its first import containers of COVID-19 test kits and protective gear for frontline medical personnel and is processing that cargo in rapid fashion through a newly-instituted critical cargo initiative.

The CMA CGM Group announced a plan that will allow it to strengthen its balance sheet amidst the high uncertainty created by the global COVID-19 health crisis. The Port of Coos Bay reported vessel traffic into and out of Coos Bay will continue, until otherwise ordered by the appropriate agencies, while focusing on measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its community members. Port of Hueneme is part of the Critical US Transportation Infrastructure Sector and therefore remains open for business in order to keep food moving and essential supply chains intact at this critical time of need. The Port of Los Angeles continues to move cargo at all of its terminals and help protect the port workforce amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. Meanwhile, port officials are working with the U.S. Navy to prepare for the arrival of the USNS Mercy. The Port of Montréal remains open and continues to provide essential services, while following measures directed by Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, to ensure everyone's safety. All marine terminals in Seattle and Tacoma continue operations at The Northwest Seaport Alliance. NWSA and its partners are also developing contingency plans should port operations be disrupted. Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Manuel Almira, at the direction of the Board of Commissioners, has issued a Declaration of Emergency to increase Port of Palm Beach District’s accessibility to resources and allow for flexibility with staffing. The Port of San Diego has proclaimed a local emergency due to COVID-19, and to minimize its spread is closing public parks around San Diego Bay, which includes beaches, parking lots, piers and boat launches. The Port of Vancouver USA’s marine terminals and cargo operations will remain open under Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and will postpone two April public events in response to statewide mandates that ban events and large gatherings. 

The Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission has named an executive with the ocean carrier Maersk, Kenneth W. Duncan, as Managing Director of Commercial Operations. Duncan will lead a bureau consisting of the port’s Business Development, Tenant Services and Operations, and Security Services divisions. The Port of Montréal has appointed Diego Labelle as Director, Port Logistics. A geographer by training, Labelle brings over 20 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the departments of risk management, intermodal operations and innovation.

As a further step to safeguard the community from the potential spread of COVID-19, the Port of Brownsville will consider postponing the scheduled May 2 commission elections until November in a special meeting March 27 by conference call that is open to the public. Port of Oakland Commissioners will conduct Board meetings by phone while state and county shelter-in-place orders are in effect. The Governing Board of Port Commissioners said its order would extend to port employees that usually attend the meetings, as well as the public. 

Prioritizing public health, and with extra precautions in place to minimize community spread of and exposure to COVID-19, the Port of San Diego is working with its cruise line partners to conclude sailings that were underway when the cruise lines suspended operations until mid-April. The Port of Seattle’s top priority is maintaining the health, safety, and wellbeing of its community and now expects the launch of the cruise season will be delayed until the resolution of the public health emergency.

Green Marine is broadening the scope of its North American environmental certification program by adding a performance indicator for responsible ship recycling.

Konecranes has been selected by Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) to provide five Konecranes hybrid RTGs for intermodal operations in the Chicago area. Liebherr Container Cranes and DP World Berbera have signed a contract for the supply of eight RTGs for DP World’s terminal in Berbera, Somaliland. The cranes are due to be ready for operation before the end of 2020.

JAPDEVA advances development projects in Limon as bidders for the new Terminal of Cruises and marina, and the new fishing dock pass to second stage of evaluation.