Are you ready to register for the re-optimized Professional Port Manager (PPM®) certification program? The application period opens this weekend on December 20 at 9:00 a.m. EST. In addition, potential applicants will want to mark their calendars for the first required course, Marine Terminal Management Training, which takes place April 19-23 in Miami, FL. Visit the AAPA website to learn more about the application process (https://bit.ly/2KUUEqT).

In the inaugural episode of a new monthly speaker series,  A Gateway to the Gulf, host Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge is joined by AAPA President and CEO Chris Connor in a discussion about the vital role American seaports play in rejuvenating the nation’s economy in a post-COVID-19 recovery, sustaining national security and supporting domestic energy supply.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) launched a new era in maritime education with the cutting of steel for the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) at Philly Shipyard. “This new state-of-the-art modern school training ship will be a tremendous addition to the U. S. Flag fleet, be available to respond to disaster relief efforts, and support about 1,200 jobs in Philly Shipyard,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. Watch a video of the steel cutting ceremony online.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 889,746 TEUs in November, an increase of 22% compared to November 2019. A combination of increased consumer spending, holiday shipments and replenishment of warehouse inventories has resulted in an unprecedented surge of cargo in recent months. Total volume at the Port of New York and New Jersey rose by 13.4% in October, posting 755,437 TEUs compared to 666,381 TEUs in October 2019. This increase brings the port’s year through October total to 6,137,859 TEUs. The Northwest Seaport Alliance handled a total of 301,932 TEUs in November, a 11.3% increase compared to last year. Import volumes through the Seattle and Tacoma harbors rallied in November with a 23.3% growth, compared to last November. Full import containers at the Port of Oakland were up just under 1% in November, compared to the same period last year. Loaded export boxes dipped 2.6% in November, compared to the same month in 2019.

The Port of Tacoma, in partnership with the City of Tacoma, announced the installation of a new iconic public art piece SWELL that evolved when the port celebrated its centennial in 2018. Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy said “This artwork shows how we are all connected through the Port.” Watch a short video about the project here.

Port Freeport hosted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Commander and Division Engineer Brig. Gen. Christopher G. Beck and other Corps officials to discuss strategic initiatives being implemented at the port. A dredging contract for the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project awarded by the Corps will begin in January.

KNUD E. HANSEN introduced a new platform in the offshore wind farm sector, the ATLAS C-Class. Named after the Greek Titan tasked with holding up the sky and heavens above, this platform boasts unparalleled strength and durability. The jacking deadweight and crane capacity enable the vessel to carry six of the new-generation 14-16 megawatts wind turbines, and at least five of the next generation 20+ megawatts turbines, as well as at least four extra-large monopile/transition piece foundations, which are required for the 14–16 megawatts turbines.

The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) announced it has named Richard A. Balzano as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Balzano recently served for three years as the presidentially appointed Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Maritime Administration. Port Tampa Bay welcomes the Honorable Harry Cohen to the Board of Commissioners for the 2020/2021 term. Commissioner Cohen was selected as the representative from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and was sworn in on December 15.

As part of the transformation of the Chula Vista waterfront on San Diego Bay, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners approved a Coastal Development Permit for the future Harbor Park. Planned for the central portion of the Chula Vista waterfront as an expansion and improvement of the current Bayside Park, Harbor Park will provide signature amenities and recreational opportunities.

Ten-year franchises to provide cargo handling and stevedore services at Port Everglades were awarded to Rehoboth Terminal LLC to export used vehicles to Haiti via their sister company, ACCORDIA Shipping. “Rehoboth is a small business success story that is having a significant impact here at Port Everglades,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

At its virtual annual gala dinner, the Los Angeles Chapter of Women in International Trade (WIT-LA) awarded Port of Los Angeles Director of Trade Development Marisela Caraballo DiRuggiero its Global Trade Catalyst of the Year award in honor of her extensive involvement and leadership in the international trade arena. Port Tampa Bay Chairman Stephen W. Swindal has been named the recipient of the 2020 Captain James McKay Port Achievement Award, an award presented each year to a highly involved and committed port industry leader.  

Senior Maritime Projects Administrator, Oakland, CA; Port of Oakland

Director – Transportation Planning, Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach
Director – Master Planning, Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach

City Manager, Seward, AK; City of Seward

Chair, Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI; University of Michigan