Register today to attend the AAPA Anywhere: Communications, Administration & Legal Issues Seminar, a virtual event February 22-26, 2021. Learn from industry leaders about port corporate social responsibility, port real estate activities, detention and demurrage issues, improving public perceptions, and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The full agenda is available online. If you are enrolled in the Professional Port Manager Program (PPM®), you won't want to miss this REQUIRED course for the PPM. Reserve your spot today at http://bit.ly/3qyFmb9.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program funding opportunity for FY 2021. Two new program objectives this year address climate change and environmental justice, racial equity and barriers to opportunity. Additional details are available on USDOT’s Build America INFRA grants website. Applications are due  March 19 by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Join new member NearshoreNetworks and ClimaCell on February 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST for a webinar on port operations and utilizing predictive weather insights to improve port operations. The webinar will focus on how port operations teams can predict business impact and automate operational procedures ahead of a forecasted weather event. In addition, ports will learn how weather intelligence can improve their connected operations across road logistics, rail, warehouse, intermodal, and aviation management. Join via Zoom Meeting (ID: 98330131537; Passcode: QF28LWvp) or by phone (US) +1 669-900-6833 (passcode: 86672476).

Wallenius Wilhelmsen held a live webcast this week to launch its most significant sustainability initiative to date. Orcelle Wind, the world’s first full-scale wind-powered RoRo ship, moves forward Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s vision to reduce greenhouse emissions by 90%. The finished vessel is expected to set sail in 2025. A recording of the live webcast can be viewed here.

The Port of Baltimore has set another record at the Seagirt Marine Terminal, with 6,000 container moves conducted by longshore workers from the Maersk Edinburgh – the most ever from a single ship in the 315-year history of the port. The Port of Los Angeles processed 835,516 TEUs in January, an increase of 3.6% compared to January 2020, for the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year increases as U.S. consumer spending continues to drive demand for goods. The Port of Virginia in January set a new record having handled nearly 271,000 TEUs, up 19.2% or 44,000 TEUs from January 2020,  and was driven by heavy loaded import and export volume as well as a significant number of empty exports.

The South Jersey Port Corporation has been awarded $6.6 million to support efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, operate more efficiently and be a better neighbor. The funding is part of the Governor’s $100 million initiative to reverse the scourge of climate change by turning to clean energy alternatives and by 2050 to make New Jersey fully powered by clean energy. 

In honor of its 100th anniversary, the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) raised over $100,000 to support struggling Virginians. Feeding Virginia, VMA’s 100th Year Finale & Charity Event, was held virtually and featured VMA leadership, guest appearances by Governor Ralph Northam, new CEO and Executive Director Stephen Edwards of The Port of Virginia, among others. 

The Port of Long Beach, Labor Community Services and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank will hold a drive-through food distribution event for families affected by the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic. Families will be able to pick up a week’s worth of groceries during the food giveaway on February 20.

The Port of Baltimore is encouraging truck owners to participate in its “Dollars for Drays” program that helps truck owners replace older diesel trucks with newer, cleaner vehicles. The program goal is to replace 20 existing dray trucks with newer and cleaner models by Earth Day, April 22. The Port of San Diego is making significant moves to advance new clean air and environmental justice strategies. A carbon sustainability plan and the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) aim to reduce the port’s environmental impacts.

Port of Oakland says its business model is changing with the commitment by CMA CGM, a world leader in shipping and logistics, to launch a new direct service from Asia to the Port of Oakland. Oakland's Mayor and the port's Executive Director Danny Wan point out business and community benefits in this video,

The Port of San Diego, in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy, will pilot a native oyster living shoreline, the first of its kind in San Diego Bay, to increase biodiversity and protect the shoreline from impacts related to future sea level rise.

Manager, Business Development Ports & Harbors, Nationwide; ION Geophysical Corporation

Port Director, Stockton, CA; Port of Stockton

Executive Director, Port Angeles, WA; Port of Port Angeles

DART – CEO, Dallas, TX; Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Manager, Talent Relations and Engagement (Human Resources), Long Beach, CA; Port of Long Beach

Port Director, Portage, IN; Ports of Indiana

Police Officer, Corpus Christi, TX; Port Corpus Christi Authority

Chief Operations Officer, Tacoma, WA; The Northwest Seaport Alliance

SVP, Deputy General Counsel and Group General Counsel, Reston, VA; Major, Lindsey & Africa