The Lighthouse Awards annually recognize innovation and best practices in the port industry across four disciplines: Communications, Environmental Improvement, Information Technology, and Facilities Engineering. All AAPA member ports are eliglible to participate in the 2023 Lighthouse Awards program. Project submissions are due by midnight on June 5. Ports are encouraged to review the steps to apply and submit applications via the online portals by the deadline.

Join AAPA and new member Sercel on May 24, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. ET/1:00-2:00 p.m. PT, for a free webinar Navigating the Future: Leveraging Technology to Enhance American Ports. Webinar participants can expect to gain insights on emerging trends, how technology can improve the efficiency and sustainability of port operations, and best practices in the industry. Experts in the field will be available to answer questions and provide valuable knowledge to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of port management. Register now to attend the May 24 webinar.

Cisco offers an industry-leading portfolio of technology innovations. With networking, security, collaboration, cloud management, and more, Cisco helps to securely connect industries and communities.

Port of Corpus Christi Commissioners Tuesday accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Sean Strawbridge, effective June 2. Strawbridge will continue to serve as CEO until that time. An interim chief executive, as well as plans to identify a new CEO, will be announced at a future Commission meeting. “I am extremely proud of the incredible success of the Port of Corpus Christi over my eight-year tenure. It has been a true honor to serve as Chief Executive Officer under the leadership of Chairman Charlie Zahn and the Port Commissioners, both past and present, and the amazing professional staff whom I have had the distinct honor to represent,” said Strawbridge.

Cargo container traffic slowed at the Port of Long Beach in April as consumers continued to limit purchases and shippers shuffled trade from the West Coast to seaports on the East and Gulf coasts. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 656,049 TEUs last month down 20.1% from April 2022, which was the port’s busiest April on record.

Northwest Seaport Alliance reported total container volume for April decreased 12.9% to 232,321 TEUs. Full imports declined 14.1% as imports continue to struggle due to ongoing soft demand. Full exports increased 1.1%. Total TEUs declined 21.9% YTD to 912,141 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 29.6% and 0.6%, respectively.

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission has recently come to terms on a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with C-Logistics, a company within the Edison Chouest Offshore family of affiliated companies, Bollinger Fourchon, and Grand Isle Shipyards. This CEA will pave the way for the development of a comprehensive multi-purpose heavy industry facility that will include, but not be limited to, deepwater rig, drillship and heavy lift installation vessel repair and refurbishment, wind farm fabrication, assembly and repair, general heavy industry fabrication, and more.

A recent op-ed by Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John C. Driscoll, highlights the importance of the Port of Mobile to the economy and jobs creation. The port was responsible for $85 billion dollars in economic impact, created nearly one-in-seven jobs across the state of Alabama, and provided more than $2 billion in tax revenue to the state and local governments. Driscoll cites the state’s coal industry as a key driver in this success. Read the full op-ed here.

The Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners approved a plan to reduce emissions from cargo handling equipment at TraPac, a key marine terminal at the Oakland Seaport. Port Commissioners unanimously voted to amend terminal operator TraPac’s lease to include green upgrades to cargo handling equipment at its terminal facilities.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) recognizes its seventh annual Maritime Month May 1-31, and National Maritime Day on May 22, to pay tribute to the region’s rich maritime history and to honor the hardworking men and women of the local maritime industry. NOLA also celebrates the Harbor Police Department during National Police Week from May 14-21 to honor the dedicated officers who serve the uniquely qualified maritime law enforcement agency. 

The Port of Brownsville and the Port of Harlingen were ranked among the leading U.S. ports for waterborne cargo in 2021, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) recently released The U.S. Coastal and Inland Navigation System: 2021 Transportation Facts & Information. Read more about the ports’ milestones in press releases for the Port of Brownsville and the Port of Harlingen.

After three years of construction, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) will officially open its observation tower located at the end of the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay on May 27. The Port of Montreal Tower stands 65 meters high and offers a spectacular view of the city and the river, a unique interactive experience, educational capsules, as well as a glass cage for thrill-seeking visitors.

Burns & McDonnell was recently contracted as design lead for Port Muskogee’s waterfront and recovery resiliency project. This project will provide updated waterfront infrastructure, addressing damage previously sustained by the port during a 2019 flood.

Port Tampa Bay approved a lease agreement with GLOVIS to expand RORO capacity. The new agreement adds approximately 10.5 acres of vehicle storage area and 33,000 square feet of warehouse space for a vehicle-processing center on Hooker’s Point.

Electronics Officer, U.S. Merchant Marine, Nationwide; American Radio Association

Outdoor Education Teacher, Charleston, SC; Charleston Collegiate School