AAPA and new member bp pulse will host a webinar on June 28 to help ports make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Attendees of Electrifying Port Vehicles 101: How to Make the Transition to EVs and Get Grant Funding to Do It! will hear first-hand experiences from the field, including bp pulse’s work with Red Hook Terminals, best practices for fleet electrification, and how to take advantage of state and federal tax incentives, as well as grant programs. Presenters include:

The bp pulse team will explain the ins and outs of transitioning to electric port vehicles, from forklifts and yard tractors to drayage. Register now to attend the webinar on June 28, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET.

As members of AAPA, we hope to make it easier for you to connect with us. AAPA’s phone number is (202) 792-4033, and provides a single access point to reach any department and team member. We encourage you to add the number to your contacts for easy access. Individual extensions are no longer needed, making it easier for you to reach a staff member. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.

The Port of Pascagoula Port Director Mark McAndrews, who has helmed the port for 22 years, will retire June 30. McAndrews has been in his leadership role since March 2001. His successor, Bo Ethridge, has already assumed his role as the new port director, working alongside Mark to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

Mark’s maritime career spans more than 40 years in the public and private sectors including stevedoring/maritime terminals, marine operations and public port administration. He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in Marine Transportation, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Merchant Marine Officer, and retired Captain in the Navy Reserve.

 

Mark was chairman of AAPA’s Board of Directors during the 2016-2017 activity year. He also served as chairman of the Gulf Ports Association, Mississippi Ports Council, and on the executive committee of the Mississippi Coast Foreign Trade Zone, board of directors for the Mississippi Water Resources Association and Mississippi Intermodal Council.

 

Ports of Indiana has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify potential operators for the general cargo terminal at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon. The RFQ seeks qualifications from companies interested in operating the crane terminal with responses due by July 7. Ports of Indiana will issue a formal Request for Proposals to qualified companies.

Port Miami is seeking bids for cargo marine fenders and hardware replacement associated with RPQ/Project No. 2020-001. The bid due date is July 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET and a mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on June 29 at 10:00 a.m. Interested contractors should refer to the RPQ for additional details, documents, and scope of work.

The Port of Harlingen Authority released its annual report for 2021-22. Along with celebrating 70 years in operation, other milestones include its first Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Grant for dock rehabilitation, significant increases in economic impact, and completion of infrastructure projects supported by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) grant.

The Port of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners recently agreed to purchase up to $13.5 million worth of geothermal energy over 12 years. Geothermal offers a clean, reliable and 100 percent renewable energy source that will be used by the port and its tenants at the seaport and airport.

The Board of Port Commissioners has voted to increase annual funding for the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF). This fund has supported numerous efforts in communities adjacent to the port’s maritime industry and terminals, such as youth programs, bicycle infrastructure, air quality improvements, noise reduction efforts, and more.

The Port of Everett has been awarded $5 million in community project funds from the Washington State Legislature to expedite plans to electrify Pier 3 and help modernize its international seaport. Dock electrification is one of many efforts underway at the Port of Everett Seaport to help “green” the supply chain. 

S&P Global Ratings (S&P) announced in May it is upgrading the credit rating for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority from A+ to AA- on all existing debt and raising both the Enterprise Risk and Financial Risk profiles to Very Strong — the highest rating available. The AA- rating positions the Port of Corpus Christi in the uppermost tier for port authorities across the United States. 

The Port of Seattle has hired Karen Goon as its new deputy executive director, replacing the current, retiring deputy, Dave Soike. Karen will report directly to Executive Director Steve Metruck. She starts work at the Port of Seattle in mid-July. Goon has decades of administrative and leadership experience throughout the Puget Sound region. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Goon served as Kitsap County Administrator since 2014, reporting directly to the County Board of Commissioners; serving in a number of administrative roles in Pierce County government from 1996 to 2014, including portfolios in Transportation and Public Works & Utilities.

Port of Oakland full containers (both imports and exports) in May 2023 were up by about 18% compared to February 2023. Although Oakland loaded cargo TEUs have been climbing for three months, the loaded container volume remains below last year, registering a 19% decline in the first five months compared to the same period in 2022.

Port Saint John recently welcomed the Hapag-Lloyd Barcelona Express at its new, additional pier, marking the inaugural use of two new post-Panamax cranes at the DP World operated terminal. Delivered to the port earlier this year, these cranes enable increased throughput and provide well-paying jobs and economic benefits to New Brunswick, as well as expanding the fluidity of Canada’s supply chain.

Last year marked the 15th anniversary of the Port of Vancouver USA supporting wind energy through the voluntary purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Since 2008, the purchase of RECs generated by wind energy has strengthened the port’s commitment to environmental stewardship while encouraging renewable energy development and reducing its carbon footprint.

The Port of Grays Harbor announced the debut of video tours of the Satsop Business Park, in celebration of its 10-year anniversary as a port facility. Viewers can learn about the park’s history, including the iconic cooling towers of the unfinished nuclear power plant.

PAMP Project Controls Engineer, Anchorage, AK; Port of Alaska

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