AAPA Seaports Advisory

June 29, 2023

AAPA Announces 2023 Annual Convention Agenda

AAPA is proud to release the preliminary agenda for the highly anticipated 112th Annual Convention & Expo, taking place October 22-25, 2023, in Aurora, Colorado.

The agenda addresses a variety of issues critical to the port industry and features not-to-be-missed social networking events, providing invaluable content for attendees. Program topics include:

Goals for Offshore Wind Development
Permitting Challenges and Reform
Tracking the Carbon Footprint of a Good's Movement
Big Data! Trends in Throughput
How "Smart" Can A Port Really Get?
And much more

Last year's convention saw a remarkable increase in attendance, with 40% more registrants compared to the previous year. The 2023 convention is expected to be even bigger. Stay tuned for further updates and exciting announcements as the convention approaches. In the upcoming weeks, the first batch of 30+ confirmed speakers will be announced. Register now to secure your spot.

Center for Advances in Port Management, Lamar University

Cargo Statistics: Los Angeles, NWSA

For the third consecutive month, cargo volume at the Port of Los Angeles increased in May, with the port handling 779,140 TEUs for the month. While that is a drop of about 19% compared to last May, it represents a 60% increase in cargo since February. NWSA total container volume for May decreased 30.3% to 229,974 TEUs. Full imports declined 35.2% as imports continued to struggle due to ongoing soft demand. Multiple vessel services that have exited the trade since 2022 also contributed to the decrease in volume.

Cruise: Cayman Islands

The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands hosted a tour of the port facilities for attendees of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) PAMAC conference. Hosted by the Cayman Islands June 20-22, FCCA’s conference brought together cruise industry leaders and stakeholders to foster awareness, develop relationships and improve cruise tourism throughout the industry.

Ecology Center: Prince Rupert

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has helped to launch the new North Coast Ecology Centre, developed in partnership with the North Coast Ecology Centre Society (NCECS) and PRPA’s Community Investment Fund. The new waterfront ecology center features hands-on exhibits and provides learning opportunities for the community and visitors.

Economic Development: Brownsville

The Port of Brownsville held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 22 for the future site of its latest economic development project, a 118-acre business park located inside the port. “The business park at the Port of Brownsville is a critical component in our mission to attract new industries and businesses to the area, creating jobs, and driving economic growth,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra.

Green Power: Oakland

The California Transportation Commission voted to approve a $42 million grant to the Port of Oakland for its Green Power Microgrid Project. This project will markedly increase the port’s ability to deliver green-sourced power to its seaport operations, bringing the port even closer to its zero emissions goal.

Ocean and Coastline Update: Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme issued a notice concerning the toxic algae blooms impacting marine mammals along Southern California’s coastline. The port encourages anyone that sees a distressed animal to keep a distance and contact the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife institute at (805) 5671505 or cimwi.org/online-rescue-form.

Pacesetter Award: Milwaukee

Port Milwaukee has earned its 15th Pacesetter Award from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award recognizes ports in the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway that realize an annual increase in international cargo.

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Port People: New Orleans, Redwood City, Saint John, Tampa Bay

New officers were recently elected to the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). Joseph F. Toomy will serve as Chairman, Walter J. Leger Jr., as Vice Chairman, and James J. Carter Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, for the nine-month term. Port commissioners and officers also serve on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission. The Port of Redwood City welcomes Christie Coats as director of operations. Coats began her role on June 12 and brings an extensive background in port management and leadership in the maritime industry. Shilo Boucher has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Saint John Port Authority for a three-year term. Shilo holds a degree in business administration and is a CPA. She worked at Deloitte as a manager and held positions as CFO and COO at Saint John YMCA. Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson announced today the promotion of Phillip Lawson as the port’s new director of finance. Lawson previously served as a senior accountant for the port and has more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance positions.

Port Update: Québec

The Port of Québec reported a strong 2022 activity year during its annual public meeting on June 16. Among the successes, the port recorded its third best year of the last ten in terms of activities and tonnage handled.