Join AAPA in Tampa, Florida, for the POWERS Summit & Expo, taking place January 22-25, 2024. This year, we gather passionate industry leaders and professionals from around the globe to explore the dynamic intersection of energy, resilience, and sustainability within the port industry. The summit promises to be an exhilarating journey towards unlocking the boundless potential of ports as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.

 

Networking will be a prominent feature of the summit, with various occasions designed to facilitate meaningful connections. Attendees can take advantage of networking lunches, receptions, and a day of golf in beautiful Tampa in support of a noble cause. 

 

Powered by AAPA’s Environment Committee, the summit will host a committee meeting, enabling industry professionals to engage in discussions and contribute to shaping future environmental initiatives. Agenda highlights include:

Register today to secure your spot!

The application portal for AAPA’s Port Professional Associate (PPA^®), a foundational program for entry-level port professionals, is open. This customizable program is designed for port professionals with less than five years in the port industry who seek to build their port and maritime knowledge leading to the potential for advancement professionally. PPAs earn an annual credential by completing 36 hours of learning via mentorship, webinars, local or online training and/or approved industry events focused on port and supply chain topics. PPA candidates accepted into the program are afforded unique mentorship opportunities with Port Professional Executives (PPX®).  

 

The application period is open until January 12, 2024. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline to secure your spot. Applications will be reviewed by AAPA’s Professional Development Board Members and notifications of acceptance to the program will be issued in February 2024. 

 

For questions about the application process, contact Julie Barelas. For program questions, contact Shannon McLeod.

Peter Xotta has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, effective Monday, December 4, following a global executive search process facilitated by Korn Ferry.

 

“I am pleased that the Port of Vancouver—and all Canadians—will benefit from Peter’s leadership as president and CEO of the port authority that oversees Canada’s largest port,” said Cathy McLay, chair of the port authority board. “As an experienced transportation executive with a track record of collaboration and success, Peter will continue to advance Canada’s position as a global trading partner while honoring Indigenous peoples, protecting the environment and supporting local communities.”

 

Peter most recently served as vice president, operations and supply chain for the port authority, where he was responsible for land and marine operations, health, safety and security, and port and supply chain optimization activities.

Boosted by an 18-month high for grain shipments, total maritime tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior climbed 3.9% ahead of last season’s pace through October 31, 2023. More than 141,000 short tons of grain transited the port in October. Iron ore exceeded the 2022 pace by 15%, climbing to 2.2 million ST for the month and 16.5 million ST for the season. In October, the Port of New York and New Jersey recorded its highest total monthly volume of 2023, moving 742,571 TEUs (409,680 containers). The seaport was the nation’s second busiest through the month as retailers pushed to receive the remainder of products destined for store shelves in time for the holiday shopping season.

The Port of Vancouver USA has opened its Community Fund application process and is seeking applicants for up to $10,000 in funds for projects focused on economic development, workforce training and tourism. Each year, the port’s Community Fund distributes money to programs located within the port district via a competitive application process.

As the only deepwater seaport located directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville is strategically positioned to efficiently serve and connect industries across North America and beyond. The port is a prominent shipper of steel, refined petroleum products, grain, aggregates, among other products supporting diverse industries located in 12 Mexican states. Thanks to the port’s direct connectivity to USMCA interstate corridors, cargo movement across the border in both directions is made easy, offering a fast route to non-congested international bridge crossings.

Forging lasting partnerships can be a challenging feat for any organization, often discussed but not always realized. The collaboration between Macsteel International and South Jersey Ports (SJP) is a shining example of such partnerships and a remarkable testament to the enduring power of strong alliances.

This week, Port Everglades received three additional Super Post-Panamax container gantry cranes as part of the port’s historic $471 million project to expand its deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships. These STS container gantry cranes are among the world’s largest low-profile cranes, bringing the port’s total crane count to six Super Post-Panamax, seven Post-Panamax, one Paceco and one mobile harbor crane.

On December 6, at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach unveiled a Partnership Strategy for a green and digital shipping corridor across the Pacific Ocean. The scope of the strategy reaffirms the corridor partners’ commitment to drive global action to digitalize and decarbonize the shipping industry and improve efficiencies.

The Port of Hueneme was awarded a $2 million federal grant for planning activities related to a parking structure that will serve as the transfer point between ocean-going vessels and the rail or trucks being used to transport automobiles off port. This Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant is only a portion of grant funding efforts from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast.

The Georgia Ports Authority Board has approved expenditure of $127 million to build the Blue Ridge Connector, an inland rail terminal in Gainesville, Ga., linking Northeast Georgia with the Port of Savannah’s 35 global container ship services. The future facility will open in 2026 and serve a region important for the production of heavy equipment, food and forest products.

After more than 15 years of planning, the Port of Long Beach is going out to bid in early 2024 for its first construction contract to begin building the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility. The $1.567 billion state-of-the-art facility will be built in phases with the final segment due to be completed in 2032.

SeaPort Manatee has signed a five-year agreement with Citrosuco North America Inc., a global importer of natural citrus juices. This partnership will not only create numerous job opportunities but also generate a substantial economic impact for the region.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance has named Jeff Bellerud as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing marine operations including rail, road, terminals, breakbulk operations, and management of the waterway. Most recently, Bellerud served as Director of Intermodal & Port Operations at CN Rail where he led operations across seven port authorities in North America and seven inland terminals in Western Canada.

The Port of Oakland appointed Colleen Liang as its new Director of the Environmental Programs and Planning (EP&P) division. Ms. Liang joined the Port in 2000. During her 23 years at the Port, she has served in every environmental position, most recently as Acting Director of EP&P. In her new role, Liang will continue to oversee the port’s zero emissions program, environmental compliance, hazardous waste and materials management, planning and permitting, and grant funding opportunities.

In a move to further intensify its relations with Asia, the Port of Montreal recently concluded a successful trade trip to Vietnam that culminated in a signed strategic cooperation agreement. The agreement focuses on four work streams, enabling both ports to share information on best practices in port operations and sustainable development.

Port Engineer, Riviera Beach, Florida; Port of Palm Beach

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