There are a bevy of products and services provided by your federal partners that often go unrecognized, but could enhance your market and operational observations. * By Helen Brohl, Executive Director, U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System * After almost 13 years as the executive director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS), I’ve observed there ...

Capital investment in port infrastructure is essential, but to ensure long-term financial sustainability it is also important to consider cost-effective financing of strategic infrastructure, resiliency planning and revenue enhancing projects. * By Christine Choi, Director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC * Capital investment in port infrastructure is essential to improve efficiency, remain competitive, and attract business. Container shipping industry consolidation has ...

Each digital issue of Seaports features two articles that have been translated into Spanish. They are also archived at www.aapaseaports.com under “Archivo en español.”

There is no shortage of challenges, uncertainties and unknowns on the horizon; however, there is one thing I do know. AAPA’s core mission of connecting and informing seaports is unchanged.

For ports, looking ahead is a serious business. They have to build enough flexibility into their long-term planning and preparations to be ready for a variety of possible scenarios – and not just build for the moment.

Like metal to magnets, supply chains zero in on massive population and consumption centers, and high-volume production belts. Should seaports be concerned with demographic-driven shifts in these freight hotspots?

The port industry serves as a critical cog in the economies of the Western Hemisphere, while maintaining a comparatively low profile in the public’s imagination. In recent years, however, port officials say that has changed.

The maritime industry in the Western Hemisphere is indirectly affected by national economies all around the globe. A look at shifting trade patterns and liner shipping consolidations can provide some insight into how other economies directly affect us and which nations are more likely to have an impact.

The importance of federal investment in our nation’s infrastructure has been forgotten by many. That is why one of my highest priorities this Congress is to pass legislation to permanently unlock the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

Jean Godwin, AAPA’s executive vice president for almost 30 years, is stepping down from this role in April – while staying on as AAPA’s general counsel. She shares some beautifully refreshing and insightful perspectives in this candid interview.