Features

By Lori Musser Brute strength and a cast-iron stomach were prerequisites for a port or maritime job in days gone by, but today’s employees are more likely to need to speak multiple languages or hold an advanced degree in cybersecurity. Ports and port partners, such as those who operate terminals, equipment, vessels and inland transportation, focus on a broad range ...

The legislation, passed in May 2014, opened the door to new infrastructure projects and job growth By Nina Rao When the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) was signed in May 2014, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and organizations from AAPA to the Business Roundtable to the Seafarers International Union applauded its passage and lauded ...

Port Saint John President and CEO Jim Quinn has deep roots in the port, the community and AAPA By Sarah Sain Jim Quinn jokes that he has saltwater in his veins. A native of Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada, Quinn grew up just a block from the port where he now serves as president and CEO. Quinn served in ...

By Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ports and waterways have been at the heart of our economy since the start of our nation. For centuries, communities, businesses and jobs have depended on safe and efficient maritime transportation. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, we face a series ...

Ports recognize that who they are and what they stand for is as critical as how they look By Meredith Martino Many ports live and die by their numbers: container throughput, volume of cargo, value of cargo, regional jobs, truck turn times, economic impact, tax revenue generated and so on and so forth. But numbers don’t tell the story of ...

Corporate social responsibility projects throughout Latin America set the region on a course for success By Tom Hranac While port operations remain and will essentially always be an exercise in moving cargo, ports throughout Central and South America are effectively responding to rising expectations from a variety of stakeholders about the subsequent effects of their maritime activities. As semi-public entities obligated to meet ...

Recognition from the government, community peers and industry partners showcase best practices By Kathy A. Smith Receiving awards and recognition from peers, regulatory, governmental and community organizations can go a long way to continually improving a port’s track record in several areas. “Awards showcase best practices,” said Aaron Ellis, public affairs director of the American Association of Port Authorities. AAPA’s ...

Ports across the country are strategically planning to lead the way in emerging technologies, sustainability guidelines and energy By Kathy A. Smith The push for ports to evolve as technologically-advanced entities that adhere to increasingly strict environmental protocols while providing cost-effective and efficient service to their customers is no small task. But the job has become easier thanks to a ...

Growing markets, shifting manufacturing centers and major infrastructure projects keep global trade lanes in flux By Meredith Martino Eight years ago, AAPA hosted a workshop in partnership with the U.S. Maritime Administration designed to give attendees a look at “Shifting International Trade Routes,” especially those anticipated to occur because of the newly-begun expansion of the Panama Canal. The program proved ...

More than 450 seaport executives and industry partners from the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean gathered November 9-13 for the 103rd American Association of Port Authorities’ Annual Convention. The Port of Houston Authority hosted this year’s convention, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of that port’s shipping channel. For five days, attendees took part in a thought-provoking ...