Key Topics

If a port could cherry pick the best metrics from its partners, would it? By Lori Musser Ports have always produced metrics related to port capacity, utilization and productivity. Tremendous competitive advantage can be derived from such data when used to polish up the marketing mix, plan for throughput and facility development, and report progress on mandates. Metrics also can ...

Port directors throughout the region talk about how they use metrics for performance improvement and strategic planning. By Sarah Sain When it comes to data, access to real-time statistics and metrics are important – no matter where in the world a port is located. The information allows port directors to monitor performance, improve output and discover trends. However, how that ...

Kurt Nagle talks about how AAPA is helping ports tell their stories in the media and to Congress By Meredith Martino P.T. Barnum famously said “all publicity is good publicity,” but anyone answering questions before a Congressional oversight panel might wonder if Mr. Barnum had it right. When 2015 began, port congestion and the protracted labor/management negotiations on the West ...

Technology trends in automation are changing how work is done at ports and terminals By Kathy A. Smith As automation begins to play a larger role at port terminals in order for seaborne trade to move faster, the impact will undoubtedly be felt by the labor workforce as jobs become less labor-intensive and more computer-based. Yet this paradigm shift won’t ...

New survey by Martin Associates and study by AAPA look at the economic value of ports and critical need for infrastructure investment in the future By AAPA Staff This April at the AAPA 2015 Spring Conference, Martin Associates released the results of its latest economic impact study of United States seaports. Dr. John Martin, Martin Associates’ president, debuted his firm’s ...

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 ...

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 ...