Key Topics

What Will Ports Look Like in the Future?

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 ...

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Opportunities Abound for Ports Amid Shifting Trade Lanes

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 ...

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The Big Ship Race – Is Bigger Better?

By Kathy A. Smith Continuous infrastructure improvements are critical to a port’s success in today’s marketplace. Ports are facing possible diminished profits as they continue to prepare for larger ships while shipping lines are consolidating partnerships, making ports compete even more to handle larger capacities of cargo and cruise passengers. But that hasn’t stopped the flow of capital improvement projects. ...

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Shipping Lines Partner to Stay Afloat

By Meredith Martino G6. P3. The shorthand names for some of today’s shipping line industry alliances might sound like Bingo calls or Battleship moves, but vessel sharing agreements are no game for the port industry – though they may end up setting some ports up for major wins when it comes to vessel calls and business agreements. Ports throughout the ...

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Cruise Lines Set Sail for Growth

By Sarah Sain According to Cruise Market Watch, the cruise industry worldwide has had an annual average passenger growth rate of 7 percent from 1990 to 2018. Growth to date has been driven by new ships with larger capacities, ship diversification, more local ports, more destinations and new on-board/on-shore activities that match demands of passengers. A total of six new ...

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Bulk Cargo Ports Valuable to the Community

By B.C. Manion When Jim Quinn arrived at the Saint John Port Authority four years ago, he began making the rounds to identify his priorities. Essentially, Quinn asked: “What advice would you have for me as the new CEO? What are your thoughts, your observations of how the port operates and what its role should be?” Those discussions led to ...

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In Case of Emergency

Ports focus on disaster and continuity of operations planning in order to be prepared for the unexpected. By Kathy A. Smith When it comes to being prepared for an incident at any seaport, no matter the size or scope, comprehensive risk assessment, along with detailed planning, training and debriefing is critical. Planning involves the cooperation of a plethora of port ...

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Electrification at Ports: Plug-Ins Enabled

More ports are powering their operations from the grid, creating a new set of assumptions about cost and reliability. By Meredith Martino Operating costs and efficiency are important considerations for all ports, but for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), the issues are especially front and center. With no private marine terminal operator responsible for terminal infrastructure or cargo handling, GPA ...

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Partners in Fighting Crime

Port Fourchon’s Harbor Police and IT staff team up to enhance security and disaster response with the GLPC-C4 Maritime Domain Awareness System. By Sarah Sain More and more these days, port police are working hand in hand with a previously unlikely partner: the port’s IT department. As technology plays a larger role in fighting crime in general, these two groups ...

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U.S. Needs New Transportation Law that Improves Quality of Life, Economy

By U.S. Rep. Thomas E. Petri (R-WI) Chairman Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure The nation’s transportation infrastructure is an extensive system of highways, airports, railroads, public transit systems, waterways, ports and pipelines. Chances are if you’re reading this, the transportation system in your region already impacted your day. Getting to work, getting the ...

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