Press release - Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCC) President and COO Adam Goldstein and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Paul Jaenichen, together with a host of port authority, shipping and cruise line executives, and freight transportation coalition and consulting experts, will take the stage Nov. 3 and 4 during the 104th Annual Convention and Exposition of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas.
The member-only meetings will get underway on Monday, Nov. 2, followed by two days of general business sessions focusing on supply chain optimization, infrastructure design and financing, community relations and industry awareness outreach.
The three-day event is being hosted by PortMiami, a major global logistics hub often cited as the “Cargo Gateway of the Americas.” PortMiami Port Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla said: “PortMiami is honored to be the host of the 2015 AAPA convention. The convention offers delegates engaging seminars and workshops on challenging matters and opportunities facing our ports.”
Kuryla noted that as ships are being built larger for both the cruise and cargo side of the business, America’s ports face increased demands for updated infrastructure and services. “PortMiami is among many U.S. East Coast ports that continue to adapt in efforts to meet the reality of the new big ship era. We encourage delegates to visit PortMiami and see firsthand infrastructure improvements now complete that have transformed the port into a global gateway.”
AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle said: “AAPA is delighted to have PortMiami host our 104th Annual Convention and Expo. PortMiami has its eye on the future as it expands and diversifies its business model for affordable, efficient transportation for both people and cargo.”
For his keynote luncheon address on Nov. 3, RCC President Goldstein will focus on the impacts of global cruise industry trends. “The major cruise companies are at the forefront of port infrastructure development worldwide,” he said. “It's worthwhile for port officials to understand how global trends are influencing the cruise industry and where the ships go in terms of homeport selection and itinerary development.”
Following Goldstein’s address, two graduates in the association’s Professional Port Management (PPM) program will receive their certification diplomas, bringing to 103 the total number of graduates since the program began in 1995. The PPM program was conceived as a way to further the association’s goals to enhance port management professionalism by assisting port authorities, maritime organization and agencies in hiring and promoting qualified professionals.
During his morning keynote address on Nov. 4, MARAD Administrator Jaenichen, a retired Navy captain, will focus on MARAD’s role in helping America’s ports address increased worldwide demand for trade. Recently, AAPA and MARAD formed a unique collaboration to develop the Port Planning and Investment Toolkit. The toolkit is a “go-to” resource for ports looking to repair or upgrade their facilities to better compete in the global marketplace.
“Demands on America’s ports are rising daily, but, by modernizing port infrastructure, we can efficiently, safely, and economically move these rising volumes between domestic markets and abroad,” said Administrator Jaenichen. “It’s crucial that we provide our ports access to investment mechanisms and sustainable, reliable funding to ensure current and future infrastructure can handle surging exports, support domestic job growth, and keep our Nation competing and winning in the world marketplace. America’s economic future rests on the initiative and ingenuity of our ports.”
For the Nov. 4 luncheon, Kristin Decas, AAPA’s 2014-2015 chairwoman of the board, and CEO and port director of Southern California’s Port of Hueneme, will provide her final address as this year’s AAPA leader. In addition, winning ports competing in AAPA’s 2015 communications, environmental, facilities engineering and information technology awards programs will be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
