Photo above: Happy holidays and best wishes for 2026! -- Visit APP's Website

Association of Pacific Ports News

December 19, 2025

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • APP's 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE -- DON'T MISS THE DEADLINES!
  • New speaker Confirmed! Gus Hein joins the speaker line-up...
  • Agenda complete
  • Limited spaces filling fast for golf and companion program
  • A big thanks to all of our sponsors!
  • NEW MEMBER PROFILE
  • Expanding horizons: Black & Veatch sets its sights on ports and waterfront infrastructure
  • MEMBER NEWS:
  • Port of Long Beach’s Hacegaba testifies before congressional subcommittee
  • DP World short sea shipping services extending its reach at the Port of Nanaimo
  • Port of Hualien adds “smart water pressure monitoring system” to smart energy management system
  • Port of Long Beach’s Hacegaba elected President of CAPA
  • Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau establishes “Alternative Energy Zone”
  • Port of San Diego Commissioners approve Trust Lands Use Plan
  • ASIPONA Lázaro Cárdenas presents progress and operational outlook towards the end of 2025
  • Puerto Chiapas welcomes Seabourn Sojourn
  • ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta surpasses one million passengers
  • MarineLabs officially opens its new headquarters in Victoria

APP'S 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE

JANUARY 28 TO 30, 2026 -- KAHALA RESORT, HONOLULU


DON'T MISS THE DEADLINES!!!

Early bird registration discount ends December 30, 2025!

Before you disappear for the holidays, remember to register for the conference to receive the early bird deadline which ends December 30, 2025. To register, click here: Registration – Association of Pacific Ports 2026 Winter Conference.


We also wanted to note that space is limited for some activities (Golf is almost sold out and the Companion Program is almost fully subscribed!).


Don't wait! Register now...


Kahala Hotel & Resort special rate ends December 31, 2025!!

We've negotiated an amazing rate with the Kahala Hotel & Resort -- starting at $395/night and including many complimentary services PLUS: NO RESORT FEE!


But don't wait - rooms are going fast. The APP has a dedicated reservation page -- if you're ready to make your booking, click here.


DON'T FORGET...

Deadline for Early Bird Registration is December 30!

REGISTER NOW!

New Speaker Confirmed!

We're really pleased to announce the confirmation of Gus Hein, Mid-Pacific Gateway Director, U.S. Maritime Administration who will provide an update on activities within MARAD.

Gus Hein, Mid-Pacific Gateway Director, U.S. Maritime Administration

Mr. Hein serves as the Gateway Director for the Mid-Pacific Region for the U.S. Maritime Administration. His responsibilities include promoting economic growth; mitigating port and highway congestions: environmental compliance; support shipbuilding; and emergency response. He is also a Navy Reserve Officer and veteran of Afghanistan. His broad range reserve staff assignments include the U.S. Strategic Command, the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command, the U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan.

Agenda is now full!

While we're waiting for a few bits and pieces related to speaker profiles, the agenda is now fully complete. Click here to view the full list of presentations and networking events.


For speaker details...

Visit our Speaker Profiles page for more speakers and details.


Companion Program is complete!

Click here to review the full Companion Program.

Thank you to our sponsors!


We're especially grateful to our sponsors, whose support makes this conference possible. Their commitment and partnership not only enable us to bring together leaders, innovators, and learners from across the port community, but also help foster the meaningful conversations and collaborations that drive our industry forward. We appreciate their investment in our shared vision and are honored to recognize their invaluable contributions.


A big shout out to all our sponsors. Thank you for your support and leadership...

Port of Long Beach | Matson | Port Authority of Guam | The Pasha Group | Young Brothers | Liebherr | Port of Hueneme | Port of Redwood City | Port of Stockton | Port of Umatilla | Port of Skagit | Port of San Diego | SSA Marine | Lynker | Burns & McDonnell | Schrader Co., Sales, LLC


We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.


It's not too late! Sign up now to take advantage of premium opportunities for exposure.


Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities...



Contact:  Jane McIvor to discuss (+1 604-893-8800 / jane@pacificports.org) or Philippe Critot (+1 323-660-5459 / philippe@pacificports.org) to discuss opportunities.


A big thanks to all our sponsors!

SAVE THE DATE!!

Association of Pacific Ports 112th Annual Conference!

August 3 to 6, 2026

Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Expanding horizons: Black & Veatch sets its sights on ports and waterfront infrastructure


When Bill Dubbs joined Black & Veatch earlier this year, he stepped into a global engineering powerhouse. For a seasoned ports and waterfront specialist with two decades of waterfront infrastructure engineering experience, the shift was dramatic. And it presented a unique opportunity: bring deep maritime expertise into a company eager to strengthen its presence across the port sector.


Today, Black & Veatch is moving decisively in that direction. Although the company is widely recognized for major work in energy, water and critical infrastructure, ports historically represented only a modest slice of its business. That dynamic is changing. With a global workforce of 12,000 and counting, a rapidly expanding solutions footprint and a renewed focus on coastal and maritime clients, Black & Veatch is positioning itself to become a major partner to port and maritime clients that are looking to modernize their infrastructure.


Click here to continue reading...

MEMBER NEWS

Port of Long Beach’s Hacegaba testifies before congressional subcommittee


December 17, 2025 — Port of Long Beach incoming CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba testified before a congressional subcommittee on Wednesday to outline key priorities in the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act, noting federal investments in seaport infrastructure projects spur economic growth and jobs across the United States.


Click here to continue reading...

DP World short sea shipping services extending its reach at the Port of Nanaimo


December 17, 2025 — The Port of Nanaimo is excited to share DP World’s expansion of short sea shipping service to include weekly calls from Nanaimo to Fraser Surrey and Vancouver. By moving goods efficiently over water, we reduce pressure and create reliable alternatives that keep trade flowing in all conditions.


Click here to continue reading...

Port of Hualien adds “smart water pressure monitoring system” to smart energy management system


December 16, 2025 — This year, the Hualien Branch of the Taiwan Port Corporation completed the expansion of the functions of the smart energy management system, adding a “smart water pressure monitoring system” to integrate the water pressure monitoring data of the port area into the existing platform, and establish real-time monitoring and automatic early warning mechanisms to improve the visibility and response efficiency of the port water supply management.


Click here to continue reading...

Port of Long Beach’s Hacegaba elected President of CAPA


December 16, 2025 — The California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) has announced that Port of Long Beach incoming CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba has been elected to serve as president of the organization. “California’s ports are vital to the state economy, the nation’s transportation system and the global supply chain,” Hacegaba said. “I am honored to be elected President of the California Association of Port Authorities and excited to work with my colleagues to champion policies that strengthen our competitiveness by accelerating investments in capital and digital infrastructure, environmental sustainability and workforce development. I also look forward to collaborating with our state leaders to prioritize ports and their role in supporting the world’s fifth-largest economy.”

 

Click here to continue reading...

Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau establishes “Alternative Energy Zone”


December 15, 2025 — In response to the global trend of net-zero emission reduction, the Port and Navigation Bureau of the Ministry of Communications officially launched the “Alternative Energy Zone” on the “iMarine Port Development Database” this month (December), enabling the industry to effectively grasp the latest trends in alternative energy through the integration and disclosure of domestic and international maritime emission reduction information, so as to respond to rapid market changes and strengthen the forward-looking deployment of future strategies and resources.


Click here to continue reading...

Port of San Diego Commissioners approve Trust Lands Use Plan


December 11, 2025 — The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved the Trust Lands Use Plan, also known as the TLUP. The Port developed the TLUP as required by Senate Bill 507 (Atkins), legislation adopted in 2019 by which the California State Lands Commission (State Lands) granted the Port approximately 8,000 additional acres of tidelands and submerged lands within San Diego Bay. Consistent with the Port’s mission, the Port Act, and the Coastal Act, the plan provides goals, policies, and information on allowable uses and activities within the newly acquired areas and will be added to the Port Master Plan via a Port Master Plan Amendment (PMPA), bringing the newly granted areas into the Port’s coastal permitting jurisdiction.


Click here to continue reading...

ASIPONA Lázaro Cárdenas presents progress and operational outlook towards the end of 2025


December 11, 2025 — The Lázaro Cárdenas National Port System Administration (ASIPONA) held two informational meetings with the port community and media representatives on December 3 and 4. The purpose of these meetings was to present the port’s operational outlook for 2025, as well as progress in infrastructure, investments, and sustainability. During the meeting with the media, firsthand information was shared regarding the port’s operational performance and growth projections.


Click here to continue reading...

Puerto Chiapas welcomes Seabourn Sojourn


December 10, 2025 — On December 10, at 7:30 a.m., Puerto Chiapas received the arrival of the cruise ship Seabourn Sojourn, from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. This stopover corresponds to the penultimate arrival of the 2025 cruise season, reaffirming the interest of shipping lines in keeping our port within their maritime routes. The Seabourn Sojourn transported 392 passengers and 345 crew members, who during their stay had the opportunity to learn about the tourist, cultural and gastronomic offer that distinguishes our region. As part of the operation, personnel from the Administration of the National Port System of Puerto Chiapas provided the necessary facilities to guarantee a safe and orderly reception, in accordance with the standards established for the arrival of vessels of this category.


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ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta surpasses one million passengers


December 10, 2025 — In the midst of Mariachi music, ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta reported that from January to November 2025, the figure of 1 million passengers served in the port facilities was reached, including cruise passengers and passengers of local vessels. In the voice of Alm Ret, Juan Ortíz Guarneros commented: “This event reflects the commitment, coordination and dedication of the great team that makes up ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta, as well as the joint effort of the authorities and port service providers. Receiving one million passengers is not only a number, it is a reflection of a job well done, the prestige of our port and the warmth with which Mexico opens its arms to the world.”


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MarineLabs officially opens its new headquarters in Victoria


December 3, 2025 — On November 26, 2025, we officially opened MarineLabs’ new headquarters in Victoria, welcoming partners, friends, and peers who have been part of our journey to advance coastal weather intelligence for maritime safety and efficiency. We were honoured to host BC Premier David Eby (pictured above with MarineLab’s CEO, Scott Beatty) for a tour of the space, along with formal remarks from the Honourable Rick Glumac, Minister of State for AI and New Technologies; John Wilson, CEO of the Pacific Pilotage Authority; Leann Collins, Director of Projects and Stakeholder Relations at ABCMI; and Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC.


Click here to continue reading...

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