Photo above: Port of Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands -- Visit Website | | |
Association of Pacific Ports News
December 3, 2025
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IN THIS ISSUE:
- APP's 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE!
- More speakers!
- More sponsors!
- Companion Program highlights!
- Register Now!
- SAVE THE DATE -- APP's Annual Conference in Guam!
- Important notice: Corrected date for APP's 112th Annual Conference in Guam
- NEW MEMBER PROFILES
- GRT Regenerock provides sustainable remediation solution
- Xanatos Marine leads the way in building smarter, safer, and more sustainable ports
- MEMBER NEWS:
- Port Authority of Guam launches F1 Pier Restoration Project
- Kongsberg Discovery and MacArtney partner for turnkey ROTV surveying and inspection capability
- Port of Taichung’s renovation of Wharf W2 enhances port safety and service capabilities
- Puerto Vallarta welcomes Norwegian Jade, Nieuw Amsterdam and Carnival Panorama
- Lynker awarded 2025 GovCon Program of the Year for NOAA NCEP support
- EA issues 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report and Public Benefit Statement
- ASIPONA Puerto Chiapas conducts training in waste classification to strengthen environmental management in the port
- Lázaro Cárdenas Port exceeds 24.6 million tons and consolidates its logistics leadership in 2025
- Port of Grays Harbor named Washington Port of the Year
- Port of San Diego celebrates graduation of two more cohorts of award-winning Portside Community Academy
- Port of Everett unveils new illuminated Orca art on the Mukilteo waterfront
- Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau hosts 2025 Forward-looking Forum
- Jason Stanley appointed as COO of Cellula Robotics Ltd., poised to drive global scaling
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APP'S 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE
JANUARY 28 TO 30, 2026 -- KAHALA RESORT, HONOLULU
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New Speakers Confirmed
Not only are agenda topics relevant, but they are delivered by some of the most notable experts in the maritime industry. With our strongest roster to date, representatives from ports and port-related businesses will hear engaging, educational and entertaining presentations. Here's just a sample of speakers confirmed to date:
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Rickey Childs -- Senior Vice President, Pasha Maritime & Logistics
Rickey Childs has over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry. As Senior Vice President of Maritime for The Pasha Group, he oversees the entire stevedoring operations managing both labor and management responsibilities related to cargo handling activities. Joining The Pasha Group in 2022, he began as Vice President of Pasha International where he partnered with key clients to launch a series of dedicated international vessel services supporting an end-to-end transit solution in response to the global supply chain disruption.
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Greg Chu -- General Manager, Container Operations, Matson
Greg Chu was promoted to the position of General Manager, Container Operations – Hawaii in January 2023. In this role, Greg is responsible for the management and coordination of all Matson Navigation Company operations in the Hawaii region. Since joining the company in 1996, Greg has risen to a number of leadership positions, including Manager, Vessel Operations and then Manager, Pacific Northwest Operations in Seattle. In 2017, Greg moved to Auckland, New Zealand as General Manager, South Pacific.
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Scott Grindy -- President, Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers
Scott Grindy is the President of the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers as well as being the current Harbor Master for the San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor. In 2014, Scott was awarded the Harbor Master of the Year for the State of California and continues to support many other regional maritime entities. Grindy has more than 30 years of professional and practical experience in the areas of management of personnel, major capital projects, facilities management and capital and operational budgets.
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DreanaLee Kalili -- Deputy Director, Hawaii Department of Transportation
Dre Kalili serves as a Deputy Director for the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and oversees operations of the state’s commercial ports system. She was appointed by Governor Josh Green in December 2022. The priorities for the ports include preparing for sea level rise and improving port resilience and completing key capital improvement projects and land acquisitions to increase capacity and alleviate congestion.
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Eleanor Kirtley -- Senior Program Manager, Green Marine
Eleanor Kirtley opened Green Marine’s first U.S. and satellite office when she joined the program in November 2014. As senior program manager, she coordinates the certification process and program development with the other three program managers. Eleanor also coordinates the West Coast Advisory Committee, supports our participants in this region and elsewhere in the United States, and facilitates the technical committee for ship owners. In addition to being responsible for all of the certification criteria for vessels, Eleanor also oversees the development of performance indicators for air emissions.
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Chris Martin -- Vice President, Operations, Young Brothers LLC
Chris Martin is the Vice President of Operations for Young Brothers, LLC, Hawaii’s leading interisland freight handling and transportation company. Chris has more than 20 years of maritime transportation experience that spans both here and in the Pacific Northwest. Using his experience to guide him, Chris understands the critical service Young Brothers provides to the state and continues to work to move the Company forward for another 120 years.
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New Sponsors Announced!
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 | Liebherr | Port of Hueneme | Port of Redwood City | Port of Stockton | Port of Umatilla | Port of Skagit | Port of San Diego | Lynker | Burns & McDonnell
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!
| Companion Program almost complete... | |
We're developing an amazing itinerary for guests of Conference attendees! While there are still a few details to fill in, our Companion Program is shaping up to be fun and engaging. The Program fee includes all of the following meals, tours and activities:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- 6:00 to 8:00 pm — Welcome Reception (Plumeria Ocean Grove)
Thursday, January 29, 2026
- 7:00 to 9:00 am — Breakfast (Maile Foyer)
- 9:00 am to 1:00 pm — Oahu Scenic Half-Day Circle Island Tour
- Experience the best of Oahu’s east side without committing your whole day. This convenient half-day tour picks you up directly from the Kahala Resort and takes you to the highlights of the island’s east coast. Explore Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, and Makapuu Lookout—perfect for whale watching during the winter whale season. Enjoy a delicious Hawaiian breakfast burrito at Hawaiian Island Café, then take in the stunning views at Pali Lookout and visit the peaceful Byodo-Inn Temple.
- 1:00 pm — enjoy a late lunch back at the Kahala Resort.
- 2:00 to 4:00 pm — Activity to be confirmed.
- 6:00 to 9:00 pm — Hawaiian Dinner (Koko Head Ocean Lawn)
Friday, January 30, 2026
- 7:00 to 9:00 am — Breakfast (Maile Foyer)
- 8:45 am — Join conference attendees on a Waterfront Tour of Honolulu Harbor
- Noon to 1:00 pm — Lunch with conference attendees (Maile Foyer)
- 1:00 to 3:00 pm — Haku Lei Bracelet Making -- Learn the ancient Hawaiian art of weaving Raffia and create your own keepsake bracelet.
Click here for updates to our Companion Program as they become available.
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The venue
We're back at the Kahala Hotel & Resort! The preferred rate for conference attendees is an amazing US$395/night. But don't wait - rooms at that rate will go fast (deadline for this rate is December 31, 2025).
The APP has a dedicated reservation page -- if you're ready to make your booking, click here.
REGISTER NOW!
You know you'll be attending so why wait? Early registration provides for a significant discount on registration fees...Register by December 30, 2025 to take full advantage.
Deadline for Early Bird Registration is December 30!
REGISTER NOW!
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Association of Pacific Ports 112th Annual Conference!
August 3 to 6, 2026
Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam
We can't wait to visit the incredible Island of Guam! Initial plans are underway -- in the meantime, be sure to mark your calendar.
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NEW MEMBER PROFILES
We're pleased to showcase our newest members with the following articles from our last issue of Pacific Ports Magazine.
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GRT Regenerock provides sustainable remediation solution
The Association of Pacific Ports is pleased to welcome GRT Regnerock as an Associate Member. In speaking with Jane McIvor, Executive Director for the APP, Blair Tassone, Director, Business Development, and Deanna Woods, Director of People & Product Development, discussed the company’s mission to transform contaminated and excess soil into reusable construction material, its expansion plans, and its pioneering role in sustainable land management.
Click here to continue reading...
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Xanatos Marine leads the way in building smarter, safer, and more sustainable ports
With more than 25 years of maritime technology expertise, Xanatos Marine (XM) is helping ports around the world navigate a new era of digital transformation through its TITAN Sentinel Smart Port Platform — a mission-proven system that enhances maritime domain awareness, safety, and operational efficiency. The APP is pleased to welcome Xanatos Marine as a new Associate Member.
Click here to continue reading...
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Port Authority of Guam launches F1 Pier Restoration Project
December 2, 2025 — The Port today formally kicked off the Joint Region Marianas Pier Restoration Project at F1 Pier, the island’s only operational fuel offloading terminal. In September the Port Authority of Guam was awarded a $4.8 million federal grant under the Department of War’s Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) to fund urgent structural and safety upgrades at F1 Pier, the island’s sole operational fuel import terminal. The total cost of the Joint Region Marianas Pier Infrastructure Restoration Project is $6.9 million, with the DCIP grant covering the majority of the funding.
Click here to continue reading...
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Kongsberg Discovery and MacArtney partner for turnkey ROTV surveying and inspection capability
December 1, 2025 — Kongsberg Discovery and MacArtney Underwater Technology have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) creating a new level of turnkey capability in towed underwater sensing solutions. The agreement will see all Kongsberg Discovery’s innovative systems integrated onto MacArtney’s remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV) platforms, bringing two technology leaders together in one offer for defence, energy and ocean science users worldwide.
Click here to continue reading...
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Port of Taichung’s renovation of Wharf W2 enhances port safety and service capabilities
November 29, 2025 — Wharf W2 Renovation Project, announced this year (2025) by Port of Taichung TIPC, is scheduled to launch at the end of this month (October).Wharf W2, a chemical cargo wharf consisting of 7 sections(totally 252 m in length) is located at the West Terminal of Taichung Port. The Renovation Project will be implemented in four stages without interrupting the existing stevedoring of chemical cargo.
Click here to continue reading...
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Puerto Vallarta welcomes Norwegian Jade, Nieuw Amsterdam and Carnival Panorama
November 25, 2025 — On Tuesday, November 25, Puerto Vallarta welcomed three impressive and beautiful cruise ships. The first to arrive was Norwegian Jade from San Diego. It carries 2,670 passengers and 1,014 crew members. It docked at the international pier #2 of ASIPONA Puerto Vallarta at 06:00 h. The second was Nieuw Amsterdam from San Diego. It carries 2,253 passengers and 862 crew members. It docked at Pier #1. Carnival Panorama finally arrived at 08:50 a.m. from Long Beach with 4,869 passengers and 1,417 crew members. Docked at Pier #3
Click here to continue reading...
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Lynker awarded 2025 GovCon Program of the Year for NOAA NCEP support
November 6, 2025 — Lynker is honored to share that they have been awarded the 2025 GovCon Program of the Year for their work supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)! The Lynker team joined leaders from across the federal contracting community in early November at the GovCon Awards Gala, often called the Oscars of government contracting, at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons, VA.
Click here to continue reading...
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EA issues 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report and Public Benefit Statement
November 25, 2025 — EA is proud to announce the publication of its annual 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report and Public Benefit Statement (collectively referred to as our CSR Report). This comprehensive report documents EA’s ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles and efforts to deliver on our public benefits. Focus areas include environmental stewardship, our people and communities, and innovation and industry leadership.
Click here to continue reading...
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ASIPONA Puerto Chiapas conducts training in waste classification to strengthen environmental management in the port
November 25, 2025 — On Tuesday, November 25, the Administration of the National Port System of Puerto Chiapas carried out a training aimed at the port community on the correct classification and management of waste, taught by teaching staff of the Polytechnic University of Tapachula (UPTAP). The objective of this training day was to reinforce the knowledge and practices necessary for proper management of the waste generated in the operational and administrative areas of the port, contributing to the protection of the environment and compliance with current environmental regulations.
Click here to continue reading...
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Lázaro Cárdenas Port exceeds 24.6 million tons and consolidates its logistics leadership in 2025
November 24, 2025 — The growth of the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas in cargo handling is reflected in its more than 24.6 million tons processed as of the end of October 2025. This outstanding performance and dynamism position the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas as one of Mexico’s main logistics hubs. This is reflected in its robust cargo operations, comprised of 63% imports, 27% exports, and 10% coastal shipping. Cargo volume by type remained at 48% containerized, followed by 32% mineral bulk cargo, and the remaining 20% comprised of automotive cargo, general cargo, agricultural bulk, fluids, and petroleum products.
Click here to continue reading...
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Port of Grays Harbor named Washington Port of the Year
November 21, 2025 — Partnerships, growth and progress resulted in the Port of Grays Harbor being named the 2025 Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Port of the Year at its annual meeting in Tacoma on Friday. The award recognizes a Port that has demonstrated exceptional success in the industry. Over the past several years, the Port has seen continued private investment in its facilities, both as existing tenants grow and welcoming new users, along with the construction of the largest public infrastructure project in the Port’s history in progress which will support AGP’s new $175M soymeal export facility at Terminal 4, thereby doubling exports of soymeal, increasing vessel calls and creating more than 80 family-wage jobs.
Click here to continue reading...
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Port of San Diego celebrates graduation of two more cohorts of award-winning Portside Community Academy
November 20, 2025 — The Port of San Diego has graduated two more cohorts of the award-winning Portside Community Academy. The Academy hosted two groups of participants between September and November 2025, culminating this week in a joint graduation ceremony during a boat tour of San Diego Bay. The Academy is now accepting applications for 2026 and beyond. The Portside Community Academy is an educational program aimed at building deeper connections between the Port of San Diego and portside communities. The public is given a unique opportunity to explore innovations in the maritime industry that are helping improve public health and quality of life on and around San Diego Bay.
Click here to continue reading...
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Port of Everett unveils new illuminated Orca art on the Mukilteo waterfront
November 20, 2025 — The Port of Everett has unveiled a new illuminated orca sculpture at its Mukilteo waterfront parklet next to Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, transforming the site into a stunning new backdrop just in time for holiday photos. Positioned at the center of the parklet with stunning views of the Salish Sea, measuring approximately 12 feet tall, the glowing sculpture highlight’s the area’s natural beauty while bringing new energy to the visitor experience during the “shoulder season” months. It will stay in place until Presidents Day in February 2026.
Click here to continue reading...
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Taiwan’s Maritime and Port Bureau hosts 2025 Forward-looking Forum
November 18, 2025 — In order to help Taiwan’s shipping industry accurately grasp the global pulse and create a new situation in the future, the Port and Navigation Bureau of the Ministry of Communications held the “2025 Forward-looking Shipping Forum” today (18th) at the International Conference Center of the Ministry of Communications. With the theme of “Leading a New Era of Sustainability, Inclusiveness, and Smart Shipping”, this forum focuses on three key axes: net-zero sustainability, unmanned intelligence, and talent cultivation, and invites leaders and experts from industry, government, academia, and research circles related to domestic maritime transportation, attracting more than 200 participants to jointly draw a blueprint for the future of Taiwan’s shipping industry.
Click here to continue reading...
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Jason Stanley appointed as COO of Cellula Robotics Ltd., poised to drive global scaling
November 18, 2025 — Cellula Robotics Ltd., a global leader in fuel cell–powered autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Stanley as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic appointment directly supports Cellula’s anticipated phase of rapid global scaling as the company prepares for major system deliveries throughout 2026 and beyond. Stanley’s proven track record of operational excellence and expertise in scaling technology companies aligns perfectly with Cellula’s vision for growth and commercial maturation.
Click here to continue reading...
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