Photo above: Fiji Ports -- Visit Website

IN THIS ISSUE:

• APP's 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE
• Conference hailed as a "great success"
• A big thanks to all of our sponsors!
• Memories -- photos now available
• MEMBER NEWS:
• Port of Bellingham seeks new Executive Director
• Port of Long Beach CEO shares outlook on shifting supply chains
• Port of Skagit celebrates accomplishments and staff
• Port of San Diego releases Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub draft EIR, report finds no significant environmental impacts
• More than technology: SEEN Safety brings life-saving mission to 2026 AED Summit
• Bulk carrier M/V LUZON arrives in Puerto Chiapas to strengthen strategic works of the interoceanic corridor
• Port of Everett Seaport welcomes Chris Bush as new Commercial Strategy Officer
• Jason Hodge voted Board President of the Oxnard Harbor District

APP'S 2026 WINTER CONFERENCE

Conference hailed as "great success"

Early results from the APP's exit survey for the 2026 Winter Conference show high marks for every aspect of this year's agenda, speakers, excursions and venue! Attendees found the balance between presentations and plenary sessions, and networking opportunities to be "perfect" with one respondent noting that the "size of the event allows for the ability to have one on one conversations during breaks and meals".

While all presenters received top marks for content and relevance to ports, the star of the show was undoubtedly Maripas Jacoba with the Port of Hueneme. "LOVED! She left me with goosebumps and tears in my eyes. Loved every bit of it. The passion, the delivery, the authenticity, and the tangible examples of action, impact, and ambition." Positive feedback was also noted for the APP's traditional Port Update Session where each port representative is given the opportunity to update members on activities within their jurisdictions. "This was one of the higher value sessions of the conference," noted one respondent.

The panel session on Logistic Challenges and Requirements for Military Buildup in the Pacific with moderator Derek Chow, Burns & McDonnell was notable for receiving one of the highest marks of the survey. With panelists from The Pasha Group, Young Brothers, and Burns & McDonnell, the session peaked the interest of many in the audience -- so much so that a request was made to continue the discussion during our 112th Annual Conference in Guam (August 3 to 6, 2026).

Highlights of the conference included a five-star (out of five) rating for both the Hoakalei Country Club golf game as well as the Waterfront Tour of Honolulu Harbor onboard the Star of Honolulu. Great feedback was also provided for the Hawaiian dinner, complete with Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers and a fire/knife performer.

Even the venue -- the Kahala Hotel & Resort -- was commended: "Great Hotel, Wonderful Staff, Good Value!"

Over the next week, we'll be adding all presentations as pdfs to our website. In the meantime, we invite you to check out our photo album!

Click here to visit our FLIKR site.

Thank you to our sponsors!

We're especially grateful to our sponsors, whose support makes our conferences 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 | HDR Inc. | Kongsberg | SSA Marine | Lynker | Burns & McDonnell | Schrader Co., Sales, LLC

We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Association of Pacific Ports 112th Annual Conference!

August 3 to 6, 2026

Hosted by the Port Authority of Guam

MEMBER NEWS

Port of Bellingham seeks new Executive Director

The Port of Bellingham is seeking an Executive Director. The role requires the ability to connect long-term goals to practical decisions, guide a complex public organization through change, and ensure the Port operates responsibly, transparently, and in the public interest. This role demands a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can balance operational excellence with innovation and public stewardship.

Click here to continue reading...

OR:

Download the PDF brochure.

Port of Long Beach CEO shares outlook on shifting supply chains

February 5, 2026 — In a CNBC interview with Lori Ann LaRocco Thursday, Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba shares how global supply chains are shifting from China to South Asian markets – and what it means for the Port of Long Beach. From major infrastructure investments to game-changing rail projects like Pier B, we’re building the capacity and connectivity needed to stay ahead of demand and keep cargo moving.

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Port of Skagit celebrates accomplishments and staff

February 3, 2026 — The Port of Skagit capped off the end of 2025 in belated fashion with staff recognition and an overview of the year’s accomplishments. The event was postponed due to flooding and the flood response work by the Port in December. The Port of Skagit played a key role in the local flood response, including supporting the 300 National Guard staff housed at Skagit Regional Airport; providing airfield support for Search & Rescue, Air Force, Coast Guard and Dept of Natural Resources teams; supplying hundreds of wooden pallets for sandbag distribution...

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Port of San Diego releases Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub draft EIR, report finds no significant environmental impacts

February 3, 2026 — Following a robust period of public outreach, the Port of San Diego is inviting the public to review and provide written comments on the Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).The EIR, which found no significant environmental impacts related to the project, will be available for public comment for 45 days beginning on January 29, 2026 through March 16, 2026.

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More than technology: SEEN Safety brings life-saving mission to 2026 AED Summit

February 2, 2026 — For the team at SEEN Safety, attending the 2026 AED Summit in Dallas was about more than business development. It was about a shared passion for saving lives. In an industry where heavy machinery and pedestrian workers often occupy the same tight spaces, the stakes are incredibly high. While the AED Summit is a showcase for the world’s most powerful equipment, SEEN Safety arrived with a different focus. They focused on the human being behind the machine and the worker on the ground.

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Bulk carrier M/V LUZON arrives in Puerto Chiapas to strengthen strategic works of the interoceanic corridor

January 31, 2026 — Puerto Chiapas, on January 31, the Administration of the National Port System of Puerto Chiapas (ASIPONA) arrived at the bulk carrier M/V Luzon, which unloaded 39,997 tons of ballast, a fundamental material for the continuity of railway infrastructure works in the region. The ballast will be used for the completion of Line K, which will connect with the railway branch of ASIPONA Puerto Chiapas, as part of the strategic works of the Interoceanic Corridor Project of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), a priority initiative of the Government of Mexico aimed at strengthening logistics, commercial and transport connectivity between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

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Port of Everett Seaport welcomes Chris Bush as new Commercial Strategy Officer

January 26, 2026 — The Port of Everett has hired Chris Bush as its new Commercial Strategy Officer at the Port of Everett Seaport. He joined the Port in January. Bush is responsible for attracting and maintaining maritime business, maximizing the value of the Port’s eight shipping berths situated on approximately 125 acres of land, and enhancing its competitive position in the global supply chain. He is tasked with growing the Port’s net operating income through the development and implementation of commercial strategies at its Seaport, which contributes 41% of operating revenue to the Port’s overall budget.

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Jason Hodge voted Board President of the Oxnard Harbor District

January 21, 2026 — The Oxnard Harbor District welcomed new leadership this week as the Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously voted Commissioner Jason T. Hodge as Board President. Hodge will lead the board alongside Mary Anne Rooney, who was elected as Vice President, and Jess Herrera, who will serve as Secretary. Outgoing President Jess Ramirez will remain on the board as a Commissioner. Hodge brings experience, institutional knowledge, and a steady leadership approach to the role. As Board President, he will preside over meetings, help set strategic priorities, and represent the Port in engagements with its partners.

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