Ocean cargo/global logistics Port authorities convene soon in Galveston
Those who haven’t been to Galveston since the September 2008 devastation may be surprised at the newly re-nourished infrastructure.
Patrick Burnson -- Logistics Management, 10/20/2009
GALVESTON—Among the hardest-hit U.S. port cities from Hurricane Ike last year was Galveston, Texas, which has made a remarkable recovery since the hurricane's vicious winds and storm surge caused billions of dollars in damage. As a testament to Galveston's phoenix-like revival, it will be the site of the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) 98th Annual Convention and Exhibition, Oct. 25-29.
According to Port of Galveston director Steve Cernak, those who haven’t been to Galveston since the September 2008 devastation may be surprised at the newly re-nourished infrastructure.
We’ve had some big storms over the years, so we’ve learned to be very resilient here in Galveston” he said.
Cernak said that hundreds of seaport and maritime transportation leaders, industry experts and service providers from throughout the hemisphere have already registered to participate in the AAPA convention, which features many of the seaport industry’s key issues and experts.
Providing the Oct. 27 keynote luncheon address, “Leadership and Accountability When It Matters,” will be Kirk Lippold, commanding officer of the USS Cole when it came under an al Qaeda suicide terrorist attack on Oct. 12, 2000, in the port of Aden, Yemen. During his command, Cmdr. Lippold and his crew distinguished themselves by saving the American war ship from sinking. Since then, he has briefed more than 2,500 military officers and has given over 125 presentations on this seminal event in the war on terrorism.
Kurt Nagle, AAPA's president and CEO, remarked that those attending this year’s Port of Galveston-hosted convention will be treated to a diverse program of industry forecasts, strategic advice, lessons learned and networking opportunities that's "proportionately as big as Texas."
According to Nagle, convention participants will take part in a comprehensive business program with some of the seaport industry’s top leaders.
“They’ll be discussing challenges ranging from the economic downturn and recovering from hurricanes and other disasters, to meeting port infrastructure needs and communicating the value of seaports,” he said.
View All On-Demand Webcasts
