Ports Association Formed 100 Years Ago

From humble beginnings, AAPA now represents over 135 Western Hemisphere port authorities.

Today marks the actual anniversary of the founding of the American Association of Port Authorities, headquartered in Alexandria, Va.

One hundred years ago yesterday, December 10, 1912, a meeting of public port officials from throughout the United States convened in New York City to "exchange ideas relative to port organization, to promote the exchange of information and the development of uniform methods of administration and possibly to provide for some permanent organization between the principal port authorities." Those deliberations led to the drafting and ratification of a constitution for the National Association of Port Authorities.  Two years later, the name was changed to the American Association of Port Authorities to reflect the organization’s pan-hemispheric mission.

From those humble beginnings, AAPA emerged as the alliance of the seaports of the Western Hemisphere, with more than 135 seaport members, some 300 sustaining members, a headquarters staff and a solid record of advocacy, collaboration, and professional development on behalf of the public seaport industry.  

“AAPA has evolved over the past century as the collective voice of the seaport industry on issues ranging from trade and transportation, to infrastructure, security and the environment,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO.  “Together as the alliance of ports in the Western Hemisphere, AAPA plays a critical leadership role in shaping the issues that affect our industry and in informing the public and policymakers about the vital role seaports play in the world.”