Our nation’s seaports deserve to be celebrated every day

With the 5th annual “Ports Day” to held April 5th, those of us in the logistics community recognize the vital role ocean cargo gateways play in maintaining our nation’s health.

To that end, the 2020 event recognizes value of Western Hemisphere seaports toCOVID-19response & recovery, supply chain continuity and long-term economic stability

This year’s Ports Day theme, “On The Front Lines,” focuses on the current COVID-19 global pandemic response and recovery. It’s a recognition of the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of the port industry workforce in their collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus while ensuring a steady flow of vital goods and services.

In the U.S. alone, more than 642,000 maritime-industry professionals work every day to ensure that cargo and cruise and ferry travelers move efficiently through the nation’s ports. Through passenger and crew screenings, vessel quarantines and other measures, seaports are committed to “flattening the curve,” both domestically and among their country’s critical trade partners around the world.

“In this time of uncertainty and fear about what to expect next, port workers and their logistics partners are laboring around the clock to keep vital consumer goods, medical supplies, energy and raw materials moving,” said Chris Connor, AAPA president and CEO. “While taking all necessary precautions against spreading the virus themselves, our maritime workforce continues to deliver vital goods and services, ship exports, and connect farmers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers to the global marketplace.”

With massive hospital ships berthed at both the ports of New York/New Jersey and the Port of Los Angeles, the general public is also being kept aware of the vital role ports are playing in bringing us all back from the brink of the COVID-19 catastrophe.