PORT UPDATES
Port updates Innovation, sustainability, and growth across the Pacific T he APP 2026 Winter Conference brought together port leaders from across the Against a backdrop of shifting global supply chains, climate pressures, and rapid technological change, each Port Update underscored a common theme...
Pacific to share timely updates, bold strategies, and a collective vision for the future of maritime trade. Against a backdrop of shifting global supply chains, climate pressures, and rapid technological change, each Port Update underscored a common theme: ports are no longer just gateways for cargo — they are dynamic, multi-purpose engines of economic growth, environ- mental stewardship, and community development. From island economies in the Pacific to major West Coast trade hubs, port representatives highlighted how their organizations are navigating both immediate operational demands and long-term transformation. Whether addressing the realities of sea level rise, investing in cleaner technologies, expanding infrastructure capacity, or strengthening financial resilience, ports are adapting at an unprecedented pace. At the same time, many are deepening partnerships — with gov- ernments, Indigenous communities, industry stakeholders, and one another — to ensure that growth is both sus- tainable and inclusive. The updates also revealed the divers- ity of the port sector itself. Some ports are managing record-breaking cargo volumes and planning for decades of future demand, while others are lever- aging niche strengths, community connections, or strategic geography to drive impact. Across the board, however, there is a clear emphasis on innovation — from electrification and green shipping corridors to advanced
logistics, workforce development, and waterfront revitalization. Equally notable is the growing role of ports as community builders. Beyond their economic contributions, many are investing in public access, educational programs, and quality- of-life initiatives, reflecting a broader understanding of their responsibility to the regions they serve. This dual focus on global competitiveness and
local engagement is reshaping how ports define success. The following summaries capture a snapshot of these efforts, offering insight into how ports are respond- ing to shared challenges while pursu- ing unique opportunities. Together, they paint a picture of a sector that is forward-looking, resilient, and deeply interconnected — ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
DOT Hawaii focuses on climate-driven strategy
Having served as the keynote speaker for the APP 2026 Winter Conference where she spoke of Hawaii’s commit- ment to environmental sustainability, DreanaLee Kalili, Deputy Director, reiterated that DOT Hawaii is focus- ing their energy and efforts on emis- sions reduction and incorporating long-term forecasts for sea level rise into all port planning decisions. Kalili reported that work on The Pasha Group’s Kapalama Container Terminal was nearing completion. While the 84-acre terminal with 1,800 linear feet of additional berth space is to date the largest capital improvement project undertaken by DOT Hawaii, Kalili and her department are about to start on the next project which will focus on redeveloping their existing terminal. The estimated cost for this project is upwards of $2 billion and will look at raising the heights of piers
DreanaLee Kalili, DOT Hawaii
to address sea level rise given current data forecasts. “The environment and what the data is telling us about sea level rise is what’s really driving our decision- making and planning,” she said. “Not just for Honolulu but for our neighbor island ports as well.” She added that, noting Hawaii’s hub and spoke system
March 2026 — PACIFIC PORTS — 29
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