Ports and Port Services Trade Associations

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)

Hemispheric trade association for seaports that advocates policy, develops professional training, and convenes port leaders; represents more than 130 public port authorities plus industry partners across the Americas.

https://www.aapa-ports.org Membership: 130

Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA)

National voice of Canada’s ports; brings together the 17 Canada Port Authorities to advocate on policy, competitiveness, and public awareness, and to host the annual Ports Canada conference.

https://acpa-aapc.ca Membership: 17

British Ports Association (BPA)

UK-wide trade body representing ports and terminals of all sizes; over 100 port members collectively manage 400+ facilities and handle about 86% of UK port traffic.

https://www.britishports.org.uk Membership: 100

European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)

Brussels-based interface between European ports and EU institutions; represents the port authorities/associations of 21 EU Member States plus Norway (22 national members) and has observer members in several neighboring countries.

https://www.espo.be Membership: 22

Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT)

Represents private seaport companies and terminals across the EU, Norway and Turkey on cargo handling/logistics policy; speaks for about 2,290 companies employing ~400,000 port workers.

https://www.feport.eu Membership: 2,290

Florida Ports Council (FPC)

Professional association for Florida’s 16 public seaports and their leadership; provides advocacy and supports the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council.

https://flaports.org Membership: 16

Green Marine

Leading North American environmental certification program for the maritime industry—ports, terminals, ship owners and others—with more than 560 members worldwide and 180+ certified participants.

https://green-marine.org Membership: 560

Harbor Trucking Association (HTA)

Coalition of intermodal drayage carriers serving major U.S. West Coast ports; focuses on advocacy, efficiency and sustainability with 400+ carrier members.

https://harbortruckers.com Membership: 400

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)

North America’s intermodal trade association connecting rail, truck, ocean carriers and suppliers; membership exceeds 1,000 companies and supports industry standards, education and EXPO events.

https://www.intermodal.org Membership: 1,000

International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)

Global trade association of ports; as of December 6, 2024 it counted some 190 port members and 167 port-related businesses (associate members) across 89 countries.

https://www.iaphworldports.org Membership: 357

North Atlantic Ports Association (NAPA)

Regional association of ports, terminal operators, agencies and maritime firms from Virginia to the Canadian Maritimes; about 100 members meet to address common port issues.

https://www.northatlanticports.org Membership: 100

Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)

Employer association of ocean carriers and marine terminal operators at the 29 U.S. West Coast ports; negotiates and administers labor agreements with 68 member companies.

https://www.pmanet.org Membership: 68

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

Non-profit, non-partisan trade association advocating for navigation, energy, trade and economic development in the Pacific Northwest; membership includes 150+ ports, businesses and public agencies.

https://www.pnwa.net Membership: 150

PIANC — World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure

World association for waterborne transport infrastructure (ports, waterways, marinas); international technical body with about 2,100 members producing best-practice guidance.

https://www.pianc.org Membership: 2,100

Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL)

Statewide alliance advancing Louisiana’s ports; includes 32 corporate (port) members and 85 associate members, fostering policy coordination, education and industry partnerships.

https://www.portsoflouisiana.org Membership: 117

Ports Australia

National peak body for Australian ports; currently lists 21 full port members and facilitates collaboration on policy, safety, sustainability and operations.

https://www.portsaustralia.com.au Membership: 21

United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG)

Trade association for the UK’s major port operators; nine members operating 40+ ports and handling the majority of UK port volumes, with strong policy engagement.

https://ukmajorports.org.uk Membership: 9

Virginia Maritime Association (VMA)

Premier statewide maritime business organization promoting commerce through Virginia’s ports; membership includes over 450 companies (nearly 500), with strong advocacy and networking programs.

https://www.vamaritime.com Membership: 450

Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA)

Association of Washington’s public port districts; 69 of the state’s 74 ports are members, plus 100+ associates, supporting advocacy, training and collaboration.

https://www.washingtonports.org Membership: 69

West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA)

Non-profit maritime trade association for U.S. Gulf ports from Brownsville, TX to Lake Charles, LA; has almost 300 members including shipowners, agents, stevedores and terminals.

https://www.wgma.org Membership: 300