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PNWA Comments on USTR Suspension of Section 301 Actions
On November 9, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a one-year suspension of actions under the Section 301 Investigation into China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. The investigation, initiated in 2017, had resulted in vessel fees on Chinese ships entering U.S. ports—charges that were set to increase annually through 2028.
Before the suspension was finalized, the USTR opened a brief public comment period on November 6, closing just one day later. Recognizing the potential impacts on U.S. ports and maritime trade, PNWA responded immediately with comments on record supporting the suspension.
PNWA will continue to monitor whether the suspension extends to related tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes, cargo handling equipment, and chassis announced in October, as these could further affect the maritime supply chain.
PNWA Returns from a Productive Week in Washington D.C.
PNWA recently returned from a productive and fast-paced trip to Washington, D.C., where Neil Maunu, Dena Horton, and several PNWA members met with federal agencies, congressional offices, and key industry partners to advance navigation, trade, and infrastructure priorities for the Pacific Northwest.
Over the course of just two and a half days, the PNWA delegation participated in 17 in-person meetings across Capitol Hill, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters, and with partners at Waterways Council, Inc. and the American Waterways Operators. In nearly every meeting, agency and congressional staff emphasized that PNWA’s voice is needed now more than ever to help communicate regional impacts, provide technical expertise, and educate new committee members and staff on the importance of the Columbia-Snake River System and the region’s working waterways.
PNWA is honored to serve as a trusted resource and advocate for the Northwest’s ports, producers, and maritime community.
The Association extends its sincere appreciation to Kayla Dunlap, Ryan Hart, Gail McSpadden Greenman, Richard Vincent, Dena Horton, and Justin LeBlanc for representing PNWA with professionalism and dedication. Together, these efforts strengthen the relationships and advocacy that keep the Pacific Northwest’s waterways thriving.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance 10th Anniversary Breakfast
PNWA Executive Director Neil Maunu attended the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s State of Trade Breakfast in Seattle, celebrating 10 years of partnership, innovation, and impact. The event highlighted the critical role of trade in Washington’s economy and the continued importance of collaboration among ports, industry leaders, and policymakers to maintain the state’s global competitiveness.
Governor Ferguson emphasized Washington’s leadership in international trade and the need to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation to strengthen the state’s position in the global market. Guest speaker George Goldman, a retired ocean carrier executive with over 40 years of experience, underscored the importance of maintaining balance and adaptability in global commerce—reminding attendees that trade, much like water, will always find a path forward.
PNWA was proud to join many of its partners and members in celebrating the NWSA’s milestone and reaffirming the shared commitment to advancing trade, innovation, and economic opportunity throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest River Partners Annual Meeting
PNWA staff, Mary Wiley and Megan McKibben, joined Northwest RiverPartners for their 2025 Annual Meeting on November 5th. The meeting kicked off with Shane Bickford, Board Chair, providing welcoming remarks, followed by the business of bylaws amendments, Board recognition and elections. Rep. Newhouse provided a video and spoke to his work on HR 2073, the Defending our Dams Act, to protect the four Lower Snake River dams.
Executive Director Clark Mather and Deputy Executive Director, Austin Rohr, provided a robust recap of the work the organization has accomplished over the past year. This work included more than 85 presentations in seven states, seven episodes of their Dam! Podcast, five trips to Washington D.C., testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives and being interviewed on two podcasts. The evening ended with a panel discussion with Scott Corwin from the American Public Power Association, Humaira Falkenberg from Pacific County PUD #1 and Jason Hudson from IBEW #77. Congratulations to Northwest RiverPartners for another successful year and meeting!
Columbia River Shipbuilding Collaboration
Recently, a group of Columbia River ports, shipbuilders, construction companies, associations, and other regional partners, many of them PNWA members, gathered in Portland to explore how our region can unite to seize emerging opportunities in shipbuilding.
Discussions focused on the growing national emphasis on revitalizing the maritime industry through initiatives such as Maritime Prosperity Zones and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). With existing infrastructure including dry docks, deep water berths, protected waterways, ample laydown space, and vertically integrated operations, the Columbia River region is well positioned to support future defense and commercial capacity needs.
Next steps include coordination with federal, state, and regional partners in Washington, Oregon, and the nation’s capital to align resources and showcase the region’s capabilities. PNWA leadership was proud to participate in these strategic discussions and will continue to help guide collaborative efforts to advance shipbuilding opportunities across the Pacific Northwest.
2nd Annual Marine Hwy 5 Roundtable
November 18, 2025
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
FREE to Attend: Registration Required
LaQuinta Inn, Tacoma, WA 98421
A premier event dedicated to professionals involved with tugs, barges, and short sea shipping, offering an exclusive platform for industry engagement and networking. Tug Operators, and Marine Transportation professionals will engage with us through speaking and panel discussions. Opportune networking event to meet marine shipping users and stakeholders.
For more information or contact MH5@portofpa.com
Washington Joint Transportation Committee Meeting
If you are able to, we highly encourage you to attend.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
9:00 AM
The Davenport Grand
333 West Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, WA
To view committee meetings or access the committee meeting documents, visit the Legislature’s committee schedules, agendas, and documents website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/committeeschedules
To Register: https://app.leg.wa.gov/CSI/Joint
To watch online, please visit: joint-transportation-committee
Welcome New Member: Idaho Water Users Association
The Idaho Water Users Association (IWUA) joins the PNWA community at a pivotal time. With a strong commitment to federal advocacy through engagement with the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other key agencies, IWUA shares PNWA’s dedication to supporting water users and protecting the Columbia Snake River System.
Together, our shared focus on advocacy, collaboration, and sustainable water management will strengthen outcomes for the region’s waterways, communities, and economy. Welcome, IWUA, to PNWA.
Learn more at the IWUA website: https://www.iwua.org/
Washington State Potato Commission Announces New Director of Government Affairs
PNWA congratulates and welcomes Geordy Bryant Greene as the new Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission! In this role, Geordy will lead the Commission’s advocacy on legislative, regulatory, and environmental issues, representing Washington’s potato growers at both the state and federal levels.
Geordy brings valuable experience from his time in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, as well as his recent work with Washington State University’s Office of External Affairs and Government Relations. A proud WSU Coug, Geordy holds a degree in Political Science and is an enthusiastic supporter of Cougar Football Saturdays. When he’s not working, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his fiancée and their dog, Daisy Beans, exploring Eastern Washington.
Welcome, Geordy! We look forward to your leadership and collaboration in advancing Washington’s agricultural community!
Port of Ridgefield Announces New Administration & Operations Manager
PNWA congratulates Abbi Russell on her new position with the Port of Ridgefield, she brings more than two decades of experience serving people and communities across Washington State. At the Port of Ridgefield, Abbi applies her extensive background in strategic communications, community engagement, and public administration to help advance initiatives that create long-term community benefits and strengthen regional connections.
Her career has spanned military service, public sector leadership, and volunteer work in schools, youth programs, and economic development organizations—reflecting her deep commitment to service and collaboration. Abbi’s ability to navigate complex challenges with creativity and practical insight continues to make a meaningful impact on the Port of Ridgefield and the broader Pacific Northwest community.
Outside of work, Abbi enjoys life in Hockinson, Washington, with her husband Kirk and their two children, where they can often be found exploring the outdoors and staying connected with family and friends.
Welcome Abbi, we look forward to working with you!
Congratulations to Gunderson Marine & Iron on Another Successful Launch
PNWA congratulates Dee Burch and the entire Gunderson Marine & Iron team on the successful launch of the McMurdo Docking Barge, a remarkable achievement that highlights the company’s continued leadership in maritime innovation and industrial craftsmanship.
Developed for the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica, this floating steel pier represents a key milestone in a major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project. Designed to replace the station’s aging ice pier, the new barge will serve as a critical year-round lifeline for cargo, fuel, and personnel operating in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
PNWA was proud to stand alongside members and partners to celebrate this milestone—despite the wind and rain—and to honor the skilled workforce and industry leaders who continue to advocate for local jobs, innovation, and excellence in maritime manufacturing.