Pacific Merchant Shipping Association

Pacific Merchant Shipping Association PMSA is an independent, not-for-profit shipping association that focuses on issues affecting international trade. www.pmsaship.com

05/15/2026

As we continue our celebration of @ Women in Maritime Day, we're proud to spotlight Frances Ohlheiser, Director of Communications at , whose years of experience in port operations have helped pave the way for so many women in maritime.

In her Amazing Women in Maritime video, Fran takes us on a tour of Yusen Terminals and walks us through a day in her life, giving us an inside look at what it takes to keep one of the West Coast's busiest terminals running.

Her story is one of dedication, deep industry knowledge, and the kind of quiet leadership that lifts everyone around it.

If you missed Wednesday's compilation featuring proudest career moments from the women in this campaign, watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gihwMb49

If you missed our conversation with Kristi McKenney from the Port of Oakland, watch it here: https://lnkd.in/g5cgGAbw

If you missed our introduction to all of the incredible women featured in this campaign, watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gFjQApsi

05/13/2026

Our Amazing Women in Maritime campaign continues with a special compilation featuring some of the inspiring women spotlighted throughout this series

In this compilation, some of the incredible women featured throughout the campaign reflect on the moments in their maritime careers that have made them proudest: from career milestones and hard-earned accomplishments to the experiences that continue to inspire them every day.

Their stories are a powerful reminder of the leadership, resilience, and impact women bring to the maritime industry.

A special thank you to all our Amazing Women who shared their stories in this video: Tong Zhu, Theresa Dau-Ngo, Sarah Tong Sangmeister, Tamekia Flack, Dana Henderson, Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Natasha Villa, Sandra Grujić, MBA, CPA, Laura Germany, Valerie Do Carmo, Thais Howard, and Alexis Coria.

If you missed yesterday’s video featuring Kristi McKenney from , watch it here: https://lnkd.in/g5cgGAbw

If you missed our introduction to all of the women featured in this campaign, watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gFjQApsi

05/12/2026

Making history doesn't happen overnight, but sometimes it starts with one appointment.

We're proud to spotlight Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the , and the first woman ever appointed to lead it. In her Amazing Women in Maritime video, Kristi takes us through her role, a day in her life at one of the West Coast's most vital ports, and what it meant, personally and professionally, to step into that seat for the first time.

Her story is one of leadership, perseverance, and what's possible when doors that were once closed finally open.

Make sure to watch yesterday's video that introduced you to all the Amazing Women in Maritime: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/portofla-portoflongbeach-nwsa-ugcPost-7459306194164424704-gA86?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACrfUWwBEHFDAhrYfHh4TautR2K7uqoSXb0

Stay tuned for tomorrow's story!

05/12/2026

In honor of Internation Maritime Organization's International Women in Maritime Day and Maritime Month, we're proud to launch our second annual Amazing Women in Maritime campaign.

Over the next 7 days leading to International Women in Maritime Day on May 18th, we'll be sharing stories from women across the maritime industry, what they are most proud of, and what they want the next generation to know.

These women are the industry. And we're here to make sure everyone knows it.

Thank you to our Amazing Women in Maritime: Josefina Khalidy, Jessica Alvarenga Raddi, Kate McGowan, Frances Ohlheiser, Captain Tamara Colette, Meghan Weinman, Valerie Do Carmo, Tong Zhu, Sarah Tong Sangmeister, Laura Germany, Angie Gilbride, Lee Kindberg, Ph.D. GCB.D, Kristi McKenney, Tamekia Flack, Tammy France, Ashley Rico, Asuka Kawakami, Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Alexis Coria, Dana Henderson, Bridget Brumm, Theresa Dau-Ngo, Natasha Villa, Thais Howard, and Katherine Foster.

Stay tuned!

TEUs are not all created equal. A box full of goods and a box full of air both count the same in the headline numbers, b...
05/07/2026

TEUs are not all created equal. A box full of goods and a box full of air both count the same in the headline numbers, but they don't mean the same thing economically. Economist Jock O'Connell on why loads count more than empties, and what that means for the LA vs. Long Beach conversation. Read more: https://ow.ly/S6Sy50YUiIN

Southern California ports are back on their footing, but the West Coast's market share story is more complicated. PMSA P...
05/05/2026

Southern California ports are back on their footing, but the West Coast's market share story is more complicated. PMSA President Mike Jacob breaks down what the record 2024-2025 San Pedro Bay numbers actually mean, what's still being left on the table, and why the competitive window won't stay open forever. Read more: https://www.pmsaship.com/maritime-insights-blog/southern-california-ports-have-regained-their-growth-footing-but-west-coast-gateways-still-have-a-heavy-lift-to-full-recovery

04/30/2026

Stay tuned for what's coming this May.

For 70 years, containerization has revolutionized the movement of goods across the globe, setting new standards for effi...
04/27/2026

For 70 years, containerization has revolutionized the movement of goods across the globe, setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and scale.

What began as a simple idea has evolved into a cornerstone of modern trade, driven by continuous innovation and industry collaboration.

PMSA is proud to support a sector that continues to advance, powering economic growth and strengthening global connections.

PMSA celebrates our ocean carrier members who earned their Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Vessel Speed Reduction ...
04/23/2026

PMSA celebrates our ocean carrier members who earned their Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Awards for the 2025 season!

Together, participating carriers have voluntarily achieved:
🐋 40% reduction in whale strike risk
💨 260,000 MT of greenhouse gas emissions reduced
🌿 7,394 tons of NOx eliminated

PMSA has championed voluntary VSR programs for 25 years -- and with the passage of AB 14 (Assemblymember Gregg Hart this life-saving program is now expanded statewide. This is what industry-led environmental leadership looks like.

Congratulations to all award recipients. Your commitment to cleaner air and safer seas makes a real difference.

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475 14th Street, Suite 300
Oakland, CA
94612

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