Sun | Jun 7, 2026

CSA and AAPA Latam sign MOU to strengthen maritime cooperation across the region

Published:Tuesday | May 27, 2025 | 12:07 AM
Seated from left: AAPA Latam Executive President Juan Duarte, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras and CSA President William Brown sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for collaboration in training, research, digital innovation,
Contributed
Seated from left: AAPA Latam Executive President Juan Duarte, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras and CSA President William Brown sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for collaboration in training, research, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and knowledge-sharing between the Caribbean and Latin America. Witnessing the signing are (standing from left) Humberto De Castro, managing director of the Curaçao Ports Authority, CSA Vice President Maria Del Mar Rodriguez and Immediate Past President of the CSA Mark Sampson. The signing took place on May 20, during the 23rd Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) in Fort Lauderdale.

The Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) and Latin American Division of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA Latam) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), formalising a strategic partnership to promote closer collaboration between the Caribbean and Latin American port and shipping sectors.

The agreement was signed during the 23rd Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by CSA President William Brown, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras, and AAPA Latam’s Executive President, Juan Duarte.

The MOU aims to strengthen both organisations through joint activities, knowledge exchange, and best practices; promote professional development in port and shipping; and support sustainable, globally aligned maritime trade and logistics.

Additionally, the parties have agreed to explore collaboration in training and capacity building, joint research and publications, participation in events and technical committees, promotion of digital and environmental innovation, and coordinated policy and advocacy efforts on shared regional interests.

“This MOU marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership between two leading regional organizations,” said Milaika Capella Ras, general manager of the CSA. “Together, we will work to raise the standards of port operations, enhance professional development, and support sustainable maritime trade and logistics across Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Both organisations have expressed optimism that this new alliance will lead to measurable benefits for their members, including access to expanded training resources, greater visibility in international forums, and a more unified voice in advocating for regional shipping interests.

AAPA Latam, the regional arm of the American Association of Port Authorities, connects ports, terminals, and logistics stakeholders across Latin America to promote sustainable, efficient, and competitive port development. Through strategic alliances, innovation, and training, it drives modernisation and strengthens the sector’s role in regional economic growth.

Through this partnership, the CSA continues to play a leading role in advancing cooperation across the regional maritime sector. The signing of this MOU is another step toward its mission of promoting efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in Caribbean shipping.