John C. Driscoll, Director/CEO, Alabama State Port Authority

https://asdd.com/
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John C. Driscoll

VIRUS: The causative agent of infectious disease.

In 2020, the port industry faced down the causative virus SARS-CoV-2, officially known as COVID-19. As if tariffs, applied technology, carbon footprint reductions, workforce challenges and global market uncertainty were not enough, ports had to confront head-on a global pandemic to maintain operations and keep commerce moving.

Jobs, supply chains, fair trade, and efficient cross-border transportation solutions serve as the cornerstones of economic prosperity. COVID-19 taught us the value of rapid reaction followed by decisive and consistent action. Early on, ports pulled on their emergency ops plans, but ports also had to mask up and quickly adjust their plans and business practices to reduce risk, ensure continuity of service, and remain relevant in an ever-changing market.

Carefully crafted organizational structures are key to running multi-dimensional ports, but structure must be paired with better, faster, consistent performance. Imagine how the markets will look if we all practice what COVID-19 forced us to learn.