American Association of Port Authorities | 10,093 followers on LinkedIn. Critical to your port, your people and your business | Founded in 1912, AAPA is the unified and collective voice of the seaport industry in the Americas. AAPA empowers port authorities, maritime industry partners and service providers to serve their global customers and create economic and social value for their communities. Our activities, resources and partnerships connect, inform and unify seaport leaders and maritime professionals in all segments of the industry who deliver prosperity around the Western Hemisphere.