Freight News, People, Sea

Nardi, Rothberg Honored at CII’s Connie Awards

[ January 8, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) said John Nardi, president of the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey, received the Connie Award, while Steven Rothberg, founding partner of Mercator International LLC, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at an awards luncheon Dec. 8 at the Marriott Newark Liberty Airport.

Nardi was fêted for his leadership and contributions to the maritime and intermodal sectors. The 35-year industry veteran helped shape the Port of New York and New Jersey through landmark labor agreements, operational improvements and stakeholder collaboration. He previously held senior positions at Atlantic Container Line and Hapag-Lloyd.

Rothberg was recognized for his nearly five decades of work in global freight transportation, port development and intermodal innovation. Rothberg began his career at Southern Pacific Railroad, where he helped create the first double-stack intermodal train service in North America. His leadership at United States Lines, Sea-Land Service, Macquarie Capital, and later as a founding partner of Mercator International has influenced infrastructure investment and strategy at ports and terminals worldwide.

As part of its longstanding mission to support industry education, CII also presented 36 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in logistics, transportation, supply chain management and maritime programs. Scholarships were awarded to individual students as well as to educational institutions preparing the next generation of industry professionals.

CII, founded in 1960 to support intermodalism and education, has awarded more than US$1 million in scholarships to date. CII offers the industry educational conferences, seminars, scholarships and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.containerization.org.

Tags: Connie Award, Containerization and Intermodal Institute, Shipping Assocation of New York and New Jersey