Port of Los Angeles (POLA) handled 9.9 million TEUs in 2022 in its second-best annual performance, just like its twin port of Long Beach.
Los Angeles was for the 23rd consecutive year the busiest container port in the United States, leaving the other port giant in San Pedro Bay, the port of Long Beach, in second place.
At his annual State of the Port address, POLA’s executive director, Gene Seroka, outlined priorities for 2023, focussing on economic growth, job creation, improving the quality of life for surrounding port communities, and furthering sustainable, zero-emission business operations.
Seroka said the Californain port will continue to lead technology innovation in the maritime industry to drive further efficiency, while he also announced new features to its Port Optimizer™ digital tracking portal, including providing exporters more predictability and tracking capability on outbound shipping services.
“Data infrastructure gives us tremendous insight into supply chain issues, trends and process improvement opportunities which were simply not available before,” pointed out Seroka, adding that these new tools will enhance the stability and growth of America’s global trade.
POLA’s executive director cited the Port’s Public Access Investment Plan (PAIP) – which ties cargo success to community investment – as a critical link to improving the quality of life in communities surrounding the Port of Los Angeles.
Since 2015, the PAIP has funded nearly US$234 million in new public-serving waterfront infrastructure, including new roadways, public promenades and other community amenities, while progress on several major public access projects will continue in 2023, including the debut of the US$71 million Wilmington Waterfront Promenade in April.
Furthermore, Seroka said that decarbonisation efforts will continue in 2023 with the deployment of more clean trucks and additional zero-emission port equipment. POLA aims to reach its goals of zero-emission cargo-handling equipment by 2030, and zero-emission trucks by 2035.
Seroka added that the Port of Los Angeles will participate in the statewide coalition that will apply for a US$1.4 billion US Department of Energy grant to establish a green hydrogen hub at the San Pedro Bay port complex.
