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Port of Long Beach dubbed 2022 as the "year of transformation" citing operations and infrastructure investments planned this year.
Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said during a virtual State of the Port address that transformation is needed across the supply chain in order to accommodate the growth and future opportunities in international trade.
"We continue to debate the same issues year after year, while the operational model remains status quo – never changing," Cordero said. "The test is not in how many containers we move but in how we transform and build a port that benefits everyone."
He added that technology, partnerships and a continued shift toward 24-hour operations will aid the entire goods movement industry from the docks to doorsteps.
Port of Long Beach noted that later this month, a soft launch is scheduled for the "Supply Chain Information Highway," a data-sharing tool that will maximize efficiency by tracking cargo across various modes of transportation.
The Port said it will continue to enhance on-dock rail to accelerate cargo movement, through improved rail infrastructure and partnerships.
24-hour port operations
Additionally, the Port of Long Beach noted that it will advocate for 24-hour operations for the entire supply chain – shipping terminals, warehouses, trucking and other critical links.
"Despite challenges in the global economy, it’s been an incredible year for the Port of Long Beach," said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. "And that's thanks to all of our incredible workers at our ports. Everyone has been working extremely hard to make sure we meet America’s needs and efficiently move cargo in and out of our port."
The Port — which is the United States' second busiest container port — ended 2021 with 9,384,368 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) processed, up 15.7% from the previous record of more than 8.11 million TEUs moved in 2020.
It noted that the significant increase in cargo was driven by evolving consumer spending habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumer demand for travel and entertainment declined due to health precautions and pivoted toward online spending.
The port noted that some key projects were also completed in 2021 including the final phase of the Long Beach Container Terminal, among "the greenest, most technologically advanced terminal in North America," along with the adjacent Fireboat Station No. 15.
Rail improvements to start in 2023
Over the next decade, the Port said it plans to invest in rail improvements that will improve efficiency, reduce truck trips and lessen environmental impacts amid increases in cargo.
It said construction for such will begin in 2023 on the Port's rail program centerpiece, the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which will allow longer trains to be created more frequently.
The Port also cited its continued dedication to enhancing the environment.
"Looking ahead, the Port plans to transform the drayage truck fleet to zero-emissions by 2035, funded by a Clean Truck Fund rate starting in April," its statement said, adding that terminal operators are also doing their part by deploying zero-emission cranes, vehicles and yard equipment.
