Cargo traffic at State of the Port register 11 percent surge in 2017

January 26, 2018: Surmounting all challenges, US-based Port of Long Beach notched its busiest year ever in 2017, moving 7.54 million twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo, thereby registering an increase of over 11 percent.

Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach said that prudent management and planning helped the port to navigate the changing landscape and handle the enormous container ships now plying the world's oceans.

Cordero expects predictable, reliable, efficient and fast trade operations to continue and grow the port's business by 2020 and beyond.

He described Port of Long Beach as a 24/7 port equipped with state-of-the-art technology, similar to online retailer Amazon and electric vehicle builder, Tesla.

“We are planning to redesign and build our port which will be second to none, both environmentally and operationally, said Cordero.

Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum recalling how the port charted a new course over the last 12 months by finding a tenant for a terminal vacated by the bankruptcy of a major shipping line.

Bynum also noted that the commission had approved updated clean air strategies to improve the port's position as a global sustainability leader, and increased the level of funding for community grants to mitigate emissions in the region.

“Business is once again booming, and the commission remains committed to serving our customers and community at the Port of Long Beach,” said Bynum.

“We will continue to be the leading Green Port devoted to a strategy that embraces powerful economic development and unrivaled environmental sustainability and social responsibility,” he said.

Cordero said Port of Long Beach will continue to leverage its reputation for customer service, and will blend it with its world-leading productivity and sustainability.

“Zero emissions remains our ultimate goal. For us to continue to grow sustainably, our port must be better prepared than other North American ports to bring goods on vessels that plug into clean shore power, move on zero-emission yard equipment and cranes, and are transferred quickly onto the most efficient network of trucks and trains. That's how consumers will get what they want, when they want it. That's how we will all thrive in this current e-commerce environment,” he said.