Cargo Business Newswire

Monday, January 25, 2016

Long Beach port head promises faster, cleaner and safer cargo movement

Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup promised in his second annual State of the Port address last week to carry forward his concept of the Port of the Future — a model of faster, cleaner and safer goods movement that benefits and protects the local economy, the community and the environment.

"It is the vision of those who came before us that got us here. We now need the courage to think in new ways and make bold decisions that fly in the face of convention," Slangerup said. "Together, we have the opportunity to transform the Port of Long Beach from a world-class port into the world’s best port."

Slangerup acknowledged the challenges and congestion that slowed cargo movement one year ago when dozens of cargo ships waited for days for a chance to come into the harbor complex.

He noted how the port complex, working with industry partners, labor and the community, rebounded quickly and set new cargo records with the port moving 7.2 million TEUs in 2015.

Slangerup underscored the importance of the Supply Chain Optimization (SCO) collaboration between the Port of Long Beach and the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, as well as industry partners and community stakeholders. SCO will enhance efficiency, preventing the kind of congestion that was evident 12 months ago, offering more business-attracting advantages and delivering a cleaner, more sustainable future, he said.

Slangerup updated the audience on the port’s $4 billion modernization plan that includes opening Phase 1 of the automated Middle Harbor terminal in the spring to accommodate the world’s biggest and cleanest ships. It also includes replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge with a taller, safer bridge, and an expansion of on-dock rail to move more cargo safely and cleanly.

Slangerup noted the Port of Long Beach’s value proposition of being the fastest, most efficient way to move cargo from Asia to the American consumer.