Trans-Pacific Maritime

Special Report

LA-LB expanding to maintain dominant trans-Pacific share

By Bill Mongelluzzo

The busiest container gateway in the US isn’ t just getting bigger in terms of handling more cargo and larger ships; it’ s“ building smarter,” increasing capacity with an eye toward still-growing e-commerce volumes and a zero-carbon future.

With container throughput at the Los Angeles – Long Beach port complex projected to double over the next 15 years, both ports are moving full steam ahead with aggressive— but markedly different— expansion efforts to maintain their dominant position in the trans-Pacific import market.

10 Journal of Commerce | March 2, 2026 www. joc. com