September 23, 2024 | Page 50

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CALIFORNIA GATEWAY

“ A 10,000-foot-long on-dock train with containers stacked two high will replace 750 truck trips , relieving traffic on local roads and freeways ,” Cordero said . In addition , the port ’ s Channel Deepening Project — with dredging set to start in 2028 and finish in 2031 — will create deeper , wider channels , reducing the need for large vessels to transfer cargo to smaller ships . A major aspect of this project is the deepening of the Long Beach Approach Channel from 76 to 80 feet . The port will share the $ 209 million cost with the US Army Corps of Engineers .

“ This builds on our previous work to be big-ship ready as the container ship fleet continues to increase in average vessel size ,” Cordero added .

West Coast ports faced increased congestion and disruptions prior to the June 2023 contract ratification between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union ( ILWU ) and US West Coast employers . The six-year contract covers approximately 22,000 workers at all 29 ports along the West Coast .

“ This agreement sent notice to the industry that West Coast labor and management are serious about providing unparalleled service , efficiency and reliability ,” Cordero said .

Today , West Coast ports are closely monitoring the International Longshore Association contract negotiations impacting its East and Gulf coast counterparts .

“ The uncertainty surrounding contract negotiations between employers and labor may result in diversions to the Port of Long Beach ,” Cordero said . “ Should this happen , we have the necessary capacity to ensure the smooth functioning of the national supply chain if we ’ re called upon to handle more cargo . Meanwhile , we hope the parties are able to reach a mutually beneficial and fair contract agreement .”

The port says it has plenty of capacity across its terminals and stays in contact with its partners , including trucking companies , railroads and chassis-leasing companies , to prepare for any cargo surge .

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Building buffer capacity

“ We learned a lot during the pandemic and are now equipped with tools we can deploy , including extended operating hours at terminals , the STOR [ Short-term Overflow Resource Yard ] facility , or Pier S for overflow cargo and slow steaming to the port complex ,” Cordero said .

In partnership with the ILWU , The Pacific Companies operates the 100- acre Pier S at the Port of Long Beach . The site wasn ’ t in use until the COVID-19 pandemic , when port leadership turned to company CEO and chairman Joseph S . Gregorio , Sr ., and his team to set up a near-dock yard to ease congestion caused by 100 anchored ships at the terminals .

“ Thanks to The Pacific Companies ’ close relationship with the ILWU and the Port of Long Beach , we moved in K-rails

A global leader in operational excellence and top-notch customer service , the Port of Long Beach moves cargo with reliability , speed and efficiency — making it the premier US gateway for trans-Pacific trade .

Located in Southern California and part of the San Pedro Bay ports complex , the busiest in the nation , the Port of Long Beach handles trade valued at $ 200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the United States , including 575,000 in Southern California and 1 in 5 jobs in Long Beach .

Spanning 3,200 acres with 31 miles of waterfront , 10 piers , 72 post-Panamax cranes and some of the deepest berths in the country , the port ’ s facilities can accommodate the largest shipping vessels in the world .

In 2021 , the port completed the final phase of the world ’ s most technologically advanced container terminal — Long Beach Container Terminal .

Projects valued at $ 2.3 billion In the next 10 years , the port is planning $ 2.3 billion in modernization projects to further prepare for the demands of global trade , including the $ 1.6 billion Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility , designed to triple the volume of on-dock rail capacity handled annually .

The port ’ s capital improvement program is designed to enhance marine terminal productivity , deliver greater efficiency to our customers and improve the sustainability of our operations .

Digital innovation A data solution known as the “ Supply Chain Information Highway ” is under development by the Port of Long Beach to offer the industry a flexible , safe source of data , giving operators the information they need , when they need it .

And by operating Foreign-Trade Zone 50 , the Port of Long Beach helps qualifying businesses to decrease their operating costs and increase cash flow by reducing , deferring or eliminating customs duties and excise taxes .

Customers choose the Port of Long Beach for the most dependable , cost-effective and fastest delivery of goods in the world , along with the strong relationships it maintains with industry , community , environmental advocates and partner agencies . In 2024 , industry leaders named it “ The Best West Coast Seaport in North America ” for the sixth consecutive year . For more information , visit polb . com .

50 Journal of Commerce | September 23 , 2024 www . joc . com