The Port of Los Angeles processed around 10.7 million TEU during 2021 – a new record.
Breaking its previous calendar year record by 13%, throughput figures are also a Western Hemisphere record announced by Port Executive Diretor Gene Seroka.
During the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association’s seventh annual ‘State of the Port’ event, Seroka applauded renewed national attention and government investment being made into ports worldwide – including the $17 billion earmarked from the newly-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“This level of funding represents a monumental opportunity for ports,” said Seroka. “Beyond freight system improvements, it will fund much-needed digital and cybersecurity infrastructure. It supports our creation of a future-ready goods movement workforce, and it aligns with our mission to lead the nation in the development of zero-emissions port drayage.”
Seroka outlined upcoming port initiatives for 2022, including:
•Workforce Development and Job Creation – Seroka emphasised the importance of workforce development and its critical contributions to the goods movement industry – from longshore labour to truck drivers and warehouse workers. The Port’s planned Goods Movement Training Campus, which will focus on worker skill development, up-skilling and re-skilling to address the rapidly changing needs of the industry, received a huge boost this month with a three-year, $110 million commitment from California Gov. Newsom in his proposed budget. Further plans for the Training Campus will be announced later this year.
• Cybersecurity – Guarding against potential malicious cyber incidents that could threaten or disrupt the flow of cargo remains a continual focus for the port. Seroka revealed that a first-of-its-kind port cyber defense system co-developed with IBM is now in full operation. This new Cyber Resilience Center serves as an early warning system and information sharing network for port stakeholders.
• Environment – The port is currently testing 107 zero-emission and 27 near-zero emission units in the areas of cargo handling, drayage, harbour craft and ocean-going vessel operations, a number that will grow to more than 200 units over the next 18 months. This year, more than a half-dozen manufacturers will deploy next-generation drayage trucks in and around the port. Seroka also announced that in April the port will begin collecting the Clean Truck Fund Rate, which is expected to raise $130 million over the next three years. Those funds will be used to fund zero-emission trucks and fueling infrastructure development.
