The neighboring US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach revealed intentions to strengthen collaborative measures in the areas of cargo movement efficiency, connectivity, workforce development, cyber security and metrics, under a new agreement approved by their respective Harbor Commissions.
The largest seaport complex in the US will work with industry stakeholders to identify operational issues to unlock additional efficiencies and lower costs for shippers while boosting sustainability.
Our two ports are the fastest way to move goods between Asia and U.S. markets and manufacturers. The kind of cooperation that will flow from this agreement ensures we will continue to be the most efficient gateway for shippers,
…said Port of Long Beach Executive Director, Mario Cordero.
The Port of LA and the Port of Long Beach are the US’ first and second biggest container ports, respectively.
Sharing the San Pedro Bay, the two ports move 37% of the nation’s containerized imports and 25% of its exports.
More than 3 million jobs nationwide are connected to the complex. Meanwhile, the ports continue to face competitive challenges for market share.
In today’s competitive environment, where cargo owners have more choices, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are stronger when working together, collaborating with all of our labor, industry, environmental and community stakeholders,
…said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Bonnie Lowenthal.
As such, the newly approved MoU will pave the way for the ports to explore five areas of additional cooperation to enhance competitiveness:
- cargo transfer predictability,
- digital connectivity,
- cyber security,
- establishing metrics and
- workforce development.
Both the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners and Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners have approved the MoU.
The first steps will be for the staffs of the two ports to establish a work plan that will prioritize efforts, create work groups and define objectives for each of the areas outlined in the MoU.
America’s two largest and most competitive ports have a long and successful history of collaborating on key issues. This agreement significantly expands these efforts and underscores our shared commitment to lead and succeed,
…noted Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
