Trade group recognizes Port for strengthening U.S. supply chain

The Port of Long Beach was honored recently for its leadership and vision in strengthening the U.S. intermodal freight transportation system — earning recognition for its renowned efforts to deliver economic, operational and environmental benefits throughout the nation’s supply chain.

In announcing its inaugural award, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) said the Port was “selected for its sustained leadership in strengthening the nation’s intermodal freight network through strategic infrastructure investment, digital innovation, operational excellence, environmental stewardship and collaboration across the supply chain.”

IANA commended the Port for its role as “a catalyst for innovation across North America’s intermodal transportation system.”

“We are honored to be selected as the first recipient of the Intermodal Innovation Award and to be recognized by the intermodal community for our contributions to a faster, cleaner and more efficient intermodal network,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “This recognition validates our efforts and invigorates our vision to double our container throughput by 2050 and build the Port of the Future by investing in zero-emissions operations, greater rail connectivity and strategic partnerships to decarbonize trans-Pacific trade routes and inland transportation corridors.”

The Port of Long Beach is undertaking a 10-year $3.3 billion capital improvement program, the centerpiece of which is the $1.8 billion Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility designed to triple the volume of cargo moved by rail when completed in 2032.

“We thank IANA for the first Intermodal Innovation Award and are grateful for the recognition,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “It inspires us and our many public and private sector partners who are committed to building the Port of the Future and serving as a model for supply chain players around the world.”

See a video with Hacegaba on the award.

The Port of Long Beach is building the Port of the Future, guided by its bold new 2050 vision and a plan to double annual container volumes to 20 million TEUs by 2050. By strategically modernizing the Port’s infrastructure with $3.3 billion in capital investments over the next decade and developing digital systems to dramatically enhance efficiency and visibility, the Port is also becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port. Today the Port moves cargo valued at $300 billion a year and generates 2.7 million jobs across the U.S., as it continues to lead the world on sustainability programs and plans to double those benefits by doubling volume. As one of only 18 commercial strategic seaports in the U.S. with a duty to support force deployment during national defense emergencies, a community partner that offers $3 million per year in sponsorships for local nonprofits and a major catalyst for workforce development creating opportunities for students far and wide, the Port is well-positioned for even higher achievements. After all, industry leaders named Long Beach “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for an eighth consecutive year. The Port of Long Beach. Always open. Always moving.