The Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Eugene Seroka, announced that the port handled 10.3 million TEUs in 2024, its second-best year in history. This represents a significant increase of nearly 20% compared to 2023, with a record-breaking 1.7 million more TEUs moved, reports AJOT.
Cybersecurity Operations
The “State of the Port” event, hosted by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), took place on January 23rd at the Port of Los Angeles, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees. During the event, Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, highlighted significant investments made by Union Pacific and BNSF, the two major Western railroads, to enhance cargo flow in and out of San Pedro Bay.
Seroka also emphasized the port’s advancements in data processing. He noted the establishment of a Cyber Security Operations Center ten years ago and the subsequent development of the Port Optimizer, a one-stop information portal launched in 2017. This portal enhances data sharing and improves the predictability and timeliness of goods movement. Seroka expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated dockworkers, emphasizing their crucial role in the port’s success. He acknowledged the contributions of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) members, truckers, and other waterfront workers, who are responsible for loading, unloading, and moving cargo.
To enhance the skills and career prospects of these workers, the Port of Los Angeles has launched several initiatives. These include the establishment of a Maintenance and Repair Training Center on Terminal Island in collaboration with the ILWU and PMA. This 16-million-dollar facility offers programs to reskill and upskill ILWU workers.
The port is also actively involved in developing the Goods Movement Training Facility, a joint initiative with the Port of Long Beach, the ILWU, PMA, and the California Workforce Development Board. This initiative aims to ensure that every worker has the necessary skills to thrive in a safe and efficient work environment.
Terminal Expansion
Seroka highlighted the unveiling of plans for the Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, a landmark project expected to attract millions of visitors annually. This long-term project is slated for completion by 2030, followed by a major renovation of the existing World Cruise Center.
Seroka emphasized the significant economic impact of cruise activity on the community. Each cruise ship visit generates over $1.2 million in local payroll and business activity. With cruise passenger numbers expected to exceed 1.5 million this year, the port is experiencing a period of significant growth.
Seroka acknowledged the growing presence of cruise ship operators at the Port of Los Angeles. He mentioned the introduction of larger ships by Royal Caribbean and the launch of a new Alaska cruise by Princess Cruises.
Seroka concluded by highlighting the thriving waterfront environment, driven by the increasing cruise activity and the positive impact it has on the local economy. Seroka highlighted the significant reduction in emissions at the San Pedro Bay ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. He emphasized that emissions levels have reached their lowest point since 2005, a testament to the hard work of industry stakeholders and advancements in technology.
Seroka noted that the ports have exceeded their initial emissions reduction goals set in 2005. DPM (diesel particulate matter) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) levels are significantly lower than anticipated. Despite a 15% increase in TEU count and overall business activity, greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 24%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the port’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact.
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Source: AJOT
