14 Dec The Valley International Trade Association Newsletter – April 2015
VITA Global Networking Breakfast with The Port of Long Beach
Gina Barro from The Port of Long Beach presented at the VITA Global Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Gina discussed infrastructure projects, green port initiatives, and congestion relief strategies.
New projects include the Middle Harbor with initial cargo movement operations in late 2015, additional Ship to Shore Cranes with an outreach of 226 feet and 211 feet of clear lift above the water, and can lift two containers at a time, and a $1.3 billion replacement for the Gerald Desmond Bridge, which carries 15% of all imports brought from overseas into the U.S. to complete early 2018.
Many West Coast ports have been experiencing congestion and cargo delays since September 2014 due to several factors. Gina shared that The Port of Long Beach has made efforts to relieve this issue, including creating a near-dock container depot at the undeveloped Pier S that will allow the port to store empty containers for export delivery, relieving pressure on congested terminals, in addition to loaded containers and chassis. A peak chassis pool is also under consideration. The idea is to ensure that there is an ample supply of chassis even during peak season or when a mega-vessel is in port. The Port is prepared to purchase chassis if necessary, to ensure cargo owners can get their goods out of the port and onto store shelves.
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