Newly installed Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said Monday he will prioritize the infrastructure, sustainability and technology programs underpinning the Port of Long Beach’s long-term “Port of the Future” strategy.
At his first meeting as board president, Neal said the commission would maintain progress on initiatives intended to reinforce the Southern California gateway’s position in cargo handling, rail connectivity, customer service and environmental performance.
The agenda includes the port’s recently launched objective of doubling annual container throughput to 20 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2050 while transitioning to a fully zero-emissions seaport.
“Innovation has always defined the Port of Long Beach,” Neal said. “From pioneering environmental initiatives to building world-class infrastructure, we have never been afraid to explore bold ideas. Today, we are continuing that legacy by responsibly evaluating technologies that could redefine how ports operate for generations to come.”
A central infrastructure project is the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which is designed to triple the port’s on-dock rail capacity, strengthen connections to the national rail network and reduce rail dwell time from about four days to 24 hours. The project is also intended to reduce truck traffic and associated emissions in and around the harbor complex.
This week, the port purchased a 13-story office building in downtown Long Beach for $36 million, with plans to create a maritime business hub.
Neal also highlighted the port’s efforts to expand the use of electricity, hydrogen and methanol as lower-emission energy sources. He pointed to a recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration aimed at developing operational, safety and security standards for potential nuclear-energy deployment in port operations.
“As global trade continues to expand and the demand for reliable, clean energy grows, we have an opportunity to lead — not simply by adapting to change, but by helping shape it,” Neal said.
Neal is serving his second six-year term on the Harbor Commission after first joining the board in 2019. He previously chaired the commission from 2021-2022 and has served two terms as vice president. Before joining the commission, he represented North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council from 2010-2014.
Under the city charter, the five-member Harbor Commission establishes policy for the port and oversees Chief Executive Officer Noel Hacegaba, who leads an organization of about 600 employees.
Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.
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