Port of Los Angeles extends fruit terminal contract

The terminal operator SSA Pacific has handled Chilean fruit imports and exports at the Port of Los Angeles since 1988 and will now continue to do so for at least another five years, according the Southern California port.    The Port of Los Angeles has approved a five-year lease extension for the continued termination operation by SSA Pacific, Inc., according to a statement from the Southern California port.
   SSA Pacific has operated the 14-acre break bulk terminal, located at Berths 53-55, since 1988. The facility specializes in receiving refrigerated cargo ships and assembling, distributing, loading and unloading pallets of fresh Chilean fruit.
   The season for importing Chilean fresh fruit extends from December to April, and during the last season, the port handled more than 82,000 metric tons of Chilean fresh fruit, nearly one-fifth of all fruits and vegetables imported through Los Angeles, according to the port.
   “SSA Marine is pleased to continue the partnership with the Port of Los Angeles and provide a long term home for the importation of high quality Chilean fruit,” said William Fitz, Regional Vice President of SSA Marine.
   The renewal extends SSA’s lease with the port through Oct. 31, 2022 and the Los Angeles City Council is expected to finalize the agreement in the coming months, according to the port.