HANSA 03-2018

Häfen | Ports
First automated terminal in L.A.
The supporting circumstances – the booming U.S. industry and
the expanded Panama Canal, just to name two – led to very positive
results for quite a few U.S. ports in 2017.
One example is West Coast hub Los Angeles, the nation’s
busiest container port, which is coming off of back-to-back record-breaking
years. In 2017, the container port saw a throughput
of 9.3 mill. TEUs, a 5.5% improvement over 2016’s record
year. »We’ve had an extraordinary run these last two years, and
we are optimistic about 2018. Record cargo numbers are providing
us the opportunity to invest more in our port infrastructure,«
a spokesperson tells HANSA. To adapt for future challenges,
Los Angeles is working on several expansion projects.
TraPac, a subsidiary of Japan-based Mitsui O.S.K. Lines,
has expanded through a five-year, 510 mill. $ programme that
has extended its wharves to 4,600 linear feet, deepened water
depth at Berths 144–147, installed new cranes, upgraded and
electrified backlands, constructed road and gate improvements
and terminal buildings, and built a new on-dock rail facility. All
programme elements have been constructed and the terminal is
now operating with new electrified equipment. »Construction
of on-dock rail and the final phase of backland improvements
were completed in 2017, making the Port of Los Angeles home to
the first automated terminal and rail facility on the West Coast,«
the spokesperson adds.
Container traffic in loaded TEUs
(not including empties) January–November
2017 2016
Los Angeles 8,563,980 8,060,247 6.2%
Long Beach 6,847,595 6,226,242 10.0%
New York / New Jersey 6,166,851 5,723,821 7.7%
Savannah 3,723,099 3,352,348 11.1%
Seattle Tacoma
Seaport Alliance
3,358,837 3,299,545 1.8%
Hampton Roads 2,603,495 2,426,082 7.3%
Houston 2,250,850 2,009,464 12.0%
Oakland 2,212,646 2,369,641 -6.6%
Charleston 1,994,673 1,831,801 8.9%
Jacksonville 992,245 901,602 10.1%
In October, the Los Angeles Harbor Commission certified
the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed
improvement project for the »Everport Container Terminal Improvements
Project«. Everport’s proposed plan is to deepen its
berths and improve its terminal facilities, allowing the terminal
operator to accommodate the larger next-generation vessels.
The 58 mill. $ project would increase berth depth up to 53 feet.
Construction is expected to start in late 2018.
Source: AAPA
Commitment
to Service
The Port of Long Beach is the greenest,
fastest, most efficient gateway for
goods moving to and from Asia and
marketplaces across America.
We’re keeping our competitive edge
while working sustainably, offering
unrivaled customer service while we
build the Green Port of the Future.
www.POLB.com
HANSA International Maritime Journal – 155. Jahrgang – 2018 – Nr. 3 79