Port Predicts Stronger 2017

The Port of Long Beach is looking at a strong 2017.

LOS ANGELES—It’s no secret. The Port of Long Beach had more than a few obstacles in 2016, including the Hanjin Bankruptcy that caused a major slowdown at the port and a change in leadership after CEO Jon Slangerup stepped down. Additionally, 2015 was a record-breaking year for the port, making it a challenge for 2016 to produce year-over-year gains. Despite the challenges, 2016 was still the fifth best year in the port’s history. Looking ahead, the port has a positive outlook for 2017 and remains committed to sustainability.

“The challenges of 2016 were tough for many in the industry,” Lee Peterson of the Port of Long Beach, tells GlobeSt.com. “The unfortunate bankruptcy of Hanjin saw the end of a longtime partnership between the Port and Hanjin. Of course our cargo flows did decline, but we expect that that cargo will return to Long Beach this year. Our CEO moved on, but we had Duane Kenagy to immediately step in as interim CEO, and we had the continuity of the Harbor Commission to lead the Port as well.”