The Port of Long Beach is unwavering in its commitment to sustainability and modernization. At the annual State of the Port event last week, Bonnie Lowenthal of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners discussed the port's efforts and plans for the future.

"Change seems to be the only constant, but the port has a history of being agile. Over the years, the port has grown its business and grown green," Lowenthal, president of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners said at the event. "The port has invested in shore power and other sustainability efforts to make the world's greenest port." The Gerald Desmond Bridge renovation and Long Beach Container Terminal are two of the major modernization projects the port has undertaken in the last decade, and according to Lowenthal, they are "nearing the finish line."

The Port of Long Beach has invested $65 million to reduce environmental impacts, and since 2007, $9 million in sponsorships to improve the community. "We did this while also growing jobs," said Lowenthal. "While the port once supported one in eight jobs, the port has increased its employment impact to one in five jobs in Long Beach. That is 51,000 jobs just in our city nationwide."

Looking ahead to 2020, the port will only continue to meet its goals, all in an effort to improve sustainability and global performance. The future is unpredictable. We can continue to grow business and jobs," said Lowenthal. "To create even more jobs, we must enhance our competitiveness, financial strength and sustainability. It is interesting to note that as California reinvented ourselves time and again, so has the port. Our business is changing in front of our eyes, and we are changing with it."

Customer service plays a significant role in the port's future plans. "We need to be responsive to our customers. We are unrivaled in our commitment to our customer service," Lowenthal said. "It will keep us the port of choice."

To support its growth, the port is also focused on moving cargo efficiently. "We have updated our strategic business plan to meet our goals and achieve operational excellence and the predictable, reliable and efficient movement of cargo," said Lowenthal. "We are committed to attracting more business and moving cargo more efficiently while being green. I believe strongly that every great gateway needs rail access. We are laser focused on improving rail infrastructure in Long Beach."

The port is also supporting long-term growth by building a robust labor pool while supporting current workers. "We are committed to supporting our dockworkers as we face changes in our industry," said Lowenthal. "We will continue to find a path forward that supports all for us, and that is why it is important to educate and train the workforce of the future. This year, we significantly increased our scholarships to $125,000 for students pursuing studies in global trade, goods movement, engineering and environmental sciences."

Instant Insights /

Port of Long Beach Continues to Push Sustainability in 2020

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