New harbor commission president backs Long Beach port plans

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.