POLB Briefs: Port Has Second Busiest August and Harbor Commission Approves Dredging Projects

Port of Long Beach Has Second-Busiest August

LONG BEACH — Cargo volume in August at the Port of Long Beach fell just short of another record month as a slowdown in consumer spending in the U.S. continued.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 806,940 twenty-foot-equivalent units of container cargo last month, down just 764 TEUs – 0.1% – from August 2021, which was the busiest August ever. Imports were down 5.6% to 384,530 TEUs and exports increased 1.6% to 121,408 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port increased 7.2% to 301,001 TEUs.

Falling gas prices alleviated worries about inflation, but consumer spending remained flat in August.

The port delayed the start of a “Container Dwell Fee” that would charge ocean carriers for containers that remain too long on the docks. Still, the San Pedro Bay ports – Long Beach and Los Angeles combined – have seen a 50% decline in aging cargo on the docks since the program was announced on Oct. 25.

Board Approves Port of Long Beach Dredging Projects

LONG BEACH — A critical channel deepening project that will help move cargo more efficiently to and from the U.S. advanced sept. 12, after the Long Beach Harbor Commission concluded an extensive environmental review process and greenlit the endeavor.

The work will also allow the port to welcome newer, cleaner and more efficient cargo vessels. The Port of Long Beach and the federal government will share the costs, estimated at almost $170 million. The port’s portion is estimated at $109 million.

Among other features, the project includes deepening the Long Beach Approach Channel from 76 feet to 80 feet deep, easing turning bends in the main channel to deepen a wider area to 76 feet, deepening parts of the West Basin from 50 to 55 feet, constructing an approach channel and turning basin to Pier J South with a depth of 55 feet, improving the breakwaters at the entrance to Pier J, and depositing dredged material in nearshore sites for refuse or in federally approved ocean disposal sites.

Last October, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concluded a multi-year federal study that showed deepening and widening channels in the harbor would lead to improved vessel navigation, safety, and national economic benefits of almost $21 million annually. In July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a record of decision concluding the federal environmental review process for the project. The important milestone opens the way for projects to compete for federal funding. 

Details: Find the approved environmental impact report at www.polb.com/ceqa.