Port announces completion of Long Beach Container Terminal

The Port of Long Beach Friday announced the completion of the Long Beach Container Terminal at Middle Harbor, billed as one of the most technologically advanced cargo facilities in the world.

Equipped with nearly all electric and zero-emissions equipment, LBCT at Middle Harbor is designed to strengthen competitiveness, improve cargo flow and dramatically enhance air quality amid an era of significant growth at the nation’s second-busiest seaport.

“We are proud to have one of the greenest ports in America in the Port of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “The completion of this new terminal is a testament to our city’s continued commitment to sustainability and green technology.”

Construction of the $1.493 billion project started in May 2011. The first part of the terminal opened five years later with the completion of Phase 1, allowing the terminal to begin operations across an initial 151 acres. Phase 2 wrapped up in October 2017, expanding the facility to 191 acres.

“As the world’s first all-electric, zero-emission mega terminal, LBCT sets the industry standard for moving cargo sustainably while keeping the Port competitive and supporting vital jobs,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Long Beach port. “It is truly a technological marvel that will allow us to increase our throughput, improve air quality and maintain our status as a leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

The third and final phase concluded in July, growing the terminal to 300 acres with a completed container yard, an administration building and an on- dock rail yard designed to handle 1.1 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit) annually to minimize truck traffic on local roads and freeways.

Additionally, 14 of the most modern ship-to-shore gantry cranes line a new, 4,200-foot-long concrete wharf capable of welcoming three massive ships at once, making the port “big ship” ready into the future. Another three acres will be added in 2025 with the opening of the North Gate Expansion, completing the terminal with 303 acres.

“This new terminal charts a new course for greener cargo operations and strengthens our ongoing commitment to the Green Port Policy and San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan enacted about 15 years ago,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “We thank our partners at Long Beach Container Terminal for collaborating with us over the past decade to develop the most advanced, greenest terminal in the world.”

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