Yusen terminal improvements at Los Angeles

The US$44.6 million contract to upgrade berths and backlands at Berths 212-224 has been awarded to Manson Construction Co by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.

Gene Seroka, port executive director, said: “This project consists of strategic improvements to make Yusen a more agile terminal and strengthen our competitive edge. In addition to making the best use of port property, it incorporates green features and practices that further our commitment to the highest environmental standards.”

The improvements will allow Yusen to simultaneously work three container ships carrying up to 13,000, 11,000 and 6,500 teu respectively, ensuring cargo flows during peak periods and safeguarding against congestion.

Works will include deepening the berths at the terminal, adding up to four new ship-to-shore gantry cranes and equipping the terminal with up to 14 operating Post-Panamax cranes.

In addition, four new alternative maritime power (AMP) boxes will be at Berths 217-220 to provide shore to ship electrical connection facilities.

Yusen’s on-dock rail capacity will also be increased to 25% by adding a single 2900-foot line of loading track to accommodate higher container volumes in a short period of time when larger ships call.

The project incorporates 25 measures to mitigate environmental impacts during construction and ongoing terminal operations. They include using the cleanest construction equipment, implementing noise reduction strategies and recycling building materials for use on-site or other construction projects.

It’s all part of the port’s larger US$800 million capital programme aimed at enhancing berth, gate and rail efficiencies at all Los Angeles marine terminals over the next five years.