Long Beach combats congestion

In conjunction with the relief team, port field staff are meeting regularly with customers and stakeholders to identify key issues, concerns and collaborate on solutions while monitoring performance.

“This issue is on the top of my list right now,” said Jon Slangerup, chief executive at the port. “I have convened a high-level Congestion Relief Team to meet daily, seek solutions, and solicit feedback from our staff in the field.”

The problem comes as a surge of larger ships has taxed terminals at ports around the world to move cargo faster. Locally, Port of Long Beach staff say they’ve already identified one of the challenges.

“There is a chassis imbalance,” explained Dr Noel Hacegaba, chief operating officer. “This is a big part of the congestion issue and I have been facilitating discussions with the key players to find relief as soon as possible.”

In addition this quick-fix, the port says it’s also working to get a discussion agreement with the Federal Maritime Commission to have discussions with the neighbouring Port of Los Angeles on common issues of concern – namely congestion.

It is hoped that port efficiency will also be addressed through a subcommittee set up by the Board of Harbour Commissioners.

“Nobody benefits from congestion, but everybody wins when cargo crosses our gateway as efficiently and as fast as possible,” added Dr Hacegaba. “That’s why I am positive we will find productive and efficient ways to move cargo and relieve congestion.”

The port says regular updates will now be issued to customers and stakeholders with the hope of identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions for its partners who operate and work at the terminals.