Maintaining competitive edge

POLA says that it’s already initiated the environmental review process on the proposed berth improvement project which will enhance terminal facilities and deepen the terminal’s berth to accommodate 14,000 teu vessels.

The investment will see the construction of a new 1,260 linear foot wharf at berths 126 to 129, dredging to a depth of 53 feet and the expansion of the West Basin Intermodal Container Transfer Facility.

The West Basin Container Terminal is a partnership between Yang Ming, China Shipping and Ports America.

Yang Ming’s current lease was set to run out in 2021 – but the new agreement extends this until 2030 and should deliver between US$365m and US$525m depending on cargo volumes.

Phillip Sanfield, POLA, told Port Strategy that this project is all part of the US$1.2bn investment to update POLA’s terminals, increase rail capacity and deepen the main channel to maintain the port’s competitive edge.

“Taiwan is a critical trading partner here at the Port of Los Angeles. In 2012, Taiwan was our fourth largest trading partner with respect to cargo value, with $13bn in cargo moving in and out of the docks at the port. It’s important that the Port of Los Angeles does everything possible to facilitate increased trade”, he added.

In addition to the Yang Ming terminal agreement, the port authority has also signed an agreement with the partners of the West Basin Container Terminal to promote business and trade in Beijing.