Learning about America’s Port - Up Close and Personal

On Friday, November 1, 2024, over fifty USC students from the Viterbi School of Engineering, Price School of Public Policy, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and School of Architecture toured the Port of Los Angeles, also known as America’s Port. These students are enrolled in Professor Jill Sohm’s California Coastal Science and Policy course, Professor Eric Shen’s Sustainable Transportation (CE430)/Transportation Planning Studio (PPD531), or are members of USC’s Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) chapter. The tour highlighted the multidisciplinary approach required to transition port operations to sustainable practices.

The Port of Los Angeles, along with its neighbor, the Port of Long Beach (together forming the San Pedro Bay Port Complex), stands as the largest container seaport in the U.S. and was the ninth busiest worldwide in 2023. Combined, both ports support over 170,000 jobs locally and 931,000 throughout Southern California, while contributing nearly 2.7 million jobs across the U.S. In 2023, the Port of LA processed 8.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with a total trade value close to $292 billion. The San Pedro Bay Complex is critical to the regional and national economy, facing unique challenges as California moves forward with climate goals.

Student Engagement and Port Operations Overview

The students were welcomed by the Port of LA’s Environmental Management Division. After introductions, they boarded a boat for a tour, forming informal groups on deck to observe ships being loaded and unloaded. Port staff answered student questions about electrification, diesel emissions, automation, and protection of coastal species.

Jacob Goldberg, Marine Environmental Supervisor, described several ongoing and upcoming projects focused on air and water quality improvements. Thanks to a recent $411 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program, the port is converting 30% of its landside equipment from diesel to electric. Currently, cargo-handling cranes operate with zero emissions, though the electricity is sourced from non-renewable sources. The Port is collaborating with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which aims to provide 100% renewable energy by 2035, to address this issue.

The port also plans to transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Of the 21,000 trucks registered to serve the San Pedro Bay complex, around 500 are currently zero emissions.

Automation and Labor Concerns

As the port continues electrifying its operations, labor agreements address who has the authority to automate. Goldberg noted that while automated terminals operate around the clock, boosting efficiency, they also face risks such as delays and safety hazards if systems fail. The longshoreman union has clauses on reskilling, and a larger renegotiation is anticipated.

Balancing Sustainability and Stakeholder Interests

Each commercial seaport in California is mandated to transition to zero-emissions, and POLA’s proactive, interdisciplinary strategy exemplifies the balance of environmental, economic, and labor considerations. The Port of Los Angeles, alongside the Port of Long Beach, addresses environmental justice issues while supporting economic strength. Witnessing the bustling port operations was enlightening for the students, especially on a day when nearly a quarter-million Dodgers fans were celebrating a World Series Championship in downtown Los Angeles.