In July, Federal Maritime Commissioner Robert Harvey traveled to Southern California to meet with leadership from three vital West Coast ports: the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of Hueneme. Leadership teams discussed the technological and operational improvements underway and the close relationship ports have to the local economy.

Commissioner Harvey’s tours of the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach provided firsthand insight into the operations that keep America’s international trade moving. “It was impressive to see both of these ports,” said Commissioner Harvey. “They are not simply the two largest ports on the West Coast. They are economic development engines for the entire U.S. supply chain. The investment in modernization as well as the commitment to the surrounding port communities gives them an impact well beyond the gates.”

Commissioner Harvey’s meetings with marine terminal operators and other stakeholders emphasized the challenges to maintaining cargo fluidity, the massive capital investments required to meet net-zero transition mandates, and the obstacles and opportunities facing the nation’s waterfront employers.

The meetings on this trip were coordinated through the National Association of Waterfront Employers to highlight the role of marine terminal operators in strengthening America’s supply chain.

Robert Harvey is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.