The port’s green journey began in 2005 when the Long Beach Harbor Commission adopted the Green Port Policy, a pledge to reduce harmful impacts from port operations and safeguard the health of people and wildlife in surrounding communities.

Cordero said the Green Port Policy has resulted in a cleaner harbor, industry-leading green building practices and most notably, air quality improvements resulting from reductions in emissions. To date, he says diesel emissions are down 92%, nitrogen oxides by 71%, sulfur oxides by 98% and greenhouse gases by 17% since 2005. He says the port will continue to strive for zero-emission operations. 

“For those in 2005 who questioned our environmental resolve, the data shows otherwise,” he said. “For those who said a Green Port wouldn’t be able to compete commercially, the facts show otherwise. And today, for those who still doubt us, we are proving you wrong every single day.” 

Cordero said the POLB is continuing to build on it Green Policy through landmark projects such as the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, for which construction began last year. The project will enhance cargo movement while improving air quality and vehicle traffic in Southern California. 

In addition, Toyota Motor North America and FuelCell Energy partnered with the Port to open the first-of-its kind “Tri-gen” system to generate renewable hydrogen, electricity and water to support Toyota’s operations in Long Beach.

Cordero also discussed Pier Wind, a proposed 400-acre terminal to assemble massive 1,100-foot-high floating offshore wind turbines that would be towed 20 to 30 miles off the coast of Central and Northern California. Currently in environmental review, the project is designed to help California meet its clean-energy goals; according to a recent preliminary economic impact report, it could potentially generate $8 billion in labor income, $14.5 billion in economic output and $1.3 billion in state and local taxes between now and 2045. Construction on this project could begin in 2026 and it would be the largest facility at any U.S. seaport specifically designed to accommodate the assembly of offshore wind turbines.

During the event, representatives from the California State Lands Commission and the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt ceremonially signed a memorandum of understanding, securing an agreement to collaborate on critical port infrastructure upgrades needed to support offshore wind projects statewide.

The port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the nation, more than 575,000 in Southern California, and more than 50,000 jobs – or 1 in 5 – in Long Beach. The Port is also one of the few U.S. ports that can handle today’s largest vessels, serving 175 shipping lines with connections to 217 seaports around the world.