Port of Long Beach (POLB) officials are applauding a multi-year federal study that shows deepening and widening channels in the harbor would lead to air pollution reductions, improved vessel navigation and national economic benefits of almost US$21 million annually.
On 14 October, the Port of Long Beach Deep Draft Navigation Study was officially signed by the Chief of Engineers of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon.
“The deepening and widening of these channels is of vital importance to the nation’s economy,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Increasing the efficiency and speed that cargo is handled here has benefits to the whole supply chain reaching far beyond Southern California.”
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal noted, “These projects would help move cargo faster and save transportation costs.”
“This is an absolutely critical project for the port and for our supply chain system,” highlighted US Rep. Alan Lowenthal, who represents the area including the port. “The expansion of the navigation channels at the port will allow larger vessels to maneuver safely in the port and berth in areas previously unavailable.”
Lowenthal added, “More berthing space means more efficient and quicker loading and unloading of cargo, thus increasing the capacity and efficiency of supply chains overall. This project will not just help the port, not just our communities by reducing emissions, not just our environment – but businesses and communities at every point along the supply chain system.”
Among other features, the study recommends deepening the Approach Channel from 23.2 metres to 24.4 metres, constructing an approach channel to Pier J South to a depth of 16.7 metres, deepening portions of the West Basin from 15.2 metres to 16.7 metres feet, and performing structural improvements to breakwaters at Pier J to allow for depths of 16.7 metres.
