Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal on Monday launched his one-year presidential term with a pledge to vigorously advance the Port of Long Beach’s world-renowned infrastructure and sustainability initiatives as it builds the Port of the Future™.
At his first meeting as Board President, Neal said he would work with his fellow commissioners to ensure progress on the projects, programs and initiatives that have made the Port a global leader in infrastructure, goods movement, customer service and sustainability.
That includes the Port’s mission launched this year to double cargo to 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually by 2050 while at the same time becoming a 100% zero-emissions seaport.
“Innovation has always defined the Port of Long Beach,” Neal said. “From pioneering environmental initiatives to building world-class infrastructure, we have never been afraid to explore bold ideas. Today, we are continuing that legacy by responsibly evaluating technologies that could redefine how ports operate for generations to come.”
Neal praised the Port’s projects to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, like the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, designed to provide a seamless connection to the nation’s rail network, triple Long Beach’s on-dock rail capacity and reduce rail dwell time from four days to 24 hours.
As the Port increases its use of electricity, hydrogen and methanol to provide clean energy, the Port has its “eyes on tomorrow,” Neal said, noting the Port’s recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to develop operational, safety and security standards for deploying nuclear energy in port operations.
“For decades, America’s ports have relied on traditional sources of energy to power one of the world’s most complex supply chains,” said Neal. “As global trade continues to expand and the demand for reliable, clean energy grows, we have an opportunity to lead — not simply by adapting to change, but by helping shape it.”
Now in his second, six-year term, Neal formerly represented North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council from 2010 to 2014. He joined the Harbor Commission in 2019 and was previously President from 2021 to 2022. He has served two terms as Vice President.
Under the City Charter, the Board sets policy for the Port and directs the Port’s Chief Executive Officer, who leads about 600 employees in developing and promoting the Port of Long Beach.