Newly installed Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said Monday he will prioritize the infrastructure, sustainability and technology programs underpinning the Port of Long Beach\u2019s long-term \u201cPort of the Future\u201d strategy.<\/p>\n
At his first meeting as board president, Neal said the commission would maintain progress on initiatives intended to reinforce the Southern California gateway\u2019s position in cargo handling, rail connectivity, customer service and environmental performance.<\/p>\n
The agenda includes the port\u2019s recently launched objective of doubling annual container throughput to 20 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2050 while transitioning to a fully zero-emissions seaport.<\/p>\n
\u201cInnovation has always defined the Port of Long Beach,\u201d Neal said. \u201cFrom 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A central infrastructure project is the Pier B On-Dock Rail<\/a> Support Facility, which is designed to triple the port\u2019s on-dock rail capacity, strengthen connections to the national rail network and reduce rail dwell time from about four days to 24 hours. The project is also intended to reduce truck traffic and associated emissions in and around the harbor complex.<\/p>\n This week, the port purchased a 13-story office building in downtown Long Beach for $36 million, with plans to create a maritime business hub.<\/p>\n Neal also highlighted the port\u2019s efforts to expand the use of electricity, hydrogen and methanol as lower-emission energy sources. He pointed to a recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation<\/a>\u2019s Maritime Administration aimed at developing operational, safety and security standards for potential nuclear-energy deployment in port operations.<\/p>\n \u201cAs global trade continues to expand and the demand for reliable, clean energy grows, we have an opportunity to lead \u2014 not simply by adapting to change, but by helping shape it,\u201d Neal said.<\/p>\n Neal is serving his second six-year term on the Harbor Commission after first joining the board in 2019. He previously chaired the commission from 2021-2022 and has served two terms as vice president. Before joining the commission, he represented North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council from 2010-2014.<\/p>\n Under the city charter, the five-member Harbor Commission establishes policy for the port and oversees Chief Executive Officer Noel Hacegaba, who leads an organization of about 600 employees.<\/p>\n Read more articles by Stuart Chirls\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n Read more:<\/p>\n Trump extends Jones Act waiver; direct effect \u201cpennies per gallon,\u201d say analysts<\/a><\/p>\n Asia-US East Coast box rate hits new high of $9,400<\/a><\/p>\n After massive Q1 loss, Maersk returns another service to Suez<\/a><\/p>\n Sale of major shipping line in U.S. trade on the rocks: Report<\/a><\/p>\n Asia ocean line in $135M expansion of US box terminal<\/a><\/p>\n Upcoming FreightWaves Events<\/p>\n Compliance<\/p>\n Brokerage Compliance Symposium<\/p>\n The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face – fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps – navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.<\/p>\n October 26, 2026<\/p>\n The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo \u2022 Chattanooga, TN<\/p>\n Register Now<\/a><\/p>\n Awards<\/p>\n F3 Awards Dinner<\/p>\n The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music – 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.<\/p>\n October 26, 2026<\/p>\n The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo \u2022 Chattanooga, TN<\/p>\n Register Now<\/a><\/p>\n FreightTech<\/p>\n F3: Future of Freight Festival<\/p>\n Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga – plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.<\/p>\n October 27, 2026 \u2013 October 28, 2026<\/p>\n The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo \u2022 Chattanooga, TN<\/p>\n Register Now<\/a><\/p>\n \n Compliance The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face – fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps – navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.<\/p>\n The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo \u2022 Chattanooga, TN \n Awards The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music – 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.<\/p>\n The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo \u2022 Chattanooga, TN \n FreightTech Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga – plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.<\/p>\n
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