EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

A future beyond COVID

If there’s one take-away from this issue of Pacific Ports Magazine, it’s that, despite a world-wide pandemic, ports on the Pacific Ocean have proven they are a resilient bunch. One only has to read our Port Activity Update articles to see how members have continually stepped up, not just to manage challenges in world supply chain logistics but also to persevere with projects focused on future growth.

Examples are easy to find: The Port of Long Beach not only completed the Long Beach International Gateway — an extraordinary bridge that has been built to last for at least 100 years — but also the recently opened Long Beach Container Terminal, a 300-acre facility that features the highest standards in design and environmental practices that can be found anywhere in the world. The Port of Guam has a number of projects underway that address infrastructure resiliency and will result in significant upgrades to its facilities. Both the Port of Hueneme and the Port of Stockton have embarked on plans that chart a pathway to zero-emission operations. The Port of Alaska is nearing completion of its new Petroleum / Cement Terminal. And the list goes on.

These accomplishments and plans demonstrate that there is a future beyond COVID. Port leaders and industry stakeholders are anticipating future needs that address infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, and eficient maritime operations among other priorities.

While no one really knows how long COVID might be with us, port projects that are underway as well as those that are planned prove we haven’t lost sight of the bigger picture. Given these ambitions, I for one am very excited about the future.

— Jane McIvor

APP PORT MEMBERS