The partly record-breaking results in container throughput cannot hide the fact: Aging infrastructure and the Covid 19 pandemic have pushed America’s seaports to capacity limits. The »Biden-Harris Action Plan for Americas Ports and Waterways« now is expected to pump 17 bn $ in federal funds into upgrading the port infrastructure.[ds_preview]
The plan seeks to increase flexibility for port grants from federal funds, accelerate the award of port infrastructure grants, announce new construction projects for coastal shipping, inland waterways and seaports, and launch the first round of expanded port infrastructure grants funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.
Some regions have also announced initiatives. California’s government, for example, plans to invest 2.3 bn $ in ports. The budget comes at the right time for the container hubs of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Governor’s plan for the ports includes 1.2 bn $ for port-related projects to increase freight capacity on the rails and roads that serve the ports and at terminals, including track expansion, new bridges and zero-emission modernisation projects. Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero welcomed the state’s budget plan: »With the 2.3 bn $, the State of California will take a critical step forward in promoting the positive economic impact of international trade on the state. The funds will help strengthen the Port of Long Beach’s vigorous capital improvement and environmental sustainability programmes.«
The mega-hubs of Los Angeles and Long Beach had closed 2021 with very positive results. L.A. reported around 10.7 mill. TEU, 13 % more than in the previous record year. In neighbouring Long Beach, a record container throughput of around 9.38 mill. TEU was also achieved. This corresponds to an increase of 15.7 % compared to 2020, which was already a record year with 8.11 mill. TEU.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is receiving Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding help to make navigational efficiency improvements to Port of Long Beach waterways. Among other features, the recommended plan includes deepening the Approach Channel from 76 to 80 ft, constructing an approach channel to Pier J South to a depth of 55 ft, deepening portions of the West Basin from 50 to 55 ft, and performing structural improvements to breakwaters at Pier J to allow for depths of 55 ft.
Also, the recently announced »Revitalization Plan for U.S. Maritime Trade, Commerce, and Strategic Competition,« developed by the Northeast Maritime Institute, might have an impact. Building upon the »Jones Act«, it provides a framework for a coherent maritime strategy that protects both domestic capacity and enhances international operations. Amongst others, it proposes to »immediately begin construction of a secure, high throughput, and technologically advanced transshipment hub in the Caribbean«. ?
