THE Port of Los Angeles has completed the construction of its US$65 million Everport Container Terminal improvement project aimed at enhancing container handling efficiency and capacity, while also allowing it to accommodate the projected fleet mix of larger vessels anticipated to call at the terminal over the next two decades.

The deployment of these larger vessels encourages fewer ship calls, further reducing air emissions, directly supporting the port's Clean Air Action Plan goals, reports London's Port Technology International.

"The completion of this project marks years of planning and perseverance through a challenging pandemic and unprecedented cargo surge," said Port of Los Angeles deputy executive director of development Tony Gioiello.

The Los Angeles Board of Harbour Commissioners approved the project in 2017.

Construction began in 2019 and included: Berth deepening; mooring bollard and berthing fender upgrades; construction of an additional 1.5 acres of backland; electrical improvements for five new alternative maritime power connections; electrical infrastructure for three additional container cranes; charging equipment for clean-energy and electric trucks; and dredging increased water depth to 53 feet alongside Berths 266-229 and 47 feet alongside Berths 230-232 to accommodate ships loaded with up to 16,000 TEU.

Back in June 2021, the Port of Los Angeles announced its budget for capital improvements projects increased by 42.5 per cent year on year after the Los Angeles Board of Harbour Commissioners approved a $1.7 billion Fiscal Year annual budget. Under this budget, $13 million was set aside for Everport Container Terminal improvements.