LA Port's Gene Seroka emphasizes green shipping ties with China as cargo demand surges, aiming for sustainable trade and infrastructure improvements.
The Port of Los Angeles is accelerating efforts on greener shipping, smarter infrastructure, and closer cooperation with China as cargo demand rises, executive director Gene Seroka said, reported China Daily.
Mr. Seroka delivered an annual address stating that China accounts for about 40 percent of the port's business, more than double that of its next largest trading partner. He mentioned that he traveled to China several times last year to reinforce ties with government agencies and companies, stressing that efficient cargo movement is vital for both economies.
The port handled 10.2 million TEU in 2025, marking its third-highest annual volume, and has ranked as the No. 1 US container port for 26 consecutive years. In 2024, it facilitated US$333 billion in trade.
Mr. Seroka highlighted progress in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Shanghai Green Shipping Corridor, launched in 2022 to deploy low- and zero-carbon technologies. Phase 1 objectives, including expanded shoreside electricity and cleaner vessel technologies, have been completed.
He noted that the corridor links Shanghai, the world's busiest container port, with North America's busiest port complex, covering a trade lane worth more than $300 billion annually.
Looking ahead, Mr. Seroka outlined projects under the 'Build Bigger' strategy, including a proposed Pier 500 Marine Terminal designed for zero-emission operations. He stated that Los Angeles now posts the lowest emissions per TEU of any major port worldwide.
Local officials, including LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker and Mayor Karen Bass, praised the port's role in maintaining stable supply chains and underscored the importance of US-China economic ties for California's logistics and manufacturing sectors.
Analysts indicated that cooperation between the US and China in decarbonization, digital logistics, and green shipping corridors will be critical to sustaining efficiency and resilience across the Pacific.
