Port of Los Angeles remained the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere after it reported record container volumes in 2024 — its second-best year ever.

Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka said the port finished 2024 by processing more than 10.3 million container units. This reflects a nearly 20% increase over 2023.

"Today we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years – a quarter century – as the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere," Seroka said, noting that last year's container volumes were the second-best year in the port's 117-year history.

The Port of LA chief also gave an update on sustainability initiatives at the port.

Seroka said the port's many environmental initiatives over more than two decades had reduced emissions of all kinds, with diesel particulate matter down 91% and sulfur oxides reduced by 98% since 2005, even with simultaneous cargo growth of 15% over that same period.

The most recent Air Emissions Inventory indicates the lowest overall emissions since 2005.

 
Seroka noted that the port is now on a "more aggressive path" of a truly zero-emission (ZE) future. 
 
"Our goal isn't fewer emissions, it's zero emissions," he said. "It's about setting a new standard for ports worldwide, proving that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand."
 
Seroka outlined some of the major initiatives underway to achieve the Port’s zero-emission goals, including ramping up the number of ZE trucks in service at the Port, investing US$640 million in new ZE cargo handling equipment, trucks and charging stations, moving ahead with the Port’s Hydrogen Hub project, focused on producing ZE terminal cargo handling equipment; and creating Green Shipping Corridors with ports around the world to decarbonize the vessel-side of the maritime industry.
 
He also noted that work has started on a major US$500 million enhancement project with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that will allow the Port to handle more electric equipment and clean shore power operations in the future. 

Meanwhile, Seroka also discussed initiatives contributing to improved performance and efficiencies at the Port of LA. These include the recently completed US$73 million Pier 400 On-Dock Rail Expansion project and another similar rail expansion underway at Fenix Marine Pier 300. 
 
Seroka reiterated the importance of using data to improve performance. He discussed how the Port has been able to build on its Port Optimizer™, a digital platform first introduced in 2017, providing Port stakeholders with real-time data and predictable cargo planning capabilities.

Seroka shared that the platform’s latest feature, a Universal Trucking Appointment System, now allows nearly 20,000 truckers serving the Port to digitally manage terminal appointments.
 
"Everything we do to speed containers through the Port pays off because, for every four containers we move, it equals one job," he said.

During the 10th annual State of the Port event, Seroka outlined the port’s agenda for the coming year, focusing on people, the planet and performance.