The Port of Long Beach has begun its planned terminal expansion, adding 19 acres to boost operational efficiency and cargo capacity.

International Transportation Service (ITC) "broke ground" on a terminal expansion project at the Port of Long Beach, aimed at developing more space to stack cargo containers and maximizing efficiency.

Port of Long Beach announced that by filling an unneeded slip in the middle of the Pier G terminal, the US$365 million project will create 19 acres of new land. ITS will also build a single, continuous wharf measuring 3,400 feet, allowing it to simultaneously host two of the industry's largest cargo ships.

"ITS has been a trusted tenant for half a century, so the company's leaders know the Port of Long Beach is a good bet," said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson.

"This investment by ITS will create benefits for decades to come with more cargo moving smoothly without delays and greater opportunities for waterfront labor – union jobs with good, dependable incomes."

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero noted that ITS' commitment to further greening its operations, increasing capacity, and strengthening its ties to the port is even stronger than it was nearly 20 years ago, when it became its first to sign a green lease.

"By 'building more America now,' ITS is also building more land for the Port of Long Beach while expanding capacity and driving efficiency on its terminal," Cordero said.

Meanwhile, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Bonnie Lowenthal pointed to the sustainability impact of the new expansion. "ITS has been a powerful force for environmental stewardship in our green port by modernizing terminal operations and moving more cargo containers by rail."

"They've been great partners in our mission to lead green and we look forward to more great things to come," Lowenthal added.

ITS Long Beach CEO Kim Holtermand said the project strengthens America’s supply chain by investing in infrastructure the right way — using local labor and U.S.-made materials.

"We're not just preparing for the future — we're building it here, at home. This project positions ITS and the Port of Long Beach to meet global shipping demands while keeping the economic and environmental benefits right here in the U.S." 

Located in the outer harbor, the ITS terminal is nearly divided in half by the south slip, which will be filled with about 2.5 million cubic yards of reused sediment from within the Harbor District in addition to sediments dredged from Newport Harbor at Newport Beach.

The project is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

In 2005, the Harbor Commission enacted the Green Port Policy, which has led to aggressive, industry-leading programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife, and implement sustainable practices while engaging and educating the community.