The delegation of the port of Long Beach, which is the second-busiest container seaport in the U.S., visited Busan Port Authority on 4th Nov. to make sister port agreement. The Shippers' Journal met and interviewed the acting executive director Mr. Al Moro so as to listen to the co-operative areas between the two ports.

We have been told that one of your primary goals to visit Korea this time is to set up a sister port relationship with the port of Busan. What would be the main co-operative areas in between two ports?

After meeting earlier in the year with BPA's delegation in California, both ports see the great benefit in forging a closer relationship and collaborate on the subjects of environmental protection and technology exchange.
While these two areas were the genesis of the discussion, with the establishment of a sister port agreement, the two ports will have opportunities to work together on a broader scope of topics such as operations and commercial activities. In addition, I (Commissioner Fields) believe this sister port agreement will enhance the relation between the two port and increase the trade between Korea and the U.S.

As far as we know, you served as a chief harbor engineer before taking office. Do you have any plans or ideas about integrating your port engineering experience into the port management?

With years of experience in overseeing the Port's infrastructure projects, I am determined to ensure that all current and up-coming projects are completed in a timely and cost effective manner.
Not only the Port's staff, the Board of Harbor Commissioners also share the same vision. Therefore, regardless of who is at the helm of the Port (an Acting Executive Director such as myself) or a permanent Executive Director, the desire to ensure that our customers have the world-class infrastructure is universal. The Port is spending US$4 Billion dollars for the next 10 years to add and improve the port infrastructure to ensure that we continue the competitive advantage we enjoy.
Most of the budget will be invested in completion of modernizing shipping terminals with innovative technology, particularly 'Middle Harbor Project', as well as in building new bridge linking the port of LA and LB in replacement of the old one and further, developing future rail system will be a part of the investment as well.

Mr. Lytle, the former executive director, joined the Int’l Clean Port Conference in March which was held by Shipper’s Journal and gave us very impressive presentation regarding the environmental efforts of the port of LB. What could be your further efforts in the future to sustain marine and port environments?

I have seen Chris' presentation material and am proud to be one of the contributors to the effort. We are forging full speed ahead to work with our customers on shore-to-ship electrical connections. This is not only the regulation of the State of California, it is also the responsible thing to do in order to protect the citizens of the state. Further to this and all other environmental programs such as Clean Trucks Program, Green Flag Incentive Programs, etc., the Board of Harbor Commissioners has directed staff to establish a sustainable energy policy. This will ensure that the energy needs of the Port are met in the future and in a sustainable way.

What do you think about the future traffic growth in the port of LB, particularly trade with Asian countries?

Asia continue to be the Port's largest trading partner. In particular, Korea is the 3rd largest trade partner for the Port of Long Beach. With the economy gradually recover, we have no doubt that the Port's traffic will grow as consumers gain more confidence in economic recovery.
The Port is also gearing up for the future generation of ultra-large container ships that will carry the cargo. We are already handling vessels that are too large to fit through the expanding Panama Canal. With the superior logistics capacity and network that Southern California already has, we are poised to be the premier gateway that will be at the forefront of the trade with Asia. This is going to also benefit the trade between Korea and the U.S.