January 6, 2025 | Page 50

Maritime 2025 Annual Review & Outlook
Executive Commentary
“ International cooperation , I believe , will eventually lead to the deployment of the world ’ s first zero-lifecycle carbon emission container ships .”
Mario Cordero
“ Achieving long-term decarbonization goals will require planning and collaboration across the maritime industry and support from the government .”
Phyllis Saathoff
“[ Partnership ] is the best way to ensure we continue to move cargo as safely and efficiently as possible , improve infrastructure , make the most of technology without leaving workers behind and decarbonize global shipping .”
Glyn Hughes
Port of Long Beach
Mario Cordero
CEO www . polb . com What does the maritime industry need to do to meet decarbonization requirements and what does the industry need from governments to meet those targets ? Good questions . The answer is collaboration .
Collaborative efforts internationally — including port authorities and host cities , ocean carriers , terminal operators , cargo owners and labor , among other stakeholders — are critical to achieving decarbonization goals .
Many ports are working right now to forge relationships with counterparts
Port Freeport
Phyllis Saathoff
Executive Director and CEO www . portfreeport . com
In 2025 , managing the increased flow of containers and accommodating larger vessels will require ports to prioritize infrastructure optimization and sustainable investments . At Port Freeport , we are advancing several initiatives to address these needs and enhance our role in the supply chain . Our channel improvement and berthing expansion projects , scheduled for completion by the end of the year , are designed to accommodate larger vessels and streamline port operations . Additionally , introducing two new super post-Panamax cranes and enhancements to our road infrastructure will improve connectivity and efficiency .
in China and Singapore and around the globe to create green shipping corridors to decarbonize the world ’ s busiest trade routes . Together , they are working to reduce emissions from shipping and port activities while addressing local impacts in their respective communities .
Such international cooperation , I believe , will eventually lead to the deployment of the world ’ s first zero-lifecycle carbon emission container ships , which is to say no emissions are generated in the production , transport , storage or combustion of the fuel used .
Existing vessels will approach ports at lower speeds and operate on shore power while at berth . Ports and terminal operators will strive for zero-emission operations with cranes , cargo-handling equipment , and trucks powered by electricity and hydrogen .
More cargo containers will move from docks to inland destinations by train . Trains powered by zero-emission locomotives and stretching three to
Port Freeport is committed to sustainable growth in collaboration with our tenants and partners and will undertake a climate and clean air planning effort in 2025 . We are actively increasing the use of electric equipment and upgrading electric infrastructure to enhance resilience against climate change . However , achieving long-term decarbonization goals will require planning and collaboration across the maritime industry and support from the government for technology development , regulatory alignment and investment incentives . As we celebrate our 100th anniversary , our strategic investments position Port Freeport to tackle challenges , enhance efficiency and strengthen our role as a leader in sustainable port operations and connectivity , preparing us to advance US commerce into the future .
four miles long will reduce drayage truck trips , lessen congestion on local roadways , and alleviate the burden of cargo-related emissions on port workers and neighbors .
Decarbonization of cargo movement will not be inexpensive . Privatesector partners understand the need to contribute . Likewise , federal , state and local agency partners must support ports ’ vision for emissions-free trade with grants and other incentives .
We know what must be done to decarbonize global shipping , but only through close international collaboration will we achieve our goals .
Port of Los Angeles
Gene Seroka
Executive Director www . portoflosangeles . org
In 2025 , a significant challenge facing our industry will be the ever-changing global landscape . Our ability to adapt was highlighted last year with impacts of the Red Sea attacks , drought conditions in the Panama Canal , and East and Gulf coast labor negotiations . A new US presidential administration portends additional change and may open the door to more tariffs and trade barriers . This postglobalization era is creating new headwinds that our industry must navigate .
As we face these realities , strengthening our partnerships and collaboration will be paramount . Ports , shipping lines , terminal operators , labor and all other links in the supply chain must continue to seize every opportunity to work together . This is the best way to ensure we continue to move cargo as safely and efficiently as possible , improve infrastructure , make the most of technology without leaving workers behind and decarbonize global shipping and the supply chain .
A prime example of the progress we are making on all these fronts is our collective work to advance green shipping corridors . Among these projects is the Green Shipping Corridor that the ports of Los Angeles , Long Beach and Shanghai are working on in partnership
48 Journal of Commerce | January 6 , 2025 www . joc . com