The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved a lease amendment, solidifying plans for a US$52 million infrastructure improvement project aimed at significantly enhancing on-dock rail capacity and reducing emissions at the Port of Los Angeles’ Pier 300 terminal, operated by Fenix Marine Services. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.
“This project enhances cargo capacity and efficiency while improving the sustainability of port operations. It’s yet another step forward toward both our productivity and clean air goals,” stated Lucille Roybal-Allard, president of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission.
This project aims to boost cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency while promoting sustainability at the port. It will add five loading and unloading tracks to the intermodal yard at Pier 300, expanding the on-dock railyard’s capacity. This will allow more cargo to be directly loaded onto trains within the terminal, leveraging rail as the most energy- and fuel-efficient mode of long-haul freight transport in the United States.
“Fewer transfers of cargo results in cleaner operations and more fluidity on our container terminals. This project will make us more competitive and add to our ability to pursue more discretionary cargo headed for the interior of the United States,” explained Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director.
Additional improvements include grading, paving, fire protection, electrical upgrades, striping, signage, and enhanced storm drain systems to meet Low Impact Development standards.
“This investment ensures that there is adequate on-dock intermodal capacity to accommodate future volume growth, enabling POLA and FMS to further compete for discretionary cargo in an environmentally and community-responsible way,” commented George Goldman, President & CEO of CMA CGM (America).
Funding for the project includes approximately US$18 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration and US$19 million from California’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, with the Port of Los Angeles covering the remaining costs.
In January 2022, CMA CGM reacquired full ownership of Fenix Marine Services, a major container terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. As one of the largest US terminals, strategically located with deep-water access and advanced infrastructure, FMS is central to the terminal’s ongoing development and investment initiatives.