PORT UPDATES
catering to both recreational and com- mercial vessels. On the real estate front, the Port oversees 3,800 acres of waterfront property, with more than half dedi- cated to public access. Stiger reported that a signature development project and priority for the Port is Waterfront Place, a joint public-private initiative with a 65-acre footprint. Once com- pleted, the billion-dollar project is projected to generate over 2,500 direct jobs and millions in annual tax rev- enue, while enhancing public amen- ities and commercial opportunities along the waterfront. From global trade to community recreation and urban development, the Port of Everett exemplifies a modern, multi-faceted port that balances com- merce, leisure, and local impact. Hueneme packs a big punch Located just north of Long Beach, the Port of Hueneme may be relatively small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a major punch in U.S. trade. Commission President Jason Hodge highlighted the Port’s $18 billion in annual commerce, moving 405,000 vehicles, and welcoming 430 vessel calls last year. He was pleased to report that the Port continues to demonstrate strong operational performance, and notably, has retired all bond debt, mak- ing it one of the few debt-free ports in the nation. Hodge said that the Port’s economic influence extends well beyond ship- ping. Supporting roughly 25,000 jobs, it stands as one of the few sectors in the county that has grown over the last decade. With workforce development a key focus for the Port, $2 million has been invested in programs like the SPEED initiative ( see page X ), designed to build pathways for the next genera- tion of maritime and logistics workers. From bananas to blueberries: Port of
Jason Hodge, Port of Hueneme
Other innovations at the Port of Hueneme include a green automotive shipping corridor ... and the unique Blueberry Cold Treatment Program...
Hodge also touched on environ- mental stewardship as another hallmark feature of the Port. The deployment of two community air- quality monitors that are accessible to anyone with an internet connection plus the operation of two emission- capturing vessels, reflects a commit- ment to transparency and sustainable operations. Other innovations at the Port of Hueneme include a green automotive shipping corridor that advances cleaner vehicle logistics, and the unique Blueberry Cold Treatment Program, positioning Hueneme as the only West Coast hub able to pro- cess blueberry imports year-round — a growing complement to its long- standing “banana port” identity. Global partnerships are also expand- ing as noted by a sister-port MOU signed with the Port of Paita, Peru, a major blueberry exporter who is cur- rently expanding their agricultural output. Locally, community engagement thrives through events like the 12 th Annual Banana Festival, which draws
14,000 visitors to the port to connect with maritime operations firsthand. For the Port of Hueneme, innova- tion, sustainability, and commun- ity connection prove that small size doesn’t limit big impact. Port of Long Beach charts course to 2050 with record volumes, clean air gains and major expansion The Port of Long Beach is position- ing itself firmly for the future, reported Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. Declaring that “the future is now”, the Port is entering a new era of leadership, experiencing record cargo volumes, and undertaking major infra- structure expansion. Colonna announced that the Harbor Commission unanimously appointed Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Mario Cordero, who retired at the end of 2025. Dr. Hacegaba is a long-time port team member with significant exper- tise in goods movement, plus strong international relationships. Under his
March 2026 — PACIFIC PORTS — 31
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