PORT UPDATES
“To date, the Port of Hueneme has invested $122 million in environmental projects and has $205 million in active grants to advance its green initiatives,” she said.
“Being sustainable, growing our workforce, and strengthening our partnerships—that’s what keeps the Port of Hueneme thriving,” Zacarias concluded. Port of Long Beach Port of Long Beach Commissioner Sharon Weissman highlighted the port’s record-breaking cargo perform- ance and two decades of environmental innovation. Joining Weissman were Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal, immediate past president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners, and Executive Officer to the Board, Shana Espinoza. Weissman reported that the Port of Long Beach saw historic cargo volumes in early 2025 as retailers accelerated shipments ahead of new tariffs. The Port handled more containerized cargo than any other U.S. port in the first four months of the year, with April marking its busiest month on record and July ranking as the third busiest month in the Port’s 114-year history. Despite global trade uncertainties, Weissman said the Port continues to “carry on,” especially as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of their ground- breaking Green Port Policy. According to a newly released Green Port Progress Report, the Port of Long Beach has achieved dramatic environmental gains while significantly growing cargo volumes. For example, diesel emissions have been cut by 92 percent, nitrogen oxides by 71 percent, sulfur oxides by 98 percent, and greenhouse gases by 17 percent—all while increasing cargo volumes by 20 percent. Weissman showed a video that highlighted additional results of the Port’s Green Port Policy, including investments in programs such as ves- sel speed reduction and incentives to use alternative fuels and shore power; the Clean Truck Program which has replaced more than 15,000 trucks to the cleanest available diesel models
terminal would see opportunities from the Boeing manufacturing facility which will be adding a new 737 line. The addition will create import and export opportunities as well as new jobs for the community. He also reported on the Port’s Waterfront Place — the site of several former lumber shingle mills that has been developed over the years. The site, located next to Naval Station Everett, is being developed to include apartments, hotels, restaurants, office space, recrea- tion areas and, when completed, will amount to a $1 billion in public/private investment and will support over 2,100 family-wage jobs in the community. Port of Hueneme Commissioner Celina Zacarias of the Port of Hueneme shared an upbeat update on the port’s sustain- ability goals, global trade progress, and workforce development efforts. The Port of Hueneme continues to distinguish itself as the West Coast’s leading importer of bananas and blue- berries and ranks fifth nationally for both automobiles and fresh produce. “We’ve got some exciting things going
on at the port,” Zacarias said, noting the port’s growing role in international trade and environmental leadership. A centerpiece of her remarks was the Port’s commitment to reaching Zero Emissions status by 2030. Recent prog- ress includes the deployment of a second emissions capture and control barge, the use of electric cranes, forklifts, and a new electric sweeper, as well as the installation of two additional air qual- ity monitors in collaboration with the regional district and local schools. “To date, the Port has invested $122 million in environmental projects and has $205 million in active grants to advance port modernization and innovative infra- structure projects,” she said. Expanding international connec- tions, Zacarias was pleased to report on the port’s new sister-port relationship with the Port of Paita, Peru, following a State Department trade mission. The Port of Hueneme is now the only West Coast facility certified for cold treat- ment of Peruvian blueberries, marking a major milestone in agricultural trade. Workforce development also remains a key focus. Zacarias emphasized the importance of “growing our own” tal- ent by investing in local education. The Port is working with local elemen- tary schools, junior high schools, com- munity colleges, trades, nonprofits, and universities to build logistics and maritime career pathways, supported by a recent grant of $2 million for workforce development. Closing on a community note, Zacarias invited attendees to the Port’s 12th Annual Banana Festival on September 27, an event celebrat- ing the port’s signature import with banana-themed food, entertainment, and family activities.
Celina Zacarias, Port of Hueneme
14 — PACIFIC PORTS — October/November 2025
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