Port of Los Angeles Charts Path for Growth at 11th Annual State of the Port with Record-Breaking Attendance
By Natasha Villa, External Affairs Manager, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
On January 22, 2026, the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) partnered with the Port of Los Angeles to host the 11th Annual State of the Port of Los Angeles. Welcoming more than 920 attendees in a record-breaking year at a new venue, AltaSea, the sold-out luncheon brought together the maritime industry leaders, local leaders, and community stakeholders for one of the region’s most anticipated trade and logistics gatherings of the year.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Port’s performance over the past year and outlining a clear vision for growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in 2026 and beyond. Seroka reported that the Port closed 2025 with more than 10 million TEUs, its third-highest ever, marking one of the strongest years in its history and reaffirming its position as the nation’s busiest port. He emphasized that the Port’s success is rooted not only in cargo volumes, but in strong partnerships, workforce resilience, and continued investment in infrastructure and innovation.
A central theme of the address was the Port’s long-term strategy to “build bigger and build smarter.” Seroka detailed major infrastructure initiatives aimed at expanding capacity and improving efficiency, including a vision for the development of Pier 500, which is expected to be the Port’s first new marine container terminal in a generation and would be designed to be among the cleanest in the world. He also highlighted terminal enhancements, rail improvements, and maritime support facilities intended to streamline cargo movement and strengthen the Port’s role as a critical gateway for global trade.
The Port and marine terminal leader Carrix also unveiled new plans for the creation of the Pacific Cruise Terminal.
Sustainability remained a cornerstone of the Port’s strategy, as Seroka underscored ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and transition toward zero-emissions operations. He highlighted recent grant funding to accelerate the electrification of cargo-handling equipment and infrastructure, reinforcing the Port’s leadership in environmental performance while balancing economic growth and community responsibility.
The program also featured a special surprise appearance by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who shared thoughtful comments emphasizing the Port’s importance to the city’s economy, workforce, and global standing and remarks from Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker who represents San Pedro. The event concluded with a memorable harbor-side finale, featuring a Port fireboat water display that provided a fitting and celebratory close to a milestone year for the luncheon.
The program also included a moving tribute recognizing this year’s Lighthouse Award recipients, honoring their heroic response to the ONE Henry Hudson ship fire that occurred in November at Yusen Terminals. The dedication highlighted the extraordinary professionalism, coordination, and courage demonstrated during the incident, underscoring the strength of the Port’s emergency response network and the commitment of first responders who worked together with the impacted ocean carrier’s crew, terminal operator, and labor to protect lives, cargo, and port operations. The recognition served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the port community and the critical role these individuals play in keeping goods moving safely and securely.
PMSA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to our Title Sponsor – the Port of Los Angeles – and their dedicated staff, whose partnership, coordination, and behind-the-scenes work were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Thank you for your collaboration and dedication in making this record-breaking year such a success.
We also extend a massive thank you to our incredible sponsors and supporters—this event would not be possible without your continued partnership. We are especially grateful to our Diamond Sponsor, Carrix, Inc.; our Platinum Sponsors, The Pacific Companies and Union Pacific Railroad; and our Gold Sponsors, BNSF Railway, Fenix Marine Services, FlexiVan, Kinder Morgan, Inc., Princess Cruises, and Yusen Terminals LLC.
We also thank our Silver Sponsors, including Alameda Belt Line (ABL), APM Terminals, Black Knight Patrol, Catalina Express, Collier Walsh Nakazawa, Everport Terminal Services, Flynn, Delich & Wise LLP, Harbor Breeze Cruises, Harbor Industrial Services Corp., Jacobs, KP Public Affairs, Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals, Pacific Harbor Line, Pacific Maritime Association, Ports America, Prologis, Phillips 66, SA Recycling, Securitas Group, Total Terminals International, LLC, Toyota North America, Wabtec Corporation, Watson Land Company, and Wonderful Logistics Services.
Thank you as well to our Bronze Sponsors: AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, Arcadis, Athens Services, Caltrans, Cargomatic, Crowley, Ecocem Global, Expeditors, King Fio Trucking, LLC and Tradelink, Lane Victory Maritime Center, Los Angeles Harbor College, Marathon Petroleum, Mayer Brown, Meyers Nave, Moffatt & Nichol, ONE, PBF Energy, Peacock Piper, Ramboll, San Pedro Public Market (West Harbor), San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, TRAC Intermodal, TraPac, and TRC.
Thank you again to our sponsors, speakers, attendees, and partners for helping make this year’s State of the Port of Los Angeles such a success. If you missed it, you can watch the entire event here.
