Why the operator of US’ biggest container port wants closer ties with Singapore
Eugene Seroka is executive director Port of Los Angeles, which partners with MPA on decarbonisation and digitalisation.
The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and its adjacent Port of Long Beach (POLB) have a strong interest in forging closer ties with Singapore's Maritime Port Authority (MPA) due to the complexities and challenges faced by the maritime supply chain. These challenges include policy, climate, geopolitical issues, and extreme weather events.
Eugene Seroka, executive director of POLA, highlights the interdependence of the supply chain, which requires coordination between ports, shippers, and land transport entities. To enhance efficiency, ports provide essential logistics services such as container yards, storage, and regulatory checkpoints. Better coordination could help decarbonise the shipping industry, which is responsible for 3% of global emissions.
The trans-Pacific route, crucial for global trade, is facing disruptions due to reduced water levels in the Panama Canal and tensions in the Middle East. POLA and its partners have renewed their agreement on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor for another three years, focusing on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and strengthening supply chains.
Seroka emphasizes the importance of speed and advanced technology in handling cargo, as delays can lead to significant inconveniences for shippers. The trade landscape has shifted, with Vietnam's growth outpacing China's decline, and environmental policies remain inconsistent across nations. Shipping emissions, mainly from CO2, need to be reduced to combat climate change, and port operators recognize their role in achieving this goal.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
