LOS ANGELES — The Port of LA announced Friday that it is partnering with the Port of Shanghai in China to create the first trans-Pacific green shipping corridor in the world. The two ports plan to work with shipping companies and cargo owners to cut emissions from the busy cargo route between the two countries.
“International collaboration is essential to decarbonize global supply chains,” Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “It’s time to get started on this important work.”
By the end of 2022, the largest port in the U.S. and the largest port in China plan to put together a Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan that will serve as a road map for decarbonization.
Key goals include phasing in low- and ultimately zero-carbon fuel ships throughout the decade; introducing the first zero-carbon trans-Pacific container ships by 2030; improving ships’ efficiency in using the international trade corridor; and reducing supply chain emissions from port operations.
The partnership was put together by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, which represents almost 100 cities around the world, for which LA Mayor Eric Garcetti recently served as chair.
Participants include the cargo companies A.P. Moller-Maersk and COSCO Shipping Lines, as well as the Aspen Institute’s Shipping Decarbonization Initiative, which runs the Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels initiative.
“We look forward to making this green corridor project a model of success for the rest of the world,” Aspen Institute President Dan Porterfield said in a statement. “It is inspiring that the United States and China have come together in this way to address the climate impact of this crucial global industry.”
Last year, the Port of LA handled a record 10.7 million shipping containers. China is its largest trading partner.