Long Beach figures reflect the global slump

Year-end totals released this week show that the number of containers shipped into and out of the Port fell to 6.5m teu in 2008– the lowest level in Long Beach since 2004. The year culminated in an especially weak December, when the monthly total tumbled 25.3% to 429,946 teu – the lowest monthly total since February 2005.

“Despite the weak global economy, POLB remains fiscally strong and competitive,” said Richard Steinke POLB executive director. “While 2008 was a difficult year for the maritime industry, POLB is firmly committed to investing in improvements that will provide new, local jobs, stimulate the local economy, protect the environment and improve security.

“The 2008 cargo numbers for the Port reinforce the need for strategic investments to help spark a rebound,” he said.