Long Beach sees volumes fall 40% in February

“The numbers are now showing what we’ve been seeing for the past few months – fewer ships, fewer containers and, most troubling, less work for those in port-related businesses,” said the port’s executive director, Richard D. Steinke.

Terminals at Long Beach moved a total 318,042 teu in February. Compared with February 2008, imported containers fell by 43.3% to 149,299 teu, while containers bound for export were down 37% to 92,781 teu. Empty containers, most of which are sent overseas to be refilled, were down 36.3% to 75,962 teu.

“Although cargo has dropped steeply in recent months, the Port remains committed to financing several major infrastructure projects that are putting local construction and contracting firms to work,” said Steinke. “Our goal is to keep the Port competitive when the economy rebounds and cargo returns. [It] is planning more than US$2bn in infrastructure spending, including modernising and updating the Middle Harbor shipping terminals to boost business and cut air pollution.”