The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has awarded an unprecedented $27 million to enhance data system development and interoperability across California’s five major containerized ports. This groundbreaking state-level funding aims to improve data functionality within the statewide port network, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s logistics infrastructure.
Strengthening California’s Role in Global Trade
California’s ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, and Hueneme, serve as vital hubs for international trade. Handling 40% of the U.S.’s containerized imports, these ports are crucial to both national and global economies, supporting millions of jobs and generating substantial economic activity.
“California’s ports are integral to maintaining stable supply chains and a robust global economy,” stated Dee Dee Myers, GO-Biz Director and Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom. “This historic funding will enable us to leverage data for enhancing supply chain efficiency, and we look forward to partnering with our ports to drive these transformative projects forward.”
Innovative Projects and Strategic Investments
The awarded funds will support ten cutting-edge projects across the five ports, addressing key operational challenges and promoting long-term freight resilience. These initiatives include optimizing cargo routing, deploying advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, implementing climate resilience measures, adopting trucking appointment systems, and developing new cargo data standards.
“This landmark funding is pivotal to Governor Newsom’s vision for a more equitable and prosperous future for California’s supply chain,” noted California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “This support will empower port operators with crucial data to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of our transportation network. Coupled with recent investments in port and freight infrastructure, these grants will drive innovation and support our core priorities of economic prosperity, equity, climate action, and safety.”
Continued Commitment to Supply Chain Resilience
The grant program reflects the Governor and Legislature’s significant investment in strengthening supply chains and goods movement, crucial for long-term resilience following recent global supply chain disruptions.
“As the Chair of the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, I am thrilled to see this $27 million investment in data system development benefiting all of California’s containerized ports,” said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). “I am committed to ensuring ongoing partnerships between the Legislature, State, and ports to support this vital economic sector.”
Building on the California Port Data Partnership
This funding follows the establishment of the California Port Data Partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last spring. The partnership aims to enhance data sharing and collaboration among the state’s ports, promising substantial economic, environmental, and transportation benefits.
Voices from the Ports
Port leaders have expressed their enthusiasm for the funding and its potential impact on port operations and efficiency:
- Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director of Port of Hueneme: “This funding is critical for enhancing supply chain data sharing and improving operational efficiencies. It will support our efforts to bridge data gaps and accelerate our data strategy.”
- Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach: “With this support, we can further develop the Supply Chain Information Highway, increasing cargo velocity and improving coordination across transportation modes.”
- Gene Seroka, Executive Director of Port of Los Angeles: “This funding will enable us to advance our Port Optimizer technology, enhancing efficiency and community impact, making us more competitive.”
- Bryan Brandes, Maritime Director of Port of Oakland: “This grant allows us to expand our data environment and improve our trucker appointment system, enhancing supply chain visibility and efficiency.”
- Frank Urtasun, Chairman of Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners: “We are eager to upgrade our technology, fostering an interoperable system that enhances maritime operations and customer service, modernizing our seaports.”
This unprecedented funding initiative highlights California’s leadership in supply chain digitalization and port modernization, ensuring the state’s ports remain at the forefront of global trade efficiency and resilience.