Long Beach is projected to handle 20 million containers by 2050, doubling its current volume

Port of Long Beach Sets Ambitious Goal to Double Cargo by 2050

Following another year of record-breaking container traffic, the Port of Long Beach is laying out comprehensive plans to increase its cargo handling capacity twofold by the year 2050.

As one half of the nation’s busiest import hub alongside the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach processed approximately 9.9 million containers in 2025, according to Chief Executive Noel Hacegaba during his inaugural State of the Port address. Projections now estimate that by 2050, the port will be moving 20 million containers each year.

“We have 24 years to get ready for this significant expansion and to determine how we’ll manage the surge in cargo efficiently, safely, and with sustainability in mind,” Hacegaba stated, following his succession of former CEO Mario Cordero. “Our focus on 2050 reflects the importance of bold vision and proactive planning for our shared prosperity.”

Rail Connectivity: The Path Forward

Hacegaba emphasized that rapid market access is crucial for the port’s continued success, and that enhancing rail links will be vital for future growth.

The San Pedro Bay port complex is currently served by BNSF, Union Pacific, and the Alameda Belt Railway. A proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would further extend the ports’ reach into the Midwest and eastern U.S. markets.

One of the cornerstone projects is the $1.8 billion Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which aims to transfer containers from ships to trains in under 24 hours, streamlining connections to inland destinations. Scheduled for completion in 2032, this facility is expected to triple on-dock rail capacity to 4.7 million TEUs.

Commitment to Sustainability

Environmental stewardship remains a top priority, with plans underway to develop the world’s first traditional, zero-emissions container terminal.

If approved, the Metro Express Terminal at Pier S would accommodate up to 1.8 million TEUs annually for express vessel services, utilizing renewable energy to power human-operated cargo handling equipment.

Digital Innovation and Efficiency

Long Beach is leveraging technology to forecast trade flows through CargoNav, a digital tool developed as part of the port’s Supply Chain Information Highway initiative. This platform helps track shipments, optimize operations, and boost efficiency. Soon, it will feature a Universal Trucking Appointment System—partially funded by the state—allowing trucking companies to schedule container pickups and drop-offs at any of the port’s six marine terminals, with plans to expand this capability to Los Angeles as well.

Market Share and 2025 Performance

In 2025, Long Beach handled 48.9% of all cargo passing through the San Pedro Bay, a share expected to grow in the coming years.

The port closed out 2025 with 9,881,595 TEUs processed—a 2.4% increase over the previous year’s record. Imports rose by 1.1% to 4,779,559 TEUs, while exports fell by 5.5% to 1,141,113 TEUs, influenced by ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The number of empty containers climbed 6.7% to 3,960,925 TEUs.

Milestones and Outlook

For the first time in 2025, five out of six container terminals at Long Beach each processed over 1 million TEUs, with two surpassing the 2 million mark. This was also the third year the port moved more than 9 million containers, coming just a handful of vessels short of reaching 10 million.

Looking ahead, Hacegaba anticipates another strong year in 2026, shaped by evolving trade policies, tariff adjustments, and changes in global manufacturing. The port expects to handle over 9 million TEUs, which would rank among its five busiest years ever.