Officials Kick Off $1 Billion Terminal Modernization

Byline: The Log Staff LONG BEACH — Civic, port and industry leaders gathered May 14 on Port of Long Beach docks to launch the Middle Harbor Project, creating a highly advanced terminal with modern and clean technologies available to move cargo. Marking the occasion with the driving of a commemorative “golden pile” — part of the foundation for a new wharf — officials heralded the progress of the $1.2 billion Middle Harbor project taking shape just across a narrow slip from the ceremonies at Long Beach Container Terminal. Last month, the port, Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) and Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) committed to a 40-year, $4.6 billion agreement, under which the port will lease to OOCL and LBCT the redeveloped terminal. Construction on the project started in 2011, with more than 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment going into a landfill that will create the area for the new container terminal. “We’re pleased to have OOCL and LBCT committed to working with us in Long Beach, to make the new, state-of-the-art Middle Harbor terminal a reality, and for staking their business future to the Port of Long Beach and the city of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. “Middle Harbor...