This critical upgrade, which begins with filling in a 19-acre ‘horseshoe’ gap at the terminal, will allow ITS to simultaneously berth up to two 18,000 TEU container vessels.
The International Transportation Service (ITS) has launched the South Slip Fill Project, a transformative $365 million terminal expansion at the Port of Long Beach. It will support some of the world’s largest container ships and deliver long-term benefits to the local economy, all built with American materials and American labour.
Expected to be completed by 2028, the larger ITS terminal at the Port of Long Beach will effectively increase cargo-handling capacity up to 50 percent and position ITS for long-term growth at one of the world’s busiest ports. Kim Holtermand, CEO of ITS Long Beach, said this project strengthens America’s supply chain by investing in infrastructure the right way, using local labour and US-made materials. “We’re not just preparing for the future, we’re building it here, at home.”
Bonnie Lowenthal, Long Beach Board of Harbour Commissioners President, said ITS has been a powerful force for environmental stewardship in our green port by modernizing terminal operations and moving more cargo containers by rail. “They’ve been great partners in our mission to lead green, and we look forward to more great things to come.”
Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO, said ITS’ commitment to further greening its operations, increasing capacity, and strengthening its ties to the Port of Long Beach is even stronger than it was nearly 20 years ago, when it became the company’s first to sign a green lease. “By ‘building more America now’, ITS is also building more land for the Port of Long Beach while expanding capacity and driving efficiency on its terminal.”
Critical Upgrade
A key part of the project is a 560-foot extension of the existing quay (wharf). This critical upgrade, which begins with filling in a 19-acre ‘horseshoe’ gap at the terminal, will allow ITS to simultaneously berth up to two 18,000 TEU container vessels, a major step forward in handling the next generation of ultra-large ships and increasing overall terminal throughput. The project, scheduled to begin in July 2025, will be delivered by the Dutra/Griffith Company Joint Venture, with a strong focus on domestic sourcing and regional job creation.
The South Slip Fill Project will create more than three years of consistent employment for local workers, union trades, and small businesses. Holtermand said that ITS is committed to supporting local unions, contractors, and engineers, ensuring the investment stays in the community. “This project positions ITS and the Port of Long Beach to meet global shipping demands while keeping the economic and environmental benefits right here in the US.”
Furthermore, the wharf expansion project is the latest in a series of upgrades at the Port of Long Beach and the addition of five electric ship-to-shore cranes capable of serving the largest container ships.
