Japanese and U.S. companies and ports gathered in San Pedro on October 20 to share experiences, information, technical know-how, and best practices in forming Green Shipping Corridors and decarbonizing the port sector. Representatives from four Japanese ports and the California ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Hueneme were in attendance.  The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) served as the Symposium’s hosts. The Center for International Trade & Transportation (CITT) played an essential role by leading the design, development, implementation, and documentation of the half-day symposium.

The Symposium built upon a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Support Port Decarbonization and the Development of Green Shipping Corridors signed by MLIT and California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission, and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBIZ) and made effective in March 2023.

CITT Executive Director Tom O’Brien was excited by the opportunity the Green Shipping Corridors Symposium provided to the Center. “The people who will have to play a role in bringing about a decarbonized freight sector comprise many different perspectives. This was the perfect way for CITT and the University to play the role of convener in these pivotal developments,” O’Brien said. “We’ve been privileged to work with not only all of the state agencies involved, but also the representatives from Japan. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of their collaborative efforts!”

The State of California and the nation of Japan face significant challenges as they seek to strike a balance a regulatory approach that stresses a transition to green technologies and practices with the operational needs of the trade and transportation sector. Climate change is global – collaboration ought to be, too.

The Green Shipping Corridors Symposium was held on Friday October 20, 2023 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California.