The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved a resolution initiating an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on a proposed berth-improvement project by Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI).
Start of the EIR process is the first step in YTl’s proposed plan to deepen and improve its terminal facilities, allowing the terminal operator to accommodate next-generation vessels and increase cargo volume at its site.
“ Terminal modernization and improvements such as those proposed by Yusen Terminals Inc. are key to the Port of Los Angeles’ long-term global competitiveness and success,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “ We look forward to working with YTI to make significant improvements that will increase capacity and efficiency.”
“We’re pleased that the Port has given its support to begin the development planning process on this critical project, ” said Patrick Burgoyne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yusen Terminals Inc. “ These berth and wharf improvements will allow us to take full advantage of the Port’s main channel deepening, accommodate next-generation ships at our site and keep us competitive in the marketplace.”
YTI currently operates under a 25-year term lease at the Port of Los Angeles. The lease is valid through September 2016. YTI intends to exercise its option for a ten-year lease extension. The EIS/EIR process is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.
YTI’s proposed project entails improving Berths 214-216 wharves and increasing berth depth from -45 to -53 feet, and improving Berths 217-220 wharves to make way for 100-foot gauge gantry cranes, as well as deepening to a -47 feet berth depth. The project will also involve additional on-dock rail yard capacity for YTI.
The proposed project follows in the footsteps of the Port of Los Angeles’ $370 million Main Channel Deepening Project, done in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because of these improvements, the Port’s main channel and turning basins now provides -53 depths.
Yusen Terminals Inc (YTI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. YTI operates marine cargo terminals in Los Angeles and Oakland, providing stevedore and terminal service to container shipping lines.
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Press Release, February 22, 2013