At its annual ‘State of the Port” address on Jan. 24, the Port of Long Beach celebrated its record-breaking year set in 2017 after a not so great 2016 which saw the bankruptcy of it largest terminal tenant, South Korea’s Hanjin Shipping.

Last year the port moved 7.54 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the highest container movement record in its 105-year history. It saw an increase of more than 11 percent compared to 2016, which was marred with challenges, most notably, the Hanjin bankruptcy.

“Prudent management and planning readied the Port to navigate the shifting landscape, and handle the enormous container ships now plying the world’s oceans,” Mario Cordero, executive director at the port said at the event.

Cordero spoke about the port’s green vision and the need to be more environmentally sustainable in all aspects of the port supply chain. “We must re-imagine, redesign and build a port that is second to none both environmentally and operationally,” he said.

Neighboring Port of Los Angeles also set cargo movement records in 2017 and moved 9.3 million TEUs, a 5.5 increase over 2016. Container movement record for last year was a new high in the port’s 110-year history.

“2017 was a year beyond expectations but it was not by chance,” said Gene Seroka, executive director in a statement. “Our growth is a direct result of a concerted, multi-year effort by the Port and its many partners to maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain.

Manufacturing and trade reporter Shwanika Narayan can be reached at [email protected] or 323-556-8351. Follow her on Twitter @shwanika.