Cal Maritime alumni from a variety of backgrounds are pushing the maritime industry
to even greater efficiencies as part of the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project in
Long Beach.
The project employs robots as well as sophisticated control, navigation, and terminal
operations software, and it challenges the norms of terminal operations with its zero
emissions footprint, advanced software technologies, use of automation, and cutting-edge
engineering technology.
It is unique among all the terminals in the world, including other terminals which
incorporate automation. It is the greenest and most technologically-advanced terminal
in the world today.
Among the many contractors and subcontractors who are working on the project, there
are many Cal Maritime alumni. And the project operator – Long Beach Container Terminal
– employs Academy alumni who are performing feats of operational magic driven by automated
machines.
"The success of this project is incredibly important to the terminal, the port, and
the Orient Overseas Container Line, but the industry impact is much broader," said
Jennifer Chase, general manager of operations and development for Long Beach Container
Terminal and a 2010 Cal Maritime alumna in International Business and Logistics. "This
project has laid the foundation for what is possible in marine terminal operation,
and it sets the stage for other terminal operators locally and globally to attempt
similar technology implementations."
"The direction that Long Beach Container Terminal has gone with technology and automation
is amazing," said David Heath of Terminal Equipment Services, Inc. and a 2005 graduate
of Cal Maritime with a degree in Marine Engineering Technology. "With the majority
of imports coming into the U.S. aboard ships, terminal constantly have to be updated."
"The Port of Long Beach provides a lot of jobs," said Joel Buffa, assistant operations
manager for Long Beach Container Terminal and a 2011 Marine Transportation graduate
from Cal Maritime. "It is important that we remain a competitive port to keep the
cargo coming into Southern California."
Special thanks to Steve Hessenauer
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ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting
maritime academy on the West Coast. Located in Vallejo, California, the campus offers
undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in engineering, transportation,
international relations, business, and global logistics. Cal Maritime also offers
a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number
of extended learning programs and courses.