We were chuckling about this question. I’m past the splash zone and out into deep water with big waves that sometimes roll me over, but I keep popping back up. But, I really interpret your question this way: Sometimes the CEO has to roll up her sleeves and make it happen by working with the staff. That gives them the opportunity to feel the passion and excitement I have for my job, which I try to pass on to them.
In a few short months, it will be five years since you joined POLA as its CEO. What do you consider your greatest achievement in that time for the port?
The fact that we were able to green and grow the port at the same time. We now have a 52% reduction in diesel particulate matter from all port activity and that’s like cutting the health impact of the port in half. That allowed us to expand the port.
Ports the world over are drawing more and more attention because of their environmental impact on their surrounding communities. How has POLA under your guidance been a leader in reducing your port’s carbon footprint?
I think it has been our efforts to electrify port operations with such things as cold ironing, equipment conversion and even developing an electric truck. Generally, you hear from the local community when they’re unhappy, but occasionally they do say we are doing a good job and that is reflected in the environmental awards we have won . . . too many to count, but we definitely have been noticed.
How realistic is the IAPH World Ports Climate Initiative for POLA?
I am Chair of the World Ports Climate Initiative and it has been a very effective way of bringing ports around the globe together to work on problems. We have had ports join this group because they wanted to be part of solving the issues. We felt there was a need for something like this to bring the ports together because it is a global issue.
What other environmental improvements would you like to achieve in the POLA?
I’d like to move further on electrifying our operations. We also recently adopted a water resource plan, although we do already have very good water quality. And we have started an ambitious solar plan which will be dedicated in October and I’m looking to expand on that effort.
Is AMPing (alternative maritime power) a realistic goal for the total fleet calling on the POLA including container vessels, bulk and cruise? What should be the timetable for such a move?
I would say it’s realistic for container and cruise ships as they call here regularly. Some cargo ships, like bulk vessels, only call once a year and it may not be financially feasible for them. So we are looking at other ways of AMPing or reducing reducing emissions while ships are hotelling. Our goal is to AMP all of our major terminals by 2012; the California Air Resource Board deadline is 2014 so we must be done before then.
You have worked at a senior level for the rival Port of Long Beach. How are the ports working together for the benefit of Los Angeles, California, and the nation?
The ports have always worked together on security, transportation, and the environment. The POLB is working to replace the Gerald Desmond Bridge and that is an important project for the POLA, too. We, along with other regional transportation agencies, rallied around a goal to seek another USD200 million from the State for the bridge. Co-operation will always be on-going. We’ll have another joint ports meeting this Fall to update the Clean Air Action Plan and adopt bay-wide health standards. We believe that will be a first for ports worldwide.
Is there any merit or move toward a ports merger for POLA and POLB?
No.
Are you losing business to other West Coast ports, including Port Metro Vancouver in British Columbia?
No. We haven’t lost market share. We track the market share data every quarter, but we’re always looking at our competitiveness.
Is the threat of the widened Panama Canal by 2014 causing angst for the POLA with the prospect of losing business?
I don’t know if angst is the right word. We recognize our customers have options and those options will increase when the Panama Canal is widened. We deliver what our customers want as far as physical facilities. We have to be more cautious when we propose new fee programs, and promote the advantages Los Angeles has, which we feel are unsurpassed by any port.
What is your vision for the POLA?
Clean, busy, profitable.
What would you hope to achieve as your legacy for your time at the POLA?
Greening and growing the Port together. And that we have helped push the maritime industry and other ports worldwide to do the same.