LONG BEACH & LOS ANGELES, USA 14.-15.9.2023

Business Finland’s Smart Green Ports USA Export Booster, together with the Team Finland network, is organizing a trade mission to Long Beach and Los Angeles, USA on 14-15 September 2023. The upcoming visit program focuses on smart port technologies, logistics and green transport technologies surrounding ports.

REGISTRATION

We invite Finnish companies developing emission reduction technologies, connectivity, network, logistics and port digitalization solutions to join the delegation. The delegation will meet Long Beach and Los Angeles area ports’ representatives as well as the leading port terminal operators. The visit will bring Finnish companies together with American businesses in the ports, logistics, intermodal, mobility and connectivity sectors.

The port complex of Los Angles and Long Beach is making significant investments. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are to receive about $840 million in funding for infrastructure improvements. The state of California is aiming to spend $1.2 bn to fund port and supply chain upgrades to remedy the disruptions that hindered cargo flows through the US’s premier ports for ocean freight. Of the funds, 70 % will go towards improvements at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with 30 % for port and logistics infrastructure across the rest of California. The State of California launched a Port and Infrastructure Program in 2022 to address the growing congestion and vessel backlogs. The projects include intermodal yard expansion and grade separation, and projects targeting zero emissions.

During the same week, on September 11-13, Long Beach is hosting IANA’s Intermodal Expo, the premier event in intermodal freight. IANA organization represents the combined interests of the intermodal freight transportation industry.

The recent technical developments for example around data sharing, make our planned visit to the Los Angeles area ports even more interesting and timely for the Finnish port technology companies.

In late April, California’s five containerized ports (the Port of Hueneme, the Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Oakland, and the Port of San Diego) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and launched the California Port Data Partnership alongside state and federal partners. The MoU outlines steps to jointly advance computerized and cloud-based data interoperability with a common goal of supporting improved freight system resilience, goods movement efficiency, emissions reduction, and economic competitiveness. The MoU and the partnership will serve as the basis of cooperation for the $27M in grant funds from the state of California.

More details and the MoU document itself can be found here

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This delegation visit is aimed for Finnish companies interested in ports and logistics’ related projects, intermodal logistics and entering the U.S. market, as well as companies offering new green or digital transport, logistics or networks’ solutions.

PRACTICALITIES

To cover the expenses of joining the delegation, Business Finland will charge a participation fee:

• Major Companies: 2500 EUR + 24% VAT per person
• Micro Businesses and SMEs: 2125 EUR + 24% VAT per person

Business Finland will invoice the participation fee after the visit based on the actual costs. The invoiced fee will not exceed the amounts mentioned above. Kindly note that the participation fee does not include flights or accommodation of the participant nor meals outside the business delegation program. Please note that the delegation participation fee does not cover participation to IANA Expo. The delegation program will begin after the IANA Expo has ended.